



My Excellent SLR Photography for Beginners Course is Now Available through Nottingham Trent University. http://onlinestore.ntu.ac.uk/browse/extra_info.asp?compid=1&modid=5&prodid=237&deptid=18&catid=25
"How do models find work?"
There are many ways for models to secure work, but models will basically fall into one of two catagories. Models can either be signed to an agency or freelance, both have advantages and disadvantges.
Agency
If you sign to an agency they will look for work on your behalf, however they do not guarantee to find you work.
They will usually charge you a signing on fee, and take a proportion of your earnings as commission, they may let you provide your own portfolio but may insisit that you have a
portfolio shot with them. They will usually charge you for this, and will often keep the copyright so you cannot take the portolfio with you if you leave them.
Agencies will usually require you to sign an exclusivity agreement, preventing you from working for other agencies or finding your own work.
Freelance
As a freelance model you will need to find your own work. This may seem daunting but it needn't be with the right portfolio and support.
The advantages of this are that you are in control of your career and you keep all of your earnings with no commission to pay.
Securing Work
To work freelance or for an agency you will require a portfolio. If you want a good one you will have to pay for it. If you havent got a good one you will not secure paid work.
To work freelance you will also require.
Zed cards (A specific type of business card for models).
Advice and support on the best free websites for models to gain exposure and work.
You may fancy your own website. It can be done well on a very tight budget.
Things to be Wary of
Be wary of anyone wanting to charge you for a portfolio without offering you ongoing advice and support.
Be wary of anyone offering to shoot you a portfolio for free. Question - what is their motivation for doing this? At best they will not be professional and at worst, who knows?
Getting the tools you need to break into modeling?
Contact James Turner Photography to Start your career in Modeling Now!
"What is it like being a model?" Find Out!
"How much do models earn?" Find Out!
Clothes
Solid colours no floral prints
Make sure clothing fits
Make sure clothes are washed and ironed
Be aware of visible underwear VPL and textured bras
Nothing too trendy (it will date)
No jewellery (or very little)
For a basic portfolio you will need
A formal outfit - suit or similar
A casual outfit – jeans and T shirt or vest
An evening wear outfit –
A swimwear or underwear outfit - Unless you really are not comfortable with this.
Bring several outfits and we can choose the best. Make sure they are immaculate, clean and Ironed, and other than the casual outfit, showing no wear. Don’t bring hundreds or we’ll spend the whole session deciding.
Hair and Makeup
All shots should NOT have heavy makeup at least some shots should have minimal or no makeup. I would suggest come made up and do those shots first, then remove makeup.
Variety of hair styles should be used, again come with hair done and think about how to restyle.
Body
Drink lots of water for at least a few days before to ensure your skin is at its best. Get a good nights sleep on the nights building up to the shoot. DO NOT go out drinking for a couple of nights before and try to have no alcohol at all on the night before or the day itself. It is tempting to have a drink on the day to calm your nerves – it does not work and you will not look good on the photos.
Make sure fingernails, and hair are immaculate. Girls need to shave their legs and perhaps arms. Men should be clean shaven. Bring a tooth brush or eat and drink nothing but water between brushing teeth and the shoot. If you don’t usually use whitening toothpaste use it for a few days before.
Preparation
Look through magazines and select images you like, tear them out and bring them along. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time, don’t be late and don’t rush.