ON LOCATION PHOTOGRAPHY'S MODEL'S HANDBOOK

I do not subscribe to the theory that height makes a lady a model. I don't believe that is all it takes. While it can be an advantage, the true nature of modeling must come from within, not from without. The first question is deal with is "talent." Many people, photographers and modeling agencies included, fail to recognize what true talent means in a model. And, as a result, oftentimes base their judgment on their own internal perceptions of what "looks" like a model or what "should" be a model.

Like any good talent, modeling must come from the heart of a person. It must be a part of her soul. Superficially, I can "dress" ANY woman to "look" like a model. Make-up...hair...the right fashions. ..those are the EASY things to give a model.

But, like a young person first learning how to play the piano, a modeling student may not have the obvious talent that others may have. The talent may be there, but buried, deep inside, and only needing the correct pathway to leap to the surface to present itself for the entire camera, or runway, world to see.

A person who starts to take piano lessons may not realize if she has any musical talent whatsoever. It may lie deep inside that person and not realized until those lessons are taken. And, sometimes, after some struggle, the person begins to develop as a truly gifted and unique piano player. So why can't the same be said about young women who wish to be models?

I have seen some the brightest and most gifted young ladies become stunning models. But, only after they have had the proper lessons, coaching and encouragement to make that dream a reality. And, in EACH of those instances, height had absolutely NO BEARING on the issue.

Most young ladies are pretty. So, beauty is NEVER really an issue as to qualifications as to modeling. Also, one's physical dimensions are not important, either. Even in larger women, "plus size" modeling is possible.

I have prided myself in being able to spot modeling talent where ever, and whenever, it was necessary for me to do so. And, without exception, if a young lady has the talent, and the desire, I can make her into a model. Period. When trying to determine whether or not a person has the talent to be a model, look BEYOND the height, the attractiveness, the overall dimensions, and facial areas. Look at that person's soul. Just because a person photographs models, just because a person works in a modeling agency, does NOT mean they can spot modeling talent.

In fact, in all my years of dealing with models, I have found FEW, very, very few people who have the ability to spot modeling talent! Photographers should stick to photographing models and stop trying to believe that they "know" modeling talent. It doesn't take a brain surgeon to "see" (or "discover") the OBVIOUSLY talented young ladies who are "born" to model. The REAL talent of photographers and agencies that deal with young ladies who wish to become models is in being able to determine whether or not she has the talent to be a model when THAT TALENT IS NOT OBVIOUS!

When YOU can begin to do that, then, and only then, can you really begin to say YOU are a professional in "The Making of a Model." MODELING SCHOOLS It is important to understand the nature of modeling as a profession. If elevated to the status of other professions, (i.e. engineer or attorney) then how is that people seem to think that "getting into" modeling is simply the process of posing in front of the camera, or walking down a runway? No matter how talented an individual is, training is always required to improve that talent. Unfortunately, in modeling, the current, and most wide spread type of "training" is the trial-and-error method of on-the-job training. "Modeling schools" do not "train" a woman to do anything, except, perhaps, LOOK like a model.

TALENT: In my years of training models and pageant personalities, I have come across 3 types of individuals regarding the question of talent: 1. A God-given, natural born, gift. These are individuals who you would compare to a person who can play an instrument simply by listening to it once. 2. Latent talent. It is inside them, and not apparent. It needs to be brought out, or, it may never surface. 3. No talent. This is akin to the person, who, for years, may take music lessons, practice, struggle, and never, ever, will the "soul" of that person be reflected in his or her work. There will never be "projection" or "performance" - there will always be just someone who has "memorized" what was needed. Modeling schools make no such distinctions between these 3 types. They take everybody, regardless of talent level.

While it is correct that a wannabe can become a model through the process of submitting photos to agencies, going the rounds, and making her name known, there still remains the question: Where do I go, and how do I do it? With enough fortitude, eventually, that person will have the answers to those questions. But, that can take months, even years to figure out - and NO modeling school I know of teaches that.

To be properly trained as a model (or pageant person) means that a young lady was given the right track to follow. That what she should learn from a trainer should replace those months/years of learning and put that knowledge into a digestible format. A format that, "short cuts" the long and arduous path of trial-and-error with a succinct and direct approach to getting into the modeling field. "Modeling schools" don't do that.

If a person has the talent I wrote about earlier, then how does that talent get defined, refined, and polished? Again, the trial-and-error method is the approach most often used because "modeling schools" DO NOT define, refine or polish any talent. By taking that talent, and helping a person understand what it is, how to develop it, how to polish it, how to "project" it and what to do with it once it has achieved a professional level is what the trainer (or "farmer") should do. When that person has achieved THAT level of training, and THEN is released in the modeling marketplace, she has dramatically improved her chances of acquiring modeling jobs almost immediately. And, when compared to others who have been out there, trying to find their niche in modeling by trial-and-error, even though very talented, the person who has been TRAINED properly will win that modeling job (or pageant) almost EVERY SINGLE TIME over the one who was not trained -irrespective of the "untrained" persons natural or latent talent. Proper training is the FAST TRACK to modeling or pageant success in the shortest period of time. Without it, or by relying on "modeling schools" to becoming a model, will leave the "wannabe" on the "dead end" of broken dreams.

MODELING AGENCIES The "type" of modeling that is "best" for a young lady depends on a few things, not the least of which is deciding if she wants to do City Modeling or Suburban Modeling.

City Modeling is: High fashion photographers; national or regional ad print work modeling; high fashion runway work; big city fashion shows & national trade shows; the latest in fashion designs; national/regional TV commercials; large businesses using agencies with EXCELLENT quality models; cosmopolitan style; strict modeling requirements; intense work; and very good pay.

Suburban Modeling is: Professional and amateur photographers; regional or local print work; current fashion runway modeling; bridal shows and local trade shows; regional or locally accepted fashions; business ads on local TV stations; smaller and larger local businesses using modeling agencies with "lower" modeling rates; regional or parochial in style (usually a reflection of poor modeling school teaching); height, weight and "look" requirements are not as severe; work is mostly part-time; and low to good pay.

The mistake photographers and "wane be" models make is thinking that ALL modeling agencies are the same. This is just not true! No more than all colleges are the same.

Realize this: IT IS NOT THE NAME OF THE AGENCY THAT IS IMPORTANT. IT IS WHO WANTS THIS AGENCY'S MODELS!

The great majority of modeling today is Suburban Modeling. Most models in this area are also in school or have another, steady job. It is difficult to earn a full time wage in this type of modeling. The models that are in this line are there for other reasons as well: they don't want to model full time; they do it as a "hobby"; or, they aren't qualified to go into City Modeling. I have trained many women who have had the talent to go into City Modeling, but, have chosen not to for some of the reason(s) I listed.

Also realize that some models just do not want the high-paced, fast-action world of City Modeling. To be a Suburban Model (as opposed to a City Model) is no indication of one's ability. Each may be equally good, it's just that each chooses a different pace, a different lifestyle.

In selecting a modeling agency (and whether or not a model should even go to an agency is another topic for another time) she must FIRST determine what type of modeling she wants to do. Very few photographers have the ability to catapult a lady to City Modeling, despite their often times representations to the contrary!

If a lady meets the strict qualifications of City Modeling, and she can handle that lifestyle, then she should look for an agency that has national or regional businesses looking for THEIR models. If she has the talent and has been trained properly, then this agency may be her ticket!

If she prefers Suburban Modeling, then an agency that deals with only local productions will be the best one for her. A nationally franchised modeling school/agency DOES NOT necessarily have national businesses seeking their models.

BUSINESSES THAT HIRE OR REPRESENT MODELS * Modeling Managers * Modeling Agencies * Ad Agencies * Department Stores * Photographers * Trade Shows * Bridal Stores * Boutiques

Models work hard to make a living. It takes determination and the ability to take rejection. Agencies sign models in larger numbers during the autumn months (September through November). The best time to approach them is from Labor Day to Thanksgiving. Agencies also review models with a weekly or monthly "book day." You are encouraged not to participate in these sessions and to see the agency directly and personally whenever, and however, possible.

SPECIAL RULES FOR MINORS: * Receive Parents' permission prior to ANY job opportunity * NEVER go alone to a job interview or agency * Leave the boyfriend behind - no exceptions

CATEGORIES OF MODELING LIVE MODELING: * perfume and fragrance sampling * trade shows * conventions * showroom * product demonstration * samples & fittings * runway * mannequin

PRINT WORK MODELING: * commercial - print ads * catalog * editorial - fashion as news * "before" & "after" looks * store flyers and leaflets

FILM WORK MODELING: * TV ads * videotaped presentations * instructional * industrial

SPECIALTY MODELING: * large size * petite size * parts - hands, feet, legs * shoes * character * physical - sports, health

SUBURBAN MODELING

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: * 14 - 39 years old * 4' 11" - 5' 11" * clear complexion * healthy hair * good bone structure * proportioned figure

CITY MODELING

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: * 14 - 23 years old * 5' 7" - 6' 1" * clear complexion * healthy hair - today's styles * no eye "circles" * no facial scars * prominent facial features * prominent cheekbones * very photogenic * trim figure

PHYSICAL MARKETING TOOLS: * modeling resume * portfolio * comp (zed) card * business card with phone number & PO box, don't use your home address unless you want unwanted visitors.

Any questions? E-mail us at On Location Photography