How to be Prepared for Your Fashion Model Shoot

By Bob Pardue

The fashion model session - What to pack in your model case

OK, you're off to a model photo shoot. But, did you remember to pack your bag? Did you put everything you need in it? I hope this article will be helpful to you and start you on the right foot in making sure your model bag is complete.

What do you bring?

What you bring to your model photo session will depend upon whether this is your first shoot for a portfolio or a paying job. Either way, this section will help you to be prepared for whatever reason you're doing the model session.

First things first - Know what the client wants

If you are shooting for an agent or client, he will tell you what to bring but you still need to carry basics in case of changes in hair, makeup, etc. All the tips listed here are meant to be a guide and a checklist of sorts so you can always add to the list when you feel it's necessary.

Ready? Let's get started to create your model "kit"

Below I'm going to list suggestions for your photo shoot mainly so you don't forget anything the day of the shoot. In fact, I'd like to see your model case prepared before the day of the session so there's no rush. You may want to copy and print the section below so that you'll have a guide handy each time you go for a photo shoot.

You're now standing lifeless in front of your closet - Wardrobe Essentials

Here are the essentials for your wardrobe. As stated above, some of the clothing listed here will be provided if this is a model shoot for a client.

- Casual - blue jeans, sports & knit tops, button up tops, shorts, cutoff blue jeans, etc.
- Business Suit - for a different look
- Sports (exercise, uniforms, shorts, etc.) - If you plan to do some sports modeling
- Lingerie - If you plan to enter the lingerie market
- Swim wear - needs to be a bikini that really flatters you
- Any props like hats, neckties, men's shirts, jackets, etc.
- G-string & bra in flesh tone color - This is to eliminate lines that show under clothing
- Hose/nylons in an assortment of colors
- Socks in different colors including black and white
- Bring several different bras including at least one push-up and one in flesh tone color
- A robe to wear between changes during the photo session
- Bring a scarf to wear when changing to help keep makeup off client's and your clothing
- You may also want to pack an iron or steamer for those wrinkles that are bound to show up from the trip.

Accessories - You've got to have something to compliment the clothes, right?

Along with each outfit, try to bring accessories which will accent or match the outfit. Keep accessories simple.

- Assortment of necklaces
- Earrings
- Bracelets
- Choker (these are popular at the time of this writing)
- Wristwatch - You normally wouldn't wear a watch unless you are doing a photo where you will be looking at the time.

Shoes, Shoes, Shoes

As with accessories, shoes should match or accent the outfit. But, you can also think outside the box on the subject of footwear. For example; High heels have a totally different look with jeans or swim wear than with an evening dress.

- Dress shoes - Bring several different pairs
- High heels - Also an assortment
- Jogging shoes - white
- Boots or high heel boots
- Sandals

Don't forget about the hair

Below are some items you'll need for your hair (or hair removal)

- An assortment of combs and hairbrushes
- A curling iron
- Hair rollers
- Straightener
- A couple of headbands
- Shaving cream and a couple of sharp razors
- Anything else you use for hair care

When coming to the model shoot, I would suggest leaving the hair fairly natural with very little (if any) hairspray so that you, or the MUA, can work with it after you arrive.

Makeup and facial

Even if your shoot involves a make-up artist, you still may want to pack the following ...

- Your complete makeup kit along with a mirror
- A moisturizer
- Cottonballs and swabs
- Lip balm
- Vaseline
- A good skin cleanser
- Several different shades of lip color (be sure to bring some solid colors)

Nails, finger that is.

A quick tip about nails. Remember that in photos, your eye will move to vivid colors first, especially red. So, take this into account as to whether you want people viewing your hands or your face.

- Here is a checklist for nail products to take to your photo shoot.
- Your complete manicure kit
- Nail polish with neutral color
- Remover kit for nail polish

A nice manicure will really enhance your model photos, especially images where your hand is near your face in close-ups so pay particular attention to your nails.

This should pretty much cover you for most photo shoots but as stated above, listen to the photographer or client and be sure to bring wardrobe he or she wants.

Now, you're ready so off your model photo session!!!

Model Advice and Glamor Modeling Career Tips: How Do I Get Into Glamour Modeling

By Alex Joy

Aspiring models often ask us, How do I get into modeling? Or, How do I get started in modeling? This article discusses the various types of modeling, and what it takes to make it in this challenging yet fun profession. You will also find some useful tips an advice on how to get started in teen modeling.

What are the different types of modeling?

There are basically five (5) different types of modeling. These are the broadest categories, with newer but smaller categories evolving all the time. Furthermore, these categories also overlap with each other at times.

1. COMMERCIAL MODELING (Television, Catalogs and Print-Ads):

Commercial models help promote products and services through ads in the electronic media such as Television and the Internet as well as through Print Advertising. They appear in commercials/ads, on product packaging, in magazines, on billboards, etc., and help promote all kinds of products and services ranging from computer equipment to medicines, apparel, shoes and cosmetics. This is by far the largest modeling and teen modeling category.

General Requirements for Commercial Modeling:

Contrary to popular belief, many successful commercial models look like normal, everyday people. If they walked past you on the street in normal everyday clothes and with little or no makeup, you would probably not look at them twice. However, what they do possess is the ability to express an emotion, and the ability to replicate that same look time and again. For starters, you can start practicing your best looks and poses in front of a mirror. Many successful models do 15 minutes of mirror-work every day. Practice evoking different types of emotions through your expressions.

The ability to show different expressions, to be able to hold that expression so that the photographer can take multiple shots at different camera exposure settings, and the ability to create that expression again at will are all very useful qualities. The good news is that these qualities and talents can be developed. Good commercial models are also usually photogenic, but exceptions abound. Having a unique or different look is good but often not an absolute necessity. Personality, likeability (that the audience or target market can relate to), being internally happy (i.e., liking yourself - because it does show through in your images) and being able to work long hours while at the same time enjoying the process are other attributes that successful commercial models seem to possess.

Most pictures on magazine covers are touched up and air-brushed on the computer for hours (called digital editing) to create the right look. If you have reasonably good features, a great photographer can make you look like a superstar! Remember, the glamorous superstars don't always look that way in real life. The magic is in the camera, makeup and digital editing.

2. PROMOTIONAL MODELING (Tradeshows, Retail, Car Shows, Events, etc.):

Promotional modeling includes work at Tradeshows and Conventions, handing out Product Samples in Retail Stores, helping promote products or services at Car Shows, Boat Shows, Events, etc. What differentiates Promotional Modeling from Commercial Modeling above is the fact that for Promotional Modeling you have to be there in person, because you yourself (not your photo or video) are doing the promoting. While it may not appear as glamorous as Commercial Modeling, it can provide good income opportunities, and the jobs are usually easier to get. Creative forms of Promotional Marketing (often referred to as Buzz Marketing) and Event Marketing are gaining fast in popularity. It seems to be a high-growth area, and compensation seems to be improving too.

General Requirements for Promotional Modeling:

Promotional Modeling is about overall personality, interpersonal skills, being able to establish a quick rapport, and staying focused on the task at hand. You may meet a lot of different people, albeit each very briefly. If you thrive on meeting people and enjoy the hustle and bustle of a tradeshow environment, Promotional Modeling is usually easier to break into than Commercial Modeling, although exceptions are always there. Even though the job is not primarily about being photographed, you'll still want to look and act your best. Promotional/Event Modeling is a growing field.

3. FASHION MODELING (includes Runway, Fashion Shows, etc.):

Fashion models help launch new products and designs such as in apparel, accessories, shoes, jewelry, swimwear, beachwear, etc. The walk the runway in fashion shows. Many large fashion shows also get media coverage, and a good fashion model can get print exposure in leading fashion magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, etc. Similarly, if a fashion show is being covered by the broadcast media, there is a chance that you may appear on Television too. Many industry-specific fashion shows such as shows for apparel and swimwear can hire hundreds or thousands of models at a time.

General Requirements for Fashion Modeling:

Up until a few years ago, a height of at least 5 feet 9 inches was considered pretty much a requirement for Fashion Modeling – especially for the Runway (where you walk up and down a Runway, wearing clothes of a certain brand and/or designer). However, that is fast changing. Now, there are Fashion/Runway shows for pretty much all body types. If you feel good about your body, can walk confidently, and look reasonably good, chances are that you can find some opportunities in Fashion Modeling. For certain apparel and swimwear shows, a good well-proportioned body is more important than just height alone. Since, the shows can require hundreds of models per day (and there are just so many really tall good looking models around), you probably have a good chance of being selected as long as the overall body proportion is in line with what the manufacturer’s product line is. Then, of course, there are apparel and swimwear manufacturers who make clothes for petites and plus-sized customers as well.

4. INTERNET MODELING (web-sites, live webcam, etc.):

Internet modeling, whether it is for static content on web-sites or for live webcam or streaming video is a popular segment. Generally, you have to be over 18 years of age.

5. MODELING FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS, CONTENT CREATORS & STOCK PHOTO AGENCIES:

Photographers hire models all the time, either to build their own portfolios or to create content for Licensing to others and/or for Stock-Photo purposes. The PhotoShoot can be either a paid shoot (where the model gets paid either on an hourly basis or a flat fee) or TFP (trade Time for Prints), or TFCD (trade Time for CD-ROM images). In the TFP or TFCD arrangement no money changes hands. It is just a trade or swap. The photographer invests his/her time, expertise and equipment, and the model invests his/her time. Thus, they can create some content together that both parties can use to further their own professional goals, respectively. Stock Photo Agencies sometimes commission a photographer to take certain pictures that can then be sold or licensed to different companies for use in advertising and marketing materials.

As you can see, there are myriad opportunities in the modeling world. However, it is hard work. Like most other things in life, there is no guarantee of success. It depends on your looks, luck, demeanor, personality, hard work, perseverance, and a burning desire to succeed, among other things.

Others before you have made it big in modeling, and you probably can too! A good first step would be to create your free Portfolio on the Joy Of Modeling website (http://www.joyofmodeling.com/) and on as many other modeling websites as conveniently possible. Contact local modeling agencies. Have a Professional Photographer shoot a nice Portfolio. Attend modeling shows and seminars. Learn about the business. Notice what is working and what’s not, and take corrective action. Good luck and best wishes.

The fast-loading Joy Of Modeling website is a popular job searching and referral place for models, photographers, videographers, film makers, agencies, actors, actresses and reps. It is also a resource for talent scouts and recruiters looking to hire for television, film, theater, dancing and entertainment jobs. Aspiring models, actors and actresses looking for their big break have a free opportunity for worldwide exposure at the Joy Of Modeling website. It is a family-friendly site (no nudity, porn, profanity or violence), and has separate sections for grown-ups and kids. The site also offers Free Gifts and/or a Free Shopping spree to its Gold Level members.

Whether you are searching for Models or for Modeling Jobs, please do visit the Joy Of Modeling website (www.JoyOfModeling.com) today. Thank you.

Article Copyright © 2006, AFPI / www.JoyOfModeling.com. Author allows you to distribute this article freely, in its original unedited form, as long as credit is given to the author, and a link back to the author's website is provided.

Alex Joy is a well-respected Professional Photographer, Modeling Career Coach and Successful Entrepreneur in South Florida, USA.

Fashion Tips : How to Dress like a Fashion Model

By Ian Tham

Clothes have a profound effect on us psychologically. Choosing the wrong color makes you look sick and ghastly. Worse, it spoils your day as the color of your clothes can affect your mood. First of all, you need to consider your skin tone, eye and hair color. It is advisable to try out clothes in different colour and get a close friend or family member to see if a particular color suits you.

If possible, try to get as many colors in your wardrobe that suit you. Both white and black are versatile colors. A white top can match a bottom of any color. Similarly, a black bottom can go with any color for your top. Different colors connote and express different emotions to suit each new day.

Wearing white lightens and brightens your mood and symbolises purity and cleanliness. Black gives you elegance and an air of mystery not to mention sex appeal. Red makes you stand out in the crowd and works well especially if you want to draw attention. It symbolises passion, energy and excitement. Yellow connotes optimism, fun and joy. Blue is soothing and calming as well as inspiring. Lastly green symbolise freshness, harmony and love.It is always better to over dress for an occasion . For example , if the invitation card says smart casual, you can always overdress with your jacket. If everyone wears one, you won't feel awkward or embarrassed especially if it is a sales presentation and you stand to lose points with your client. If no one wears jackets you can always take it off and blend in with the crowd.

No one has a perfect figure all the time. What you need to do is to accentuate your strength and downplay bad points. Wear larger prints in areas where you want people to focus and smaller prints on parts which you want to draw attention away from. Skirt length should be knee level if your thighs are big. Jacket hems should not fall where your hips are the widest. It should be a little higher up. Wear something which gives you a lower or wider neckline. It makes your neck look longer and your face thinner.

The overall impression is a slimmer you. Follow these rules. Dark colors tend to make you look slimmer while light and bright colors tend to make you look plumber. If possible, go for a monochromatic look which makes you look slimmer. Clothes with vertical stripes make you look slimmer too. Try not to expose your arms with sleeveless tops. Don't buy something simply because it is on sale and in the bargain bins.

There's a reason for it simply because the sizes available are usually at the both ends of the scales or they could be odd sizes. It is important to wear clothes that fit. Otherwise you feel uncomfortable when you sit down and breathe. Clothes that are either too large or tight will make you look larger than you are. Another important point to note is don't buy smaller clothes thinking you will slim down in the near future. The size you buy should be the one that fits you now.