Answering a Reader Question #445

Nika Wrote:

 Super long question, sorry!!
Hi there! Thanks so much for this blog. I am 35, 5’5” and wear a size 2 dress. I just finally got the guts to pursue modeling. It’s been heavy on my heart for years. I know that my age and height puts me into the commercial lifestyle sphere of things. Problem is, how do I get experience? I started a Model Mayhem account but most of the photographers are fashion or glamour focused. Would it be beneficial to take these jobs just to get comfort and experience in front of the camera? How do I get commercial lifestyle experience?


Also, even though I am small and look great in form fitting and even very little clothing, my body is not exactly swimsuit ready. Does it make sense to send my stuff to agencies now in just leggings (or tight jeans) and a tank? Or should I wait until I’m able to submit swimsuit photos? At my age, I’ll probably play somebody’s mama anyway, not much swimsuit. I’m afraid to wait because right now I’m not employed so it would be a good time to gauge the interest and hopefully get some callbacks. If I wait until October (my body should be tight be then and ready for swimwear) I may be stuck at a full time job again. Also, should I wait to submit photos to agencies before I have experience or do I go ahead and do it now?

Last question! How do I find a photographer that focuses in lifestyle photography so that I can get some composites. How do I get experience in commercial modeling when everyone on model mayhem wants to shoot fashion and glamour? Sorry for the 20 questions but I appreciate you!

Hi Nika!

No worries about all the questions...this is what I do and I enjoy answering them! ;-)

First things first: toss out any concerns or attempts right now dealing with getting professional photos or putting together composite cards. As a new model, they are not needed for submitting to agencies, nor is previous experience.

Having previous modeling experience or professional images are not mandatory and lacking these will not put you out of consideration for agency representation. What you'll want to do is look to the official websites for the agencies you're interested in submitting to and finding out exactly what they want. Most agency websites clearly list instructions for submissions from new models, including what types of photos they want.

9 times out of 10, agencies will request non professional, digital snapshots from new models. So below are the steps you'll want to take at this point:
  1. Locate the agency websites of those within a 2 hour's drive from where you live (if you need help, let me know the city/state you live in and I can get you a list of the names and websites of the ones that are reputable).
  2. Find out what each agency's requirements are for submitting yourself.
  3. Prepare/tailor each submission accordingly (not all agencies ask for the same materials)
It's fine that you set up a MM profile but for now don't focus too much on that since all you need to do your snapshots is a person with a steady hand that can take your photos for you, access to an indoor setting--specifically a white/light colored wall that has no distractions or clutter around it. You should wear fitted dark jeans (or well fitting shorts), no shoes/socks and a solid colored, fitted tank top or t-shirt. No brands, logos, graphics or distracting patterns for your clothing. No makeup (powder to combat shine and concealer is okay) and wear your hair how you naturally do on a daily basis...as long as it is out of your face.

Models, once signed to an agency, receive their "experience" via hands-on training, which is in the form of your first "test shoot." It is from that test shoot that the images will be created to put together your official modeling portfolio and comp cards. The photographers will work with you and provide feedback so it's not like the agent will leave you on your own when it comes to doing the test shoot.

Also, no worries about the swimwear stuff. It's not likely that you'll be marketed for anything related to that, even with an agent, so for now there's no need to even have swimwear work on your radar. :-)

Comments

  1. UnknownSeptember 5, 2012 at 2:30 PM

    Hi Dania,

    I seem to be similar to Nika and was wondering if you can provide me with suggestions of reputable agencies in the Washington, DC area... I would greatly appreciate it!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Dania DeniseSeptember 5, 2012 at 5:24 PM

    Hi Raven!

    You'll find the answer to your question in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #473." Thanks for reading!

    ReplyDelete
  3. NikaOctober 12, 2012 at 4:05 PM

    Hi Dania,

    I did some research and drilled down to the agencies that I think I meet the specifications for. Wondering if you can tell me if you recognize these names and if I'm missing any that you would have told me to add. Two of them concern me, I've listed them first. Thanks!!

    http://www.couturemodelagency.com/
    http://www.umodelinc.com/

    http://www.realpeoplemodels.net/
    http://www.thediamondagency.com/atlanta-print-models/
    http://www.clickmodel.com/index.php
    http://www.williamreynoldsagency.com/
    http://www.aboutfacemodels.com/
    http://www.theamragency.com/#!home/mainPage
    http://www.peoplestore.net/index.php5
    http://www.alluremodelmanagement.com/faq.htm
    http://www.modernmodelsinc.com/Pages/default.aspx
    http://www.mtmagency.com/locations/atlanta.html
    http://www.shawndajaentertainment.com/
    http://www.affinitytalent.com/requirements2.html







    ReplyDelete
  4. Dania DeniseOctober 12, 2012 at 7:52 PM

    Hi, Nika! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled, "Answering a Reader Question #493." Thanks for reading!

    ReplyDelete

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