How to be a Model | Modeling Advice

It’s the selling tool that models use to secure work and market themselves with. A really good portfolio is essential to a model if they want to get work. It should reflects all aspects of the type of work the model is looking to do and each and every picture should be a quality image of them.

It is a well known fact that if a model walks into an agency looking to go on their books, the first question they will get asked is do you have a portfolio and if the model doesn't have one then they will be told to either get one and come back or be offered one to be made for them which can be very, very expensive.

If you are new to modelling or thinking about becoming a model and want to know more about portfolios and how to go about getting one made, then please don't hesitate to contact me. My advise is free and also some times my photographic services.

The question that I get asked more than any other by models is !
"How do I get published?"

I believe the question models should be asking is, " how do I get so much work that everybody wants me?"
As a result of being in demand they will earn a good living whilst at the same time gaining experience, exposure and ultimately this will lead to being published.

My advise would be that if you want to get published then you need to do the following.

Learn all about your body and practise, practise and practise.

The models that get published are the ones that can pose, walk and strut their stuff and they also know which make up looks best on them. They will also have a vast range of different looks. Meaning facial expressions as well as looks and ability to pose their bodies.

What I am saying is whether your a professional model or one that's just getting started then get in front of that mirror and practise. knowing your body and how to bend it and shape it is paramount and get busy with the make up don't be frightened to experiment. All to often I get models turn up that can do neither of these things and I spend the first hour teaching them to pose all be it that its only the basics.

Then learn to market yourself. look at your portfolio and ask yourself are you pleased with ever picture in it and does it show your talents and your versatility or that you can adapt to many different styles and themes.
If every picture in your portfolio doesn't do this then take it out. Less is More trust me! Then look again at the photographers that you have worked with if your portfolio doesn't have impact look for Photographers that you think could get the best out of you and get a shoot with them.

Now here's a tough piece of advise don't approach the photographer offering TFP CD show the photographer that you value his work and are willing to pay him. Good quality photographs may cost you a few quid now , but if they are good they will pay for themselves time after time with your getting lots and lots of work as a result of having a quality portfolio. If the photographer is beyond your means then find another that isn't and if worst comes to worst save up until you can have the right images done.

In the mean time keep practising in that mirror.

This is just a small taster of what a model needs to be doing to get published. I am happy to give free advise to any model that takes the time to contact me and ask for help. I may then help them to get to the point that they will get published whilst earning a great living. If you are one of the models that is planning to be succeed then you will need to follow these rules and many more.

Good Luck and best wishes
From Myk G

For those starting out in modelling and needing to understand the term Models Level's see below explanation.

Below is a standard definition for different types of modelling. If you are new to modelling and are unsure what type of modelling you would like to do the below is as clear as it can be without offending anyone,

No model should be put under pressure to go to a level she or he is not happy with and you should be clear in stating what level your happy working to.

Modelling Definitions
PORTRAIT
Any picture clothed, can include full length or head and shoulders, Some of our models are under age for any other type of work so please do not book these models if you require something different. .

FASHION
As Portrait photography.

PLEASE NOTE in the UK the law prohibits using models under 18 years of age for any of the below work
GLAMOUR
Models should be careful when accepting Glamour work as it can mean different things to different photographers. It could be clothed or it could be nude. If you are asked to pose for a Glamour shoot check first to which level the photographer is really requesting.

IMPLIED TOPLESS
Frequently used as a term to indicate that the model will not be wearing a top, but that her breasts, especially her nipples, will be obscured or hidden in some way, such as photographed from the back, or with her hands held over the breasts

TOPLESS
Any picture, clothed or not, where nipples are exposed including see-through clothing and wet look shots.

CLASSICAL NUDE or ART NUDE
Naked posing including see through clothing but not full frontal i.e. NO PUBIC HAIR.

NUDE
As above but to include full frontal and pubic hair but with legs closed together.

Most photographers will not define a difference between Classical nude or Nude so you may be booked for Classical Nude photography but asked to pose full frontal. Again please make sure you understand what the photographer is after before accepting a booking.

FIGURE WORK
As Nude and very often photographers will refer to figure work models who pose naked and do not define a difference between Nude or Classical Nude.
Higher Levels

UK MAGAZINE
Shots where the models genitals are in full, or partial view of the camera.

US MAGAZINE
Shots where the models genitals are held open.

CONTINENTAL
Shots where the model inserts either fingers, sex toys, banana or fruit etc. Please check prior to booking any model if she/he is comfortable with the type of shots you require.

Note that magazines sold in both the US and the UK can now use "Continental" level pictures, so the naming, which dates back many years, is no longer necessarily relevant. As always, please make sure you understand what the photographer is after before accepting a booking.

Girl on Girl / Girl on Boy / Boy on Boy
Normally this will mean performing a sexual act with the other partner; this may be simulated or may be actual. This can be also described as soft or hard core porn. If you are thinking of entering into this level of photography please check you are not breaking any local laws and be 100% sure of what you will be required to do.

The Pictures and images contained within this website are the copyright of Myk Garrett

07900 260146