Georgia Model Portfolio Photographer Athens Atlanta modeling new models getting started

What are you going to do about it?

First off, I know just a little about the industry so keep that in mind as you read this. I have been a part of the process of getting several new models signed to real, well-known agencies and I've even "discovered" one pretty well known fashion model whose life dream of being a professional model in NY I was able to help fulfill. However, this experience doesn't qualify me to be your only source of information and I urge extreme caution when anyone tries to be your exclusive source of information; the information is constantly changing and it is your job to keep yourself informed if you want to be in this game.

That said, the little I do know is here for your use because I get asked the same questions or have the same discussions on a regular basis. Hopefully, this will help someone.

Here we go:

Being a model is not easy. The real, signed models I have met are all amazing people. The young ones (15-18) are professional, driven, dependable, hard working - opposite to the characteristics of the average teenager. More mature models usually have degrees, that's right, they finished school! A huge myth is that models sit around looking pretty, being catered to and doing nothing. Get that out of your head now, it's crap. Successful models are business minded people who are competitive and strong, polite and receptive and they do not have an easy job. If you're looking for a career where you can do very little and get paid a lot this really isn't for you. Modeling requires long hours, physical endurance, a great attitude and lots of networking.

Modeling does not come naturally. The poses that grace the pages of the best mags look great but get in front of a mirror and try to hold one. It's not comfortable and they sometimes hurt. Practice, practice, practice. Perception is reality in the world of modeling.

Mirror, Mirror, on the wall...

There are two sides of the coin regarding portfolios but either way having pictures does not make you a model...especially webcam pics. Most agencies prefer to sign new models who have something to start their book (portfolio) with. In Fashion markets, like NY, good clean snapshots are all they really want to see. Show them what you look like with little or no makeup and definitely keep it simple. Show your full length and some close ups. For commercial markets like Atlanta it is a little different. The budgets that agencies work with here is much tighter so they prefer to see a little more progress in a potential model's book because this means they have to invest less time/money to get her working.

It is very important to have someone familiar with agencies go over your images with you before you put them in your book, one bad shot can literally be a deal breaker. Be honest about your pics, do your eyes look small? Lips look thin? Chin or jaw look weak? Neck short? Seeing any of these common photographic errors will be a huge negative in the eyes of an agency rep.

Agency reps are never impressed with pictures that are heavily manipulated; anything airbrushed or filtered with programs is very obvious to the trained eye and will immediately become a liability to your portfolio. When you're starting off just make sure your pics look real if you want them to be taken seriously. Amateur, juvenile and non-flattering pictures will do more harm than good so if you don't have the blingage to get started try contacting some real photographers and inquire about doing a test, a trade or TFP. Your first few shoots don't have to cost you anything because there are lots of new photogs in the same situation you are in, just make sure you see some work in their book that is applicable to your target market. Finally, once you have some pictures don't make the mistake of thinking you're a model unless your only goal is to have some pictures of yourself. A model gets paid to shoot.

I GOT SIGNED!!!! YAAAAAA!

That's great and it's a huge accomplishment but getting signed doesn't mean you'll be on the cover of French Vogue next month, sorry. Usually, getting signed is just the start of a long process (test shoots, meeting bookers, getting comps made, doing go-sees). Again, there are exceptions but they are rare. One of two things will determine the pace of your climb - 1. Your look. If it's hot there's no stopping you. 2. Your desire. If you love modeling let it show, be glad to work with people, take opportunity and run with it. Nothing will kill your chances faster than complacency so be aggressive but always mind your manners!

Hope this helps, good luck!
Eric K.