Information for models 2
see also:
Are you suited to being a model?
the modelling industry is quite diverse and caters for many types of body shapes, looks, attitudes and styles, but having said this, the mainstream commercial model industry is highly competitive and models will only succeed in that arena if they have certain characteristics that are in demand - just having classical good looks may not be enough - it all comes down to:
supply and demand
being in the right place at the right time, and,
knowing what you want and being assertive and confident enough to compete.
fortunately, there are quite a few other avenues for those who are not able to, or not suitable to succeeding in mainstream commercial modelling - see general information for models
for most, modelling will be a part-time venture which gives some additional pocket money while providing potentially unique experiences, giving oneself a sense of identity and self-esteem, and allowing your creative side to come out - all these help to keep you out of becoming stuck in a rut in life which is so easy to do in a 9-5 job. The experience is usually far more valuable than any income made.
while it usually does build up self-esteem and help to make you feel good and accept your body, models need to be fairly thick-skinned and realistic, and not take criticism too personally, no-one has a perfect body, and what may be suitable for one style may be totally unsuitable for other styles. You DO NOT need to be skinny, in fact, a healthy build is usually far better to photograph than a malnourished, sickly body - flexibility and a degree of muscle tone is usually far more important than being skinny.
What can you do to improve demand for your modelling?
firstly, there are some things you can't change:
your height:
for catwalk modelling or general commercial modelling you usually need to be 5'7" to 6' tall - many agencies won't even both interviewing you if you are shorter than this
for most other modelling you can get lots of work even if you are shorter than this, often models are better suited to swimwear and lingerie modelling if they are 5' to 5'7".
your body shape:
apart from the degree of fat you are carrying and the amount of toning in your muscles, the general shape of your body is determined by your genes.
for catwalk and fashion work, your body shape is important as it is required that clothing drapes you elegantly in an aesthetic manner.
obviously, for swimwear, you need a body that looks good in a bikini.
for lingerie work, it is often more forgiving as there is usually more opportunities for selecting the clothing, accessories, lighting that will hide areas that are not regarded as being aesthetic.
for alternative culture, almost any body type can be adapted.
the shape and features of your face:
there are features of a face that make it "classically beautiful" and thus easily photogenic in most lighting situations - these features are based on symmetry and ideal proportions.
you don't have to have a classical face and indeed for many purposes, a different look is what is needed.
your age:
most successful commercial models are 16-25 years old - they only have a short period between pimples and wrinkles so if you are keen, don't waste time!
internet modelling can go from 16 to 35 years old or so, but work often declines once you reach the 30's as your skin ages
what can we change?
body weight:
in general, a healthy body weight will get you more work, that means a body mass index of 18-25
body mass index = weight in kg / (height in metres)2
at all cost, AVOID changing body weight - rapid weight gains will risk stretch marks while weight loss leads to wrinkles.
facial shape:
during the years of 5-8 yrs of age, some children who snore a lot and mouth breathe as a result of large tonsils and adenoids will develop an elongated face which becomes permanent - if your child has obstructive breathing then an ENT surgeon may consider that there are good reasons (other than just cosmetic) to remove them.
orthodontic treatment is a godsend for those without a good smile, but beware it may run the risk of changing the facial shape to a broader jaw.
skin:
a blemish free skin is ideal for modelling but rarely attained so don't get too worried about minor problems which can be Photoshopped out, or hidden by shadows, clothing, accessories or hands.
prevent skin ageing and freckles by avoiding UV light - either sunlight or solariums - this is the number one cause by far of skin damage (also avoid cigarette smoking as this too increases ageing by reducing blood flow to the skin)
consider getting a referral early to a dermatologist if you have chronic skin conditions as some can be treated before scaring takes place:
acne - you really need to get this controlled early to avoid scars
keratosis pilaris rubora - what the heck is this?? well, many adolescents have rough areas on the cheeks and backs of upper arms which become bright red at times - this is presumably a genetic-based disorder, but fortunately can be easily treated by usually one treatment with a special laser - this will cause temporary bruising for a couple of weeks.
eczema - if you are prone to eczema then keep it under control with moisturisers, etc and avoid the many things that will make it worse such as sand, long baths, certain cosmetics.
dry skin - this is especially a problem on heels, knees and elbows - keep on top of it
avoid body piercings and tattoos as these may limit your demand, although if you just want to do alternative culture work then obviously these may be required.
avoid risking trauma that will cause scarring
avoid rapid weight gain, especially during puberty or pregnancy as this will risk stretch marks.
drink plenty of water and get lots of sleep
tan lines should be minimal for swimwear/lingerie work and non-existent for most artistic nude work.
see http://www.pbase.com/tjmartin/skincare for more information on skin care
hair:
healthy looking hair is usually very important - avoid it getting a dried out look by avoiding excessive hair colours/bleaches.
your attitude and psyche:
you need to develop a self-confidence with your body and know that you will look good - that doesn't stop a photographer making you look not so good, but that is life when one is experimenting with lighting techniques and not your fault.
for example, if you want to look sexy you have to think you are sexy.
you need to have a positive attitude and it helps if you portray yourself as reliable, responsible but easy going, fun loving, etc rather than a difficult to work with, fussy, model.
pay attention to your own security - prevent a bad experience which will dampen or end your confidence &/or career.
see also body image
your modelling skills:
learn what poses and expressions look good for you, but always be prepared to try something different
some tips:
avoid showing bottoms of shoes or feet
when showing feet, usually they should be tiptoe posture to show them off aesthetically and give tone to the calf muscles
check basic rules of composition to see what works
pay attention to small details such as stray hairs, unwanted skin creases from posture effects - don't just assume the photographer is willing to spend hours Photoshopping each image - try to get it perfect to start with - a stylist or photographer should be helping you out here.
browse the internet modelling sites for photos to get ideas on poses and styles
learn what colours suit your skin type:
actual colour of makeup & wardrobe depends on model's skin/hair/eye type to ensure they are complementary, here are some suggestions to start with:
skin type A:
characteristics:
brunette, black or grey hair with either pale pink, beige, olive or black skin
colours:
wear bright, vivid blue-based tones, can wear black, white or blue-red tones
avoid beige, cream lingerie
best makeup colours are dark pinks/plums, true red for lips, with burgundy or plum blush
skin type B:
characteristics:
platinum or ash blond, auburn, blue grey or pearl white hair with pale beige, rosy beige or rosy brown skin with mid to light coloured eyes
colours:
blue, rose or grey toned lingerie
cool palettes such as soft blue, navy, rose pink, lavender, & plum shades
best makeup colours are light pink/rose on lips, with rose/pink blush
skin type C:
characteristics:
red, auburn, red/gold brown, charcoal/black hair with ivory, peach, golden beige/brown skin
colours:
wear beige/ivory & gold-toned such as shimmering gold, gold-red
avoid blue-reds
best makeup colours are earthy oranges or red on lips with dark peach blush
skin type D:
characteristics:
yellow or strawberry blonde, red blonde/auburn hair with ivory, peach or golden beige/brown skin and blue or green eyes
colours:
wear peach/pink or bright blue. eg. coral peach or pinks
avoid icy or cool reds and blues
best makeup colours are light peach, coral, or coral pink on lips, with peach blush.
see also color theory:
primary colors = red, blue and yellow
secondary colors = equal mix of 2 primary colors = purple, orange and green;
complimentary colors are those opposite each other on the color wheel
triad colors are the dominant with the two colors adjacent the dominant's complementary color.
natural color harmony - color combinations as they appear in nature tend to be harmonious.
color theory applied to choosing clothes and accessories:
Determine the base color of your clothing, even if it appears grey or is patterned. This is the dominant color.
for bold statements consider using either:
dominant with its complementary colour eg. red with green; purple with yellow; orange with blue;
dominant with two triad colours eg. purple with orange and green;
for more subtle statements, consider using dominant colour with one triad color eg. purple with orange or green;
remember, gold jewellery equates to yellow; silver equates to blue;
your personal makeup:
it is useful to develop skills in make up so that you can market yourself to photographers who cannot afford to pay for an additional makeup artist.
most models benefit photographically by at least some makeup to assist with smoothing skin, hiding blemishes, highlighting bone structure, lips and eyes.
photographic makeup is quite different to either street makeup or the more dramatic high-fashion or stage makeup as it usually needs to be generally subtle and flattering, and almost never over-done or cheap-looking.
basic areas of photographic makeup include:
eyebrow stray hair removal
base & foundation
contouring & highlighting
eyebrows
eyes - consider Visine if bloodshot eyes;
lips - lipstick is usually the last of the face makeup to be applied; colour the outlines with a pencil one shade darker than the lipstick. Apply a gloss. Drink through a straw to avoid having to do a full re-application.
hair:
hair should be free-flowing and fluffy, not too stiff
touch-up
your wardrobe:
having a reasonable range of wardrobe makes it easier to get more work, most internet photographers are not in a position to provide you with clothing.
in general, avoid stockings that are too dark. For lingerie work, they should be matte-finished & skin-toned. Avoid shiny nylons.
make sure wardrobe fits correctly & doesn't overpower.
be alert to clothing that could seem ridiculous or cheap-looking.
watch for a garment or jewellery that pinches.
avoid wearing clothes that are too tight if you will be needing to show some skin as skin marks take time to fade.
your creativeness:
as you develop, you can use your own inspirations to assist in the photographic process
always keep an eye out for ideas and when work is slow, use these as a starting point to get interest from photographers.
marketing:
visibility - ensure you enrol your portfolio on a few modelling websites
reputation - ensure that in all your dealings you portray yourself positively - its a small world a negative news gets around fast, above all, be reliable - photoshoots can cost photographers hundreds or even thousands of dollars, they can't afford to lose money on an unreliable model.
sell yourself - this is primarily with your portfolio - ensure it sells your good points and show that you can be classy, charming, friendly, good-looking and/or sexy but avoid looking cheap and tarty as this will generally devalue you unless you are targeting the adult industry.
network - get to know other models, makeup artists and photographers
Some beauty tips from the model forums - I take no responsibility!:
1. Wash your hands after applying spray
tan
2.Exfoliate your body before applying spray tan - and use lotion BEFORE you
apply the tan. Wait for it to dry, then apply the fake tan. It will look a lot
more even that way.
3. Do not use an unfamiliar hair colour 2 days before an important date--no
matter HOW good the advertisement makes it sound. . They tell you to test
at-home hair colour for a reason
4. Leaving a home perm on longer will NOT make it work better
5. Never attempt to cut your own hair while crying over the results of a home
perm. Lopsided hair is NOT attractive
6. Melted Vasoline is not the same thing as VO5 hot-oil conditioner
7 . Do not remove your acrylic nails by pulling them off
8. Never fall asleep with gum in your mouth----it will end up in your hair
9.. The only part of an eyebrow that grows more sparsely after waxing is the
part that you actually want, that you accidentally waxed off one time. The
straggly hairs you repeatedly attempt to wax away will return thicker and
coarser with every waxing, just like weeds.
10. Cut the tags off your underwear. White tags sticking out spoils a nice
lingerie shoot..
11. If you are repairing your shoes with the emergency superglue, take the shoe
off first, cos it really hurts being stuck
12. Don't try to dry outfits in the microwave, especially if they have sequins
on them.. the resulting fire can damage the microwave
13 Drawing on your skin with glow in the dark or permanent markers is not a good
idea the day before work (or drunk). They take several days to wear off
14. Glitter gel or makeup never goes away. It will even end up on your cat
16. In an emergency, perfume is not a good alternative to breath freshener
15. And above all, no matter how much you think you need to lose weight, do not
- I repeat DO NOT - go to step aerobics drunk.
16. Never put hair ties around your
wrists.
17. Don't pluck eyebrows from the top.
18. Never use Nar on your face.
19. Don't shave your legs on the day of the shoot, or wax or shave any other
part of your body on the day of your shoot.
20. be very careful using fake rub on or spray on tan! only use a product that you know looks good on you. Consider Garnier spray tan.
21. Wait at least 5minutes after
applying moisturiser, before you you put your foundation on, otherwise it will
get oily very fast, and slip off your face
22. Never pick at ingrown hairs, they will leave nasty scars... any deep wound
or a wound that takes more than 2 weeks to heal will leave a scar - so
repeatedly picking at an ingrown hair or pimple will increase the likelihood of
a scar. Get the hair removed as soon as possible with the least trauma - try to
minimise them occurring is even better - regular exfoliation after
waxing/shaving may be useful.
23. If using a product on your face, and you find it STINGS LIKE HELL, please
note, this is NOT the product working!
24. It it says do not leave on longer than 10 minutes they do mean it
25. Cheap products with good marketing will cost you in the end...
26. Expensive products are often not the best products!
27. Don't believe that any creme/lotion will work on getting rid of cellulite - this is due to fat tethered by fibrous bands so skin products will not help - try to reduce the amount of fat in that region by exercise.
28. Never do your make up in the dark.
29. Avoid that "spiders legs with boxing gloves on" look by not applying 37 layers of mascara.
30. If you have pale skin all over and use a foundation 5 times darker than your natural colour- you will look like a munchkin who has holidayed in the Bahamas in a ski suit.
31. when using grease to get the dirty garage look in photos - use babyoil first - grease on dry skin is very hard to get off - grease on baby oiled skin comes off easily with a dry rag.