Zero Dean

Why modeling involves more than just good looks.

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You are unique. Just like everyone else.

Many aspiring models feel that because they are “beautiful”, photographers will line up to take their photos. In some rare instances, this might actually be true. But at the same time, you need to position yourself in a way that advances your career and uses all of your available resources to your advantage.

I’ve worked with numerous models that are substantially more attractive than major successes like Brittany Spears or Paris Hilton. So why aren’t they also huge successes? Because being extremely successful in this industry generally involves more than just good looks.

It is important to recognize that there are thousands (or even hundreds of thousands) of aspiring models out there and they’re all seeking work. If you are serious about advancing your career, then it is important that you take steps to distance yourself from the pack and give yourself every advantage you can over the countless others all seeking the same things.

Don’t settle for situations where working with someone will not benefit your portfolio or your career. And by all means, if you’re at all serious about modeling as a career or a potential source of income, be extremely discriminant about the photos you use in your portfolio. I will say this repeatedly in these pages, your portfolio is not a scrapbook.

With that said, a career in modeling usually requires a model to start from the bottom and work her way up. This means that not all jobs will be glamourous or high paying. And sometimes the best opportunities in your career will barely seem like opportunities at all. It is important to consider all opportunities very carefully. And if you’re already accustomed to getting paid for your time, it is important to consider when collaborating with a photographer for “free” may be worth more than any monetary reimbursement for time.

For example, photographers may sometimes work on creative projects that don’t involve compensating the participants. Yet the results from such a project could end up being worth their weight in gold and one of the highlights of your portfolio. A single photo could get you exposure leading to countless more paid opportunities.

Ideas for photos & photo shoots

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Depending on the photographer, photo shoots can be a very collaborative and creative process where clients are encouraged to share any ideas they may have for photographs they’d like to try and take.

Although this can be done at any time, it is best done at least a few days prior to your shoot date so that any necessary preparations can be made ahead of time.

Oftentimes, a pre-existing photograph may provide the inspiration for a new one.

You may want to consider collecting photographs you come across online or in magazines (and making digital copies) and storing them in a folder on a USB drive or in a dropbox or google drive folder.

You can also bring magazines to your shoot for inspiration.

Many ideas can be found by simply paying attention to what a model may be wearing, any props that are used in the photo, the location where the photo was shot, and any effects used in the shot (if any).

Don’t be a flaky model. Why your reputation is important.

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Just as it is important to consider who you work with, it is also important to take every aspect of your reputation seriously. Every time you work with someone, you are building onto your reputation. The impression you leave those you work with can have a potentially significant impact on your career. You will typically get much farther and progress much faster if you have a reputation that works for you, rather than have one that may be questionable.

Don’t be flaky. If you schedule a shoot with a photographer, don’t cancel at the last minute. Last minute cancellations are often done at great expense to the photographer who gave up valuable time to schedule working with you. When you cancel unexpectedly, it means that regardless of whether the photographer was paying you or getting paid, productivity is lost and that time is wasted. Photographers will often not work with a model again if she cancels a shoot without sufficient notice.

Bringing an escort to your photo shoot

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If you wish to bring an escort to your photo shoot (generally a good idea if you are working with a new or unknown photographer), this is something you should discuss beforehand.

Please be aware that most beginning and many advanced models have issues being comfortable posing for photographers in front of their boyfriends and relatives. Even if you do bring an escort, such as a friend or family member, you may not want them to be watching you during your shoot. This is something you should discuss with them beforehand — such as options.

If you’re under 18, you must bring one of your parents, or an older female model with you, to act as a guardian. Your parent or guardian must sign a model release form for you.

If you are just starting out, I suggest that after an introductory period and you and your escort are both confident that the photographer is reputable and isn’t creepy, that the escort leave (or at least monitor the shoot from a distance) for a period of time to allow the model to feel less self-conscious while getting used to shooting.

When working with any photographer for the first time, I’d suggest making a point of always having your cell phone handy, and to check in with someone you know at least once during a shoot to let them know you’re ok. Also make sure that someone you know knows where you will be and that they should expect to hear from you at a certain time. They should also have the number (and address, if possible) of the photographer you are working with. Again, this is just for general safety.

What you should be doing to make the most of your modeling career.

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As with any career, it is important to plan. As the saying goes, “Failing to plan is planning to fail”. You will get much farther and be more effective if you are organized, set realistic goals, and then set about to achieve those goals. You need to consider everything from how to get started and how to market yourself to how you will position yourself when paid offers for nude or topless shoots come in or a photographer’s behavior or request makes you uncomfortable.

As with any skill, practice and experience will make you better. Therefore, if you take your aspiring career seriously, it is important that you are either getting experience, practicing what you need to become better at, or both.

Be informed. Study. If there is a particular market you can see yourself fitting into, research it. Study the models in magazines. Find out who your favorite models are. Find out how they started out and became successful. One of the most common ways of becoming successful is emulating the behavior, attitude, and drive of those who became successful.

Understand a little bit about photography. Understand what makes a good photograph. Find out what types of photos you like best. Keep these photos in mind when you are shooting.