Headshots are important for every model portfolio
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  Michael
of Michael Norman Photography, and Kerry have teamed up for our
"Modeling advice" column. They augment each other very well with a
realistic business approach to the modeling business. They provide
a unique and professional view for new and experienced models alike.
We are Under Construction
Modeling Advice
Column
was started to help you find out more about
modeling. I hope through education you will have a positive experience
in pursuing your dream and will be able to avoid the scams and rip-offs
that are everywhere in the modeling industry.
While being a modeling scene magazine we believe part of our
responsibility is to protect our readers from "rip-offs" "Scams" and
non productive programs. The advice in our publication is based on
industry experience from several angles. Our angle looks at the
industry as a publisher, photographer, former and current models.
We are here to have a reader base and assist you "the model" reach your
desired goals.
Some of our
responses may seem harsh or sometimes rude, that is not our intent.
We reply and with modeling advice as we see it. The modeling world
is a fierce competitive industry and sometimes not for the faint of
heart. We would much rather hurt a feeling or two than you our
reader losing large amounts of money or even worse, compromising your
safety.
A few rules that our Staff "Lives by":
- If an "agent" is requiring you to pay money (minus a processing
fee 50.00-100.00) you might want to "relook" or at least be a
skeptic. We have considered a portfolio and submission service
and we have projected with staffing at $150.00 is a decent profit
margin being all inclusive. A modeling agency requiring
hundreds even thousands of dollars is not an "investment in your
future" it is possibly robbing you of one.
- If a photographer, agent so on, continue to try to get you
naked. In our experience "spec shots" are done in 2 piece swim
suit or bra and panties to see skin tone so on. There is no
need to get "Naked" unless you are interested in porn or artistic
nude modeling. Yes, sexy sells and we produce "pinup"
Calendars and such. Lingerie and boudoir modeling is
marketable, that is part of the retail business. Macys
advertisements have lingerie models in my Sunday paper. Taco
Bell's new "Black Taco" commercial is hot and sexy too but not naked.
- If an agent is promising fame fortune and it sounds to good to
be true it probably is.
- If you have to pay to register for a "project" think about it!
Yes, we have projects and models do not pay for anything.
Individual merchandise models receive 30% of the profits!
- If a local agency is going to "train you" to become the next
"super model" ask them for their success stories and email their
models.
- It is very easy to fall in love with hearing what you
want to hear.
- Modeling is allot of hard work, dedication, perseverance and
discipline. Competition is immense like no other industry! No
one can make you an 'instant star" this is not oatmeal.
- Agencies that promise to get you discovered, look at their
business model on how. The two main ways you are ever going to
get discovered in the modeling business is: Networking with
legitimate people in the business, Publication which normally
leads to more networking, a reason "Top Local Model Magazine"
started. Of course "Luck" you always need it but relying on it
is like playing the lotto to buy groceries.
- We gain nothing by advising you to do something that would deter
your modeling career. We want everyone to be successful.
- 99% of all models fail to become "super models". Know what
it takes to be in the fashion, retail modeling business. I
always wanted to be a fighter pilot but not having 20/20 vision, I
did not have the god given tools. I did join the military and
had a rewarding career and retired after 20 years of service.
- Modeling is a business, remember no matter how small or big the
job is, it is all about the client. The client has a vision of
how they want their product projected. Fulfill that
vision. One of the best pieces of advice I received as a
photographer is; "it does not matter what you think, It matters what
the customer thinks he is paying the bills. Mike, if you want
to be a starving artist you will! Do that stuff on your own
time" ~Stephen Eastwood
- Chase your dream! Work hard and You make it happen! Be
realistic! You
will hear "No" and doors will get closed in your face. Prepare
for and learn from it and don't get discouraged.
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We will help with modeling advice. If
you have the question thousands of others normally do to. Let
us publish it so everyone can learn from it.
Have questions? email us at:
Modelingadvice@TopLocalModels.com
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