Steps to Modeling a chapter from my book ACTING 101, The How to guide for beginning Actors

The Steps to Modeling

PRINT WORK

Many people dream of becoming a model but not many know the steps to take for getting into it. Many people make the mistake of enrolling into expensive schools, which can be very costly, and produce disappointing results.

The steps to becoming a model aren’t really that much different from becoming an actor. Understand that nothing is promised, and nothing is ever guaranteed, but the difference in following the steps in my book, and going to some school that’s going to drain your bank account is spending way less.

Because it is a business there are so called agents out there that prey on people who want to become Actors and/or models. They often advertise on the radio that they will be in the area for only a limited time, and that they are looking to sign local talent to a contract. They state that they are looking for all shapes and sizes, as well as ages and that there is no cost. Others advertise that they can train you to work in the entertainment industry, and start you to work in no time. The catch is that you pay hundreds to thousands of dollars only to be given a lot of empty promises.

Understand that all agencies are out to make money, and rightly so, any business needs money in order to survive. But there is a difference between a legitimate agency who has your best interest at hand as well as there own, and one that’s only trying to fill their pockets.

With this information, I will show you the simple steps of breaking into the business without giving up your life savings doing it.

Step One: Hire a Professional Photographer

If acting is not your thing and you totally skipped the actor portion of the book to come straight back to the model portion, I’m going to repeat myself.

Step one: hire a professional photographer, and no, your grandma’s Polaroid won’t cut it, and neither will your best friends disposals. It does not matter that your Uncle has the latest state of the art digital what ever, I say again, you need to hire a professional photographer, one that specializes in entertainment photography. Glamour Shots and Olan Mills are not an option because their photos have a copyright and cannot be legally duplicated. It’s even worse to use snapshots from home because of their poor quality and, oh yeah, once again they SCREAM amateur.

You will also need to bring several different sets of attire. The photographer is going to take hundreds of photographs, the last thing you need is hundreds of photos with you in the same outfit. That would be a waste of time and money.

Agencies want to see you in different types of clothing, so you want to compose a different number of looks, such as Casual, business casual, swim wear, and underwear Modeling is more than just walking the run way. Models do a lot of print work as well. When you consider the hundreds of catalogs out there, (JC Penny’s, Sears, Macy’s,) not to mention all the stores in the malls, and mall outlets, there are dozens of looks to consider. At least one of them is you.

If you’re athletically built, then perhaps you could model for Sports Authority, let’s face it, the person that models for Gap won’t be the person that models golf wear.

Step Two: Composite Shots

(What is the difference between a composite shot and a head shot?)

Your photographer is most likely capable of putting together the composite for you. A professional is well aware of what you need and therefore may include this in their packet, or bill your separately as an additional service at extra cost. If not then you may take your photos to ‘Photo Scan’ in Orlando. This is the best and most reliable place to get duplications of your composites, and they are reasonably priced.

 Photo Scan is located at 646 Bryn Mawr St. the number to call is (407) 839-5029, from Hwy 50 drive north on Edge Water Dr., then take a right on Bryn Mawr Street. Their hours are 10:00 am to 5:00 p.m.

Step Three: Find an Agent

Here is the most important thing you need to know about model agencies. A legitimate agency never requires money up front. Instead they get paid when you get paid, and it’s only 20%. You keep 80%.

The way it works is you bring 20 Composites with stats attached. If they require you to sign a two-year contract, be sure that it is a non-exclusive contract.

In the appendix I have listed some of the most reliable as well as legitimate talent agencies in Florida. They will call you when someone seeks your talent. It is up to you whether or not you want to take the job, but if you decide to take the job, you must be reliable. Show up for your call time on time, do what is lawfully asked of you while on set, and pay the agency their 20% on time.

Photo Tips:

The first tip I’m going to give you is simple, be on time. The photographer has other appointments, and running behind on your schedule is going to cause him /her to run behind on other clients. If you are going to be late at least have the courtesy to call him/her and let them know. If at all possible, please try to arrive early.

Here are some bullet points to get you started:

·         Meet with your photographer prior to your session to discuss problems you’ve had with other photographers, and also to discuss wardrobe, and different types, or looks you may want to portray, especially if you’re doing composites.

·         If you’re getting headshots, try not to draw attention away from your face by wearing patterns.

·         If you have small children with you, please make arrangements for someone to keep watch over them. Since Florida is such a family attraction, you may want to include them in your photo.

·         Please don’t bring anyone or anything that may be a distraction.

·         Please bring your clothes clean, ironed, and on hangers.

·         Arrive with a clean face if you are having your make up done at the studio, this includes mascara.

·         If you’re doing your own makeup arrive early with everything you need such as hairspray, powder or anything you may need.

·         Please do not show up with your hair wet or dirty.

·         If you have pierced ears studs are best for headshots, for composites you can wear pretty much anything.

·         Arriving in a ponytail can be a bad idea since combing out the kinks may take time.

·         If it matters to you, bring your own music.

·         If you have any special request such as a rush on proofs or prints, let your photographer know ahead of time so that he/she can accommodate you.

·         If you are taking photos for composites and your photographer is able to do this make sure that you do not place the same look in all three photos, remember you want different looks: business, business casual, swim suit, etc.

·         Second most important even though I saved it for last, get a good nights sleep so that you may arrive on time, fresh, and with a positive attitude. Remember these photos are your calling card, so you want t look your best and feel great. How you feel will come across in the photos, if you feel great, you’ll look great. If you feel crappy, you’ll look crappy; your photo session is what you make it so make the best of it.