Basics on putting together a modeling portfolio
Your portfolio should be a collection of photos that showcase the range of your abilities and best qualities.Kind of a general answer I know but really it's the best one...You should include pictures that show your range of interests, fashion, editorial, commercial, casual, swimwear etc. You should include a few headshots (black and white). Headshots should have your head turned slightly to the side (not straight on).
Along with your headshots include some full body/half body shots as well. Include at least few in color as well. Photo size can vary but most models will use 8x10 prints in their portfolio.
A few pointers:
-Your portfolio should never contain images from just one photographer. Make sure you have a variety of photographers work in your book. Each photographer will shoot you based on what they think are your best qualities (and everyone has a different opinion). Including a variety of photographers will help ensure all your best qualities are featured (because you never know what the client is looking for).
-Avoid overly "sexy" photos in your portfolio. A portfolio should be kept fairly commercial. One or two may not be a bad thing to show a photographer you can play the part if the job requires it but keep the majority of your book pretty tame. You can actually get bad marks by having a book that's too suggestive.
-Don't feel you have to buy an expensive book. Some photographers or agencies will try and sell you a portfolio, a hugely overpriced case binder will silver edges, your name monogrammed on the front etc etc. Clients don't care as much about what the book looks like - it's what's in the book that counts. A 3-ring binder will do the job just fine.
If you have any other questions feel free to email me.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Getting Started in Modeling - Part 5
I took a couple days off (had a wedding to shoot and some other things going on).
Today's post I want to focus on model releases and the importance of reading things carefully.
A model release is a contract. One that, once you sign, is binding. The single best way to avoid putting yourself into a situation you'll regret later is to carefully read the terms of anything you sign.
Tips:
-If you're shooting TFP don't sign any release granting the photographer re-sale rights of your photos. If the photographer is going to make money off the images they should be paying you for them
-Know who you're working with. Terms in a release can be worded generally so that the interpretation can be wide. Be sure you have a clear understanding of the photographer's interpretation of the release before you sign. If necessary add more specifics to the release before you sign.
-Always read the copy you put your name on. It's not uncommon to request a copy of the release in advance of your shoot so it can be reviewed beforehand. Carefully read the copy you're presented at the shoot to sign to make sure it's the same one (especially if you requested edits to the terms).
-Keep a copy of the release for yourself. Preferable one with the photographers initials on it to prove it's a legitimate copy in the event you need to use it later.
I'm in no means saying that no photographer should be trusted. There are plenty of us honest ones out there. But you need to be careful. The reality is that there are alot of photographers in photographer and/or working with models for the wrong reasons. New models are easy targets for scams because by and large you want to be successful so badly that sometimes you lose sight of being objective. I see alot of models get taken advantage of by things that, when they look back, can't believe they "fell for"
If someone's model release terms aren't fitting you or you just can't get the answers or clarifications you need/want about the release - walk away. It really is that easy, and in cases like this it's probably for the better.
Today's post I want to focus on model releases and the importance of reading things carefully.
A model release is a contract. One that, once you sign, is binding. The single best way to avoid putting yourself into a situation you'll regret later is to carefully read the terms of anything you sign.
Tips:
-If you're shooting TFP don't sign any release granting the photographer re-sale rights of your photos. If the photographer is going to make money off the images they should be paying you for them
-Know who you're working with. Terms in a release can be worded generally so that the interpretation can be wide. Be sure you have a clear understanding of the photographer's interpretation of the release before you sign. If necessary add more specifics to the release before you sign.
-Always read the copy you put your name on. It's not uncommon to request a copy of the release in advance of your shoot so it can be reviewed beforehand. Carefully read the copy you're presented at the shoot to sign to make sure it's the same one (especially if you requested edits to the terms).
-Keep a copy of the release for yourself. Preferable one with the photographers initials on it to prove it's a legitimate copy in the event you need to use it later.
I'm in no means saying that no photographer should be trusted. There are plenty of us honest ones out there. But you need to be careful. The reality is that there are alot of photographers in photographer and/or working with models for the wrong reasons. New models are easy targets for scams because by and large you want to be successful so badly that sometimes you lose sight of being objective. I see alot of models get taken advantage of by things that, when they look back, can't believe they "fell for"
If someone's model release terms aren't fitting you or you just can't get the answers or clarifications you need/want about the release - walk away. It really is that easy, and in cases like this it's probably for the better.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Getting Started in Modeling - Part 4
Photoshoot tips for beginners
Today's post I'm going to talk a little about shoots. Mainly with regards to booking them, some do's and don'ts.
In my last post I gave you some tips on how to go about finding photographers you can work with without having to pay alot of money to shoot. Now that you're looking (and hopefully contacting some) lets discuss a few things to bear in mind when selecting who you will shoot with.
1. Escorts are a requirement, not a privilege. You should ALWAYS bring someone with you to a shoot - especially if you're working with someone for the first time. Once you've built a rapport with someone, if you feel comfortable doing so, you can go by yourself but an escort should just as important as bringing clothes, makeup and hair stuff. Never go without them. Any photographer that tells you can't bring someone with you typically has an agenda and you're much better off passing on the shoot and finding someone who truly is a professional.
2. Be prompt! Photographers are usually booking shoots with multiple models. Make sure to check your email at least once a day. Don't keep photographers waiting on you to respond.
3. To be early is to be on time. When you book a shoot with someone standard practice is to show up at least 15 minutes early. When you finalize the shoot make sure you have a phone number so you can call if you're going to be late. Under no circumstances should you ever no-call no-show.
4. Come prepared. Make sure you come to the shoot fully prepared. Bring everything you need to shoot the looks you and your photographer have agreed on.
Important things to consider:
-Review the photographer's portfolio. Take note of how he photographs models, his shooting style, the "theme" of the majority of the photos in his/her portfolio. If you don't care for how the models are portrayed think twice about setting up a shoot - chances are you'll be portrayed in the same way.
-Be clear about your boundaries up front. If a photographer suggests shooting something that's beyond your comfort zone be clear about your boundaries and what you will and will not shoot. If a photographer is too pushy in emails or on the phone it could be a sign of things to come during your shoot. (this is where having an escort is handy).
-Read model releases carefully. Make sure you fully understand the terms of the release you're signing. If you don't, ask. Read EVERYTHING before you sign and make sure you get a copy to keep for yourself. PLEASE NOTE: If you're shooting TFP or TFCD you should be signing a non-commercial release. Meaning, the pictures should be limited to self promotion use. If there's a clause in the release that permits the photographer to sell your photos you should be compensated for the shoot.
That's enough for tonight. We'll pick this topic up again tomorrow...
Today's post I'm going to talk a little about shoots. Mainly with regards to booking them, some do's and don'ts.
In my last post I gave you some tips on how to go about finding photographers you can work with without having to pay alot of money to shoot. Now that you're looking (and hopefully contacting some) lets discuss a few things to bear in mind when selecting who you will shoot with.
1. Escorts are a requirement, not a privilege. You should ALWAYS bring someone with you to a shoot - especially if you're working with someone for the first time. Once you've built a rapport with someone, if you feel comfortable doing so, you can go by yourself but an escort should just as important as bringing clothes, makeup and hair stuff. Never go without them. Any photographer that tells you can't bring someone with you typically has an agenda and you're much better off passing on the shoot and finding someone who truly is a professional.
2. Be prompt! Photographers are usually booking shoots with multiple models. Make sure to check your email at least once a day. Don't keep photographers waiting on you to respond.
3. To be early is to be on time. When you book a shoot with someone standard practice is to show up at least 15 minutes early. When you finalize the shoot make sure you have a phone number so you can call if you're going to be late. Under no circumstances should you ever no-call no-show.
4. Come prepared. Make sure you come to the shoot fully prepared. Bring everything you need to shoot the looks you and your photographer have agreed on.
Important things to consider:
-Review the photographer's portfolio. Take note of how he photographs models, his shooting style, the "theme" of the majority of the photos in his/her portfolio. If you don't care for how the models are portrayed think twice about setting up a shoot - chances are you'll be portrayed in the same way.
-Be clear about your boundaries up front. If a photographer suggests shooting something that's beyond your comfort zone be clear about your boundaries and what you will and will not shoot. If a photographer is too pushy in emails or on the phone it could be a sign of things to come during your shoot. (this is where having an escort is handy).
-Read model releases carefully. Make sure you fully understand the terms of the release you're signing. If you don't, ask. Read EVERYTHING before you sign and make sure you get a copy to keep for yourself. PLEASE NOTE: If you're shooting TFP or TFCD you should be signing a non-commercial release. Meaning, the pictures should be limited to self promotion use. If there's a clause in the release that permits the photographer to sell your photos you should be compensated for the shoot.
That's enough for tonight. We'll pick this topic up again tomorrow...
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Getting Started in Modeling - Part 3
Steps to take to get started:
So now that you have a good list of things NOT to do lets talk some steps you WANT to take...
Every model needs a portfolio...contrary to popular belief (mostly thanks to the scam companies out there) it's actually possible to build a portfolio and shoot with photographers for FREE. Yes you read that right, free.
How is that possible you ask...easy. There's thousands of photographers semi-pro, pro and novice photographers out there looking to do the same thing you are...build and/or update their portfolio. The two get together with the understanding that the photos can be used in each other's books and it's a win-win situation. This is commonly called TFP (Time for Prints) or TFCD (Time for CD). Essentially the model donates her time and the photographer donates the pictures. It's a bardering type of exchange that gives everyone what they need without exchanging any money.
So where are all these thousands of photographers? Well, since they're not making any money from shooting models you won't them in any place that requires you to pay for advertising. There's two sites EVERY new model starting out needs to be familiar with:
-ModelMayhem.com - this is basically just like MySpace but for models and photographers
-OneModelPlace.com - OMP is the largest online community for the industry. Comprised of models, photographers, agents, casting directors, make-up artists, videographers etc. The site is International (with it's core presence in the US) and best of all, for models, it's free to join. OMP will connect you with photographers in your area - many of which would be willing to shoot TFP/TFCD. I've been a member of OMP for the last 8 years (www.onemodelplace.com/JazeModeling) and it's by far the best place and a key resource in getting started on your own.
As with anything on the Internet DO YOUR RESEARCH before booking a shoot with anyone. OMP is by far the largest, and in my experience, the most reputable but there's still people out there you're better off staying away from. Always check references and always bring someone with you to any shoot (especially someone you're meeting for the first time). If you're under 18 make sure a parent goes with you to any shoot. Any photographer not willing to allow you to have an escort is a photographer you don't want to work with. It's just not safe and no professional photographer would put you in that kind of situation.
Once you've networked with a few reputable local photographers things will start to get easier. Build rapport with these guys/gals and it will go along way. Photographers talk...and you can usually get good advice on who else in the area is worth working and who is not. Additionally they can often help steer you in the direction of the legit agencies...which ultimately is where you'll want to end up. But you've got some work to do before you'll be ready for that.
So now that you have a good list of things NOT to do lets talk some steps you WANT to take...
Every model needs a portfolio...contrary to popular belief (mostly thanks to the scam companies out there) it's actually possible to build a portfolio and shoot with photographers for FREE. Yes you read that right, free.
How is that possible you ask...easy. There's thousands of photographers semi-pro, pro and novice photographers out there looking to do the same thing you are...build and/or update their portfolio. The two get together with the understanding that the photos can be used in each other's books and it's a win-win situation. This is commonly called TFP (Time for Prints) or TFCD (Time for CD). Essentially the model donates her time and the photographer donates the pictures. It's a bardering type of exchange that gives everyone what they need without exchanging any money.
So where are all these thousands of photographers? Well, since they're not making any money from shooting models you won't them in any place that requires you to pay for advertising. There's two sites EVERY new model starting out needs to be familiar with:
-ModelMayhem.com - this is basically just like MySpace but for models and photographers
-OneModelPlace.com - OMP is the largest online community for the industry. Comprised of models, photographers, agents, casting directors, make-up artists, videographers etc. The site is International (with it's core presence in the US) and best of all, for models, it's free to join. OMP will connect you with photographers in your area - many of which would be willing to shoot TFP/TFCD. I've been a member of OMP for the last 8 years (www.onemodelplace.com/JazeModeling) and it's by far the best place and a key resource in getting started on your own.
As with anything on the Internet DO YOUR RESEARCH before booking a shoot with anyone. OMP is by far the largest, and in my experience, the most reputable but there's still people out there you're better off staying away from. Always check references and always bring someone with you to any shoot (especially someone you're meeting for the first time). If you're under 18 make sure a parent goes with you to any shoot. Any photographer not willing to allow you to have an escort is a photographer you don't want to work with. It's just not safe and no professional photographer would put you in that kind of situation.
Once you've networked with a few reputable local photographers things will start to get easier. Build rapport with these guys/gals and it will go along way. Photographers talk...and you can usually get good advice on who else in the area is worth working and who is not. Additionally they can often help steer you in the direction of the legit agencies...which ultimately is where you'll want to end up. But you've got some work to do before you'll be ready for that.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Getting started in Modeling - Part 2
So now that you know what to avoid lets talk a little about what you should look for and how to go about doing that.
First off, don't rely on Google or your local yellow pages. The majority of the results you'll get from these sources are people from my Part 1 post. Companies more interested in your money than your talent...here's why:
Yellow pages is a paid advertising system. It costs a company to be listed in the Yellow Pages. The more you pay the larger your add is. Search engines are the same way. Companies can buy higher rankings, Keywords or Adwords. The scams are dependent on a constant flow of fresh talent because people wise-up after a while and stop dumping money into a system that isn't going to give them a return on investment. Because of this, scam companies buy up as much advertising as possible to make sure their name is the name you see first.
The reality is, the legitimate companies don't advertise. Why? Because they don't need to. They literally have hundreds upon hundreds of model hopefuls walking through their doors every day hoping to be discovered. Because these companies base their income on booking work for their clients they're not as dependent on fresh talent because their clients last much longer.
So how do you get started without getting scammed? We'll get into that in more detail in my next post.
First off, don't rely on Google or your local yellow pages. The majority of the results you'll get from these sources are people from my Part 1 post. Companies more interested in your money than your talent...here's why:
Yellow pages is a paid advertising system. It costs a company to be listed in the Yellow Pages. The more you pay the larger your add is. Search engines are the same way. Companies can buy higher rankings, Keywords or Adwords. The scams are dependent on a constant flow of fresh talent because people wise-up after a while and stop dumping money into a system that isn't going to give them a return on investment. Because of this, scam companies buy up as much advertising as possible to make sure their name is the name you see first.
The reality is, the legitimate companies don't advertise. Why? Because they don't need to. They literally have hundreds upon hundreds of model hopefuls walking through their doors every day hoping to be discovered. Because these companies base their income on booking work for their clients they're not as dependent on fresh talent because their clients last much longer.
So how do you get started without getting scammed? We'll get into that in more detail in my next post.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Getting Started in Modeling - Part 1
Stay away from modeling schools!!
Part 1 of this series deals with the biggest scam in the industry. The best thing you can do while getting started in modeling is STAY AWAY from modeling schools (Barbizon, John Robert Powers, John Casablanca's, Millie Lewis etc). These companies' main objective is to sell training. They will present themselves as an agency during their pitch to you but the reality is these people spend 40 hours a week selling classes and when you spend your entire week selling your product it doesn't leave alot of time left to find work for the clients taking the classes...see where I'm going?
Additionally, these companies will attempt to make you feel like they accept only a select few (also part of their sales pitch to help motivate you to buy). In reality they accept everyone - mainly because, again, their business model is based on income generated by selling classes NOT booking models work.
In my 8 years in this industry I've yet to meet a model who felt the overly inflated prices they paid at a modeling school was worthwhile.
If you want to get started save your money and find qualified professionals in your area you can work with who can afford you the same knowledge, information and experience for a fraction of the cost. In short, work with people truly interested in developing your talent, not the depth of your checkbook.
Part 1 of this series deals with the biggest scam in the industry. The best thing you can do while getting started in modeling is STAY AWAY from modeling schools (Barbizon, John Robert Powers, John Casablanca's, Millie Lewis etc). These companies' main objective is to sell training. They will present themselves as an agency during their pitch to you but the reality is these people spend 40 hours a week selling classes and when you spend your entire week selling your product it doesn't leave alot of time left to find work for the clients taking the classes...see where I'm going?
Additionally, these companies will attempt to make you feel like they accept only a select few (also part of their sales pitch to help motivate you to buy). In reality they accept everyone - mainly because, again, their business model is based on income generated by selling classes NOT booking models work.
In my 8 years in this industry I've yet to meet a model who felt the overly inflated prices they paid at a modeling school was worthwhile.
If you want to get started save your money and find qualified professionals in your area you can work with who can afford you the same knowledge, information and experience for a fraction of the cost. In short, work with people truly interested in developing your talent, not the depth of your checkbook.
How do I get started in Modeling - Series
I'm going to begin a series of posts on the topic I find myself answering the most. By far, "How do I get started in modeling" is the most popular question I come across both online and in personal conversations. I understand that once complete they'll be posted in the blog in reverse order so my best advice would be to use the archive list, start at the bottom (with Part 1) and work your way up.
While there are a few factors that can vary my answer depending on your age and where in the country you're located the majority of the information is the same for just about everyone. (If you're interested in more specific information based on the two above factors shoot me an email).
This by no means is an all-inclusive or comprehensive step-by-step process but outlines the key things to consider as trying to put my last 8 years experience into a single blog post would be impossible. Instead I will break this up into several parts, how many I don't know yet, hopefully you'll find the information helpful.
While there are a few factors that can vary my answer depending on your age and where in the country you're located the majority of the information is the same for just about everyone. (If you're interested in more specific information based on the two above factors shoot me an email).
This by no means is an all-inclusive or comprehensive step-by-step process but outlines the key things to consider as trying to put my last 8 years experience into a single blog post would be impossible. Instead I will break this up into several parts, how many I don't know yet, hopefully you'll find the information helpful.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
What will you find here...
The majority of the content you'll find here will be alot of the answers I post to model-hopefulls on yahoo answers (with some additional commentary where I feel inspired).
Since I find myself answering many of the same questions over and over (asked by different users) I thought it might prove helpful to catalog my answers and information in a single place in hopes that other's seeking to get started in the modeling industry might find helpful information all in one place.
Mixed in I'm sure will be other thoughts and ramblings on a variety of issues related to modeling, photography and whatever else but it's my hope that beginner models will find a wealth of information here to help them avoid the scams out there waiting to take advantage of young girls (and their parents) trying to break into the industry.
If you can't find an answer to your question feel free to email me. Perhaps you'll be the reason for a new post :-)
Since I find myself answering many of the same questions over and over (asked by different users) I thought it might prove helpful to catalog my answers and information in a single place in hopes that other's seeking to get started in the modeling industry might find helpful information all in one place.
Mixed in I'm sure will be other thoughts and ramblings on a variety of issues related to modeling, photography and whatever else but it's my hope that beginner models will find a wealth of information here to help them avoid the scams out there waiting to take advantage of young girls (and their parents) trying to break into the industry.
If you can't find an answer to your question feel free to email me. Perhaps you'll be the reason for a new post :-)
So I've started....
So I've decided to join the ranks of bloggers everywhere by starting my own. Not exactly sure why yet other than the fact that Web 2.0 continues to become more and more prevalent in the media and social networking seems to be the way even businesses these days build business.
Also becuase I find myself spending more time on other blogs and message boards (yahoo answers mostly) answering people's questions with regards to modeling and photography and I figure if I'm going to share my knowledge and thoughts there why not have place online I can call my own to do the same thing.
Eventually this will be connected to my websites. If you've stumbled across this blog some other way feel free to view my website: http://www.jazephotography.com/
Also becuase I find myself spending more time on other blogs and message boards (yahoo answers mostly) answering people's questions with regards to modeling and photography and I figure if I'm going to share my knowledge and thoughts there why not have place online I can call my own to do the same thing.
Eventually this will be connected to my websites. If you've stumbled across this blog some other way feel free to view my website: http://www.jazephotography.com/
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