Answering a Reader Question #565

Shelby Pickens Wrote:

 Hi Ms. Dania! My name is Shelby Pickens. I'm 5 foot 8 and ever since I was little I have always wanted to become a model. I have went to three different agencies and all three have offered me a contract. I've even had an offer from hollister but I was only 16 and couldn't execpt the offer:(. I found that one agency was a scam so naturally I declined. The other teo seem more realistic considering I had a Ford model sitting next to me! I'm currently affiliated wit a company in Cincinatti but I have yet to book an actual job. I am on their website but I'm not signing a contract just yet. I live in a small town, one of the smallest in Ohio. I know my portfolio isn't the strongest but I feel like I can't build it unless I can book a job. I also want to keep moving up. could you help me find out how to find out about how to find jobs? Sorry for the small novel! lol

Hi, Shelby!

I'm sorry to hear that you've had a bit of ups and downs with finding a good agency in your area. Have you looked into doing test shoots with various local photographers in order to build your portfolio and diversify it? I would suggest starting there since you mentioned that your portfolio isn't the strongest. Setting up test shoots, which are free to do, would be a cost effective way to show potential clients the types of work you're interested in. You don't necessarily have to book an actual job to have that "proof" in your modeling book.

Facebook is a good resource to start when it comes to looking for photographers to shoot with. Oftentimes, they'll post a link to their official website where you can view their work, find out if they accept test shoots, etc. Of course only go for photographers whose work is strong and reflects the type of modeling you're marketing yourself towards (i.e. don't choose a photographer that specializes in glamour if you want to do fashion work...you'd want to look for fashion photographers).

Oftentimes photographers will do a free test shoot with models whose look they really like and know could benefit their own portfolio so it never hurts to reach out and send a message on FB, email or call them directly to inquire about it.

There are also sites like Model Mayhem (www.modelmayhem.com), which is a social networking site for the modeling community. It's free to join and is a good tool for finding the profiles and portfolios of photographers in and around your area. If you're interested in finding your own modeling work also, then Model Mayhem can also help you with that, as far as freelancing goes. They have a Casting section that's free for members to use and you can search for paid and non-paid projects according to city and state.

So tap into Facebook and Model Mayhem as starting points and see what results you're able to turn up from there.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Answering a Reader Question #1,037

Image
Charlie Wrote: I just had a conversation with my mother that modelling pays really well. And she straight up went like "it's a dirty business , you don't know what works models have to do to get on the top " . It was my way to tell her that I want to pursue modelling but before I could even tell that to her directly , I lost all my gathered up courage and I can see all my dreams dying right infront of my eyes. Hey, Charlie! I'm sending you the BIGGEST virtual hug right now...you are not the only one who has had the wind taken right out of their sails by a parent who simply doesn't want to risk their child being disappointed, possibly taken advantage of, or wind up as an example of why people shouldn't get into modeling. I don't know your age or what the situation is but if you are under 18, it's gonna be a bit of an uphill battle to try and convince your mom since it sounds like she's already made it clear how she feels. However, that doesn'
Read more

Answering a Reader Question #1,036

Image
Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania, so kind of you to do this and support us young in the biz. I did a print spot for a well known company as a NU model last Oct. for $2500 1 year buyout. They are considering renewing for 2nd year $2500 and 3rd year $3750. I’m unrepresented atm. I am union now. I’m on hold for my first scene in a feature and I just worked a Chanel commercial (featured BG, let’s not roll out the red carpet here). But, one: I think, even with the strike, I’m moving on up, and two: isn’t 2nd year buyout rates supposed to be more? Could you help me on what an appropriate response would be or a fair counter-offer would be? Again, you rock. Thanks for helping the wide-eyed! Hey, Anonymous! You're SO welcome, thank you for being a reader and reaching out...congrats on the recent bookings you've gotten so far, that's awesome...and yeah, you are definitely moving on up. :-) As far as the buyout rate for the print job, I've been in the same scenario where the renewal rate
Read more

Answering a Reader Question #1,035

Image
Anonymous Wrote: I had a model agent say " but you are not the right type for us at this moment ". What does that really mean. Hi, Anonymous! Typically, that phrase is "agency speak" for politely saying you aren't what they're looking for. If you don't meet the physical requirements stated -- for example, if it was a fashion agency you were talking to and you weren't within their stated height or size range, that would be a common response. Or it could mean that your look isn't one that they feel is currently in demand at the moment and they don't want to take the chance of signing you, only to have you sitting on roster the entire time without any traction.  While it's not a great response to receive, it is their polite way of saying no, thank you. Now that you have a definite answer from that particular agent, you can move on to submitting to others and hopefully find the one that you are the right type for. Best of luck to you!
Read more