Becoming a Model

Becoming a Model

Our guide

The modelling world is a daunting one if you don’t know it, it often very confusing and having some help from experts is imperative to great success. Your best chance of success is having a middle man service, we have listed some below, all of which are honest, reputable and industry leaders:

www.become-a-model.co.uk

 

Here are some further tips and advice:

Portfolio- Your holy grail, your most important tool! This goes for any model and is something that should never be over looked. It works as CV into the industry and is a industry standard. So it needs to be high quality, contain 6-12 of your best images and show diversity.

Agencies: Get in touch with agencies this will kick start you career and get your name out there. Check out whos best to go with by talking to other industry professionals or using the services mentioned above. Never pay joining fees with agencies!

Open Calls: Attend as many as possible. They can appear a little overwhelming but you will soon get used to the process as this part of the modelling world. Smile, be confident but not arrogant and if you get a knock back, dust yourself off as this part and parcel of being a model. Say you, remain polite and move on to the next one. A portfolio is must for attending castings and if you want to be signed to an agency.

 

Key attributes needed: Be committed and hungry for success, modelling is a competitive industry and takes lot of hard work, so only the determined succeed. Keep in mind ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’ so hard work will pay over but do not expect success over night. Be professional at all times, this shows your take your line of work seriously. Always listen and be willing to learn this shows you’re adaptable. When you are contacted always return contact promptly as you may miss the opportunity. Practice makes perfect!!

 

Unfortunately, the industry of modelling comes with scammers. Scams can leave you feeling abused, mistreated and completely deflated, so it’s best to get your head around some tips on how best to avoid them. A modelling scam generally involves someone stopping you in the street and telling you that you could be a model. They are hard to spot because when you are scouted by an actual legitimate agency, they will tell you a very similar thing. What you don’t want, however, is to be caught unawares by someone that is trying to sell you a poor service. Companies that approach you on the street to do this should not, generally, be trusted.

 

Be wary if, when you show up to the place they have told you to go, they start getting pushy. For example, if they tell you that you can only use a specific photographer, the service is likely to be a scam. You should always have a choice over which photographer you want to use to build your portfolio, especially if you’re paying a lot of money.

 

Secondly, take a big step back if the company asks you to pay any kind of initial fee for them to “be your agent”. An actual agency will not expect you to pay any money to work with them. They may ask you to sign exclusively with them, but they won’t charge an upfront fee.

 

As tempting as it may be to succumb to pressure, don’t fall for the “this is your only chance, without taking this you probably won’t make it as a model” line. This is a way of putting pressure on to ensure you fall for the scam. A legitimate company will be welcoming and encouraging; they will not be trying to do a hard sell.

Finally, be wary of anyone that guarantees that you will get work. No one in the industry can make this promise as a legitimate guarantee. Further, if they persistently talk to you about large salaries and a glamorous lifestyle, take caution. Modelling work can be irregular, and whilst it can lead to large salaries, a legitimate agency won’t be promising this in your first meeting, if ever.

 

Paying to have a great portfolio created with a legitimate photography studio is one thing, paying for someone to be your “agent” is another.

 

Modelling scams are unfortunately a part of entering the modelling industry, but don’t have to affect you if you keep your wits about you. Don’t be flattered into submission, don’t hand over any cash without doing your research, and hunt out your own photography studios, rather than being conned into using an illegitimate service by someone on the street.

 

Posing tips – by UR models

Posing tips – by UR models

Posture

  • Posture is everything in a photo it can create the best image or the worst- Keep shoulders back, tummy in and back either straight or slightly arched depending on what is best for you personally
  • Elongate the neck, not have correct posture with this can again ruin a perfectly good photo
  • Keep in mind whatever is closest to camera can come across the biggest and this can destroy a image and proportions – Having your hips side on to camera and shoulders point front ways with make you lose your waist and give you a more triangular body shape
  • When you need to pose leaning on something make sure you use your muscles to fully lean, you just want to give the illusion you are leaning. If you lean properly you will ruin your body shape or obstruct the camera from picking up your whole body shape and putting pressure on certain body parts will make you look bigger than you are thus ruining the final result.
  • When posing your eyes say a lot about the image, your eyes give emotion so it’s imperative to try and absorb yourself in the shoot, get into the character you’re playing and evoke emotion through your eyes. If this is hard for you try to ‘Smize’ which is a tip by top model Tyra banks, its smiling through your eyes. The method is basically squinting by only by using you bottom lid, it will create drama on your face and show through on your image.
  • Always be aware of how your face looks in shots, tilting it the wrong way or not maintaining good neck posture will ruin a image and can make your face look bigger than it is. So our top tip is elongate your neck like we have previously covered and keep your chin down, this was you have good posture but hide any areas that would cause image to look wrong.
  • Catching the light correctly on your face will help show off your best features and shadow the not so good areas for a shot.
  • Pouting ok we are all victim to this when posing for a shot but avoid this when doing professional shots as this will cause the face to tense and look odd. You made me briefed to do so every once in a while but if you are not then keep your face natural and genuine this will add to the perfect shot.
  • When posing for the photography remember your expression is everything, so don’t just maintain one expression, be adventurous as this will show you are not a one trick pony and you are versatile.
  • In portrait shots obviously your only weapon to make a good impression is your face, so be expressive and show emotion.

Clichés

  • Don’t follow suit and use Model 101 poses like hand on hip, pout etc this has been overdone and not something clients want to see, be creative and get into the moment, clients don’t want you making their product or brand look tacky and repetitive.
  • Symmetry is a great asset in some shots but at same time can come across a little boring, for instance in high fashion or catwalk its always a good idea to have a certain angle or body part just off
    centre or crooked this adds dimension to a shot and that’s important, you need to draw people in.
  • Try different angles, experiment a little, you may not feel comfortable at first but moving around and being creative will pay off. PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE
  • Best advice is breathe- pose-click, breathe-pose-click – after a while this will become habit
  • Don’t just completely do as you like the client and photographer are there also to give direction so always be listening whilst thinking

 

Portfolios are any models most important tool, it’s your CV to the industry and no point should this be over looked and standard should never be over looked either, high quality images not only show you off best but they also show you are serious about your career. Do your homework and you will see time and time again this being said and it’s no secret a decent portfolio will cost some money but like any business you have to invest to reap the benefits, you cannot expect photographers, studios or agencies to help you for free, they are ultimately earning a living too just as you want to. Keeping all the above tips in mind when you attend your professional shoot to create your portfolio will help you get the perfect shots and will show the industry experts you are working you mean business!

 

Hope this helps and good luck!

 

 

 

 

UR Models Review

UR Models Review

UR Models Review – A step by step of our ‘Undercover’ experience of UR Models.

1) Application & Website

Their website www.ur-models.co.uk – Attractive website

They had an online registration form which was easy to do but reading through their packages was mind boggling!!

2) Phone Call, Emails & Deposit.

After the form it was long till I got a phone call from a polite lady. She wanted me to come in to studio and I have to be honest was a little pushy and over keen, in any normal circumstance that would put me of. There was refundable deposit which again she was keen to take but I paid via my bank card. I got a receipt for payment which eased some concerns.

3) Test shoot Day

I went for the shoot at a London studio, which was highly enjoyable and the staff were friendly. The quality of the photos were great and I have to say experience was a good one over all. As I was doing a investigation I didn’t purchase the photos and was refunded the initial deposit in a good time frame as well, as I was concerned it would take some time after the lady was so keen to get it.

Even though I am some doubts at the start I have to Say UR Models is a great stepping block for any aspiring model, they do as you they say will they just came across a little keen at first but I think that was my own Human doubt kicking in, when really they just know their industry and are keen to helping wannabe models

 

 

 

Modelling Scams – Warning Signs

Modelling Scams
– Warning Signs

Sadly in every industry, all over the world there are specially designed scams out there to take advantage of people and the modelling industry is no different. There is a huge amount of modelling scams out there ready to cost aspiring models a huge amount of money and time, they rip people off by promising the world and delivering nothing other than an empty bank account. They always demand a huge amount of money up front but in return you get nothing, no career and before you have a chance to asks questions your money has already long gone. These awful enterprises prey upon your hopes and dreams plus take advantage on the fact you probably don’t know much about the industry. This disgusting side of the industry is forever growing but be mindful and doing your research will stop you falling victim as well.

Things to look at and beware of:

  • Newspaper classified ads, Gumtree adverts, Craigslist ads etc When they state they are looking for models this is for the Nude & Glamour industry ie Models for adult entertainment.
  • Joining fees- It is illegal for adult (not child) modelling agencies to charge you a joining fee. Remember this
  • Guarantee of work- No agency or anyone in facet can guarantee this, this kind of statement will be more than likely a modelling scam.
  • Emails that are from accounts like Gmail, Yahoo- A professional company will always have a professional email ie @theircompanyname – Free accounts like the mentioned could be anyone trying to scam you- So ignore.
  • Messages on Facebook- A genuine agency will not search through Facebook looking for people, so never respond and report if this becomes harassing in anyway. If you want to find genuine companies and want to avoid being scammed look up UR Models.

 

 

UR Models Review time….

UR Models Review time….

www.become-a-model.co.uk Review

Become a model  website is Ur models they are a modelling platform that i’ve decided to register with , they have lots of info on the industry which is really great as its mind blowing confusing, when you get invited in for an interview you do a test shoot to find out whether or not you’ve been successful because modelling isn’t for everyone.

The Modelling experts asses all your test photos, they are completely honest with you about you modelling ability and if its right for you, if you are successful they discuss your best modelling type as there are so many and give you much needed contacts like agencies, casting directors etc they also
you are not made to buy anything but the option is there if you want it and all the packages that are on offer are great

Something else I found really reassuring as a mother myself is that if you are under the age of 18 you can only attend and register with a parent. I have my little ones appointment booked for two weeks time and I am fully aware of what to expect on the day as they are very clear at explaining everything

All I want for my child is to find success and happiness in modelling and I can finally say after so much research I have finally found the right company to help me.