Tags: Become a Model | Modeling Advice | Modeling Career | Modeling Tips

A modeling career can be quite a thrill ride when you are on top of the game.  Being close to the epicenter of fashion evolution has its advantages. You’ll be considered an expert on styles and trends. If you are lucky and your looks last, your career can last a fair number of years.

There are also good alternative related employment opportunities following a successful modeling career. After your supermodel looks have faded a bit you can try your hand at becoming a fashion coordinator, stylist, modeling teacher or even becoming an agent yourself.

A modeling career in high fashion or runway work is a very competitive business with many competent players working hard to stay on top. How long you stay at the top depends on how long you can maintain your looks, charm, and camera presence. Remember your body is your main asset in a modeling career. Taking good care of it is critical to your success and longevity as a model.

Here a few tips to help make your modeling career last:

•    Drink plenty of water.
•    Get plenty of rest every night.                      
•    Exercise to keep your body looking its best.
•    Use the best skincare products available.
•    Eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
•    Learn as much as you can about your craft.
•    Keep an eye on the latest fashion trends.  
•    Keep your portfolio updated.
•    Attend as many fashion and modeling events as you can.

Tags: Become a Model | Model Photography | Modeling Portfolios | Modeling Tips

Modeling portfolios are a collection of photographs. Hopefully containing many great photos of you at your modeling best. Modeling portfolios are often the first thing an agency or director will see and many of them will not interview you at all without seeing your photographs first. It is absolutely your only chance to make a good first impression and should contain only the very best photos you have.

Never include marginal or "just ok" photos in modeling portfolios, every one must be great. It may be unfortunate that your first impression is only as good as the worst photograph included in your portfolio, but that's the way it is. Your least favorite photograph is likely to be the most memorable to others.

Portfolio Tips

Most modeling portfolios consist of an 8.5"X11" book or folder to hold your best photographs.

Most tear-sheets from print publications are likely to be 8.5"x11" and you want them to fit inside.

Professional modeling portfolios can contain up to 12 photos. Twenty is the absolute maximum though and then only if all 20 are great photos.

Be sure to include at least one head shot, one full-length body photo, one fashion photo and at least one action-type photo.

Make sure all your photos are in sharp focus. Include both color and B&W photos.

Use minimal make-up. A simple, well-groomed hairstyle is better than a wild-style. Wear simple clothing without jewelry.

Utilize plain, non-distractive backgrounds.

Write your name, stats and contact information on the back of each photograph.

Tags: Model Photography | Modeling Advice | Modeling Career | Photography Shoot

If you have been booked for an upcoming casting call there are a few things every model should know about the unwritten rules of a model photography shoot. You should relax and enjoy your shoot of course, model photography can be fun – but there is also a business aspect of the shoot too. If you want to be called back again, there are some simple tips you should learn.

Get Ready

Take a small selection of clean, pressed clothing that fits the role you will be auditioning for. Bring your own makeup even if there will be a makeup artist available. The makeup artist could be cancelled. Get your hair styled or cut neatly in a manner appropriate for the shoot. Be sure to get a good night's sleep before the shoot.

Get There on Time/p>

"On time" doesn't mean the exact minute scheduled for the shoot. You should be absolutely ready to go at the first moment you are called. This means you must get to the shoot early – period. Thirty minutes early is good, fifteen will do.

Be Friendly

Try to be cordial with everyone you meet and introduce yourself to everyone you possibly can. You will be surrounded with people who can help you get more work. Be as friendly as you can and they might return the favor.

Don't Talk Money

Refer all questions about rates and terms to your agent. Do not negotiate the terms of a shoot without your agent. If you are asked to change terms at the shoot call your agent. Do not sign a photographer's release form without your agent's approval.

Do Sign the Form

Always be sure to take your copy of the voucher or any releases that are signed at the shoot. Sign the form and take one copy for yourself and one for your agent.  Don't forget to leave a copy with the photographer.

Have Fun

Remember you are about to do what all models want to do. Model photography can be fun. Relax and enjoy yourself.