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.
