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Model advice

Tips for upcoming models

Just Starting and Concerned:

If you are worried or just simply nervous about first contact with clients, photographers or agencies then we can act on your behalf. We can initiate first contact, verify authenticity and handle all correspondence on your behalf, for these services we will act as your agent and payment for these services will be nominal. Most models on WWG are already established and experienced, they have a dedicated team or network in place behind them and know the business that they are in. These models have direct contact numbers and emails for the client on our site and can confidently manage themselves, all we are offering here is an option for upcoming models to feel more secure until they have reached that stage.

What does it take?

Modeling is a job!
We know that most of what you see and read about the modeling profession is all glitz and glamour but remember, it's hard work. When you are starting your career you must be prepared to be rejected by clients and have your confidence dented. Not all contracts will pay well, some you will dislike and sometimes you will simply want to leave but these are the times to remember that you are a professional, in a highly competitive market place, sometimes the best advice is to grin and bear it. Being a model requires huge commitment and a good work ethic, you must look after your body as this is the tool of your trade, work through the disappointments and keep going until you have acheived your goals.

WWG is based in the Glamour side of modelling, to be successful in this field you only need to have that something special, photogenic qualities, the right attitude, the correct look for the correct job, and there are no height or statistical boundaries. You can be just as successful at 5’0” as you can at 5’11”.

Another criteria is the starting age. Applicants can be of almost any age, for the most part the starting age is 16+ going through to 40 somethings, please don’t be put off by your age when deciding whether to contact us.

How do I gain experience?

As with most things in life "learning by doing", is the best way to gain sufficient experience. Although you don’t receive any financial gain, time for print (TFP) can often help build your portfolio and your ease in front of the camera. Models must learn to fit the desires of the photographers and/or clients, regarding the composition of the shots, and react accordingly, this is when you will move up to higher level.

How do I build my portfolio?

We never recommend going straight into expensive photo shoots and getting the full leather bound portfolio (unless you have been approached by an agency or agent and have these things produced through them). A laser-copy or inexpensive flyers are usually sufficient for you to send via mail. We do believe that online portfolios (or especially our mini-portfolios!) make good sense. If they are with a company such as WWG that are willing to update from time to time they offer the best way to get your shots seen by a photographer or agent.

Comp (Zed) Cards
You will require a model comp card even in this digital age where you would think that a web portfolio would work just as well.
A comp card is what your modelling agency will use to market you.
A composite card (sometimes called a Zed) is like a model's business card. CV and portfolio rolled into one. As sometimes your comp card will be all that the client see's of you it is important that you have them printed on high quality stock (350gms +) and have as wide a range of shots as possible without looking too busy. The usual portfolio rules of full lenght body shot, portrait and best pose applies but please try to keep the images varied and most importantly professional.
A good tip for your comp card is to get them designed yourself rather than through an agency who will plaster their logo and details all over your valuable space!

Be a model model!
A good model is a bit like being a good boy scout, BE PREPARED!
As a model you should always arrive at a shoot with their own clothes and make-up, even though you will generally be told that clothes and a make-up artist will be at the shoot, assume that they won't be there. This will mean that whatever happens you are one step ahead and a true professional.
Always try to be on time for all shoots.

Safety Tips
Please always be careful. Try to take someone with you on shoots, but it this isn't possible or practical then always let someone know where you are and who with. And be sure to tell the photographer that someone knows where you are at all times, also try to keep enough money on you for a taxi home if needed and your phone switched on (silent though!).

You should always get references for any potential clients. Check with other models that have worked for the client where possible, check out other jobs photographers have undertaken and never just assume that it will be ok. Always get phone numbers and a home/business address.
Make sure that you know exactly what the shoot consists of and is to be used for. Don't ever feel that you should do anything more than you are comfortable doing.

This is your business
You set your rates, you know what you would want from a job, be prepared to haggle!
Make sure that things such as travel expences are clearly covered and try to get rid of "grey areas" so that there are no nasty surprises when it comes to your pay, try to get a written contract where possible.
Always be polite, even when turning down jobs and treat people as you would like them to treat you. If word gets round that you are hard to get on with, rude or unprofessional it will of course affect your business, and possibly lose you other jobs.

For those of you interested in joining our site please contact us here.

 

 

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