As with all types of careers, modelling is a technique that has to be learnt and applied. Photographic modelling requires a particular set of skills: How to pose, in other words how to arrange yourself in front of the camera i.e., your limbs, features, expressions, even your fingers, to produce attractive images.
Types of Modelling
It is vital that you understand the types of modelling and the one(s) to which you are most suited.
Why is this such an important decision?
A modelling career needs direction and most models are unable to target all areas of work, purely because their body type / look is only suitable for certain areas of modelling. You will be in danger of wasting time and money pursuing an area of the market that is totally unsuitable. At best you will get no work, at worst agencies will reject you because your portfolio portrays you in the wrong way.
Fashion Modelling
Someone who earns a living as a fashion model could be working in two distinct but related areas. Photographic, being photographed in clothing products in the studio or on location for catalogues or magazine advertising and, if you have the ability to "perform on a catwalk", fashion show modelling.
Photographic
Regarded by seasoned models and aspiring models alike as the most desirable type of modelling. If you have the looks and aptitude it is extremely rewarding both professionally and financially. The obvious requirement for this type of modelling is for the model to be photogenic.
What is photogenic? A photogenic person is someone that usually appears physically attractive, striking or appealing in photographs, regardless of their physical appearance in real life.
Catwalk
Catwalk or runway modelling requires a different set of skills. The ability to "walk", turn and sometimes dance, although for complicated routines, dancers are usually booked to "pad out" the models. Models who have a dance background can find catwalk modelling quite easy. Obviously the physical requirements for catwalk modelling is fairly specific - tall, slim with striking looks.
Lingerie
One exception can be lingerie runway modelling at trade shows - these models tend to be around 5' 8" and will usually be more shapely than their high fashion contemporaries - Why? because a figure that looks most attractive in an evening dress will look less attractive in a lingerie set.
Leg or Hosiery
Girls who do this are often runway and photographic models with shapely, attractive, long legs, with a good leg to body ratio. There are many good fashion models who cannot do leg modelling due to not having one of those attributes. Leg models are always tall and slim.
Plus Size
This a term used in modelling for models who are a dress size 14 or above, (in London it can be a dress size 12 and above). The requirements for this type of model are the same as for fashion models, both photographic and runway, but obviously with a larger body size.
Commercial Modelling
This is purely a photographic area of modelling which encompasses lifestyle, product advertising, images to illustrate magazine articles, stories, book covers and to illustrate a concept or theme. It is commercial modelling whenever you read "posed by models", images that depict a feeling such as happiness to be with a building society, insurance company etc. It is a style of modelling often used to create a visual image of feelings. It can also demonstrate a product such as a car or a sofa.
Being photogenic is essential, with the ability to portray emotions, assume a character and generally perform in front of the camera. Commercial models tend not to model in the fashion modelling category due to lacking some of the specific requirements - Height, figure, look.
Glamour Modelling
This branch of modelling is generally considered to be a type of photographic modelling, however many glamour models are also promotion models. Glamour models tend to have a particular body shape - shorter and more shapely than the fashion model.
The style of make-up and hair are very different and the photographic poses are very specific. Instead of posing to model the clothes, the poses are to attract the eye to the model.
Analyse a collection of photographs of a glamour model in a lad mag such as Maxim or FHM and then analyse a set of images of a model in a fashion magazine such as Vogue or Vanity Fayre and you will see the difference immediately.
A point worth noting - if you do analyse the images in the lad mags, do not feel disillusioned, and feel that you could never look like that. The images of glamour girls are always digitally improved almost beyond recognition!
Many girls aspire to be published in glamour magazines for the self publicity. There is an abundance of this work available for the girls with the right looks.
Promotion Modelling
Viewed by some as the poor relation, first rung of the ladder type of modelling. It is, never the less, a thriving, buoyant area which affords plentiful opportunities for work even to the novice model. It rewards the hardworking, vivacious, eager, reliable model with recommendations and many repeat bookings.
This type of work opens doors to more prestigious areas. Often regarded by more experienced models as their apprenticeship, who even when established may use promotion work as additional income between assignments.
As a promotion model you are a hired representative of the client. Requirements range from handing out leaflets, nightclub promotions, assisting on a stand at a trade / public show and looking glamorous at a variety of sporting events such as motor racing.
Obviously within all of these categories is a degree of overlap depending on the individual. Consider the different aspects of modelling and be realistic with regard to your physical attributes and personality.
If this sounds like you, email us, or telephone on 01332 880496.