1. The single most important item a successful model can have is a
professional portfolio. This means you have to figure out a way to get
a professional photographer to take pictures of you. The cheapest and
easiest way to do this is to agree to TFP or TFCD (Time For Prints or
Time ForCD), where the two of you agree to a photo shoot, for which you
will not be paid with money, but with a copy of the prints (or CD). If
you agree to this with the first few photographers you work with, you\'ll
quickly build the type of portfolio that you need.
2. Especially for the first few shoots, make sure and take a
chaperone along. I\'d also recommend you do this on any TFP/TFCD shoots
that you might agree to in the future. This will help prevent the
photographers from getting fresh.
3. That you\'ll be wearing makeup is a given in modelling. If you are
not comfortable applying your own makeup for shoots, you will need to
specify that you\'ll need a makeup artist. If you are comfortable with
applying your own makeup, you\'ll need to practice applying it in
different light spectrums. What may look good at home in your bedroom
mirror may make you look like a green alien in another light. Except
for TFP, you shouldn\'t have to pay for the makeup artist. TFP/TFCD will
require you to make arrangements with the photographer regarding a
makeup artist.
4. Be specific, especially in Europe, as to what you mean by \"no
nudes.\" A lot of European models and photographers differentiate
between \"nude\" and \"topless,\" with many models referring to being
entirely unclothed as nude, and willing to perform topless work. There
is also \"implied nudity\" where you are covered (perhaps with a cloth)
but aren\'t showing any private bits.
5. Look around on the internet. There are many sites where you can post
your portfolio along with many other models\' portfolios. You can also
check out their portfolios to see what yours should, and shouldn\'t look
like.
6. It might be wise to loosen your rules regarding costumes. Many photographers have an extensive collection which they will freely offer, and that will save both you and them some money. Also, if you do a fashion shoot, the clothing will be provided.
I must admit that I haven't been working much on modelling lately... not feeling into it, I guess. Perhaps I'll give it a shot again next year or so :)
July 26, 2008, 9:53 am 
