comments and opinions on this page are all from real working models
I'm not
online all that much. I've been doing this modeling thing
in real life... and I've come across something I think is
really important to those truly interested in modeling. I
was in a casting today with eight other models. It was a
bit awkward, as many castings can be, until everyone
chills and becomes real again. (Sometimes that never
happens, and you stare at the floor until you go see the
person running the casting.) I ended
up talking to four of the girls there, all with big
agencies. We began chatting and looking at each others
books... The quality of images that are in a model's
portfolio (REAL WORKING MODELS) are really high. The
IMPACT of these images is what gets models booked. A
model that only looks good 'in person' will only get so
far. I'm being
sent out on castings on a fairly regular basis. I have a
card. I have a decent book. But that is just the
beginning.... Modeling is a business. A job. Like
anything else, it has it's own unique set of rules you
must adhere to if you want to be a success. If you have
the look.... then you need to present yourself properly.
The books I saw today contained SERIOUSLY excellent
photography. There are
only a relatively small handful of photographers out
there that can do this. Less than one percent of the
photographers you will ever meet could even come close to
being able to deliver the caliber of images that you need
to GET BOOKED at a casting. How you
look in person is important too but often, all someone
sees is a bunch of cards. You can be the world's best
model in person, but if you don't have phenomenal pics,
there are ten other girls that may all meet the general
requirements for the casting. I know
it's been a long post and somewhat rambling. I just
wanted to tell you how important good images are to a
model. And... you get what you pay for. Very rarely is
excellent photography free. VERY rarely. When it is
excellent, and when it is inexpensive, make sure you
appreciate it. A LOT. *ahem.
I'm done. Any other working models, feel free to comment
on your experiences . Or anyone who would like to
comment. Thanks for reading this post. Really.
LRE Your book
is EVERYTHING. Castings are full of beautiful/unique
models... What sets you apart? IT'S YOUR BOOK. And let's
not forget the importance of tear sheets. I have roomed
with models that have had books made up almost entirely
of tears. Absolutely awesome stuff. and beware of those
places that charge you $1200 for pics and then give some
beginner $50 to take them! Everyone starts somewhere.
That "somewhere" is your book with some outstanding
images. LRE SPEAKS THE TRUTH! This has
to be one of the best posts I have ever seen! A lot of
people think that models are made overnight... did you
guys know that Giselle had been modeling since she was
14... and she just recently made it big? Don't think that
someone is going to see you on the street and tomorrow
you will be Vogue's top model. Modeling
is so competitive... I wish some of the people here just
starting out could go to a fashion show behind the
scenes... talk to an agent in Paris and let that agent
critique your book.... My portfolio is good.. but not
like some of the girls' I've seen. I don't
think a lot of the people here realize how hard it is. IT
IS NOT EASY... and a whole lot of determination is
needed. PATIENCE is key... good pictures are the most
important! No matter what anyone says... photo day pics
will only get you laughed at, AMAZING ones will get you
work! I wish
everyone on here luck... I know that there are some that
have what it takes. That's my share in the post... Anna
xoxo Yeah!!
great posts! Sometimes beginner models get so excited
about just getting their pictures taken they choose not
so good ones. he he I used to do that... before I knew.
So this is a really good post for new models just
building their books to read! xoxoxo Sarah Everyone
should read this! This is so true. My daughter is in
Miami going on castings everyday and all the girls have
mad portfolios and tears. She has done 4 or 5 shoots just
to try and improve her book. Her booker says you can be
stunning in person, but the girl with the best book will
get the booking. It is hard to break in. People post bad
pics, then ask "can I make it" and when you try to be
honest they get mad. If they only knew.... great post LRE
Sheri I so
totally agree with what LRE has said here. As a talent
BUYER, part of the thing for me when I see great shots in
a book, is it gives me the confidence that the model will
be able to work well in front of the camera and I can
pass this confidence on to my client. The other thing is
that I think it takes quite a bit of time and dedication
(and sometimes a bit of luck) for a model to build up a
good book. It won't happen over night. You just gotta
keep getting in front of the camera whenever you can. LRE
you are proving this Good post rf Oh yeah,
your book is what gets you in... I got kicked in the head
in London a few months back... "too commerical"... "not
unique enough".. "too sexy" ... "too innocent".... If
that casting person sees the wrong angle, wrong lighting,
or one hair out of place in one of your photos, you're
out the door. 'Less is
more.' a few really great shots is better than 100
mediocre shots. Geez, it's so easy to lose your self
confidence in this business. It takes a real 'go getter'
to pick themselves up and keep going... you know, take
all of the criticism in stride. Those are the Giselles,
Cindys, Claudias, and Carmens out there. On a positive
note, I just shot some great stuff on the subway last
week...!. - Amber Great
topic! My daughter is lucky she has a very good booker.
She is 16 and is in the development stage. She did get a
taste of things when we were in New York going to go-sees
and castings. But her book wasn't strong enough. It is a
long process and patience is everything. It does take
time to develop a great book. Her agency is taking things
slow so she does not burn out, which is wonderful because
she is still in school. It does take a lot of dedication
to continue. But that is her choice to make. In the
meantime you still have to take care of yourself...
facials, regular exercise, healthy diet and a healthy
mind. It's a job before the job and there are no
guarantees. Dar
There are thousands of fake modeling and talent agencies and a relatively small handfull of real ones - especially in the state of Florida - so feel free to send an e mail with your name, stats and a small jpg photo or two and we will try to point you in the right direction.
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