MODEL ALERT!!
-All Races & Ethnic Backgrounds
-Both Women & Men
-Uniqueness of Style or Fashion
-All Sexual Orientations
-All Body Types & Sizes
-Any Consenting Age (16+)
Do you want to be a mainstream model?
Do you have what it takes?
*
*
*
*
*
Many pretty-in-person girls make terrible models and sometimes the plain Janes just take your breath away on film. It takes much more than just a pretty face and a slim figure to make it as a mainstream model. You need to have the total package, a mix of genetics and personality, in order to thrive in the modeling industry. So what traits does a successful model need to have? Some of the qualities of a mainstream model are obvious but the others may surprise you.
What is a mainstream model?
When we talk about making it as a mainstream model we are talking about the models you see in magazines and advertisements. There are specialty models, models with a specific look or talent, but that is not the type of model we are talking about here. Plus sized models, niche models, body part models and models with unique skills are some examples of specialty models but we want to tell you what agents look for in the average model. Have the right skills and personality and you just may be the next supermodel.
What is meant by “having good angles” or “knowing your angles?”
Often you’ll hear agents and photographers talking about “knowing your angles” and this is something that contributes to the next important trait that models must have; models must be photogenic. They must take a good picture. Even the prettiest girls can take terrible pictures and the reasons are simple. Some elements of being photogenic can be learned but many of them are at the mercy of genetics.
Knowing your angles, knowing how to pose and knowing how to hold a pose convincingly without looking strained are important and can all be learned. What can’t be learned is bone structure. Models almost always have very angular faces with strong yet balanced features. Symmetry is also important; most models have very symmetrical faces meaning one eye is not bigger or lower on the face than the other, the nose is centered on the face, the cheekbones are high and level and the jaw line is even. Ironically, angular faces are often considered odd looking in real life.
Other than the physical attributes what else makes for a good model?
The final thing agents look for is posture. Good posture is a modeling must as 70% of a models career is runway modeling. Unless you make it as a super-model, or build a less glamorous catalogue career, making it as a model will mean walking a runway. Good posture and a solid walk are essential modeling skills but they can be learned. If a girl fits the mold in every way but lacks good posture an agent may still sign her with the hope that she can learn to stand straight and walk tall. However, if a slouchy model doesn’t ever develop good posture she may find her career is cut short. For this reason having good posture from the get go is a definite bonus.
Understanding the world of mainstream modeling:
As with any job personality is important as well. An ideal model will have a strong sense of self with well developed self esteem and a resilient psychological make up. Modeling is stressful work and models are exposed to all sorts of potentially self destructive influences. Modeling is a glamorous life and with the glamour comes an element of risk. Models are at a very great risk for falling prey to the trappings of glamour; alcohol, drugs, late night partying and unhealthy dieting regimes are always around. It takes a girl of strong character to face these things without succumbing to the temptations. Do agents really look for strong and grounded personalities? Yes and no. While they won’t turn down a promising girl because she seems insecure or uncertain of herself they may take a not-quite-as-shining prospect because she does have the right personality.
*
*
*
*
*
Tips For Taking Good Pictures:
Step1: Be comfortable in your own skin. You don't have to be a model to take great pictures. Self-confidence shines through in photos, but so does insecurity. If you fold your arms a certain way, cover your mouth or look as if you're hiding something, then you won't look attractive.
Step2: Play up your assets. Models have flaws, but they learn how to work with them. Downplay yours by shifting the focus to your better features. If you've got great eyes, then make sure you don't squint. If you've got a long neck, then show it off. The point is to take whatever you've got and use it to your advantage.
Step3: Know your angles. You may actually have a "good side." Certain angles may appear more flattering than others. For instance, you don't want to tilt your head back too far or your nostrils will look huge. Play around with poses to see which ones you like best.
Step4:Shift your weight. Standing straight forward with your weight evenly distributed can make you look rigid or hefty in pictures. Turn your body to a slight angle or shift your weight to one side. It looks more natural and has a slimming effect. Celebrities demonstrate this often on the red carpet.
Step5: Practice in a mirror. This will help you to be more photogenic. You'll know how you look in every pose.
Step6: Develop a trigger to help you relax in front of the camera. Think of a happy experience or someone that makes you laugh. Saying "cheese" doesn't work for every one.
Step7: Think like a model. Make the poses you like the most second nature. Whenever you're in front of the camera, go into them automatically. Your pictures will come out great and people will think that you are naturally photogenic.
