By Michele Smith
Facebook – MicheleSmithMarketing
There are many myths when it comes to actually having a modeling career, from being rail thin to the requirement of having professional photos. While most modeling agencies will accept photos from men and women with all shapes and sizes, below are a couple of tips to get an “in” with an agency and debunk typical myths at the same time.
Is a certain height/weight/age key?
The answer to this question is yes and no. While most agencies will accept photos/submissions from all types, most agencies want women age 24 and under at 5’8, and men at least age 15 and 5’11. There are exceptions to these rules and there also isn’t a weight requirement. The odds are against you though when it does come to the height requirement.
Are scars a preventative factor?
The real question is where the scar is located and can it be covered up with makeup. Many photographers are also able to Photoshop any unsightly scars. At the end of the day, a scar is not going to make or break a potential modeling career. Many models have scars and are heavily booked.
Do I need to have professional headshots?
Professional headshots are great and a model-to-be should definitely have these on hand. The inside scoop from the modeling agencies however is that they really want to see natural, non-professional photos. Anyone can cake on makeup and have a photographer Photoshop someone until they look absolutely flawless. However this doesn’t mean send in pictures featuring you drinking at Mardi Gras either. Use your regular camera outdoors in natural light, wearing little to no makeup, natural hair and by all means does not make the instinctual mistake of tilting your head ¾ to the camera as everyone looks good at this angle. This means submitted shots straight on, direct side profile and full body as well. Last, if you are submitting via email, do not send files that are so high in resolution that you may crash one’s computer. This typically makes agents cranky and don’t count on them to pull images from a flash drive either.
What are some common mistakes made by aspiring models?
Here is the in on what not to do. If an agency says, “no”, no means no. This does not mean showing back up at the agency four times within the same month, as this is disrespectable to the agent’s time and chances are you are not going to get a “yes” if you keep showing up. The bottom line is that you want an agency who wants to work with you. Another common mistake is that many aspiring models are taken advantage of. All reputable agencies do not require any amount of money up front. The chance to get discovered is actually free.
What are the most important last tips to consider?
Do not be on time to agency appointments – be at least 15 minutes early. Also, always have your photos on hand and comp cards. Additionally, you should do your due diligence first and research if an agency is only looking for models that are 5 ’11 do not show up to a call if you are 5’4. Most importantly, do not show up to a call making an absurd fashion statement, wear something simple. Last but not least, send a simple thank you note with your comp card providing it is not a large file.
