I’m going to break this info up over a few posts. I want to spend a bit of time on each of what I consider to be main points. Most people think being a model is being hot and everyone will flock to you, sadly, that’s just not the case. Being a model-being a SUCCESSFUL model requires a LOT of hard work and determination. It requires money and dedication. It also requires support and the ability to take a licking and keep on ticking. Let’s get started shall we?

Most people think that being a model is as easy as going to a night club and having the local drunk guy tell you “You’re so hot, you should be a model!” Or Mom saying “You’re so pretty, you should model!” Both people have their own bias for telling you to model, one is more pure than the other. I’m not telling you to disregard what people say, I’m simply saying you should consider the source. Mom has one reason, drunk guy (or girl) has quite a different one. You being the model or model enthusiast, have to decide what YOU want out of it.

Once you’ve decided what you want out of modeling, you have to give yourself a long and hard look over. Most people think of Runway work or magazines: Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar and other major magazines. A few things should be noted: To get into magazines like that, you need to be signed with an agency. Not just any agency either, you need to be with a MAJOR agency! When looking yourself over, you should be looking at your stats, face, hands, legs everything! Why? Simple; you want to be realistic about the options you have available to you, you don’t want an agency to be the first person to point things out to you. By being familiar with yourself, you will know how your body moves and what works and doesn’t work for you. Although we will cover it in great detail, just to give you a quick rundown:

There are four body types:

Apple: Broad shoulders when compared to narrow hips.
Banana: Little to no curves, comparable to a ruler
Pear: Hips are larger in measurement, to waist (More butt than breasts)
Hourglass: Marilyn Monroe…need I say more?

Once you know what your body type is, you will have a better idea of what genre is good for you. There are many sub-divisions of each genre, so we will focus on the usually accepted norms:

Modeling genres:
Editorial (Photographic/Commercial)
Runway
Swimwear/lingerie
Nude

Before we get into a total break down, we need to make sure you have basic things;

Do you have a support group or person? That person will always be there for you and will always let you know that what you want to do is worth doing. They will almost have as much faith in you as you have in yourself.

Do you have the time to dedicate to being a model? As stated before, this is a business! If you don’t have the time, it’s fine to want pretty pictures of yourself. But know that before hand. You can’t dedicate 2 hours over two months to become successful or even mildly successful.

Are you prepared to spend money on your career? Lots of people look for free photographers and as a way and while free photographers (TFCD/TFP) while there is nothing wrong with photographers who shoot TFCD/TFP, usually those who do, are working on their portfolio and if you plan on hitting an agency, having less than amazing photos is less than a wise option.

If you have the support system, realistic outlook on your body type and the genres you’re “limited” to, you are ready for the next blog entry…which is on the way.