Tags: Model Convention | Model Search | Modeling Advice

A model search assembles groups of talent scouts from modeling agencies and gives them the chance to view aspiring models in person. The model search companies usually invite both modeling and talent agencies to their events and the singers, actors and dancers almost always outnumber the number of models present. A typical model search will have nearly one thousand model and talent contestants and at least two dozen model and talent scouts. National modeling agencies will usually outnumber the number of local agencies present.

A model search is usually about three days long with the first day being devoted to the various classes, training or seminars offered. For the models, the rest of the search may include more training sessions and runway competitions. Interested agency scouts can obtain a model’s contact information and in some cases model contracts may be offered on the spot. The most important element is when the scouting agents go home and follow up their leads after the search has concluded. That is when the agents sort through their leads and ultimately decide who will be invited to join their agencies.

Model conventions differ from model searches in that most of the convention contestants are entered by modeling schools from around the country. The schools receive part of the model’s fee for attending. A large model convention might see over two thousand contestants and over 200 different agencies scouting the event with an equal number of modeling and talent agencies present.

Conventions can feature seminars, contests and other events where schools compete, photographers take pictures to sell and runway opportunities abound. The conventions are run similar to model search events but are usually longer and more involved due to the larger numbers of contestants.

Although there are some questionable model searches and conventions that sell expensive photo portfolios or charge inflated fees for putting you in their database, the good ones are not scams. A good model search delivers the opportunity to be seen and selected by real agencies. Instead of traveling all over the place to visit those far-flung agencies, the model search saves time and money by bringing all the agencies to the model in one convenient location.

Tags: Acting Modeling | Modeling Agencies | Modeling Schools

How necessary are modeling schools? You don't absolutely need to go to a modeling school in order to be a model of course. Modeling is not acting – it's all in your look. Do you really have to go to a school to learn how to look like you already do? Yes and no. You can learn how to pose, dress, walk and apply make-up at modeling schools. You can also get that kind of training from your own test shoots, experience on the job and conversations with your agent

If you do decide to attend one of the better modeling schools, try to talk to former and current students and try to meet the teacher personally or at least check out his or her resume. Some modeling schools accept all applicants regardless of their real chances of making it in the business. Other modeling schools are more selective and will evaluate your talent and looks more honestly. There are even a few modeling schools that will not accept a student unless they believe you have a real shot at success in the business.

Modeling schools are not modeling agencies. Don't confuse the two. An agency makes money by getting you modeling work. A school makes money charging you for classes. There is a bit of a conflict of interest in that arrangement as most modeling schools require students to believe they are unprepared to approach agencies and get jobs without training. Most aspiring models don't know they can actually access agencies on their own without going to modeling schools at all.

Modeling schools are not regulated. There are no laws or standards for the instructions or the instructors and there is no guarantee you will get work if you do attend the school. The people in the industry who actually do hire models and the modeling agencies themselves really don't care if you have been to modeling school or not. However, good modeling schools will help their models find work or a real agency.  When one of their students lands an agency, it makes them look good and helps them sell their classes.

Should you pay hundreds of dollars in the hopes of getting signed by a modeling agency after attending a modeling school? The answer will depend on the particular school you choose to attend and what you want to achieve there.

Tags: Become a Model | Model Photography | Modeling Poses

Don't just stand there! There is a lot more to a successful modeling career than simply standing there and looking beautiful. It doesn't matter whether you are searching for a career in high fashion print modeling or television commercials, you will still need to learn proper modeling poses for the camera.

Modeling poses can come in many varieties depending on the type of modeling career you are looking for, and practicing those poses can really help your chances of landing the job. You can start by selecting ten different modeling poses you like from fashion magazines and practice each one until you feel you have them all down pat. You can use a full-length mirror to help you compare your own modeling poses to the professionals. Remember to pay attention to what your facial expression is – and keep your hands under control too. Any pose can be lifeless and unimaginative without a special "look". Try closing your eyes, imagine a thought, open your eyes and project that thought. Practicing this simple technique can make your photos come alive. Once you master posing it will help enhance your self esteem, your overall confidence and your ability to present yourself with style.

Listen to what the photographer tells you. The photographer may have a different idea of how the session should go. Or the photographer might recommend that you bring some of your own posing ideas to the shoot. If the photographer wants different modeling poses, try unique facial expressions too. This is where your time in front of the mirror really helps.

Body language and facial expressions are natural but the image you are projecting might not be exactly what the photographer wants. Try to maintain good posture unless instructed otherwise. Suck in that stomach and stick out your chin. Both can make you appear thinner and more toned. Don't hold your breath and stay relaxed.

Remember – you want to project yourself in your modeling poses – on purpose. When you look at the final images don't be too hard on yourself. Find positive ways to improve your posing attitude and your posing results will improve as well.