modelling work....

**Luci** · 11-08-2011 12:17 PM

anyone ever done any ? looking to try and get into it as i need some extra funds, but got no idea were to start who to trust etc...

**KMonte85** · 11-08-2011 12:33 PM

Make sure you go to an agency and watch out for anyone who is really pushy to get you to sign a contract, who promises you the world (if it sounds too good to be true, it is), or who wants you to pay anything.

From some friends' experiences, there are a lot more frauds out there than there are legit resources in the modeling industry. Additionally, models typically don't make much money when they're first getting themselves established. You would probably be better off getting a normal part time job if you're looking to make some extra funds.

**ItsASecret** · 11-08-2011 01:26 PM

Your best bet would be those in-mall modelling gigs that pass by malls asking for models to audition for their "15 seconds of fame". A lot of people will be rejected but for simplicity sake it is an easy way to get started because they are essentially looking for you and not the other way around. The other thing is there are more agencies that follow those mall gigs because it is a cheap way to find people that may be rejected by the main mall gig agency.

Relying on it for more money though is not a good way to go, keep your full time job if you already have one.

**BabyGirl** · 11-08-2011 08:49 PM

Years ago...
And I mean almost 40 years ago.
I used to Model in Photo Shoots, for a Major Car Company. Tall, Thin, Dark Hair to waist , usually Standing next to a New Car, with a Group or just alone. , with a background of the Sea or Sand .

Back then it was a Photo of the Car, not of Me. I tried other modeling a few years later. Not Sexual , just more "persona " , would not do Swim Suits or Nekkid.

When I moved to the Greater LA area, ( 1976 ) just fit in as a " Non Blonde " beach girl. More of an Extra .

It was a bit Extra money , but not worth not having a Job, that paid my bills and definably not on my then Fiancee would allow .

If you really want to be a Model and that is your Goal or Dream.
Get someone to take a Portfolio for you , then Pay a Professional Agent and Go for it .

If you just need Extra Money, most companies ( larger ) are looking for part time X~mas Stocker/ Merchandisers and people that can help with the Season.

**dhambizao** · 11-08-2011 09:06 PM

With modeling the best bet is to get a portfolio going and then just hit the castings. As listed above it's very hard to get into and you'll find at the begining you'll make very little money, but if it's something you're really passionate about then you should go for it.
Also remember, if ever confronted or approached by an agency always always always make sure you do your research before you sign anything, also if they ask for money from you for the contract then it's most likely too good to be true. And also make sure you're free to get around, if you're very much restricted to one small little town on the edge of nowhere, then you really aint going to have much of a career. Get a second job, save up and get yourself a car or a good means to travel around to all those castings!

**Luci** · 11-09-2011 02:11 PM

thanks for all the advice

sounds like there is more to it than i 1st thought...

**Aeryn Sun** · 11-12-2011 12:45 AM

To start, Modeling isn't a side job, you get out what you put in, and if you are only putting in 4 hours on the weekend, you could potentially make more working in fast food because then the work is a promised shift.

If you are still interested, I have the following tidbits.

Get good head shots, you will need this for your Comp card.
Comp card - It's like a Models Business card, except it shows your best face, maybe a few poses, your H/W/P and contact details.
Once you have that, you can contact people seriously. You can do this part on your own, but it will cost you whether you do it at home after buying high quality photo paper, or having it sent in.

There are a couple websites that offer free searches and match models to photographers based on area.
You can do something called TFP or TFCD, Trade For Print, Trade for CD to get yourself started.

This means, you exchange 'modeling' for them 'photographing' They may be starting out with a camera like you are starting out with modeling, which means the quality will not be that great, but it is experience for both of you.
If you find someone who can take good photos, and is willing to do a low cost/TFCD session, work with them once, and hire a Make Up Artist the next time you do if you like them.

Another location to check out would be your local college. Photography students need subjects. Flowers and the family dog get boring after awhile.
You will most likely be more comfortable the second time you work with a photographer compared to the first.
You can potentially get make up for free at a counter in the mall, or for cheap.

I can not stress the importance of GREAT make up. Your skin will flush or get washed out under a flash, blaring sun, or unnatural lighting. Average day makeup washes out and you look like you have nothing, add on some MAC or higher end make up, and what you see in person will POP but on camera, mellow out.

Things to look for:
Good reviews - Other models, other photographers, agencies, MUA
Good working knowledge of a photo editing program.

Another tip, look through magazines and find current face 'looks' you can duplicate. Put it on your mirror in the bathroom and practice it when you enter the bathroom.
Being pretty is a huge portion of modeling, but being able to produce 'the look' for the shoot is the other huge portion.

Does your sad / angry/ shocked expression on your face still look 'pretty', be honest with yourself. If you need to work on it, do it.

This is all I can think about. Working with photographers is a lot of fun, even if it is just a hobby.