|
Back to the Modeling Info page
MODELING 101:
An Introduction To Modeling In The Pacific Northwest
By Rick Campbell
Contents
It takes a lot of time and effort for me to
write articles like this, and I'm tired of having scumbags
steal it and put it on their own web sites without asking,
and I'm really tired of having to serve
legal notices to the web hosting companies of
those scumbags to get their sites shut down. Don't copy
this article, or any part of it, without getting my
permission first!
And now with that out of the way, on to the article...
Introduction
I've observed that many aspiring models in Oregon and
Washington have the same basic questions about how to get
started and how the regional modeling industry works. I
have also observed that many of these same models have some
astounding misconceptions about modeling drawn from a
variety of misleading or dubious sources. This article is
my attempt to share some of the basic information that
ought to be available to every aspiring model in the
Northwest.
This information is based on how things work in the small
Oregon/Washington regional modeling market, and things are
not necessarily the same in larger markets like New York,
Miami, or Los Angeles.
This information is also based on my limited experiences
and observations as a part-time photographer of models over
the past few years, so it's possible that there are
inaccuracies or omissions that I'm not aware of. I hope
you find this article to be useful and informative.
What Kind of Modeling Work Happens In the Northwest?
This isn't a major market like New York or Miami, so it's
easy to say what kind of modeling isn't happening
in the Pacific Northwest:
There is virtually no editorial fashion or national-level
print work going on here. Local publications do run a very
limited amount of fashion-oriented editorial material, and
local photographers are occasionally (though rarely) called
upon to provide editorial material for national
publications. However, if editorial modeling is your
objective then you really need to be in New York or another
major market area and have the right look
and have the right agency backing to have a
reasonable possibility of appearing in fashion magazines or
high profile national print advertising.
Most of the modeling work that is available in Oregon and
Washington falls into three categories:
1. Catalog and other commercial print
modeling. This includes modeling for department
store catalogs and circulars, as well as advertisements for
local businesses like jewelers, hair salons, car
dealerships, and so on.
2. Freelance 'glamour' and 'art'
modeling. This includes most of the bikini/swimsuit
modeling and the more tasteful varieties of topless/nude
modeling that is done for calendars, postcards, posters,
and art prints, and for artists in non-photographic media
such as painters and sculptors. Physique or fitness
modeling is also sometimes included in this category.
3. 'Adult industry' or
'adult entertainment' modeling.
For better or worse, the Pacific Northwest has many
opportunities for adult-oriented or
'porn' modeling, with a vast number of
adult web content producers and adult
video producers. The adult
entertainment industry is outside the scope of
this article.
For further information on this topic, see
modelspdx.com,
a web site maintained by Portland adult web
photographer Tom Hunscher (Warning: This link is not
suitable for all audiences)
In addition to the three areas mentioned above, there are
also a few modeling opportunities in the following areas:
- Promotional or convention modeling, which can include
everything from handing out brochures and product
literature at trade shows and conventions to handing out
food samples at grocery stores. Car show modeling (or
'import' modeling) is a popular subset of this category.
- Fashion shows at shopping malls, department stores, and
bridal shows.
- Modeling for amateur photographers and photo clubs,
some of whom hire models for the purpose of practicing
their photography.
- Modeling at photo workshops, which are usually set up by
an experienced photographer for the purpose of teaching a
small group of amateur photographers how to photograph
models.
What Is Fashion Modeling?
Fashion modeling is all about selling clothing. Often this
involves not just showing the product, but also showing a
'feeling' or 'attitude' that entices people to want to buy
the seller's clothing. Three of the major categories of
fashion modeling are editorial, runway, and
catalog.
Editorial fashion is what you see on the pages of
fashion magazines, and is probably the most visible form of
modeling to the general public. However, editorial fashion
modeling is almost exclusive to New York and a few other
major markets. There are very very few editorial fashion
opportunities in the Northwest.
Runway is live modeling at fashion shows. You
aren't likely to find many high profile fashion shows in
the Northwest, but there are a few runway modeling
opportunities at local department store fashion shows, mall
fashion shows, and bridal expositions.
Catalog fashion includes modeling for department
store catalogs, newspaper advertisements and circulars, and
on-line shopping sites that sell clothing. The catalog
industry in the Northwest has downsized in recent years,
but there are still a fair number of opportunities for
catalog modeling in the Northwest. However, there are many
many models competing for the limited number of
assignments, so you will need to be with a good modeling
agency to have a chance at getting those assignments.
Catalog fashion modeling is usually considered to be a
subset of commercial print modeling, with the term
'fashion' being reserved for the editorial and runway
genres.
The height and size requirements for fashion/catalog models
tend to be very strict, and models that don't fit the
requirements will not be considered for most jobs.
What Is Glamour Modeling?
Glamour modeling is all about using allure and sex
appeal to sell photography in the form of calendars,
postcards and other publications. It's not about selling
clothes or cars or cosmetics. The common element in
glamour is that a glamour photo isn't selling some other
product or service; the publication of the photo
is the product. For example, a sexy girl
on a postcard isn't selling the bikini she's wearing; the
postcard itself is the product she's selling. The
centerfold model in a magazine isn't selling the makeup
she's wearing; the magazine is the product she's selling.
Terms like pin-up and cheesecake are
sometimes used to refer to glamour modeling. Some bikini
and lingerie modeling and some nude modeling falls
into the glamour category. Typical glamour modeling
assignments might include modeling for photographs to
appear in cheesecake calendars, pin-up posters, postcards,
trading cards, novelty web sites, and men's magazines.
Glamour models are sometimes, though rarely, hired through
modeling agencies. The majority of glamour modeling work
in the Northwest is booked directly with individual
photographers and small business owners, often through word
of mouth contacts and contacts made through the Internet.
The height and size requirements for glamour models are
usually less strict than for fashion/catalog models, and
glamour models are often a few inches shorter or a few
sizes larger than a typical fashion model. The minimum age
for glamour modeling is 18 years for most assignments
because suggestive poses and/or nudity are often
involved.
What Is Commercial Print Modeling?
Commercial print modeling includes clothing catalogs and
circulars (see the What Is Fashion
Modeling topic) and also includes advertising for a
variety of other products and services. Ads for local
businesses like jewelers, hair salons, and restaurants may
use commercial models. Look through almost any newspaper
or magazine and you'll probably see advertisements
depicting office workers, moms with kids, middle aged
couples on vacation, toddlers playing, schoolchildren
studying, and a variety of other 'regular people' roles
being played by commercial models.
Although there are fewer commercial modeling assignments in
the Northwest than in past years, there are still a fair
number of opportunities to be had. However, many many
models are competing for the same assignments, so you will
need to be with a good modeling agency to have a chance at
getting most of those assignments. Commercial clients in
the Northwest region almost always hire their models from
modeling agencies in Portland and Seattle, so you'll have
almost no chance of doing this kind of work as a freelance
model.
What Is Figure Modeling?
Figure modeling, or 'artist modeling' as it is sometimes
called, simply means nude modeling for art
photographers or for artists in traditional mediums such as
painters and sculptors.
There are many photographers and artists in the Northwest
region that hire figure models. Art schools and colleges
also hire figure models to pose for their classes. In most
cases the rates of pay for figure models are very low
compared to the more commercial types of modeling. Most
figure models do the work because they are more interested
in the art than in making a lot of money.
Figure models are rarely hired through modeling agencies.
Figure models and artists often find each other through the
Internet, or through word of mouth passed from artist to
artist about which models are good to work with. With
Internet contacts it can sometimes be difficult to
differentiate between legitimate artists and creepy guys
who are just looking for girls who will get naked for them,
so checking references is always a good idea.
There are no specific height or size requirements to be a
figure model. The kind of looks that artists seek in their
models will vary considerably from artist to artist. The
minimum age for figure modeling is 18 years because
nudity is usually involved.
Who Are the Big Catalog/Commercial Clients in the Northwest?
Some notable companies that used to hire Northwest area
models for their catalogs and advertising, like Meier &
Frank, Emporium, Talbots, and Eddie Bauer, have either
closed their doors or moved most their catalog production
operations out of the Pacific Northwest region.
Some of the better known companies that still shoot some or
all of their catalogs and advertising in Oregon and
Washington include the following:
- Bon Marche
- Burlington Coat Factory
- Columbia Sportswear
- Fred Meyer
- GI Joes
- Lamonts
- LL Bean
- Nike
- Nordstrom
- REI
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but should give you
some idea of the kinds of catalog print opportunities that
may be open to models in the Northwest. Note that these
types of clients almost always hire their models from
modeling agencies in Portland and Seattle, so you'll have
almost no chance of doing this kind of work as a freelance
model.
Can I Make a Living Modeling in the Northwest?
For most models, there just isn't enough work available in
the Pacific Northwest region to make a full-time living
doing modeling. If you are very dedicated to your work,
have the right look, have the right agent and other
industry contacts, and a bit of luck, you might be able to
make it. However, only a very small percentage of all the
models in the Northwest make enough money to live on just
from their modeling.
- Fashion/Catalog/Commercial Models: Most print
models working in the Pacific Northwest don't make a
full-time income from their modeling work. There are a
limited number of modeling assignments available in the
Northwest region, and too many models are competing for
those assignments. Most models only do a few modeling
assignments each year, and then work regular 9-to-5 jobs
for income between modeling assignments. The most
successful models from the Northwest tend to move to larger
market regions like New York or Miami after a year or two,
where they have better opportunities to earn a full-time
living from their modeling work. If your career goal is to
be a full-time fashion or commercial model, the Northwest
is not the place to be.
- Glamour/Figure Models: Freelance models working
in the Northwest spend most of their time contacting
potential clients (photographers, artists, webmasters and
small business owners) to find modeling assignments, and
driving to different cities in the region to work with as
many of those clients as possible. The most dedicated
freelance models make excellent money, but they have to be
constantly on the go and constantly in contact with new
clients to keep a steady stream of assignments lined up.
Most freelance models don't pursue modeling as a full-time
occupation, preferring instead to work a regular 9-to-5 job
during the week and doing occasional modeling work for
clients in nearby cities on weekends for a little extra
income. The number of potential clients is larger in other
regions of the country, so the most successful freelance
models tend to move out of the Northwest after a few years
for better opportunities in southern California or the east
coast.
Do I Need an Agency?
For fashion and commercial print work, the answer is almost
always yes. Most companies that hire models for ads and
commercials go to one or two modeling agencies in their
area to find models, so you will have a very difficult time
getting this type of work as a freelance model.
Advertisers generally don't go searching on modeling web
sites to find models.
For glamour, figure/art, and other varieties of freelance
modeling, the answer is often no. Most of this work is
booked directly with individual photographers and small
business owners, frequently through word of mouth or
through contacts made via the internet. These types of
clients are generally less likely to use modeling agencies
when looking for models.
Promotional modeling work can come from many sources;
anything from traditional agencies to bulletin board posts
to cattle calls (mass castings) advertised in local
newspapers.
How Do I Find an Agency?
Contact information for modeling agencies in your area can
usually be found in the telephone directory or through
business directories on the internet.
|
Tip: Click here
for a page with a list of many modeling and
talent agencies in the Pacific Northwest.
|
Some agencies accept walk-in appointments, some take
applications through the mail, and some have monthly or
quarterly 'open calls' where aspiring models can meet with
agency representatives. Try contacting each agency in your
area to find out the following:
- Where is the agency located? If you sign with
the agency, you will need to be available on short notice
to meet with potential clients in the agency's city and you
will need to be able to visit your agent's office regularly
to drop off and pick up paperwork. If you are more than 1
or 2 hours drive away from the agency, it probably won't
work out.
- What are the agency's guidelines for age, height,
weight, and size? If you don't fit their guidelines,
don't waste any more of their time. 99% of the models that
apply to most agencies are never contacted because they
don't fit the agency's guidelines.
- What kinds of clients does the agency work
with? The agency's answer should match with the types
of modeling you want to do. Beware if the answer is
something like, "we work with all the big
names", or if the agency is hesitant about telling you
what kind of clients they work with. Most agencies are
very proud of their clients, big or small, and will have no
problem telling you who some of them are.
- Does the agency have mandatory classes or training
programs that models have to pay for? The answer to
this question should be no. If the agency
requires models to pay for expensive training, the
agency's business is probably geared to making money out of
model's pockets instead of finding work for models. Some
legitimate agencies do offer optional training and
workshop sessions to their models, but it should not be
mandatory.
- What is the procedure for applying to the
agency? The answers to this question will tell you what
to do next if you decide to go to the next step with the
agency.
After collecting all the information on the agencies in
your area, if you have found some located nearby that work
with the kinds of clients you want to work for and
if your physical characteristics match their guidelines,
then it may be worthwhile to submit applications to those
agencies or attend open calls at those agencies. If an
agency is interested in representing you, they will offer
you a contract that formalizes the agreement between you
and the agency. As with any contract, you should do your
research and check with references before signing.
Most worthwhile agencies won't offer you a contract
immediately. Instead they will probably ask you for photos
that they can send to some of their clients for review, and
if some of their clients like your look, then the
agency will consider offering you a contract. Some
agencies (particularly the larger ones) may even have you
do a few assignments for their clients as an independent
contractor before offering you an agency contract, sort of
like a "test drive" before making a committment.
There are, unfortunately, many shady businesses calling
themselves "modeling agencies" that make money by
preying on naive young women that aspire to be models. Be
highly cautious of any agency that requires you to pay for
modeling classes, pressures you to sign a contract right
away, promises you big-money modeling work in the Pacific
Northwest region (there isn't any), or asks you to pay
hundreds of dollars in up-front costs (other than comp
cards) before they can start booking modeling assignments
for you.
If you don't fit the height, size, age, and weight
guidelines for any of the legitimate agencies in your area,
or if you live more than two hours away from all of them,
then you're probably not cut out to be fashion or commercial
model. That doesn't mean you can't be a model, but you
should probably look more seriously at freelance work that
you can get without an agency, such as glamour, figure, or
promotional modeling.
Should I Have to Pay My Agency?
Real modeling agencies make most of their money by taking a
percentage of each modeling job you do for one of the
agency's clients. This percentage is usually between 10%
and 20%, and should be stated in your written contract with
the agency. So if the agency is finding work for their
models, they are making money on those percentages. That's
their motivation for finding you modeling work if you sign
with them.
In smaller markets like the Northwest, the profit margins
for agencies are small, so most of them will also charge
nominal fees for some of the services they provide to
models, but any agency that asks you for hundreds of
dollars in up front fees or makes you pay for unnecessary
training is probably not legitimate. Beware of bogus
agencies that are just fronts for modeling schools or
outright scam operations.
Some of the fees you can realistically expect to pay the
agency might include the following:
- Some agencies have a small sign-up or application fee.
Typically this fee is only a few dollars, or just enough to
cover the cost of the application paperwork. Since many
agencies are deluged with applicants, charging a token
sign-up fee helps ensure that only those people that are
serious about modeling actually apply to the agency.
However, beware of any agency that asks for a large amount
of money for signing up or for any other reason. Also note
that application fees are prohibited in some jurisdictions.
- Some agencies charge a small fee to list the model on
the agency's headsheets. Typically this fee is less than
$50 per year, but will vary depending on the agency. This
listing should be optional, not required, but is highly
recommended for being seen by the largest number of
potential clients.
- Some agencies charge a small fee to display the model's
photos and statistics on the agency's web site. Typically
this fee is less than $50 per year, but will vary depending
on the agency. This listing should be optional, not
required, since very little commercial modeling work is
found through web sites.
- Most agencies charge a fee to make copies of the model's
composite cards to distribute to agency clients. Each
agency has its own preferred layout and logo design for its
model's composite cards, so the model's first batch of
cards usually needs to be created by a print shop that
works regularly with the model's agency. Once the first
batch of cards is used up, many reputable agencies give the
model the option of going to any print shop to get extra
copies printed. This allows the model to shop around for
the best deal on printing if he/she wishes. However, the
cost of printing extra composites is often cheaper through
large modeling agencies because of volume discounts offered
to those agencies by their preferred print shops.
Before a model can start working, it is not unusual for the
model to spend several hundred dollars on photography and
composite card printing, but often a model pays the
photographers and print shops directly for those services,
rather than paying for those services through their agency.
The agency may recommend a list of photographers and
printers to you, and they may even have a staff
photographer available to you at a reasonable rate or a
print shop that already knows the agency's comp card
format, but your agency should not demand that you
use a specific photographer or printing service.
What Is a Booking?
In the modeling world, the term booking refers to
an agreement between model and client for the model to do
some specific modeling work in exchange for some specific
compensation from the client, at a specific date and time,
and at a specific location. The agreement can be
formalized in writing, but in most cases it is done over
the phone or through e-mail. The term booking can
also be applied to the process of making these
arrangements, e.g. if a client is said to be booking a
model, the client is in the process of reaching an
agreement with the model.
For agency models, a person at the agency called a
booker usually makes all the arrangements with
clients so the model doesn't have to worry about
negotiations and other details of the booking process.
Once the agency and the client have reached an agreement
about the work the model will do, the agency adds the
booking to the model's appointment book and the model will
be expected to follow through on doing the work for the
client.
Can I Expect To Work Weekends Or Weekdays?
For fashion/commercial modeling, the vast majority of the
work is during regular business hours on weekdays. You
might encounter an occasional weekend booking, but you
should generally plan on being available at any time during
the week when your agent calls with a job opportunity.
For freelance modeling, you will probably be working with
individuals and artists that have widely varying schedules.
In many cases these clients may have regular jobs on
weekdays and limit their photography and/or artwork to
weekends.
For promotional modeling, your work hours will depend on
the types and locations of the promotions you do.
Convention and trade show assignments usually happen during
business hours on weekdays. In-store promotions often
happen during evenings and weekends when consumers are
shopping instead of working. Assignments at night clubs,
sporting events, and tourism-related events are usually on
evening and weekends.
Are Modeling Schools a Waste of Money?
Yes, modeling schools are usually a waste of money.
In many cases, modeling schools are designed to get
unsuspecting young people to pay for unnecessary training
without regard to whether these people actually have a
chance at succeeding in the industry. Some modeling
schools are outright scams, charging exhorbitant fees and
delivering little in return. Beware of high pressure sales
tactics and quick promises of big-time modeling work in the
future. Classes in dance and movement and classes in small
business accounting can be worthwhile for some models, but
community colleges or private instruction are probably
better suited to teaching those skills than most modeling
schools.
Also note that when signing new faces, modeling agencies
usually don't care whether applicants have had training or
not.
Can I Get Discovered at Modeling Expos and Seminars?
Not likely.
The same cautions that apply to modeling schools also apply
to these events. Most of the 'modeling expo' or 'modeling
seminar' events held at hotels and convention centers are
just elaborate sales pitches for modeling schools or
overpriced portfolio mills. Some are outright scams,
taking lots of money from aspiring models and delivering
little in return. Beware of high pressure sales tactics
and big promises.
Are Subscriptions To On-Line Casting Notices a Waste of Money?
There are a variety of web sites that claim to sell you
access to "up to date" and "hard to find" castings for
models and actors for a monthly subscription fee.
Common problems with these services are:
- The listing services usually don't verify the listings
very well (or at all), so many of the listings can turn out
to be bogus.
- The same listings can usually be had for free from
other sources (for example,
www.backstage.com
has free lists of casting notices for actors).
- Some of the listing services just copy the casting
notices from other sources and sell them to you.
- The listings are often out of date by the time you
receive them.
Do I Have To Be a Certain Height or Size To Work as a Model?
For fashion/catalog work, agencies and their clients
usually have very specific and very strict requirements for
height and size. These requirements may vary slightly from
agency to agency, client to client, and region to region,
but the following are typical for the better agencies in
the Northwest region:
For Women's Clothing:
- Height between 5'8" and 6'0"
- Measurements at or very close to 34" bust, 24" waist, 34" hips
- Dress size 4-6
- Age 15-24
For Plus-Size Women's Clothing:
- Height between 5'8" and 6'0"
- Dress size 12-16
- Waist at least ten inches smaller than bust & hips
- Age 19-30
For Junior's (Teen Girl's) Clothing:
- Height between 5'6" and 6'0"
- Measurements 32-34" bust, 22-24" waist, 32-34" hips
- Dress size 3-5
- Age 13-19
- Shoe size 8 or larger
For Men's Clothing:
- Height between 6'0" and 6'2" for adult men
- Height between 5'10" and 6'2" for teen men
- Suit size 40R
- Shoe size 10 or larger
For swimsuit and lingerie catalog work, a slightly curvier
appearance is usually desired, and height is less
important, so the agency's requirements for height and size
may be relaxed by an inch or two for models with
outstanding figures.
For glamour, figure/art, and most other types of freelance
modeling, a wider variation in height and size is
tolerated. These types of modeling put more emphasis on
the model's figure and less on the model's height and size,
so these models are often up to 3-4 inches shorter and
several sizes larger than catalog models. In the case of
figure models, the kinds of looks that artists seek in
their models can vary considerably from artist to artist.
Some artists even specifically seek out models that look as
different as possible from the fashion model stereotypes.
For commercial work other than catalogs, the agencies still
tend to prefer models that fit the guidelines for catalog
work, since those models can be marketed to the largest
number of clients. However, there are some commercial
modeling assignments that have entirely different
requirements.
For example, models over age 55 of all sizes and heights
are used in print advertising for health products, medical
services, retirement communities, and a variety of other
products that are marketed to senior citizens.
There are fewer opportunities in the Northwest for these
non-traditional models, so a commercial model's ability to
find any work may depend on working with an exceptional
agency that handles a wide variety of print assignments
beyond just department store catalogs.
Do I Need a Portfolio?
The traditional wisdom says that every model should have a
big black book containing full-page photographs showing the
model with a variety of looks, along with some tear sheets
of the model's recent print work. However, most commercial
print work in the northwest is booked solely on the basis
of the model's comp card and possibly a brief in-person
interview with the client. A portfolio, or the lack of
one, rarely even comes up in booking this type of work.
That's not to say that you shouldn't have a portfolio, but
you can probably get by without one if your comp card is
doing the job. It will also depend on the types of clients
your agency works with; ask your agent if you should have
one.
When interviewing for freelance modeling jobs, having a
portfolio is more important. This is partly because you
will often be dealing with clients that have less
experience hiring models who will want to see more material
before making a hiring decision, and partly because you
won't be able to stand on an agency's reputation, so you'll
have to be able to show more material to the client to
demonstrate your proficiency.
|
Tip: For information on portfolio photography services by photographer
Rick Campbell,
click here.
|
Someone Told Me I Need to Have Nude Photos In My Portfolio.
Is This True?
Unless you are actively seeking nude modeling
work, you do not need to have nude photos in your
book. In fact, having nudes prominently displayed
in your portfolio might cause some commercial clients to
turn you down for work if they find the images distasteful.
Models that do both commercial work and nude work
usually build two separate books, one for each type of
client.
Do I Need a Comp Card?
For the majority of commercial modeling work, yes, you need
to have a comp card. Commercial clients often select
models by sorting through the comp cards they've received
from your agency. If you don't have a card, your agent
can't send it out to the clients that might be interested
in hiring you.
For freelance modeling jobs with small business owners or
individual photographers, a comp card may not be necessary.
But you will want to have something that you can leave with
the client while they're considering which model to hire.
If you don't have a comp card, it's a good idea to give the
client a resume and a small photograph with your contact
information written on the back.
Actors generally don't use comp cards. The actor's agent
usually sends the actor's resume and 8"x10"
headshot when submitting to clients for possible acting
work.
What Should I Put On My Comp Card?
The most popular format for composite cards these days is a
piece of cardstock approximately 8.5 by 5.5 inches, with a
headshot printed on one side and three or four other
photographs printed on the other side. The model's name,
height, size, and measurements are also printed on the
card. For agency models, the agency logo and the agent's
contact information is also included on the card.
If you are working with an agency, it's usually best to let
them advise you on what to put on your comp cards. Your
agent will know from past experience what your card needs
to look like to optimize your chances of getting hired by
that agency's clients, and they may have specific
guidelines on the layout of the card so its appearance
matches the other cards from that agency's models.
If you are putting the card together without the benefit of
an agent's advice, then you'll need to carefully select the
photographs that will be printed on the card. Use the
headshot that best reflects your current appearance on the
front of the card. Select the photos for the back of the
card based on the types of modeling work you expect to do.
For example, if you will be doing commercial catalog work,
then your photographs should look like they belong in a
catalog. Also be careful to select photographs that show
several different looks (hairstyles, poses, outfits, etc.),
so that clients can see your versatility.
This advice also generally applies to building your
portfolio, but if you have done commercial print work then
you will also want to include a few tear sheets in your
portfolio if you have them.
|
Tip: Once you have selected the photos you want to
put on your composite card, try these services for printing
your composite cards:
|
Do I Need a Web Site?
If you are looking for fashion and print work, or if most
of your modeling work comes through an agency, a web site
may be a waste of time for you.
However, if you are looking for non-commercial or freelance
work or are soliciting photographers for photo shoots
through the internet, then having some type of portfolio on
the web is important.
To start with, there are many modeling web sites that
offer free listings to models. Here are just a few of
them, in no particular order:
Each of the sites that offers free model listings has its
own quirks and limitations, so it is a good idea to get
listed with more than one service. Some of these sites
offer better levels of service to models that pay a monthly
or yearly membership fee, so be sure to read the fine print
when getting signed up at a web site.
For a better and more personalized presentation than the
free web sites offer, you can run your own web site or hire
a professional webmaster to run a web site for you.
What Is TFP?
You'll probably see the abbreviation 'TFP' start to pop up
frequently as you familiarize yourself with the modeling
industry on the Internet. TFP stands for 'Time
For Photos' or 'Trade For
Prints' or one of several other phrases that means
the same thing.
The basic concept in a TFP arrangement is that a
photographer is trading his/her time behind the camera for
a model's time in front of the camera.
To confuse things slightly, the terms TFP and ''test
shoot'' are sometimes used interchangeably, and sometimes
test shooting can also have the implied meaning that the
model is paying a photographer to start the model's
portfolio or that the model is being tested for possible
use in an upcoming modeling assignment for the
photographer's clients. If in doubt as to the purpose of a
particular photo shoot, ask the photographer.
TFP arrangements are intended to benefit both models and
photographers. We all need new photos from time to time,
and there are situations where both models and
photographers might want new photos without having the
expense of hiring somebody in order to get them.
There are a variety of reasons that a model might consider
TFP. A new model may not have the funds to hire
professional photographers to start his/her portfolio. A
working model may want to update her existing portfolio
because her appearance has changed since her last photos
were taken. A model may want the experience of modeling
with different photographers who would not ordinarily be in
a position to hire him/her. A model may simply want to
practice modeling at little expense. In any of these
cases, a model might offer to do a photo shoot with a
photographer in exchange for a few prints or a set of
digital photographs provided by the photographer for the
model's use.
There are a variety of reasons that a photographer might
consider TFP. A new photographer may not have the funds to
hire professional models to start his portfolio. A working
photographer may want to experiment with new equipment or
unfamiliar photographic techniques without the added
expense of hiring a model. A photographer may want to
produce material on speculation of possible future sales
without the added financial strain of paying models out of
his own pocket. A photographer may want to test the
abilities of an unknown model before agreeing to hire the
model for future work. A photographer may want the
experience of working with different types of models than
he would normally encounter in his day to day work. A
photographer may simply want to practice photography with
little expense. In any of these cases, a photographer may
offer to do a photo shoot with a model in exchange for a
few prints or a set of digital images given to the model.
Not surprisingly, novice models and novice photographers
tend to be the most willing to do TFP work on the most
generous terms, so it's wise for both model and
photographer to consider whether the other person's skill
and experience is sufficient to get them the quality of
photos they expect from the session. Unless your
motivation for a photo shoot is simply to get some
experience, you are not doing yourself any favors by making
poor quality photos that neither model or photographer can
use. Try to trade with people who have samples of past
work to show you, particularly if you like the look or
style of their work.
There are no firm industry rules about setting up TFP
shoots, and the details will often be different with every
photographer. Common practice is for the photographer to
provide camera and lighting equipment while the model
provides wardrobe, makeup and hair styling. Sometimes the
photographer pays for expenses like film, processing and/or
digital production, and sometimes those expenses are split
between the model and photographer. The expense of prints
or CDs could be paid by the model or photographer,
depending on what is agreed to beforehand.
Of course, the most important thing that model and
photographer contribute to the photo shoot is their skill
and experience. Generally speaking, new models and new
photographers have less skill and experience to offer, so
they are usually expected to do more work, cover more
expenses, and receive fewer photos (or fewer rights to the
use of the photos) when engaging in TFP deals with their
more exprienced counterparts.
Just as with regular modeling work, after a TFP shoot the
photographer will expect the model to sign a release form.
The terms of the release used for TFP may or may not be
more restrictive than the general releases used on regular
work, depending on what the model and photographer have
agreed to for their TFP session. Releases limiting the
photographs to "promotional use only" are
frequently used when beginners work together. However, in
cases where a more experienced photographer is working with
a less experienced model, it is fairly common to use a
general release so the photographer can recoup some of the
income lost (from shooting the model for free) by selling
some of the photographs from the model's TFP session as
stock photography or art prints.
TFP sessions can be a great way for anyone in the industry
to practice their craft and get great new photographs, but
since there is so much variation in the way that different
individuals handle TFP arrangements, it's important to make
sure both sides are on the same wavelength about their
expectations when setting up a TFP session.
|
Tip: For information about 'TFP' photo shoot
opportunities with photographer Rick Campbell,
click here.
|
Can I Find Modeling Work Through the Internet?
The internet can be a great place to find modeling work with
small businesses and individual photographers. However, the
vast majority of modeling work that can be found through the
internet is of the glamour and artistic varieties (of which
a large percentage is topless or nude), or is of the
'adult' or pornographic
varieties that most models aren't interested in.
Commercial modeling work is almost always booked through
agencies, not through the internet.
There are several approaches to finding clients through the
internet:
- Models can find local photographer's web pages through
web search engines, and then individually contact those
photographers by e-mail or by telephone to ask for work.
- Models can look for photographer's advertisements for
models on modeling-related and photography-related message
boards, and then individually contact those that look like
a good match for the model's work interests.
- Models can post messages on modeling-related or
photography-related message boards announcing their
availability for work. Potential clients can respond to the
model's message through e-mail.
|
Tip: To visit the THETA Northwest Modeling Forum,
click here.
|
When contacting a potential client by e-mail, or when
posting a message advertising for modeling work, it is a
good idea to include all the information about yourself
that a client would need to quickly determine if you are a
good candidate for his/her project. The following
information should be included:
- Location: The city and state (or province) you are
located in. Clients in faraway locations are less likely
to be interested in working with you, and if you neglect to
include your location they may not bother to contact you at
all. For personal safety, don't give your complete street
address to anyone over the internet until after you've
checked them out. Just the city and state is fine for
initial contacts.
- Physical characteristics: Age, height, weight,
measurements, dress/suit size, shoe size, eye color, and
hair color. If you have any permanent marks like scars,
tattoos, or unusual piercings, these should also be
mentioned.
- A sample photograph from your portfolio, or a link to
your web site where the client can view your portfolio.
- The type(s) of modeling work you are interested in
doing. If you neglect to include this, clients may assume
you are not available for the type of work they are
interested in hiring for.
- The type(s) of modeling work you are not
interested in doing. If you aren't specific about this,
it's possible you may receive offers to work in
porn videos or other work you find unsavory.
- The times and days of the week you are usually
available for modeling work.
- The rates you normally charge for modeling work, if you
work frequently. If you don't model frequently, it's often
better to say something like "rates are negotiable and
depend on the nature of the assignment."
Once a potential client has expressed an interest in hiring
you for a modeling assignment, you can begin discussing the
details of the assignment with the client and negotiate
what the payment terms will be.
Is It Safe To Work With People I Meet Through the Internet?
Most of the time, yes. However, there's always a
possibility of running into a troublemaker posing as a
photographer, so it is advisable to take some common sense
safety precautions when dealing with people through the
internet. Here are some suggestions:
- Don't give your full name, home address, or home
telephone number to anyone until after you've checked them
out.
- Ask potential clients for references from other models
they have worked with. Check the references.
- As you meet other models in the course of your work,
stay in touch with them so you can ask them about good and
bad experiences they've had with some of the clients you
might work with.
- Make sure all arrangements for a photo shoot or other
modeling assignment are decided in advance, or be prepared
to deal with unexpected surprises.
- When meeting an individual client in person for the
first time, you could arrange to meet in a public place
(for example, a coffee shop) or bring a friend with you.
- If you are a minor (under 18 years of age), a
parent should be involved in arranging all of your modeling
work, and you should always bring the parent with
you to any photo shoots or meetings with clients.
|
Tip: Click here
for a page with more safety tips for models.
|
In Closing
This article has only touched on some topics that entire
books could be written about. Hopefully this information
will provide a good starting point for anyone interested in
learning about modeling in the Northwest. I would
encourage all aspiring models to keep reading and keep
learning, whenever and wherever opportunities present
themselves.
This article is © Copyright 1998-2003
by Rick Campbell. All rights reserved. This article may
not be reproduced or distributed, in whole or in part,
without the author's express consent. The author's posting
of this article on an internet-based message board shall
not imply consent to post this article or any portion
thereof to the same or any other internet-based message
board by any other party. The author makes no warranty
respecting the completeness or accuracy of the information
contained in this article. Any use of the information
contained in this article is at the reader's sole
risk.
It takes a lot of time and effort for me to
write articles like this, and I'm tired of having scumbags
steal it and put it on their own web sites without asking,
and I'm really tired of having to serve
legal notices to the web hosting companies of
those scumbags to get their sites shut down. Don't copy
this article, or any part of it, without getting my
permission first!
Back to the Modeling Info page
| 
