Wednesday, April 29, 2020
How to become a Model
A Guide on How to become a
Model
Photography- one more picture
Model – Me (Elesha Eden)
A Lot of people are interested in how I got into modelling and what is the best way to get into it so I am sharing my story and hope to give you advice on how to become a model…
I have been modelling for a number of years now and started off signed to a children’s modelling agency, I found it hard to get booked on campaign’s as I looked too old for my age so I didn’t pursue it as a career until I was a teenager. I was lucky enough to be scouted by a photographer and build up my portfolio with them and therefore had a base to take to agencies. Modelling has now taken a back seat due to my dance career but I work part time as a professional model and over my career have I have worked on many exciting campaigns and still provide workshops and solo tuitions.
Enough about me, to begin here’s A list of steps to take!!!
· research trustworthy agencies
· contact suitable agencies with polaroids and pro pictures
· attend a walk-in to an agency
· practice angles and your catwalk
· attend as many castings as possible
· remain professional, organised, friendly and confident at every shoot/casting.
· Build a portfolio with professional photographs
When you are first starting out it is not necessary to spend money on expensive photoshoots. All agents and scouts really need to see in the beginning is simple photos or polaroid’s.They just want to see how you look naturally with very little makeup and simple clothing.
I would suggest the best way to start is by taking a simple headshot and full length shot, You might think you need a professional quality image but you don’t. It doesn't need to be done on an expensive camera you just need a white background/ clean space and to have a simple outfit.
I would suggest for females a plain top and jeans and maybe a simple lingerie set if over 18 and for men the same applies jeans and a plain top and maybe also a topless photo so they can see your figure. Each agency’s website will state what they require but overall they are the first steps for most agency applications. All you need to do is go onto the website and click apply with your stats and photos and If you are lucky enough to be successful you will be emailed with more details and then may have to attend the agency to have photos taken at their studio and to discuss the next steps.
But before you take all the above steps into agency modelling you need to decide what type of model you want to be/ are best suited too
you will find a list of modelling divisions further down this page
you will find a list of modelling divisions further down this page
No matter what you must never pay an agency to sign with them!!
There are sadly many fake agencies or model management websites offering you big brand commercials plus amazing portfolio photos for a pricey cost. If you think it's too good to be true it probably is.
You should never pay an agent unless you have been to the casting and booked the work through them. Sometimes you may need to pay a photographer to update your portfolio but the price will be fair for the service you are getting. Sadly I know many people who have gone to a company and paid a lot of money and promised a lot of opportunities and never received any of these promises and once didn’t even receive any of the photos. These places are a massive scam! Please do not fall into their trap; unfortunately as they are still providing a service they fall into a loop hole and can still operate whilst ripping people off. You must be really careful when researching and look up all reviews to trust they are legitimate.
Decide what type of model you want to be/ are best suited too
There are many sectors in modelling and it really makes it easier to know what you want to go into or you fit into best, Therefore you you can find the right agency and then receive right work for you!
Modelling divisions
· Child modelling – children under 13
· Teen Modelling – teenagers up to 16
· High Fashion – tall and slim with an unusual look
· Catwalk- usually a tall, slim figure some agencies above 5’8”
· Editorial – pretty look, bubbly personality
· Commercial model -anything to do with selling (TV, magazines)
· Glamour – more erotic
· Art Nude
· Plus size - A fuller/ curvaceous body
· Alternative Model – not a “stereotypical beauty” can have tattoo's and piercing's
· Fitting model – trying on clothes for fit
· Hair model – Models hair at hair shows
· Lingerie and swimsuit
· Fitness model
· Bridal Model
I have listed a few different sectors of modelling above, There are a few more but these are the main types. Be aware that every section has very different requirements and unfortunately for most divisions you must fit the requirements perfectly to get signed.
Please be aware that every type of model has different agencies suiting them so you need to figure out what you want to do and then look up the suitable agencies for you as all agencies have different work.You may have to keep applying until you find the correct place for you but Agencies are great to have to support you as a model especially when just starting out as they will send you to castings and help you get the images you need to hopefully book you work.
Another tip - You must check if they are an independent agency meaning you can only be signed to them or are open agency and you can be represented by other companies.You must also be prepared to attend casting whenever they are sent therefore modelling can be a big commitment so if you are not willing to give everything to attend a casting up it may not be the career for you.
I will link in the best fashion/commercial agencies in London at the bottom of this blog
Example of a commercial shot-
Photography – One More Picture
if you don't think agency modelling is for you heres some advice on freelancing
If you don’t want to go through an agency there are a few online platforms where you can start a modelling career as a freelancer. I have gone down this path. You can find local photographers and studios that you can contact personally and arrange a shoot with, this is a great way for beginners to get free test shoots called tfp (time for print) this is an exchange of time and ideas so you work together to create images and in exchange you can receive some images free of charge.
I would definitely recommend this as you learn so much being in front of the camera and there is no pressure so you can be as creative as you like and decide if this is something you enjoy doing.
I found that arranging a shoot with a photographer directly really helped me build up confidence and it allowed be to explore my angles, shoot ideas and test out outfits to find out what suits me best and also what angle is the most flattering as that is key knowledge as a model. Unfortunately there are some negative things that come with online websites! Make sure you stay safe when arranging through an online site as the internet can be a scary place!
Advice for Networking/Online freelance websites-
· It is the internet and therefore you don’t know who is behind the screen therefore before any shoot make sure to read the model safety tips and it is always best to contact a model who has worked with them before so you can ask advice on how their experience was! You can find models to contact in the photographers references usually found at the end of the page
· Make sure your levels are clearly listed on the website as there are models that go up to nude levels so you need to set what you go up too. Personally I only go up to lingerie and that is listed clear at the top of my profile
· Report anything inappropriate even if you are unsure. it is best to be safe than sorry
Sites listed below…
online platforms
Model Mayhem - https://www.modelmayhem.com – American site
Mad Cow -https://www.madcowmodels.com
Star now- https://www.starnow.com/register/member
Purpleport- https://purpleport.com/portfolio/meow/?referrer=meow come and say Hi to me (@meow)
It is also worth searching social media such as Facebook and instagram for local photographer and model groups/pages. You can then join and get in touch with local photographers and could potentially arrange a shoot with them on that platform to build up a portfolio. social media is a big part of our life now and there are many more opportunities arising on these sites day by day.
Questions I get asked
Can I model at 16 or under?
The answer is yes. There are many children agencies and I believe that anyone can model no matter their age, height or look! something is out there for everyone! although I would suggest if you are starting to model under 18 you make sure to attend anything with a chaperone and make sure you are complying to regulation for minors.
Am I too small?
For some agencies and catwalk modelling you may be too small but that doesn't mean you are not right for everything you could for instance go into editorial modelling or commercial shoots.If you have a passion for modelling you will find a way to make it work
What are the best agencies?
There are many agencies and its best to do your own research but here are a few top London agencies. A lot of these sites you can submit online or go to a walk in which is when they open their doors on certain hours to allow people to walk in and get seen. Please note these are deemed top London agencies so are very hard to get scouted for. There are many more agencies offering opportunities you just have to do your research
London agencies
(these are High Fashion, Editorial and commercial)
highly rated
Models 1 - https://www.models1.co.uk
MiLK Model Management - http://www.milkmanagement.co.uk
Storm Model Management - https://www.stormmanagement.com
Nevs - https://www.nevsmodels.co.uk
Oxygen Model Management - https://www.oxygenmodels.com
BAME- https://www.bamemodels.com
ELITE - https://www.elitemodel.co.uk/en/web.app
You can also so be scouted by these agencies when out and about so that is another way to begin!
You have to have a thick skin at times as you are "the product" and it can be hard to keep receiving rejection but eventually you will find your own path in this career with a route that is right for you and then it is such a rewarding job.
You have to have a thick skin at times as you are "the product" and it can be hard to keep receiving rejection but eventually you will find your own path in this career with a route that is right for you and then it is such a rewarding job.
Thank you for reading and please feel free to contact me with questions
Elesha
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