Modeling.us.com National Model & Musician Promotions

So You Want To Be A Model?

Modeling.us.com is looking for beginners or experienced female and male models.
Video and/or Still photography opportunities.

You can be featured here and get noticed by thousands of potential companies / agencies / promoters that see what you have to offer.

• Are you in Atlanta, New Orleans, or coming to visit?
• Are you over the age 18?
• We need amateurs, pros, etc. all types will be considered
• Some semi- nudity for casting calls if you seek to be in those (Vogue, Comopolitan, Etc.) If you seek to do full nudity or festish style adult modeling then you wish to goto this site for more information on contacting and working with them. As we don't really deal in that.
• Contact us by email by clicking the button below

Include 3 pictures of yourself:
1 Clear Head Shot , 1 Full Body Shot and 1 Layout Shot.

I get asked by so many people about how or what to do to become a professional model?
Below is an excerpt from the book "So You Want to be a Model?" plublished by Peter Glenn Publications

I hope this guide will help and answer some of your questions on the "glamour" world of modeling?

So You Want to be a Model?

Table of content
GETTING AN AGENT
GETTING PREPARED
VISITING AGENCIES
HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS

TESTING

MODEL KIT
• COMP CARDS
• MODEL BOOK
• PORTFOLIO
• WARDROBE
• MODEL BAG

CASTINGS
BOOKINGS
PROFESSIONALISM
MONEY MATTERS

Getting an agent: It is advisable to find an agency to represent and promote you as a model. Their job is to sell you, just as if you were a new product, and it is you that employ them. Just as in a standard job, you must pay your agency for the job they do ("commission"). However, there are a lot of scam agencies out there, so keep your eyes open..That is Why we don't charge you for joining us, but we may charge you a small fee for website hosting only.

***WORDS OF WARNING***
NEVER pay to join an agency
NEVER sign with agencies that sell useless classes (any good legit agency will teach you what you need to know for free).
NEVER get involved with agencies that sell in-house photography resulting in a portfolio all shot by one person - this is a major no-no that is so common.
A good portfolio will be shot over time by numerous photographers reflecting different looks/photography styles.

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Getting Prepared: Get a friend to take some photos of you (like the good people here at MOMENTOUSEVENTS.COM.) Make sure you get some face shots (wearing minimum make-up, if any) and some full length body shots (wear something that shows off your figure, like a swimsuit or pretty underwear - again don't wear much make-up or you'll look too 'glamour girl' for a fashion/commercial model agency) Choose two photos (one head, one figure) that show you at your best - keep check that the lighting around you is complimentary and does not throw nasty shadows by your nose etc. as this will make your features look an odd shape!
Write your name, address and telephone number on the back of each photo Mailing Agencies Send your photos with a stamped addressed envelope and a short letter to the "New Faces Division" at the agency, stating: Height (see 'Height' below), Bust (and cup), Waist and Hip measurements (in inches). Age, Hair and Eye color, Dress and Shoe size.

Visiting Agencies: Call some agencies you are interested in and find out their times of opening for new faces. Find out their exact location and plan out which ones you will visit and at what times. Go in and show your photos - they will tell you then and there if they have any interest or not. If you are refused (which, unfortunately, is usually the case) Listen to their reasons why - if they tell you that you are too short for modeling, ask them if they know of any petite agencies in the area. If they say you are too commercial / too fashion / too glamour looking, again ask them if they know of any agents that would be interested in you and then arrange to visit them.

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Height Requirements: Height requirements vary for different types of agencies and I suggest you contact the agency you are interested in for their exact requirements. The general requirements, are as follows:

1. Fashion/Editorial Typical Work: Runway shows and high fashion magazines (editorial)

Women: Height: 5'9" minimum and 5'10" minimum for catwalk. (it is not uncommon for major agencies to not see any female models under 5'9". A few agencies will see shorter, but the model must be truly exceptional. BUST: 34 B: (some "C" cups accepted but anything larger than that will not get you into a major agency for this type of modeling - no exceptions). WAIST: 23"-24" HIPS: 34"-35 1/2" Measured across the fullest part of the rear-end (almost thigh level - not how most of us are taught to measure our "hips"!) - don't fib as you will be measured! WEIGHT: 120-122 lbs. [for a 5'9" model] you must slip *easily* into a standard size 8/10 - with no bulging buttons or seams!
EXERCISE: Toned bodies are a must - this is a tough industry and the competition is brutal!

Men: Height: 5'11"-6'0"/6'2") Some photographers will not work with male fashion models over this height as they tend to "tower" over any females in the shoot, thereby throwing off the balance of the photo JACKET: 40 Regular WAIST: 31"-32" WEIGHT: around 165lbs [for a 6' tall male (editorial) model] You must be slim and very fit!

2. Commercial Agency Typical Work: Catalogue and magazine/television advertising HEIGHT: 5'8" Not so strict as fashion agencies - some take on girls 5'6" +

3. Glamour Agency Typical Work: Topless and/or nude work HEIGHT: 5'0"? (not too sure about this, but they generally take on much shorter girls than the fashion or commercial agencies)

4. Petite Agency Typical Work: Petite fashion and commercial work (see above) HEIGHT: 5'6"-5'8" Major agencies will not use petite models under 5'6". Most markets use petites 5'6" up to 5'8" - not what the general public thinks of in petites, but fashion/catalog wise this is industry standard! NOTE: the competition for petite agencies is Very high as there are few agencies and few jobs but many applicants!

5. Plus Size Agency Typical Work: Plus Size Fashion/Commercial work (see above) HEIGHT: 5'8"+ DRESS: 12-18 (the majority of plus models that get the really good jobs are size 12/14) AGE: usually 25-35 years old

Welcome to the World of Modeling! So you've got yourself an agency? Great...but where does it go from here?... Modeling is a very demanding but a rewarding profession if treated correctly. In this section you will find detailed guidelines on how to get the best out of your agency and the business.

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TESTING: Testing is an essential part of a model's career, whether a new model or an established model. For new models, it is the practical training ground to develop camera technique. Professional models test to update their portfolios for clients. You will need to cover the following: Head-shot (both with hair up, i.e. a beauty shot, and with hair down) Full Length Sporty Lingerie/Swimwear Outdoor Natural Knitwear With another model a variety of expressions are essential on all of these, especially smiles.

Test photographers charge for their services and you must always use a make-up artist. This can become expensive if you have to test many times to ensure you cover each look. Therefore once you have a small selection, your agency will try and arrange as many free tests as possible with assistant photographers who you will meet on your go-sees. In the Glamour business this is sometimes called "TFP" or Trade For Prints. Typically there is no money exchanged or very little by the model to pay for the costs of film and related expenses. The model exchanges his/her time for the prints or CD of pictures. Both the model and the photographer get to keep a copy of the photos.

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MODEL KIT: Once your agency feels you have a good cross section of shots, they can then begin to promote you. There are different ways this can be done:

1. Comp Cards: As soon as you have enough good shots you will be advised with regard to having an comp card printed. Usually your agency arrange for 1,000 to be printed on the first run, which they then send to all clients on their client list. Following this, you will be given some of your own cards which you keep in your portfolio and hand to each client on every casting or go-see. Your first comp card is expected to last approximately 8 months, however your agency may feel that you need to change your look within this time and you will therefore have to obtain new cards. (Some fashion agencies don't have comp cards - they prefer to send laser copies of shots from your portfolio). AS Far as Compcards go, you will have to pay for those as most agencies do not provide them, but may know someone who can provide them at a discount price. You can try www.bbpsg.com as they are normally reasonable with their prices.

2. Model Book: The Model Book is the initial model selling tool which contains photos of the models represented by your agency. This book is reprinted approximately every 18 months and each model is asked to take space (quarter, double or single page) to advertise themselves and their different looks. As a self-employed model all these forms of advertising are usually paid for by the model and can be claimed against tax at the end of each year.

3. Portfolio: A model's portfolio is their main selling tool. Presentation, quality and variety of shots are all very important factors to be considered. Your portfolio is your responsibility. When not in use, it should always be at the agency as they may have clients that come into the agency that they would like to show. This may be a reason to have a secondary portfolio, or better yet, an on-line portfolio that anyone with Internet access can view. This is where JAYA.BZ helps, especially if you are interested in getting freelance work as you will have your own web address to give out to potential clients! Take pride in how you present your shots and keep testing with new ideas to keep your portfolio up to date. Take great care not to lose any shots - put your agency's sticker on each in case of theft or loss.

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4. Wardrobe: On most advertising jobs you will be expected to take with you a wide selection of clothes relating to the job. This does not mean one or two items, it means as many suitcases as possible of clothes belonging to yourself and, if necessary, borrowed from friends and relatives! Clothes must be clean and pressed, and should be displayed neatly in the changing room upon arrival at the studio. Unless bright clothes are requested, take plain or lightly patterned clothes in neutral shades ~ logos and loud patterns may clash with the product you are promoting! Think More classic than fashion as fashion tends to change so rapidly that the clothes date the picture. Keep your modeling shoes separate to the ones for everyday use to avoid scuffing. Never turn up at a job without the correct clothes ~ if you have any problems, make sure you tell your booker immediately when booked and they will speak to the client to sort out the problem.

5. Model Bag: You should always carry a Model Bag* with you when attending a job or test. Some models will tell you that this is not necessary, but it is always better to look prepared and impress the client than to be asked for something that you don't have - a young Claudia Schiffer was well known for being prepared! *A female model's bag should contain the following:

Bra (inc strapless) & Underwear (g-strings) - flesh colored tights - flesh colored and colored make-up hair accessories underslip and jewelry.

Hair: hairdryer, heated rollers, heated brush, hair spray, mousse etc.

Shoes: (Court shoes), pumps, sandals.

Body: Short dressing gown - to wear when you have your make-up prepared so that when you put your clothes on, you don't upset your make-up. Index Cards Iron An A-Z of your area (if living in a big city) Face cleanser, toner, moisturizer Pins Tissues Deodorant Eye drops.

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CASTINGS: Once your agency has launched your promotion to the clients, you will then be asked to attend castings. A casting is basically a situation where you meet a client either at the agency or at a studio. You will always need to take your portfolio and a couple of index cards.

There are different types of casting, as follows:

1. Agency: The amount of models attending an agency casting varies depending on the client and his requirement, there may be only a few models but there can be as many as 60 models. There may be a long wait before your turn to meet the client, but this is normal and the casting could take some times up to 4 hours - although your actual time spent with the client is only 5 minutes max.

2. Studio: If invited to a studio casting, be prepared for a photographer to take a Polaroid© or even put you on video. It is important that you appear confident and willing to help at all times. Always dress according to the look required and if it is a figure job, it is best to take a bikini or nice underwear (they may even supply this if they are interested in you and you will have to wear it in front of the client).

A Casting is always treated as a booking and MUST NEVER be missed. If you have a problem getting to a casting, always speak to your booker immediately.

3. Request Casting: A request casting is when a client has a particular look in mind and only wants to see models that fits their pre-requisites. eg:"brunettes with short hair only" Important: In Miami Beach for example, several models from different agencies become friends and will share information on castings from their agencies. DO NOT "CRASH" a casting if you have not been invited or requested.