What to bring to your next photo shoot:

Photo Shoot Wardrobe

Make a Fashion Statement!

Clients  will often give you a list of clothing items you need to bring to your photo shoot plus tips for modeling pictures.   It's imperative that you bring the right items to your paid modeling jobs, so please study these pages so you fully understand what a client wants and needs. In addition, study varies model poses in magazines and commercials. They are all standard beginner type poses and facial expression you can learn to do easily as a working model!  Practice them until you are able to pose easily and naturally.  Learn your vowels facial expressions in the mirror. (A, E, I, O & U)  You may want to use these same poses & expression in your modeling comp cards.  Comp cards needs Action, Dressy, Lifestyle, Casual and a Headshot.

Another important note is to bring too much rather than not enough.  If the client wants a certain look after you get to the shoot, you certainly don't want to be in a situation where you say, "Rats!  I have that at home in my closet.  I should have brought that!"

Details you need to prepare in advance are preparing nails, lashes and eyebrows.  Clear nail polish is acceptable and in emergency gets the glue on French tip nails for $4 at a drug store.  Pluck your eyebrows with an arch or have them professional waxed.  Most important makeup tip is to wear mascara and/or wear false eyelashes cost about $1.  Skin is another item to consider; “spray on tans” are popular and last for about a week.  Don’t go to tanning bed the night before a shoot.

Next is not exactly a model wardrobe suggestion but one that is just as important to your finished model look.  Be sure to have your hair recently colored if you have roots that have grown out.  Other hair tips are to have a handy hair piece to throw in your hair that is already curled.  This is used for formal gowns or dressy attire.  This is great simply if you are having a bad hair day.  Another type of hair piece to get is a pony tail hair piece to make your hair better than normal.  This should always be kept in your model bag.  

These wardrobe tips for modeling pictures should be very helpful to your next magazine modeling assignment.

Dressy After-Five Wear

Beginning fashion models looking to jump start their modeling career will find dressy wardrobe the most fun and exciting area of modeling.  Of course, modeling for catalog companies is one of the fields where fashion models like to get paid modeling jobs.  Note many of the models in these modeling jobs are wearing hosiery!   It gives a finished polished look and they make the model's legs look great!  Sure the current trend is toward bare skin, but it doesn't do anything for the legs at all.  If you have any kind of abrasion, nicks from shaving or a bruise, you will never hide the problem with bare skin.   Don't follow trends to be trendy.  Think in terms of looking like a real model with great legs at your model photo shoot!

Dressy after-five wear for fashion modeling is needed for catalog clients to review.  Note the glamour and styles these clothes give the fashion models.  When you are looking for glamorous looks with after-five or cocktail dresses, these are the kinds of styles you need to be thinking about.  You can always buy or borrow the clothing the clients want. Don't settle for less when a client is looking for a dressy look!   Settling for less will only mean you will be settling for a lesser modeling career!   Also note the 3.5+ inch heels.  If you don't already have a pair of heels 3.5 inches or higher get at least one pair in black now!  Your modeling career depends on you looking like a real model.  If you can't do this, then you can't be a model.  It's that simple, because someone else will put out the effort and get the modeling assignment!

Dresses that look great for an after-five type photo shoot. The red evening dress is a classic look that will have you looking like a real model.  Dressy fashions come in a lot of varieties and styles. Necklines are very important when selecting wardrobe for model photo shoots.  It also depends on the model type.  Long and straight will make you look thin and tall.  Short and puffy will make you look curvy.

 Casual Wardrobe for Models

Casual looks in various styles are important to the model wardrobe.  Fashion model illustrate a casual model look. Casual styles are what real models will have the most in their wardrobe.  Someone once told me that jeans and a shirt were styles of casual, yes and no.  A model can look good in jeans but then you will look like you are taking senior high school photos and not model photos.

Business attire for a magazine layout is a classic look to have in portfolio.  Be prepared with this look for your next modeling job.  It is used often by clients! Beauty pageant tips are often used in photographers model portfolios so their images and models look their best.

Sexy Glamorous Styles 

Model color headshots like the ones above are important to fashion models who are interested in high fashion modeling jobs.  The coat with the fur collar really looks glamorous.   The white corset with the white lace wrap is also a very glamorous model look.  Wearing gloves can really accessorize the look of glamour.

Color model headshots are needed to get paid modeling jobs for high fashion models.  Necklines are important to the look of high glamour.  Be particular when you are selecting the right look for your modeling assignment.

Short dresses like a spaghetti strap or slip dress gives a look of glamour.  Never wear glamour clothes, if you are a young teen, you should always remember to dress your age range.

The black bra added under a jacket can give an easy high fashion models look with simplicity.  A jacket can really sets off the overall look.   A long dress on is the standard in a fashion models need for a modeling assignment.   Posing is quite different from a glamour standpoint but still it is effective.

Special Occasion Wear

Modeling Swimwear

Most fashion models think of modeling swimwear for modeling jobs and fashion modeling assignments at some point.  A basic bikini is a look that works for models with great figures!

One piece swimsuits are also an excellent choice for models whom, have less than perfect figures for their fashion modeling assignments.

Remember the best pose in swimsuit modeling is bending those elbows and knees.  Side poses are more proper in posing models.  Fashion models can make their thighs look thinner by putting their knees together and getting only above the knee photos.

Accessories for Models

Gloves are an important accessory in magazine photo shoots for professional fashion models.  There are many different types to choose from.  A fashion model knows that accessories complete the look.  Note how the gloves give the hands a completely different appearance in these model photographs.

Hats are also a great accessory to fashion model photographs.  Cover models like the one above will give teen fashion modeling a lot of versatility with various hats and scarves.   Don't be afraid to experiment with lots of wardrobe accessories!

The Professional

MODEL PORTFOLIO

A fashion model portfolio is a collection of a model's best model photographs which are used to get fashion modeling assignments with top modeling clients. Your model portfolio is an essential part of your model look and will reflect that in your model photographs. It's important that you keep updating your portfolio regularly and you will find it one of your most important model tools in your possession.  The following are some modeling portfolio tips to help you build a first rate model book.

The model portfolio has a number of important functions including:

1. Giving the client a chance to see just how you look in a variety of situations.

2. Shows the client that you have experience as an experienced model not an amateur.

3. It demonstrates your ability as a model and shows a client that you are photogenic.

A model portfolio (also called your "model book") should have 12 to 16 photos placed in sheet protectors so your images will be easier for a client to see and use. If you have pictures that need to be viewed horizontally, get them reduced in size so that they will fit vertically in your portfolio case. Use only your best photos in your portfolio. The weakest picture will bring down the impact of a great portfolio. If a picture is weak, leave it out. It will only cast a bad appearance in an otherwise beautiful presentation. To keep your pictures from floating around in their acetate sleeves, use cellophane double-sided tape to keep them in position.

A proper model portfolio case is absolutely essential.  Clients don't want to shuffle through loose photos of all different sizes.  It just doesn't give you that professional edge you are seeking.

Always put your best 3 pictures in the front of your model portfolio and be sure to place them on the right side of the portfolio as you have it opened. Leave the left side free of any photos so you create no distractions for the best three pictures in your model portfolio.  After the first three photos, you can place photos again on both the left and right hand side of the book.  Always place your best photos on the right hand pages.  This is because the viewer's eyes always looks to this side of any book first.

Be sure to leave a strong finish to the conclusion of your model book. Do this by placing one of your best images on the last right hand page, and leaving the left side with no photos to distract. Don’t be disappointed if they do not finish looking at your book.

Always try to use fashion model tearsheets form published work in your model book. It will give you a professional edge in the model market.

Make sure all your pictures are in perfect condition.  If pictures have been bent or damaged, leave them out.

Use a real model portfolio case to hold your pictures and not a standard photo album.  Again you want to give the client a look of professionalism and if the client just finished looking at a professional model portfolio, you don't want to come in the door with a family photo album. It just hurts your chances of being selected for the job.  Most models use a portfolio that is designed for 8x10" photos.  It is probably the best size overall and makes one of the best presentations for the money spent.  Not only that, but a magazine tearsheet is the same basic size as an 8x10" photo.  You will want to include fashion magazine tearsheets in your model portfolio if you have them to give you a professional edge!

The first rule for photographers model portfolios is that all the pictures you present must be professional.  That goes for the image, the quality, the pose, and your overall look.  You can use both black and white prints in your model portfolio, but you will find color to be the least expensive. Years ago black and white was cheaper, but today, only 9% of photographers shoot in this medium. With the great amount of color being shot by professionals, the cost has dropped dramatically over the past decade. Plan to work on building color model photographs for your model portfolio; it will save you money and will give you a more dynamic model image.

You will want to include as many model tearsheets as possible in your model portfolio. Top professional models have portfolios that have nothing but fashion tearsheets throughout the entire book. Tearsheets are a vital point in your model portfolio. A fashion model tearsheet will show a client that you have what it takes to get the job done in a real modeling assignment. Clients don't like to second guess a model and their ability to get the modeling job done when they are paying $150.00 per hour. A magazine tearsheet, on the other hand, will show the client that they don't have to take a chance on someone. It shows the client the model is capable of getting the job done when asked.  Fashion model tearsheets are really very difficult to obtain for your portfolio, and that is why professional models will work for a magazine assignment with little or no pay.  It's the exposure and the magazine tearsheet which is the real compensation to the model.

In your model portfolio there are certain model photographs you have to have in order to build a successful model look. These shots include: modeling headshots, full length photos, a photograph of the model smiling in the photograph, plus one or two action shots, several different photos with various hair styles, and a really outstanding body shot. These are just the basic types of photos you need to have in your model portfolio to make it a success.  Don't be afraid to model with another model in the picture as long as it is someone of the opposite sex.  If you are male and you model with another male model in your photograph, the client may actually like the other model in your model portfolio better than you and will go to excessive lengths to try and find out who that other model is so they can be booked for the modeling assignment.

You can't build a successful model portfolio overnight either. It takes months to create a powerful fashion model portfolio. It takes a lot of planning as a model to show clients you are serious about a modeling career. What kind of planning? You have to make decisions as to what kinds of photos you need in your portfolio. If you already have a great model headshot, then you need to make plans to get a terrific body shot if you don't already have one. Look in the fashion various magazines like Seventeen, Elle, Teen  Magazine, Teen Vogue and Cosmo Girl for ideas.   All your shots have to be powerful, too.  If the client doesn't give your model portfolio a second glance, then you haven't hit the mark. You have to stop the client dead in his tracks. You have to get the prospective client looking at your pictures and thinking about you in his next modeling assignment. If you see the wheels in their head start to turn, your portfolio is working for you.

One important note about picture arrangement in your model portfolio. You always want to start off with a powerful image for your model book. You have to make the clients excited about turning the next page to see what they will find next. Even better you want to stop the client from turning pages with superb and captivating model poses. When you can do this, your model portfolio is working for you in top form!

RE-INVENTING YOUR MODELING CAREER

Modeling agencies are strictly interested in making money from the professional fashion models that they sign. Typically if they feel a fashion model can't make at least $50,000 a year, you will get rejected. So what do you do if every model agency you have contacted has turned you down? Often a person's look may not be right for that particular instant. In 6 months your looks make the rage and you could become the next super model. If you don't have the right height requirements, you won't get in with any model agencies no matter what you do.

Try getting into another area of modeling than the one you are currently pursuing. If you are at the moment trying to get into the high fashion market with no luck, then you might try getting into the television or commercial market.

Change Your Look: This may be the most important of all if you are not getting called for modeling jobs or modeling agencies are turning you down regularly. Maybe weight gain or loss would help you get a better response. Even cosmetic changes like dentistry or surgery might make a big difference. Consider getting a make-over from head to toe. A different hairstyle or color may be the answer to getting more modeling assignments and modeling opportunities. Changing the way you dress can make a big impact on clients. Impress them. Look like a model so they will take you seriously.

Taking modeling classes might be the ticket to getting more work as a model. It may make you a more qualified model that clients would be interested in. Other classes such as ballet and acting may make you into the model or person you want to be. If you consider going to modeling school, be sure to ask them what percentage of models get work after graduating. Finally get the instructor's background and what makes them qualified to teach a modeling class.

Try out for fashion modeling opportunities like contest Elite Model Look or America's Next Top Model.  You never know when you look is just the right style at the right time.

Build or put together an impressive model portfolio. Update it with new pictures. Be sure to take some of those photos and send them out to clients that you want to get work from. This should include important photos of your new look as a model. With the new photos you should consider building a really terrific model composite card. Then send it out to every client you possible can. It takes effort to be successful. Make an effort and get clients to take notice of your new photos.

If you are appearing in a theatrical performance, be sure to invite agents and people in the modeling business you want to impress. If you are in a fashion show, this is another great reason to invite important people to take notice of you as a model. Make out a personal invitation and be sure to enclose a photo of yourself as well.

Get a gimmick to bounce off clients so they take notice of you. Put your picture and address on notepads and hand them out to clients at an interview. The picture needs to make an impact so clients put it on their desk and use them. Then when the right job comes along, you will be right there in plain sight and since your number is handy, they will be more likely to call you for a modeling assignment. Twiggy's gimmick in the 60's was her pencil thin figure. Brooke Shields used the bushy eyebrow effect to work for her. Cindy Crawford, of course, had the infamous mole. A lot of agents tried to get her to have it removed in the beginning. She turned her liability into an asset. Consider getting a chiseled haircut that packs a lot of power into your look. Most importantly, stand apart from the crowd of other models trying to take your jobs away from you.

If you have tried everything but still haven't had any success as a model, you may be due to try a new career. Some people simply aren't cut out to be models. Fashion modeling can take its toll on your finances and how you feel about yourself as a person if you're unsuccessful. If you really enjoy fashion modeling and would love to continue it even as a hobby, then you should stick with it and follow some of the other suggestions for getting work as a fashion model.   Fashion modeling is a lot about being in the right place at the right time. Make a lot of contacts with professionals in the field, but know when enough is enough for you.

BETTER PHOTOS = MORE MODELING JOBS

Great fashion modeling pictures are the most important single item a fashion model can have when looking for magazine model opportunities and print modeling jobs. It just goes to show that better model pictures do make all the difference.  If you aren't getting your share of calls, better model pictures may just do the trick for you too!

First off you need to make your images very typical of a fashion model.  If you don't present this image the model pictures you show your clients is likely not going to get you any modeling jobs.  It doesn't matter how great looking you are if your model pictures don't do you justice.  Model promotion is about getting seen by clients and then making a favorable enough impression that they will pick up the phone and call you for their modeling jobs. Your goal is to get the best possible model pictures and then show them to the largest number of clients, so you can get the fashion modeling opportunities you want as a model.

The first thing you need to do is to determine whether or not your photos are great!  Think about how a client is going to react to the pictures you are going to show them.  It's important to make a powerful impact with your first impression.  If your first impression isn't right, your chances of landing great print modeling jobs will start to drop immediately. Does your picture say "WOW" at first glance?  If not, then you probably need a new photo that will deliver that message without hesitation.   Ask as many other people you know about the photos you want to use to model with and see what they think.  Ask their honest opinion. You don't want an opinion from someone who's just trying to be nice. Clients aren't nice.  Clients are all about business, and finding the perfect model for a terrific fashion modeling assignment is just another part of their job.

MODELING ETIQUETTE

Rules for Your Success!

If you’ve had any experience in the modeling business as high fashion models, you already know that in order to get top modeling jobs you must impress ALL of your modeling clients.  To do this, you need to understand that being nice is very important to getting additional assignments.  Print modeling jobs are important to your model career and this article should be very helpful in showing you how to get repeat modeling jobs whether you are signed with major modeling agencies like Ford Modeling Agency or Elite Modeling Agency.

1. BE NICE -  Be very pleasant and courteous any time you talk with the staff of the company you hope to model for.  You never know when the decision-makers that you want to impress will hear through the grapevine that you’re "difficult".  They won’t hire a model that’s hard to get along with!   And modeling is so competitive, the client has lots of others to choose from.

2. FOLLOW THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD -  Follow all instructions that you are given to the smallest detail.   If there’s a request for more photographs or a composite, do so ASAP. If you’re offered any modeling jobs, respond back immediately with a YES or NO answer, and with whatever other instructions you’re given. If you are not interested in the assignment, decline it graciously.

3. BE SMART -  Beginning models and experienced high fashion models should first get their priorities straight.  Most first time models should be more concerned with getting experience and exposure than making money.  The staff enjoys working with the models who are enthusiastic, pleasant, and dedicated.  Be one of these models!  Think twice about turning down an assignment just because you are not getting high paying print modeling jobs.  Also the traveling might be a little longer than you would like, but it will be worth it as far as experience goes.   Even the smallest assignment could make a big difference for you as a beginning model.

4. PAY ATTENTION!  - If you are offered a modeling job and you accept it, listen carefully and make notes!   If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask.   Make sure you understand all the details and do whatever is required of you for the job.   For instance, if you do not bring the required wardrobe to a photo shoot — you will probably be fired!   And, just like any job, you will not be compensated.

5. BE ON TIME -  Never, ever show up late for a job!   People are waiting on you - staff personnel, other fashion models, stylists, model photographers, etc. who have very busy schedules and no time to waste. Their time is just as valuable as yours.  If you are late you may be charged for their time! And you will probably not be called again for any other modeling assignments.  If you are unable to show up for a job, make sure you give the company at least 72 business hours’ notice.

6. SEND A THANK YOU -  After you’ve worked for a model photographer, company, etc. send a thank you note to express your appreciation for being allowed the exciting modeling opportunity.  This is extremely important.  By sending a polite thank you note, you are reminding this client of yourself as a working model and increasing your chances for additional upcoming jobs.

Be Your Own 

MAKE-UP ARTIST

By Cori Kingery

Have you ever wanted to be a hair and makeup model in a magazine?  Have you ever gone to one of your fashion modeling jobs only to find that there was no one there to do your hair and makeup?   How many magazine model opportunities and modeling jobs have you missed out on because you didn't know how to make yourself look like a model in your model photographs?  Have you ever needed model eye makeup tips to help you get that special model look?  Do you know how to do your own makeup so that you'll have the look of a professional model?

Your first model makeup tips are:  Begin by making sure that you have the right tools in your makeup bag.  Here's a list that will make a good start.

1. Sponges:  These are the best things to use to apply your foundation.  They give you a smoother, less blotchy look.

2. Huge Powder Brush:  This helps you wipe away excess powder from your face and clothes.

3. Blush Brush:  You want to get a brush that is about 1 1/2" in diameter.  This will give you a more natural look.  Try to stay away from using the brushes that come with the blush.  They tend to be too small and the bristles are usually too hard.  This makes blending the blush much harder.

4. Contour Brush:  This tool will help with blending your eye-shadows and creating the shape of your face.

5. Eyebrow Brush:  Make sure to always have one of these in your bag.  Taming your eyebrows can be one of the most important steps in doing your own makeup.  Eyebrows define your eyes!

6. Eyelash Comb:  These are good for those clumps that you are bound to get when applying mascara.

7. Eyelash Curler: Always have one of these on hand.  It will give your eyes that glamorous look you cannot get without it.

8. Sponge-Tip Applicator:  These are used for applying eye-shadow.

9. Tweezers:  This is a must!!!  Always make sure your eyebrows are professionally arched and keep a pair of tweezers nearby for touch ups.

10. Lip Brush:  It is much easier to apply your lipstick with a lip brush than straight from the lipstick tube.  It gives you a smoother look to your lips.

11. False Eyelashes:  Helps you achieve that dramatic look without too much mascara. They will also lengthen the lashes as well.

You will need to have proper makeup application to look like a professional fashion model.. You want to start with concealer. It helps to get a shade lighter than the shade of your foundation.  Apply it to your trouble areas, such as dark circles under the eyes or to blemishes.

Your next makeup tips include proper application of your foundation. Find the right shade to match your complexion.  This is a very important step.  If you get a shade that is too light it makes you look washed out.  If you get a shade that is too dark, it can make you look fake and painted on.  Apply the foundation with a sponge.  Be sure that you take the time to blend well.  It will make the difference between looking like a professional fashion model and looking like an amateur.

Then you want to work on your eyebrows.  If you have them professionally arched you just need to apply eyebrow pencil for a more defined look.  This will help frame your eyes.

Next, apply your eye-shadow.  If you are going for a sexy, more glamorous look wear darker shades such as charcoal or a dark brown.  It is best to wear at least two shades of eye-shadow on your eye.  Make sure you mix your shades well and be certain they match.  Apply the lighter shade of eye-shadow to the entire eye.  Then apply the medium shade to the center area. Apply the darker color to the creases of the eye to give your eyes more definition.  Again, for the more dramatic look, apply the darker shade more freely.

Now it's time for the false eyelashes!  The longer your eyelashes are the better it is.  Always remember to apply them carefully and do not mess up the eye makeup you have already have on.

Next you can apply your eyeliner.  There are three different ways to do this.  If you want a softer look, apply your eye-shadow as a liner.  For a nice but casual look, use a pencil.  For a dramatic look, use liquid liner.  It will depend on the shape of your eye as to where you will apply your eyeliner.  If you have bigger, rounder eyes apply it to the top and bottom of your eye.  If you have smaller eyes, apply it to the bottom, with a light shade on top.

Now you want to apply your lip liner.  Always start with lip liner to give your lips a well defined look. With lip liner you can make your lips everything they're not.  If they are small shaped, make them bigger by slightly overlining.  Then apply your lipstick with your lip brush.  Always remember that when you are going to be working with black and white pictures to wear a darker shade of lipstick.

Next you will apply powder.  Loose powder is always better to work with, especially with a brush.  It will go on much smoother.

Now it's time to apply your blush.  Pick a shade that best goes with your complexion and wardrobe.  You always want to make sure to have more than one shade available.  Try not to apply the blush directly to your cheek bones.  It is always best to apply it directly under them.

Last but not least, always remember to powder your face again before heading to the studio. This will set your make-up.  You do not want a shiny face unless instructed so by your professional model photographer.

When it comes to your hairstyle, always make sure to keep with the current fashion.  Get some hair magazines and look over them to find out what are the latest styles.  Then go to a professional hair stylist to keep your look updated.  You will also want to read books on styles that are easy to do yourself.  Practice changing up your model look with a versatile hairstyle.

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