Who is a Model??
You are a cool dude, you are tall, You go to gym and have muscular physique, you are popular face in your area or college and receive lot of proposals every alternate day, You are the most good looking person in your friend circle and they keep insisting you to try for modelling, you just love getting your pictures clicked and you also appear handsome / beautiful in those pictures by wearing flashy clothes n sunglasses.... still "it does not mean you are a Model".
A 'Model' is a professional who is employed to promote, display, or advertise commercial products or to serve as a visual object for people who are creating work of arts. You may not be good looking and tall but you may be still a Model and vice-verse.
There are different types of modelling which includes fashion, glamour, fitness, bikini, fine art, body-part and commercial print models and each type of modelling has its own kind of model requirements. Models are featured in a variety of media formats including books, magazines, newspaper, hoardings, catalogues, calenders, TV, music videos, web-advertisements and even movies.
So, if you want to be a Model then you have to first decide what type of Model you would like to be. Every modelling type has its own requirements and your personality must meet those requirements to become a Model.
If you want to be a Runaway model who generally walk in Ramp shows to showcase clothes from fashion designers, fashion media, and consumers then you must meet certain height and weight requirements. The British Association of Model Agents (AMA) says that female models should be around 34-24-34 in and at least 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) tall whereas the preferred dimensions for a male model are a height of 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) to 6 ft 2 in (188 cm), a waist of 30–32 in (76.20–81.28 cm) and a chest measurement of 36–40 in (91.44–101.60 cm). Male and female models must also possess clear skin, healthy hair, and attractive facial features.
During runway shows, models have to constantly change clothes and makeup. The models walk, turn and stand in order to demonstrate the garment's key features.
Apart from Runaway models there are Glamour models who focuses more on sexuality and there are no specific requirements to be a glamour model other than the ability to pose nude. They can be of any size or shape but their body must be well toned and appear glamorous.
There are also other modelling types like:-
Fitness models who display a healthy, tone physique
Parts models who are employed for their body parts like hand, hair, eyes etc.
Commercial print and TV models who are used to portray "ordinary people" or 'certain character' in advertising and editorial contexts, in print or in commercials. There are often no age or height requirements but they must be able to emote, express and act well.
Promotional models who are hired to drive consumer demand for a product, service, brand, or concept by directly interacting with potential consumers.
Trade show models, conventional models and art models are among the various other modelling types.
A modelling is a profession and to become a successful model you must be a professional.
A 'Model' is a professional who is employed to promote, display, or advertise commercial products or to serve as a visual object for people who are creating work of arts. You may not be good looking and tall but you may be still a Model and vice-verse.
There are different types of modelling which includes fashion, glamour, fitness, bikini, fine art, body-part and commercial print models and each type of modelling has its own kind of model requirements. Models are featured in a variety of media formats including books, magazines, newspaper, hoardings, catalogues, calenders, TV, music videos, web-advertisements and even movies.
So, if you want to be a Model then you have to first decide what type of Model you would like to be. Every modelling type has its own requirements and your personality must meet those requirements to become a Model.
If you want to be a Runaway model who generally walk in Ramp shows to showcase clothes from fashion designers, fashion media, and consumers then you must meet certain height and weight requirements. The British Association of Model Agents (AMA) says that female models should be around 34-24-34 in and at least 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) tall whereas the preferred dimensions for a male model are a height of 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) to 6 ft 2 in (188 cm), a waist of 30–32 in (76.20–81.28 cm) and a chest measurement of 36–40 in (91.44–101.60 cm). Male and female models must also possess clear skin, healthy hair, and attractive facial features.
During runway shows, models have to constantly change clothes and makeup. The models walk, turn and stand in order to demonstrate the garment's key features.
Apart from Runaway models there are Glamour models who focuses more on sexuality and there are no specific requirements to be a glamour model other than the ability to pose nude. They can be of any size or shape but their body must be well toned and appear glamorous.
There are also other modelling types like:-
Fitness models who display a healthy, tone physique
Parts models who are employed for their body parts like hand, hair, eyes etc.
Commercial print and TV models who are used to portray "ordinary people" or 'certain character' in advertising and editorial contexts, in print or in commercials. There are often no age or height requirements but they must be able to emote, express and act well.
Promotional models who are hired to drive consumer demand for a product, service, brand, or concept by directly interacting with potential consumers.
Trade show models, conventional models and art models are among the various other modelling types.
A modelling is a profession and to become a successful model you must be a professional.
How to become Model?
Yes... it is very easy to stand in front of a mirror and pose but it requires skill to pose in front of camera, because there you have to pose as per the wish and will of photographer or the shoot director. Before you begin your modelling career it is very important to learn and acquire basic posing / ramp walking skills.
You may claim your self as a fresher but that does not mean the photographer will teach you how to pose in front of camera during the modelling assignment. A fresher only means that the model has not yet got opportunity or he /she has done some unpublished work or very few assignments. A fresher is definitely not an unskilled model who cannot pose in front of camera or walk on the ramp properly.
There are many professional model grooming agencies which helps in developing your personality and makes you a well groomed and skilled model. So if you wish to choose modelling as your career then please do not hesitate in enrolling in good and genuine model grooming agency as it will help you in the long run.
You may claim your self as a fresher but that does not mean the photographer will teach you how to pose in front of camera during the modelling assignment. A fresher only means that the model has not yet got opportunity or he /she has done some unpublished work or very few assignments. A fresher is definitely not an unskilled model who cannot pose in front of camera or walk on the ramp properly.
There are many professional model grooming agencies which helps in developing your personality and makes you a well groomed and skilled model. So if you wish to choose modelling as your career then please do not hesitate in enrolling in good and genuine model grooming agency as it will help you in the long run.
Modelling Portfolio:
Getting your professional portfolio done is the first step in modelling. A portfolio is like your Resume which is viewed by modeling agency / casting director to consider your profile for any modelling assignment. It is your first impression. A portfolio may earn or lose you a modelling work, hence you have to be very careful while building your portfolio.
A Portfolio consist of two parts -
1) Your personal details like - your name, date of birth, gender, vital statistics (i.e. measurement of chest, waist, hips etc.), height, complexion, hair color n length, eye color, your skills (i.e. acting, dancing, singing, etc.), languages you know, city you are based at, your work experience,your work preferences and your contact numbers.
2) Your professionally clicked pictures. These pictures are the most crucial part of your modelling portfolio and this is also the part where many new / budding models are fooled and cheated by photographers or modelling agencies.
So let us understand how to build your modelling portfolio and avoid getting fooled.
In building your modelling portfolio there are 3 main people involved 1) A professional 'Fashion' photographer, 2) Make-up artist 3) Stylist (for clothes)
So you have to first find a good 'Fashion' photographer who is an experienced and professional in clicking pictures of models and who has done some good fashion shoots previously.
Once you find a good fashion photographer, contact him and properly inquire about all necessary details like price, type of shoot (indoor / outdoor), total number of pictures and number of pictures in each get-up / look, format of photos (i.e. soft copy on CD / Hard copy as a Print or both would be provided), how many hours required and whether he also provides Make-up artist and Stylist or that need to be arranged separately by you.
Since you are going to pay for getting your portfolio done, kindly do not hesitate in asking all the details you want to know and understand how your portfolio is going to be and if possible try and check some work samples of that photographer for better understanding.
Similarly also check work samples of make-up artist and stylist to understand how good they are in their work.
After discussion and checking their work you are convinced and finally decides to get your portfolio done with them.
A Portfolio consist of two parts -
1) Your personal details like - your name, date of birth, gender, vital statistics (i.e. measurement of chest, waist, hips etc.), height, complexion, hair color n length, eye color, your skills (i.e. acting, dancing, singing, etc.), languages you know, city you are based at, your work experience,your work preferences and your contact numbers.
2) Your professionally clicked pictures. These pictures are the most crucial part of your modelling portfolio and this is also the part where many new / budding models are fooled and cheated by photographers or modelling agencies.
So let us understand how to build your modelling portfolio and avoid getting fooled.
In building your modelling portfolio there are 3 main people involved 1) A professional 'Fashion' photographer, 2) Make-up artist 3) Stylist (for clothes)
So you have to first find a good 'Fashion' photographer who is an experienced and professional in clicking pictures of models and who has done some good fashion shoots previously.
Once you find a good fashion photographer, contact him and properly inquire about all necessary details like price, type of shoot (indoor / outdoor), total number of pictures and number of pictures in each get-up / look, format of photos (i.e. soft copy on CD / Hard copy as a Print or both would be provided), how many hours required and whether he also provides Make-up artist and Stylist or that need to be arranged separately by you.
Since you are going to pay for getting your portfolio done, kindly do not hesitate in asking all the details you want to know and understand how your portfolio is going to be and if possible try and check some work samples of that photographer for better understanding.
Similarly also check work samples of make-up artist and stylist to understand how good they are in their work.
After discussion and checking their work you are convinced and finally decides to get your portfolio done with them.
Making Your Portfolio
Since it may be your first portfolio you may not be completely aware what to do and what not to do. Making a good portfolio requires proper planning. You must first decide what type of modelling assignments you are interested in and then make your portfolio accordingly. This will reap higher benefits. If you are interested in Ramp or fashion modelling then your portfolio should have pictures depicting you as a fashion model or if you are interested in commercial print & TV modelling then your portfolio should have pictures with lot of different expressions and if possible various products as props.
In a good portfolio your pictures must have three types of shots - a) Close - up / Head shots, b) Mid length shots (which covers 3/4th of your body) and c) Full length shots.
Before shooting day it is always fruitful to spend some time, sit and discuss with your photographer, make-up artist and stylist about the looks, styles, outfits and poses.
Discuss with them what type of looks will be included in pictures, which look will suit your personality and bring best out of you. Some models may look good in western wear or some may look good in ethnic / traditional wear or some may look wonderful in both. Match the costumes and style with your personality it will create wonders. Check with stylist whether you can have dressing trial before shoot which will give you a good idea to decide your looks for the shoot.
Making your portfolio is also an opportunity for you becoming camera friendly and being comfortable posing in front of camera. So use this opportunity to the maximum to get the experience of facing camera.
Old saying- 'Practice makes you perfect', so before getting your portfolio done practices your poses well in front of mirror. Go through various fashion magazine, fashion blogs / websites and even websites of famous fashion photographers, you will find lots of portfolio pictures in different posing styles.
Some female and male poses for portfolio photography are shown below: (Source of images: Unknown)
In a good portfolio your pictures must have three types of shots - a) Close - up / Head shots, b) Mid length shots (which covers 3/4th of your body) and c) Full length shots.
Before shooting day it is always fruitful to spend some time, sit and discuss with your photographer, make-up artist and stylist about the looks, styles, outfits and poses.
Discuss with them what type of looks will be included in pictures, which look will suit your personality and bring best out of you. Some models may look good in western wear or some may look good in ethnic / traditional wear or some may look wonderful in both. Match the costumes and style with your personality it will create wonders. Check with stylist whether you can have dressing trial before shoot which will give you a good idea to decide your looks for the shoot.
Making your portfolio is also an opportunity for you becoming camera friendly and being comfortable posing in front of camera. So use this opportunity to the maximum to get the experience of facing camera.
Old saying- 'Practice makes you perfect', so before getting your portfolio done practices your poses well in front of mirror. Go through various fashion magazine, fashion blogs / websites and even websites of famous fashion photographers, you will find lots of portfolio pictures in different posing styles.
Some female and male poses for portfolio photography are shown below: (Source of images: Unknown)
Some tips to remember while making your portfolio:
1) Have a good sleep the day before your portfolio shoot to avoid dark circles or a tired face.
2) Start your shoot day by doing some exercise or yoga to make your body active.
3) Take a good bath, shampoo your hair, Shave, Trim, Wax etc. groom yourself well.
4) Have a light breakfast or meal that give you required energy and keep you active during shoot.
5) Pep up your mood by listening your favorite music or doing those activities you enjoy doing most.
6) Don't rely much on your stylist for your wardrobe, always carry a right pair of jeans, trousers, shirts, t-shirts, jackets, dresses and Tops that fits you well.
7) Carry all those accessories that you have as it will help you to bring variation in your pictures and dressing style.
8) Carry a face-wash, moisturizer, hair gel and some basic make-up products for touch up.
9) Reach the shoot venue little early so that you get some time to relax and settle down before make-up and staring the shoot.
10) Take a relative / good friend with you on shoot so that you can interact with him/her to reduce your nervousness.
11) Show your attitude to camera during poses and not to the photographer. Have a positive interaction with your photographer and inform him politely to go slow in clicking your pictures and in which poses you are uncomfortable.
12) Be confident, be playful, flirt with camera...give your best shot and enjoy the shoot. Its your day.
13) Once the shoot is over greet your photographer and check with him / her how soon you will receive your portfolio pictures.
14) Please! please! please!...instruct your photographer to not put his/her name / logo etc. as a watermark within the frame of your pictures. No matter how famous and big photographer he/she is you have paid him/her for portfolio and it is your portfolio.
14) After you receive your pictures, choose 'the best' 10-15 pictures among them in various get-up that you will use in your portfolio to show it to modelling agencies and casting directors to get modelling assignments.
15) Keep updating your portfolio at regular intervals. Try adding few new pictures after every six months to one year. Avoid using portfolio which is more than one and half years old.
2) Start your shoot day by doing some exercise or yoga to make your body active.
3) Take a good bath, shampoo your hair, Shave, Trim, Wax etc. groom yourself well.
4) Have a light breakfast or meal that give you required energy and keep you active during shoot.
5) Pep up your mood by listening your favorite music or doing those activities you enjoy doing most.
6) Don't rely much on your stylist for your wardrobe, always carry a right pair of jeans, trousers, shirts, t-shirts, jackets, dresses and Tops that fits you well.
7) Carry all those accessories that you have as it will help you to bring variation in your pictures and dressing style.
8) Carry a face-wash, moisturizer, hair gel and some basic make-up products for touch up.
9) Reach the shoot venue little early so that you get some time to relax and settle down before make-up and staring the shoot.
10) Take a relative / good friend with you on shoot so that you can interact with him/her to reduce your nervousness.
11) Show your attitude to camera during poses and not to the photographer. Have a positive interaction with your photographer and inform him politely to go slow in clicking your pictures and in which poses you are uncomfortable.
12) Be confident, be playful, flirt with camera...give your best shot and enjoy the shoot. Its your day.
13) Once the shoot is over greet your photographer and check with him / her how soon you will receive your portfolio pictures.
14) Please! please! please!...instruct your photographer to not put his/her name / logo etc. as a watermark within the frame of your pictures. No matter how famous and big photographer he/she is you have paid him/her for portfolio and it is your portfolio.
14) After you receive your pictures, choose 'the best' 10-15 pictures among them in various get-up that you will use in your portfolio to show it to modelling agencies and casting directors to get modelling assignments.
15) Keep updating your portfolio at regular intervals. Try adding few new pictures after every six months to one year. Avoid using portfolio which is more than one and half years old.