GETTING STARTED

What I wish I would have known before I got into modeling. The secrets to success for models that photographers will never tell you.

- Laura Leighton

One of the reasons new models have trouble finding paid jobs is that they don’t have a broad spectrum portfolio or even no port at all. They rely on selfies and amatuer snapshots in the vain hope that someone willing to pay money will risk their investiment on a pure first time amatuer model that has nothing more to offer than a cell phone selfie. Naturally, that isn’t very likely. It also says you aren’t serious about modeling if you don’t spend some money to invest in a good portfolio. Some models may find photographers willing to work with them on TFP (trade for print) arrangements. That's ok if you just want to get your feet wet and get comfortable when first starting out. But that will rarely if ever do anything to advance your career and the work is usually subpar in the professional world of modeling. Rarely will any real professional photographer offer 'free' work as their time and expertise is extremely valuable. One standard professional portfolio shoot with an agency is usually around $750-$1800 and that's for the basics like headshots. If you get an opportunity to work with a very good professional photographer---don’t waste it! Good modeling phographers especially those that can train and direct are hard to come byversus photographers that are purely amateur. Wardrobe testing is a rare opportunity. Some agencies will cover part of the cost of a shoot for those with professional photographers.

The absolute best investment you can make is TRAINING and professional portfolio work. Good training such as with an agency like Ford Models or full spectrum ports can cost upwards to $5,000.00 or more. They require multiple settings, studio (or makeshift studio), multiple outdoor (day/night, park/city, etc.) and multiple shoots. The post production work (PhotoShop, Lightroom, etc) can take days and even weeks. This is why top level ports don’t come cheap. If you find a photographer that can train models especially in Editorial Fashioin it's huge plus---the are in the Top 1% - work with them! You may need to pay extra but if you are just starting out and don’t have the money then ask them if there is anything else you can do for them. Offer any kind of shoot they want for their extra work in return. Remember, they won’t ask you! You need to be specific in your offers. Ask them if they would like a different type of fashion, lingerie/boudoir, swimsuit, covered/implied nude, or nude etc. Those probably aren’t hard to come by for the photographer as they are some of the most requested and paid for shoots by models and non-models alike, but it is harder to find models that can do it well and are willing to go the extra mile to do great work in those areas. Remember, a photographer can help change the course of your entire career or life---don't be shy about offering whatever you can that they may want! But just do what you think you are comfortable with. In my career, I offered anything they were looking for with no limits and it paid off! I got a much broader portfolio at very little cost. Did I have to step out of my comfort zone at first a bit---yes. We all do. But I ended up enjoying that time of modeling more than any in my career! I was nervous but it was exciting and fun!

Versitility: A Diverse Portfoloi - Irina Shayk

I remember being overlooked for jobs when I really thought I would get. I finally asked someone to please be honest and tell me why I didn't get the gig when I thought I had a great sample portfolio. The hiring agent was polite and basically said, "You've got some beautiful photos, yes. But this shoot is more edgy and has some covered nude and even if you say you are comfortable with that, saying it and being it are two different things. If you had even submitted some private photos of covered or implied nude not in your public portfolio we would not have worried that this was your first time and whether you would be natural during the shoot." I was always more conservative but I don't mind covered nudes (just want to leave a bit to the imagination--besides, they airbrush everything!) but I didn't realize that when it comes to landing work, if you don't have it in your port, the girl who has it will probably get it even if you think you are the better choice. It goes for all types even body parts such as hand modeling not just goth or lingerie. In fact, even if the job posts for goth but you show DIVERSITY that you are not just a one or two dimensional model and you have full spectrum you will be pushed to the front of the line more often than not! The key here is to keep the more edgy photos PRIVATE. Do not go for cheap social media attention as that is what millions of amateurs do. Don't even show friends and family members certain photos as you never know down the road how those may get out or come back on you. Only professionals.

If you are really conservative and just starting out and not used to showing 'skin' then ASK your photographer what you can do to appear more edgy and still leaving something to the imagination. If you are honest and forward you they will help you achieve what you want and you won't have to stretch your comfort level so far. Start with swimwear and maybe some sheer lingerie if you aren't ready for full nudes. Also try more edgy open or power poses with a bodysuit or something similar.