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“You know, I love modeling. I’d like to do this forever. When I’m 30, I hope I’m still modeling,” ~ Derek Zoolander, Int’l Male Supermodel, 2001
Ah, the internet – a place that tells you all your dreams can come true while simultaneously crushing them and your self-esteem ...
Not many know that I actually started out ‘modeling.’ Did I
get famous? No. Was I on my way to being famous? Also ... no. Was I any good at
it? So, not really, but ... that’s not why I am here.
As I am writing this, I totally feel like that 90-year old war hero sitting on
his front porch, regaling anyone who will listen with adventurous tales of his
youth ... the only difference is I’m not 90, the most adventurous part of my
youth was spent raising my daughter and I’m just here to pass along some –
hopefully - helpful tips for aspiring models – time for print (TFP) or otherwise.
When I thought I wanted to be a model, the entertainment industry climate was
much different. There was a lot of
footwork because you had to physically ‘go-see’ potential clients in person to
see if they wanted to hire you for a job/modeling gig. Agents had look-books,
models had compcards/zedcards which were basically their mini-portfolios –
which cost some money. And if you planned to submit your photos to an agency,
you had to physically mail a packet to them and wait until you either get a
phone call or that rejection letter along with your returned packet.
Now, we have the internet, digital submissions, photographers who are willing
to work for trade and digital compcards and portfolios – although we call them
Instagram, Wordpress and Wix.
Over the last year, I have been working with a lot of models
for projects of my own on a TFP basis. I have noticed that a lot of models
probably don’t know a thing or two about a thing or two because ... most
photographers have only been on one side of the lens. That is not meant to
offend, it’s just a reality. So, they can’t really give advice on the hustle if
they have never been a part of it.
So, I am going to list a few tips and things to ponder for new and even
experienced models – and even photographers who genuinely want to help those
aspiring to be and do more than time for print. Or even if anyone just wants to collab as an
art/project model because they have their dream job already, some of this info
will help everyone on both sides.
First and foremost, I’m gonna put this out there: MODELS – get yourself a “Go-Bag.”
This is a bag of necessities you bring with you to every shoot. It should have bobby
pins, safety pins, portable mini sewing kit, brush, hair product, lotion, make-up,
accessories, extra shoes, nude hose, convertible bra in nude and black, panties/thong
in nude and black, scissors, a regular sized mirror (like, notebook paper sized
or smaller, unless your session is in a studio with a mirror) ... wardrobe tape, boobie/nipple tape, and
bandaids. Plus ... an extra outfit or choices/accessories if it’s not provided
for you. Back in the day, I carried a few compcards with me, but that’s
probably not a thing now.
As a photographer, I have my own ‘Go-Bag’ and it includes some of those items, mainly
the hardware like scissors and small tools and pins. However, not everyone is
like me and all models should be prepared. Photographers should probably also
add a few things to their carry-along items just in case – it really is helpful.
You may never need it, but the one time you don’t have things, you’re going to
need them.
I know because I’ve been there. Recently.
If there is nothing else you get from this, then at least take the go-bag seriously.
I used to carry my stuff in a carry-on bag/rolling suitcase. These days, I roll
my equipment around in a “mommy-wagon” and includes extras like accessories and
sometimes wardrobe options.
You know, like a mom ...
This one may hurt someone’s feelings, but just know this hit me too – dress for
your body-type. I wish there had been someone checking me when I showed up
looking like a busted can of biscuits the times I shoe-horned myself into
outfits that did NOT fit or look right on me. But people are too nice – me included.
We can be chic and modern at any age, but at 48 I’m not going to be wearing something
someone in their 20s would wear. Sure, it may look okay, but it won’t make me
look like I’m in my 20s. I will just look like a 48-year-old trying to look
like she’s in her 20s. (This does not apply to cosplay/costumes.) We always
talk about men aging like fine wine and other bullshit, but women ... we
majorly glow-up as we age. That’s not to say don’t wear sexy clothes. I like to
think of it as finding a way to make clothing sexy.
Plus, no one wants to look like they are competing with their younger counterparts.
Speaking of – the above can also be applied to young models, too.
Expressions – practice and use them. Modeling is acting, too.
Unless you have perky boobies or no boobies, wear a bra or boobie
tape those bitches into an attractive place so they do not reach your belly
button when you sit down or create a knuckle-effect in your armpit. (Don’t act
like you don’t know what I’m talking about, if I see it, you know you’ve seen
it.) Contrary to what anyone may think, I do not like the extra work in
photoshop but I do it because if you don’t look good, neither do I.
Learn to do your own make-up or invest in getting it done professionally on the
day of the shoot. Even a TFP shoot requires some investment as a model –
whether it’s an outfit, accessories or making sure your face looks flawless. Same
with your hair. If you can make a wig or hairpiece work – great. But trust me,
a wig will always look like a wig.
This one is basically good etiquette – never contact a photographer for free
pics (TFP). If they are interested, they will contact you. If you are not sure
that they are not sure that you are interested, leave a passive-aggressive “wow,
I really love your work” comment on one of their photos/timelines, etc. If they
reply with interest, awesome. Not every photographer has a project that fits
just anyone, and no one wants to look like or be the asshole. If they don’t hit
you back with a “would love to shoot you sometime,” don’t take it personal. A lot of us are just waiting for the right project to come along that you may be a good fit for - and some are just not interested.
Honestly, I have never asked a photographer to photograph me TFP because my
pride wouldn’t let me. If they made a request but never followed up to
schedule, I didn’t follow up. However, when I was going on auditions for movies/television,
I got rejected 99% of the time and I couldn’t take it personal. If I did, I’d
have zero self-esteem. You can’t control other people’s visions the same way
they can’t control yours.
Be picky. You don’t have to do all the TFP for “experience.” I’d
like to say the same to photographer’s, too. Don’t feel pressured to post any
photos that do not show you at your best because you dislike hurting someone’s
feelings – photographers don’t consider feelings when posting our work.
However, just know that if you don’t look good, we don’t look good.
That said, models feel free to be honest with photographers up front about things
you notice in your photos that they may not. Like, under eye bags, stretch
marks and acne (scars or otherwise). Sometimes we don’t notice those things
because we see y’all as a total package. At least I do. However, as a female, I
do notice things and touch them up as I see them. Sometimes I go nuts, other
times I go easy. Because I photograph and edit the way I want to be
photographed and edited.
If you are not picky, you will end up working with a photographer who wants to body
paint your semi-nude body into a painted canvased backdrop and then pray to baby
Jesus those photos don’t end up online if you do, in fact, become famous.
Not that I would know anything about that ... but I digress.
Now, here are some other things to consider:
1. For legit paying gigs that will result in portfolio building tear sheets
(which is what every professional model wants), you will need agency
representation.
2. Not everyone will make it as a model in the industry, but everyone can be a model for the right project.
3. Find a niche. Work it.
4. Photographers are not model managers.
5. Not everyone will want to work with everyone.
About 20 years ago, I had a pretty well-known entertainment
manager lay some hard truths on me about the industry and my chances of
becoming part of it. Nothing about my looks or talent, and I didn’t take it
personal because I’m a reasonable girl and I knew he was right. If I had to
give anyone any advice at all, it would be to figure out if you want this as a
career or a hobby and work towards that in the smartest way possible.
And most importantly, have fun with it and don’t give up. Maybe you might not ‘make
it’ in the way you imagined, but you may surprise yourself by creating success
in a different aspect of the industry.
