The word ‘Model’ – who do you think of when you hear it? A scantily clad lingerie mannequin? A cover girl on Vogue? Many inside and outside the industry don’t understand modeling. In addition to striking faces and physiques, models come in all shapes, sizes, ages, & ethnicities. Male and female models are used for many different jobs beyond fashion photography and clothing.

Ultimately, a model’s purpose is to help a company promote a product. Companies look for an employee … one who can ‘sell’ a product, which means being friendly, outgoing and attractive, and able to look like a ‘normal’ consumer of the product. The employee-model must be able to engage potential customers and be a first-line sales agent.

Promotional Model Julia Stegner

First, remember that you are being hired for marketing and promotional modeling; that is, you are an employee of the firm that hires you, not a prince or princess! Additionally, a model appearing with a product or promoting an article of clothing, needs to have a look that can be duplicated. If the model is showcasing a sweater, for example, she/he actually has to look like the customers the company is targeting for the sweater, or look like someone that customer might know.

A good model, like any good photographic subject, knows how to enter a ‘no stress zone’ once the lights go on. He projects an image of confidence and approachability. She is prepared, natural, calm, & relaxed throughout the photo shoot, in spite of the demands from the photographer and from herself.

The model should be selling herself as part of the entire product experience when the camera starts snapping photos.
For photo shoots, particularly those selling products, the art director is looking for a model with a particular style. He has to look interested, competent, and familiar with the products. (As anyone who’s ever taken photos at a family outing can attest, looking natural and relaxed when a camera is out isn’t the easiest thing in the world to learn how to do.) Consequently, models who radiate that natural air of relaxation are much in demand.

The last set of tips for models who want to remain in demand is professionalism. Contrary to myth, models are not divas or knights around whom the photographic world revolves. Instead, models are cooperative & competent professionals who show up on time, tell people when they’re going to be late, work with clients and photographers for maximum flexibility, and take the time to make the experience pleasant for everyone involved in the shoot.

Like all professionals, models live on referrals from prior clients and customers. Remember that one poor reference, as in any business resume, can destroy an entire career. Professionals do their homework, they learn the product, they study & emulate the customers who’ll want the product, and they learn to listen to what the client asks for. The final image the client uses is a culmination of several different professionals doing their job, and the model needs to remember that she/he is an employee who aids in the co-creation of the image. To make the most of your modeling career, and to remain a model in demand, remember your demeanor is as important as your face.

Promotional Modeling is a post from: MandarichModels.com that specialize in Boudoir Photography, Glamour Photography, and Fitness Photography

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The world of modeling is not a fairy tale… it’s a world in which your looks don’t always take you far. It’s an aggressive, mind-consuming, image-obsessed industry that requires hard work, talent, and peak physical condition.

If you only look at the outside of things, like the face of the modeling industry, you see a life of glamour and riches; however, on the inside there are brutal sights and hard-working people. When the term model is used, society often thinks of 6 ft. tall, super-thin women, when in reality many more plus-sized models are emerging. These plus-sized models are the reality of our world. Another little-known fact about modeling is that a huge part of the industry is male models.

Modeling Agency

In society at large, models are commonly overlooked or considered uneducated because they work with their looks and not their brains. Regarding a true model, however, that is an untrue stereotype. A model is a professional buinessman/buinesswoman. They have to learn how to make themselves more marketable and available. To do this first a model must sign on with a good, substantial agency who will help a model to find jobs. As soon as you sign on with an agency you will begin working on your portfolio (if you don’t already have one). Your portfolio is a collection of your photos which is shown to your clients to determine weather they would like to hire you or not. Your portfolio must show the type and variety of modeling that you can do.

Market yourself successfully you need to have a wide variety of skills; in having a variety of skills the model obtains more jobs. To find a good agency ask around or go to open calls. An open call is where an agency invites anyone who wishes to become a model in for an interview. When attending an interview a model need to look well-qualified by dressing in appropriate attire. Make sure the portfolio you show is diverse… if you look confined to one look, an agency may overlook you. An agency needs to see you as someone who can accommodate a designer’s standards. Never sign with an agency that requires upfront costs. A good agency will not charge you a dime until your first job.

In this career like any other career you need to be on top of things more than ever. Knowing the type of look and style that your client needs has to be the one of the most important things in the career. A good model will study their client’s style and practice looks that are in the same genre. If you are considering becoming a model do realize that it is a dog-eat-dog or backstabbing industry. If you do not have the will power and desire to make it, you won’t.

Modeling Business is a post from: MandarichModels.com that specialize in Boudoir Photography, Glamour Photography, and Fitness Photography

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