To be a professional model basically comes down to
three things:
1. Having the look and talent that someone needs
(generally the client) bad enough for the
project they are working
on at that time that they will pay you for your
time.
2. Making life easier for the art director and
the photographer so they will want to work with
you, and
not though you out of their studio.
3. Making sure the client, photographer, and
art director know you exist and want to work.
Professional modeling starts with the client's need
and their willingness to pay. Modeling with out paying
clients is just a hobby or someone trying to rip
you off. Having the right look and talent is what
you inherited genetically and there is not much you
can do to change that. The rest is where being a
professional model comes in - knowing what to do
and how to market yourself. When a project calls
for someone attractive to stand next to a new product,
the person who can constantly look good in front
of the camera, show the emotional expression that
is needed on cue, show up on time and leave on time
and in so many other ways make the shoot go quickly,
efficiently, and successfully, is the person who
will get the job. That is also the person who gets
asked back the next time. The part after the genetics
is what makes a professional model and leads to a
career in modeling. This is also the person who will
deliver what the client needs and is why we use them
and not just pull someone off the street.
Guide lines for what it takes to be a model.
Well, all the above is fine but does not give much
to go on, so do you have what it takes to be a
model? The first thing you have to consider is
what type of model do you want be? If you are trying
for high fashion modeling, the runways of Paris,
the cover of Vogue, etc., the requirements are
very strict. If you are hoping to do commercial
modeling (such as product or lifestyle) the requirements
are much broader. If you want to be a glamour,
or pin-up model, this area has its own set of requirements.
First Thing to Understand
All modeling, except for some glamour, is client
driven. There is no need for a model (or for that
matter, a photographer) until a client has something
to sell (a product, service, or idea) or in the
case of editorial an idea to convey. At this point,
the client becomes willing to part with the dollars
(the money stream) to accomplish his/her sales
or editorial goals and a model is hired. It is
the size of the potential sales' goals and the
model's importance in those goals that determines
how much a model is paid (hourly fees. usage, etc.).
Some types of glamour and stock lifestyle modeling
can work differently as the photo itself has a
value and the buyer can be found later. So, when
we look at different types of modeling we are looking
at different classes of clients. As an example,
the Fashion Industry is dependent on using models
in its advertising, promotion, and sales material.
In certain top fashion market cities this can lead
to many job possibilities and high fees. So when
considering a modeling career you must start by
looking at the different types of modeling being
demanded by clients, the requirements for a given
type of modeling and if your physical, talent and
personality are right for that type of modeling.
