Lately, a lot of young aspiring models have been asking me how they can get noticed by photographers as well as get clients, it’s tough figuring it all out by yourself, so I’ve put a small list together so that I can help those of you struggling and maybe give some industry insight to those who aren’t but still want to know a few tips and tricks on how to up their known status.

1- Know where you fit in? I usually see models who don’t have 1 single image in their portfolio that is flattering or in any way eye catching, most times is because the model is simply shooting a genre they should just not be involved with. I am not going to advise  you to shoot runway or high fashion, predominately a skinny tall model’s game, when you have low stature and lots of curves. There are always exemptions to the rule, don’t get me wrong, but those don’t happen too often. What you have to do is look at the models with similar body types and facial structures to you and see what type of work they are shooting, this could be a great way for you to see where you fit in.

2- Shoot some  photos. Consider hiring a skilled photographer to shoot 5 to 10 clean images to see how you behave in front of the camera and to determine your comfort level. Have these printed in an 8×10 format and keep them in plastic sheets in a 3 ring binder, find out what to do with these a couple of paragraphs ahead.

3- Go see an Agency. Simple, modeling agencies get the models work, work = money. The more work they get you, the more money they make. That’s why it is important to do some research before signing any contracts or agreeing to anything with an agency. Places like John Casablanca modeling agency are just scams to take your money and not give you any back in return. Real agencies don’t charge for anything aside their initial photographer’s test fee and a set percent of any bookings you make thru them. Agencies like Elite, Wihelmina, Next and Ford have great reputation and should be your first places to contact if you are doing commercial fashion work and lifestyle. A lot of these agencies usually have a date a week where they sign new models, or an appointment system, either way, be prepared, speak clearly and have a positive attitude, remember they get hundreds of girls and guys, and they cannot sign just anybody.

4- Promote Youself. You can have the potential to be the most amazing musician, artist or actor of your generation but if no one knows you exist, how will you get there? Self promotion is a shameless game, you need to be able to knock on doors and be prepared to have them shut down (violently) in your face. The key is persistance. One can only master a craft by trying (and failing) over and over again. If you get tired and quit right away because things aren’t working out, you’re out of luck. The best two ways are regular old fashioned word of mouth and the internet. Sites like ModelMayhem.com and OneModelPlace.com will get young models connected with photographers that will most likely shoot them for free (beware of creeps!), these are not really the best places to get work since there is a lot of competition, but they will help you add to your portfolio. Don’t forget sites like facebook, twitter and even the dying myspace, are great grounds to network with new people!

5- Go to Castings. If you were lucky to be signed by a good agency, they will get you a ton of castings for you to attend to, remember that 3 ring binder with those 10 photos? That’s where you’re going to take these. From video commercials to ad campaigns for clothing brands, casting calls will bring in a lot of dough, the key is to be professional, truthful about your measurements and treat modeling like a REAL job, because let’s face it, with a paycheck as heavy as Gisele Bundchen’s we could all be extra happy as a model!

So that’s it for now, I will be posting more tips and tricks for models and photographers, as well as opportunities to shoot with me and even free stuff, if you’d like me to cover any other topics or have any questions, leave them in the comments section and I will take care of them! Thanks for Reading!

AF