Attitude for How to Become a Male, Female or Teen Model

Do You Act Like a Professional Model?

As a professional photographer, I see it everyday. I have young male and female models, some beautiful and some with a definate fashion look or some with body measurements to fit the requirements for glamour modeling. But, I can also tell that some will never grace the runway or mazazine cover because of one thing -- The Proper Attitude!!

There are certain attributes you must have in order to become a model no matter how pretty or handsome, no matter if you are a teenager or adult, interested in commercial or fashion work. Here are a few suggestions and questions to ask in getting started as a model ....

Do you present yourself as professional?

Most teen models who are interested in posing for photographers for the fun of it have no clue about the business end of entertainment. They don't realize talent scouts and photography companies are very intolerant when approached by an amateur who shows up late, dresses in the wrong way or even wears heavy makeup to the open call interview. All these things are important and are covered in the lessons for modeling on this website.

Do You have the tenacity it takes?

Let's face some facts ... Ford, IMG and Elite Modleing Agencies are most likely going to turn you down when you apply. Now, I am certainly not implying that you shouldn't try; on the contrary. I'm just saying that some of the biggest supermodels in the business ( like Tyra banks for instance) were turned down before they became successful models and stars.

So, you need to not accept failure as failure but only as a way to improve your craft, learn what they want, and try again. How long should you keep trying? As long as it takes!

Do you have good work habits?

Practice your poses and expressions daily but also promote yourself with consistency. A more steady stream of modeling jobs comes to those who work at it. Develop a plan of action and stick with it.

What interests you?

Taking the first step to a modeling career demands that you take a good look at yourself. Two points: What is your area of interest? You might be interested in walking the catwalk, become one of those women posing in swimsuits as a glamour model or maybe you just want to do commercial or promotional work like you see at trade shows or even car races.

Once you determine your model interest area, make sure you know the requirements for each area (i.e. a runway model has to be tall - period!). If your measurements or abilities are not suited for one type of modeling, change gears and find your second choice in your profession.

Now, before asking yourself; "what do i need in a model portfolio?" or imagining yourself on the top teenagers or female adult model list, go back through these steps and do the basics. Success does not come to those who just stroll along through life but to those with the right attitude.

Open Casting Calls for Teenagers in Modeling - When most women think of starting out as a fashion or glamour model, what comes to mind is usually going straight to New York or starting at one of the many modeling schools and paying thousands of dollars to go to model conventions. But the best place to start is right from your own home.

How To Get a Contract with Modeling Agencies - Every day models head to an interview with a booking agent and don't have a clue as to what they are going to say or how they are going to present themselves. Read more ...

A story from a fashion modle ... If there was one thing about my life that has surprised me so far, it is becoming a fashion model. You see, I have always been very independent. I never put a lot of energy into my dressing behavior because I don't really care that much how people look at me.

If all they see is what I am wearing then I'm content not to be their friend. As you could probably guess, this is not the attitude most common among fashion talent. Teenagers from super young to more mature love clothing, and obsess about body measurements. I just happen to be blessed with a small frame body along with a good smile and a positive attitude which, combined with my sensational sense of poise, is enough to get a high paying modeling job.

Types of Modeling

Women posing in swimsuits for Sports Illustrated or top glamour mags certainly comes to mind but also plenty of other opportunities for the female interested in this professiona such as commercial, promotional and artistic. Keep focused on the type jobs you want to apply for and write your daily goals to make it happen.

The Agents

Now, if you plan to submit your photos to the top list of NYC agencys, Ford and Elite are certainly worth considering. Also, don't leave out IMG because any of these, if you can get accepted should provide a lucrative career with a lot of hard work.

Not many of the really good clothing models that I know set out to do it. People who decide early in their career to work in this field rarely have what it takes. They are too obsessed with the way people look at them, too driven to be liked, and have needs that will never be fulfilled. In the short term, these types of female and male models can be very successful, but they tend to overheat in the long run.

These are the girls who fall victim to all of the pitfalls of the glamour modeling world. They get into drugs or end up in the hospital with a bad case of anorexia or bulimia because they need to look "perfect" like the runway walkers seen in magazines. Whatever the case, they will not become a high fashion model who will be remembered for years to come in the entertainment industry.

What about the Child Modle?

So far I've talked about adults but there are many childrens talent scouts looking for new faces. Take a look online to find a top agency for your toddler, boy or girl.

What do I need in a Model Portfolio?

The requirements are simple but, in a nutshell, you'll need to find opportunities for posing for professional photographers and put about 8 to 10 of your very best pictures in your photo gallery. There are many places to find more information on the Internet and management companies like Elite have there own requirements which I strongly advise you read.

Bob Pardue Photography