Answering a Reader Question #533

Gary Wrote:

 My son is 22 years old, 6'5" chiseled and very good looking. Everyone tells him he should be modeling - even the guys he works with. Is there any opportunity for him out there? Where does one go to get noticed??
Thanks
Gary

Hi, Gary!

I have a bit of bad news for you. At 6'5" your son is much too tall to be represented by a modeling agency. The maximum is 6'2" although more agencies are now setting the height max at 6'3" these days. But it would be very hard for them to consider your son at 6'5" and it's not something he could easily hide or fake either.

The reason agencies have a height maximum, especially for men, is because their body proportions won't fit into the designers' sample sizes. I'm guessing your son has trouble finding clothes that properly fit him, correct? Then imagine how difficult it would be for designers to fit him for a photoshoot or fashion show. Unfortunately, designers won't alter or change their sample sizes for one model when they could very easily find a male model with the same physical look but in a height and size that works for them. So in the end, it's purely a business/logistical decision.

I know of many male models that are 6'3" - 6'5" who got turned away from agencies because of their height alone. However, that doesn't mean your son couldn't possibly look into freelance modeling. This requires acting as his own modeling agent, searching for castings and submitting his photos. If that is something he's interested in looking into, please check out these links to blog posts I've done on the topic of freelance modeling:

What Is Freelance Modeling?

Freelance Modeling: Pros & Cons

The Main Components Freelance Models Need to Market Themselves Successfully

Tips for Being a Successful Freelance Model

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