Modeling 101 - Answering Reader Questions

Harsh Singh Wrote: i am 5'10 and skin is dark my friends says that agencies look for fair models so i want to ask can i be a model and i am from india.(u look beautiful) Hi, Harsh! Awww, thanks for the compliment! Agencies use male models of all skin tones. It mainly depends on what area/country you are trying to pursue modeling, however. For example, in Asia many of the models represented are very fair skinned but agencies will usually also have a select few that are very dark in complexion. In the United States, I've seen a consistent mix of both fair skinned and dark skinned male models. I'm not very familiar with the trends for models in India but I would recommend looking at the websites for Indian modeling agencies and looking at the photo galleries of the models they currently represent. If you see that a majority of the professional male models on there are lighter in complexion, then that may be the look they want right now. But if you also see that t...

Kimberly Spear Wrote: Hi Dania Denise I am an aspiring model and I have a couple of headshoots that were done by a friend and I wanted to know if it is better to have my headshoots re-taken professionally or submit the ones I already have? I have been waiting for something like this, a place where true modeling questions are answered by a qualified professional. Hey there, Kimberly! Glad to have you as a blog reader! :-) If you're a new model starting out and are looking for an agent, you don't need professional headshots or portfolio modeling pictures to submit. They'll prefer non professional, digital snapshots. So if the ones your friend took are decent, clear in quality and if you don't have a bunch of makeup on, then submit those. It isn't necessary at this time to get headshots done by a professional photographer. Below are samples of snapshots for headshots that agencies like to see from new models:

Damarif S. Wrote: Hi, My Name is Damarif S. I'm 15 years old and I'm short (5'2). I think I'm going to grow much and I really want to become a model. But I become discourage because all the models I see are tall. Is there any modeling agency's that sign short girls like me?  Hi, Damarif! At your age and height, your best bet would be to find a modeling agency that represents teen models. Most times they don't have strict height requirements for general teen modeling so that would be a good place to start. Other than that, you won't have many options as far as agencies go until you reach at least 5'4" or 5'5".

Kelsey Wrote: I am almost 17 years old and modeling has always intrigued, yet frightened me. I am 5'5, so would commercial/print be my only option. I am 130 now but plan to lose weight. Also, how could I become comfortable in a shoot and what should I do before looking into an official agency? Hey, Kelsey! According to current agency height standards, yes, commercial/print is the type of modeling you qualify for. My best piece of advice for learning how to be comfortable in a shoot is to be comfortable with yourself. This can be accomplished by practicing posing in the mirror. The more you know your body and how to it moves and could be photographed, the less intimidating it is once you actually get in front of a camera. Of course there's also the option of doing a test shoot just for fun to see how you feel and to get your feet wet. There are plenty of professional photographers that do free test shoots with new/inexperienced models but you can also do this with a...

Girly Geek Wrote: I'm 11 and i have great pretty long brown hair and a sparkling smile and i want to know should i be a model? Hi, Girly Geek! I'm afraid I can't answer that question for you. That is a decision you have to make for yourself. As I'm sure you know, it takes more than looks to become a successful model. It takes hard work, determination, being able to handle rejection and competing against a lot of other girls that want the same thing you do. Not to mention that even if you're 11, you'll be treated like a young adult and expected to behave as such. Sure, it's fun but it's also work and a job, especially if you get an agent to represent you. You're still very young and at your age so you've got plenty of time to see if modeling is something you want to do. Learn a bit more about the industry, read more of my blog posts to get a better understanding of what modeling involves and talk to your parents to see what they think. S...

Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania, I am recently 'working' with a huge agency in NY. They met with me and said they wanted to do a test shoot. Two months later I did the shoot. I didn't get the pictures back until a month. My supposed agent said she loved my look. Then the owner of the agency emailed my father and said that they were just going to put me on the website and send my pictures to bookers, but to not come in for a while. Is this yet another hoop I have to jump through? Don't you think I should be signed with them already!!!! Urgh I just hate waiting. Hey, Anonymous! It does sound like another hoop. I know waiting is the toughest and definitely not fun, especially since you've already gone through so much and are receiving positive feedback. Agencies in markets like NY get bombarded with new faces all the time and they have to feel confident that once officially signed, the models will book work. So this "hoop jumping" phase is like being...

Anonymous Wrote: I've always wanted to be a model and people even today tell me that I should become one. Only this is.. I'm 25. Becoming a model would be a dream come true for me but from what I read in your blog, it's too late for me. Is it honestly too late for me to try and follow my dream? Hi there, Anonymous! 25 is considered too "old" (I'm using that word SUPER loosely) for fashion and runway modeling BUT you are the ideal age for commercial/print and--specifically--lifestyle modeling. Lifestyle models pretty much do the same type of work as commercial/print models but this division is for men and women ages 25 and older. Here is a link to my blog post that describes this type of modeling in a bit more detail: Lifestyle & Mature Modeling Definitely follow your dream, just make sure to seek out agencies that represent commercial/print and/or lifestyle models and you'll be fine. Good luck!

Nichole Wrote: I've been modeling for 8 months. I'm starting to get some recognition in the industry round my city. I've been given the chance to attend a tent show in New York. I wanted to know if 24 is to late to go on castings in New York while I'm there. Should I say I'm younger since I look that way. Hi, Nichole! I'm assuming you're talking about casting calls for modeling agencies? If so, it will be a matter of what types of agencies you're considering. At your age, you're ideal for lifestyle and commercial/print modeling, which is for models ages 24-25 and older. A majority of New York fashion and runway agencies set their age cut-off at 21 or 22. The stricter ones set it at 19-20! It's important to know that upfront. For an agency of this kind to take you on for fashion and runway work at your age would be rare but not impossible. Each agency has its methods for who they consider as an exception to the rule so it's not c...

Sadie Wrote: Hi im Sadie im 16 & Want to be a VS Model. Im 5'6 & Trying To Grow Taller My Moms 5'4 & Dads 6'4 Should I Grow Taller ? Ive Be Working Out Im 135lbs Heading to be about 125lbs So I want To Try Ford Models But Will I Have To Move To New York I Live In CA . Hi there, Sadie! Your doctor would be the best person to estimate how tall you'll eventually grow to be. Physicians/doctors have the knowledge to predict that kind of stuff since they can easily look at your family's medical history and use that info to tell you how tall you could be. So it's worth making a quick appointment to find out. To pursue VS you will have to move to New York in order to work in that market. An alternative would be to get signed to Elite or Ford in Los Angeles and then seeing if they'd be willing to relocate you to New York to work with the office there but that would still involve moving. Either way, relocating to New York is key to being cons...

Nika Wrote: Some of the agencies I'm submitting to want hard copy photos, no emails. what size to you recommend sending? Is 5x7 the standard? Nika Hey, Nika! For your snapshots, 5"x7" is ideal. There's also 4"x6" but 5"x7" is definitely more than enough to meet the requirements for submissions. No need for big images like 8"x10"--that's only for professionally printed modeling images.

Katie Wrote: Hi Dania! (: So I'm 13, 5'11, 34B, and weigh 115 pounds. I'm confident in myself, and my looks, and I was just wondering what kind of work I could do at my age to build up my experience, since I really have *no* idea where to start. I live in Canada, so anything in or around New York is out of the question for now. Thank you! (: Hi, Katie! Oh my goodness, being 5'11" at 13...the agencies are going to LOVE you! :-) I would definitely suggest sending in snapshots (non professional images taken with a digital camera) to fashion and runway agencies in Canada. You don't need previous experience, training or a portfolio established in order to be considered for agency representation. Snapshots will get your foot in the door. Once signed, your agent will take care of the rest, as far as setting up your first test shoot (the majority of experience building is hands-on and takes place during the test shoot) and sending out your pictures to gi...

Sierra Wrote: Hi! My name is Sierra, and I am 12 years old and 5,5 and sadly have a better body then my two 16 year old sisters!! I have all ways been told I would a VS model by my sisters and should by my friends because of how good a model I am and how my body is. I never wanted to be, but I looked into it and instantly fell inlove! I was wondering how much or how expensive Elite and Ford are because I am going to save up as much money as I can and would like a goal to reach. But my mom and sisters think its dumb that I want to be a model, they dont know its for VS. So Im finding this info out by my self because I am alone :PP Hey, Sierra! Agencies like Elite and Ford do not charge models to be represented by them so that is the good news. To send in your pictures or attend an open casting call is completely free. Once you are signed, the only time money comes into play would be the costs related to setting up your first test shoot and using those images to create you...

Anonymous Wrote: I'm slightly bow-legged. Most people do not notice but do you think I could still become a model? I'm 15 and 5'7". Hi, Anonymous! I doubt being slightly bow-legged would stop you from modeling, especially since you mentioned it's not that noticeable. I'm sure there are plenty of working models that have the same thing and don't experience any issues. At your age and height, you're ideal for teen modeling and commercial/print. However, if you end up growing taller in the next few years and if you have the right look, you could also qualify for fashion and runway modeling. Some fashion agencies lower their minimum height requirement to 5'7" for girls that are ages 14-16 so check out the websites of agencies in your area and see if such an exception for younger models exists.

Stark Wrote: Where would you recommend a male model to start? Where I live there are a lot of Modeling scams it's gotten pretty difficult to find any authentic agencies. And is it required to have a ripped and chiseled body? Cause I definitely do not have that, but I'm not fat. Hi, Stark! Since you're having trouble finding trustworthy agencies to submit to, allow me to help if you don't mind. :-) All I need to know is the city and state where you live (not your mailing address or anything like that) and I'll see what I can find for you, in the way of agency names and websites. You can provide that info in a comment on this blog post or you can email me directly at: daniadenise@gmail.com. I will not share your email address or anything we discuss via email on my blog--that goes for any of my blog readers that wish to communicate with me through email. To answer your other question, no, you definitely don't have to be ripped and chiseled like a Chipp...

Anonymous Wrote: Hey, Dania! Great post! It helped boost my confidence a tad bit! :) As others have done, I'll give you a tidbit about myself in hopes to get your feedback. A few years back, when I was 16, I went to a model search (which was with a very well-known agency) and gained a callback and was told I had raw potential. Now that same agency is actually have a "fashion show/homecoming party" in my area and I'm pending on purchasing tickets as you get to meet designers, models, the agency, etc. I guess this is a little bit my way of wanting to be "found" and this time pursue, if able, a career. As stated, I'm nineteen years old and am approximately 5'7.5". I'm not sure if my age or what not would be the end of this dream or if it's something I should at least give a shot. Also, would there be any pointers to help me "stand out" if I did go to the fashion show/party? Thank you! Hey, Anonymous! You should de...

M.Alexandria Wrote: Hi, I'm 17, 5'7, 135lbs. I have no tattoos and only my ears pierced. I would like to pursue modeling. I want to lose some weight first and I've always wanted after I lost the weight to get a tattoo between my hipbones almost as a reward. But also as a testament to my journey because I've been losing weight since my doctor told me I was at risk for diabetes. How much of a problem would that cause in finding representation? the tattoo would only read "studio de perfectum" Hi there, M.Alexandria! Congrats on doing so well with losing weight and getting your health back on track! Since the tattoo you described seems simple, I don't think it would hinder your chances--mainly because of where it will be located and if it's small, that means it will be easy to conceal with body makeup. So as long as you don't make it too big/elaborate in design, I think you can get away with it.

Sandra Wrote: Hi Dania, I'm a 24 year-old and want to start modeling, just not sure where to start. I'm finding your blog very helpful full of tips and insights thank you very much! I'm so eager to get out there just wondering when starting out, should I be going to all the agencies in my area or just choose one?  Hi, Sandra! You're very welcome--I'm thrilled my blog has been of help to you so far. :-) When it comes to agencies, submit to as many as you meet the requirements for. There's no need to submit to one at a time. As long as they are legit and credible, send in your photos and info. The more you submit to, the better your odds will be. Never hold out for one agency, either. Wait to see what replies you get and if there is more than one agency interested, determine which one you want to accept an offer of representation from after you've met with each one for an interview.

Anonymous Wrote: I was wondering what was needed in order to have your own successful modeling agency. Do you need to go to school? If you do, what would you major in? Or just mostly have connections? What is the owner of a modeling agency called? Sorry if these are dumb questions! Hi, Anonymous! Definitely not dumb questions at all!!! I can only speak about modeling agencies as they run and operate in the USA so that's what I'll talk about here (I don't know if you're in the U.S. or another country, as I do have international blog readers). To have a successful modeling agency you don't technically need to go to school. However, most people ideally do get a degree in Business, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, etc. After all, it takes knowing how the business industry operates in general, plus studying this field in college introduces people to all aspects, including marketing, accounting, finance, funding and other topics that all relate to h...