Tags: Fashion Modeling | Glamour Modeling | Model Photography | Print Modeling

Print modeling is also known as “real people modeling” because there are no perfect height, weight or size requirements mandated in the field of commercial print modeling. Examples would be the models seen in advertisements in newspapers, magazines and television where all ages, ethnicity and sizes of people are represented.

Tips for Print Modeling
Your Own Look – Some people may have a natural fashion model “look” while s may not. If you don’t, become something else by finding commercial work that suits your type the best. Don’t make the mistake of overdoing it by trying to be something you are not.

A Good Look – Exactly what constitutes the best “good look’ for each individual is hard to determine. Usually it means “pleasant” or “easy to look at” – a look that is natural and not forced. Not everyone is handsome or pretty and in print modeling your own unique look is your best asset.

A Pleasant Personality – Your career in print modeling will be more successful if people find you pleasant and easy to work with. If you are a difficult model, the clients will find someone else to work with.

Business Attitude – Your agency can guide you but they can’t do the work for you. You must be the one to show up on time, ready to work for however long it takes. Print modeling is a business and must be treated in a business-like manner.

Good Photographs – Your photos are a critical part of getting agencies, photographers, casting directors and clients to view as a qualified model. Print modeling differs from fashion modeling in that commercial print agents want to see comp cards instead of tear sheets in a portfolio. Your comp or composite card will make you more marketable to commercial clients if you include lifestyle photos that depict a variety of everyday type activities and poses. The front of your comp card should obviously have a good face shot on it. The back should contain four shots in the “S” mode. This translates to one Sexy shot, one Sporty shot, one Sweet shot and one in a Sophisticated mode, all with as much variation in clothing and setting as possible.

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: Male Modeling | Model Photography | Modeling Tips | Photography Shoot

Even though the fashion industry is dominated by female models, there is currently an increase in demand for male models employed by sellers of male clothing, underwear, cars, motorcycles, cigarettes and other men-only products. Men are also paying more attention to appearance and grooming these days, resulting in more male modeling opportunities.

Male modeling is not an equal counterpart to the female fashion modeling industry. Females are paid more than men and have more work opportunities. It is much more difficult for men to become successful models than it is for women. Even though the men won't likely become as famous as female supermodels, the fashion industry does need male models. Male modeling is often a very short career because the industry always wants new faces. A five year male modeling career is considered a long one.

Male models need to have good physical characteristics along with plenty of drive and dedication. A body builder's muscles aren't necessary but a fit, healthy appearance is a given. Most male models are between 5'11" and 6'2" and weigh between 140 to 175 pounds. Most male models start working between the ages of 18 to 25, although men up to their late 30's can also find jobs in fashion. As more men become conscious of their appearance, opportunities in the male modeling industry should grow at the same pace.