The Truth About Modeling and What it Takes

Many people reach out to me requesting professional photos taken of them for their modeling career. And of course I take them on as a client to help them develop a portfolio to present to agencies. However before you go diving into this venture, I want to address the truth about modeling and what it takes. Below I have listed a few things to keep in mind.

- Instagram Account
  f you don’t already have an Instagram account, now is as good a time as ever to set one up. Keep the account clean, professional, and fun. Show class and post exciting content to show modeling agencies that you have the basic skills to market yourself. I offer social media portraits if you need some guidance – Contact me

- Recent Photos of Yourself
  Agencies want to see your natural beauty – so keep your makeup to a minimum and avoid using any filters and touchups. If you hire a professional to help capture images of you, make sure they guide you on what outfits to wear, how to pose, and help you relax. And alway keep your images up to date when presenting yourself. Trust me no one wants to feel catfished. So if you changed your hair color, gained or lost weight etc, it is time to schedule another photo session!

- Professionalism
  Modeling is a business, after all, and agencies expect people seeking to become models to approach them in a professional manner. Treat go-sees like an actual job interview. Research the agency’s needs before showing up so that you know what they are looking for and be prepared to take notes. Take your future in modeling seriously and, in turn, you will be taken seriously.

- Height
  While agencies put out calls for models of different sizes, shapes, and heights, to be a catwalk model you will need to be at least 5’10”.Catalog models can be shorter than 5’10”.

- Confidence
  You need to own yourself and appear as though you have total control over your body. You can be normally shy in your day to day life, but when it comes to modeling you need to put on the facade that you are what you are. Here I am. Models practice their looks for hours a day, finding their personal confidence, style, and learning their best angles. When you appear before an agency, you have to show them your confidence through your body language and the way you speak.

- Punctuality
  Agencies expect future models to be punctual. If you have a habit of always being late, change that now by leaving 30 minutes earlier. Since nearly everyone has a smart phone, agencies expect you to know where you are going and how to find the agency or the go-sees. There are no exceptions. Time is money and someone who shows up late may as well not show up at all.

- Be Pleasant
  A catty, sarcastic attitude will more than likely turn off an agency. Arguing with agents is a huge mistake because it shows them that you will be a difficult person to work with. Instead, show the agency and scouters right from the start that you are willing to work with them and comply with the needs of the industry. Keep the bad attitude for when you are hanging out with friends.

- The Right Age
  Traditionally, model scouts and agencies seek out models who are between the ages of 15 to 22 years old. Runway models are young, but the times are changing. Top modeling agencies put out calls for older models for everything from beauty and fashion campaigns to catalog modeling.

- Thick Skin
  When you go in for an interview or a go-see, be prepared to have your body critiqued. It can be a harsh experience, but it is a part of the job. Don’t argue with them or become visibly upset because you will not win. Instead, maintain your posture and keep your attitude pleasant. Show the agency that you can take it and that you are willing to make changes to accommodate their needs.

- Good Posture
  Practice and maintain good posture. Posture is one of the tell tale signs to agents as to whether or not you would make a good model. A good posture tells them that you will also have a strong walk. Don’t slouch during interviews. Keep your back straight and your shoulders back. Be in command of your body.