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Rambles
By P.G. Ramblings
You Wanna be a
Photographic Model!!! Are you Nuts?
We'll start with the downside of
being a model and tell you it's not always the rags
to riches glamorous business that many would have
you believe; indeed many begin as part time models
and for varying reasons; fail to progress much
further. There are several different types and
levels of modeling, and if your expectations are
realistic, you needn't feel discouraged. On the
other hand, if you wanna get rich quick; try your
luck at winning the lottery; the odds are
substantially better than...
So how do you actually break
into the photographic modeling business, also
referred to as print modeling, and more to the
point, what does it entail? Well; first of all bear
in mind that we are mainly dealing with the
model/photographer relationship here, so if you
desire to become for instance, a catwalk model, due
to other factors involved such as height, weight
etc., you should consult one of the major model
agencies regarding your suitability. Also before
seriously considering whether you should take the
plunge into the world of photographic modeling, you
need to be aware of the likely involvement of
certain degrees of nudity, which incidentally
applies also to fashion modeling. Therefore if you
do take the plunge, you must be comfortable working
nude or wearing very little in the way of
clothing.
It's probably fair to say that
in the distant past, the fashion industry was
widely regarded as being the safe haven for those
aspiring models not interested in displaying their
assets to all and sundry, but with the emergence of
the supermodels, the emphasis which used to be
entirely on the clothes, is now very much on the
model. Likewise, even fashion photographers now
tend to use the clothes as a mere prop to enhance
the models. Therefore, due to many of today's
fashions being very revealing, if asked to model
for a fashion photographer, more often than not, a
certain degree of nudity is now involved in this
type of assignment. On the plus side, once you've
become established, you'll be getting paid to wear
designer clothes, travel around the world and/or
Ireland. On the downside, apart from being hard
work, you'll need to be beautiful, self confident,
at least 5'7" tall, long-legged, lean and mean. For
those girls who are perhaps just the wrong height
and/or weight for the fashion industry, modeling
for photographers is the accepted way forward, and
there are very many photographers out there who
will work with willing petite and/or
plus
size models.
Therefore if you don't qualify
to be a fashion model or simply prefer not to be,
we'll start by outlining the various types of
localised photographic modeling opportunities
available and for guidance purposes only; suggest
the following definitions. To minimize the
possibility of misunderstandings arising, they are
straightforward definitions that should adequately
cover most scenarios. Models should however
establish at the outset, exactly what any
assignment entails and whether or not the
photographer is referring to and adhering to
definitions such as these.
Casual and formal fashion
photography is probably the only area of your
chosen profession which won't involve any form of
nudity or implied nudity. The model is basically
dressed in casual attire or perhaps evening wear
and is possibly photographed within the boundaries
of a famous scenic castle or other well known
landmark; maybe inside some luxurious house. It's
questionable if you'll be capable of making a
decent living from this category though. Many of
your clients are likely to be amateur
photographers, many of whom are notoriously
reluctant to part with much in the way of cash,
preferring instead to operate on a TFP/TFCD basis
(Time For Prints/Time For CD of your
Images)
Lingerie
photography focuses on the model and
lingerie
which in itself can also be totally revealing, to
produce a sexy, raunchy, suggestive end product.
This type of photography can also require the model
to be topless so if that should present problems
for you, as with every other proposed assignment,
establish in writing exactly what levels of undress
the shoot will entail.
Swimwear photography can
naturally involve the wearing of
swimsuits,
bikinis, thongs, cover-ups,
and who knows, a trip to paradise with golden sand,
warm blue seas, and along with a very hot sun, some
of the hottest trends in swimwear. So apart from
exotic locations and hard work, what isn't there to
love about a professional swimsuit shoot? A couple
of things actually, and first is the possibility
that the shoot will be in a studio or worse still;
a sunny but cold spring day on Tyrella beach with
nothing more than the occasional cup of hot tea for
inner warmth.
With that in mind, consider the
latest trends in swimsuits that you'll most likely
be modeling; Wicked
Weasel Bikinis for
instance, whose advertising blurb reads: 'Barely
covering girls since 1994' What are they like? Have
a browse through their website and take note of the
fact that many of the girls are topless, or
alternatively, think of the smallest
bikini you've ever seen,
then think at least 50% smaller, which raises
another subject. No matter where the location; a
few days before setting of for a swimsuit
assignment; get yourself a full Brazilian
wax.
Glamour photography can
encompass just about every other genre of model
photography including headshots, lingerie, fashion
etc. but for certain, it very much concentrates on
the girl rather than the clothes she is or isn't
wearing. On the plus side; it doesn't include
anything that could be classed as being
pornographic. Nonetheless, if you're asked to do a
glamour shoot, as with everything else in business,
before agreeing to anything; insist on having the
full details of what will be expected of you; in
writing.
Artistic nude photography
entails capturing the beauty and sensuality of the
female form and usually results in some startlingly
elegant imagery, some of which could most likely be
described as being artistically erotic. Obviously
features nude or partially nude poses. These fine
art photography images are often used in coffee
table books and sold through fine art galleries and
the Internet.
Adult Magazine photography
refers to and requires anything included in top
shelf magazines and various explicit Internet sites
etc. This type of photography entails posing for
very explicit sexual, even hardcore images. Be
fully aware of what you may become involved with,
before making any decisions to participate and bear
in mind you must also be over 18 years old to
participate as indeed is it the case with any nude
photography modeling.
Other outlets for your talents
that's worth mentioning are promotional modeling
jobs which involves clients paying you to represent
their brand/products at trade shows etc. Involves a
lot of smiling and chatting to lots of people but
if it pays the bills... go for it. Other sources of
work for willing models can be found with
motorsport teams etc. as a brolly girl for
instance; another form of promotional modeling.
Apart from product promotions, photographic models
are always required for print advertising, greeting
cards, catalogs, posters, calendars, advertising
promotions, Internet publications, magazines,
designer fashion tests, packaging labels,
illustration guides, stock photography, book
covers, camera clubs and so forth. The list is
endless but first, if you've decided you still want
to be a model, you'll need a collection of images
featuring different poses; types of clothing and
settings for your comp card and
portfolio.
Comp card (zed card) along with
a good portfolio, are a relatively inexpensive,
versatile and indispensable must have sales tool.
A5 size is preferable as it fits easily into a C5
envelope for posting. Printed on anything lighter
than 300 gsm board makes your card look cheap and
unprofessional. Also, the front of your card should
be glossy, though the back of the card can be matt.
Even if it's going to cost a little more, go for
quality; ensure that a potential clients first
impression; is a lasting impression.
Your card will feature your name
with a headshot on it's front and a few of your
best images on the reverse side along with your
statistics; hair, eye colour etc. plus the all
important list of different styles you're prepared
to undertake. Your portfolio book would have the
same information plus first class images featuring
the various styles of modeling you're willing to
pose for; but how do you get these photographs for
your cards and portfolio?
Several options are available
but Time For Prints or Time For CD (TFP/TFCD) is by
far the easiest and least expensive. All you have
to do is contact a professional photographer that
specialises in modeling photography and ask him/her
if they'd be interested in doing a TFP/TFCD photo
shoot with you; at this stage don't try to
substitute for professional images. Of course
they're likely to ask to see a couple of
photographs of you; a head image and a full length
image, neither of which need to be of professional
quality. Just ask a family member/friend to take a
couple of shots with a digital camera, then start
emailing those photographers and you're on the road
to a new career.
Time For Prints or Time For CD
(TFP/TFCD) is an arrangement between a model and a
photographer to do a photo shoot without either
parting with money. The model pays the photographer
with her time on the shoot, while the photographer
pays the model with prints or images on a CD. Some
have even been known to give models a free
portfolio. Depends how you approach them; practice
using your charm and business skills and when
you've arranged your first shoot; create a good
first impression; don't turn up with the mother of
all hangovers but do demonstrate your
professionalism and commitment to the job by
turning up on time. You're there not just for the
purpose of obtaining images for your portfolio and
comp card but also to learn about working in front
of a camera. During fashion type shoots, underwear
isn't generally worn so to prevent marks on your
skin showing up when modeling low-cut/backless
dresses, wear loose clothing before the shoot.
Have a browse through some
magazines to study poses. Bring along any that
contain images you particularly like. Practice
posing in front of a mirror. Try out your range of
seductive facial expressions. Modeling can be a
tiring business, so strive to keep your energy
levels up; mentally and physically. If you do
become tired during a shoot, suggest a break, eat
an energy bar; have a drink and refresh
yourself.
Before the shoot begins,
depending on the deal you've negotiated with the
photographer, he/she may require you to sign a
Model
Consent & Release
Form,
a legally binding agreement between a model and a
photographer that assigns certain rights to both
parties. Basically it will state that you have
given permission to the photographer to photograph
you and to make use of the photographs plus assign
you the rights to use the photographs in your
portfolio/comp card/website etc., for
free.
When writing the blurb for your
card and portfolio, be totally honest. Don't say
you're available for implied nude or nude shots and
then refuse when offered a nude assignment. Time is
money, so don't waste peoples time, or yours. Don't
forget, when modeling in front of the camera,
you're not yourself; you're an actress. You're
portraying the person that the photographer wants
for the job and don't be offended if the
photographer portrays you in a manner that you feel
isn't the real you; he/she sees someone else in
their camera.
Unless the assignment is for a
fashion house or similar, most photographers will
expect the model to bring her own outfits to a
shoot, although it's fair to say that a few
photographers do supply clothes for their photo
shoots.
Over time, your collection of
modeling clothes should include lingerie to
business suits, casual to formal, and everything in
between. For example: Bras, Panties, Boy Shorts,
G-string, Suspender
Belts, Stockings (White +
Black), Strappy
Stilettos, Boots (Thigh Highs/Crotch
Highs), Corset,
Bustier,
Babydoll,
Camisole,
Chemise,
Sexy
Tops, Sexy Skirts,
Dresses,
White Shirt, Suit, Bikini,
Sexy
Uniform,
Waistcoat, Hat, and so on; the list is endless. All
tags should be removed. All clothes should be
clean, pressed and lint free. Shoes/Boots should be
clean and scuff free. And finally, assemble a good
makeup kit for yourself; also to include hairbrush;
hairspray; mirror; safety pins etc.,
etc.
In other Rambles, we'll look at
such things as self promotion, Plus-size modeling,
and scams you should avoid.
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