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

Do You Act Like a Professional Model? What's Your Attitude Like?

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As a professional photographer, I have seen it often. I have young male and new female models, some beautiful and some with a definite fashion look or some with body measurements to fit the requirements for glamour, commercial or runway but many do not have the attitude for modeling. They have studied in the art of how to become a model, learned posing techniques, and, in fact, are wonderfully endowed with all the right measurements and height but possible will never grace the runway or magazine cover because of one thing -- The Proper Attitude!! Developing an Attitude for Modeling 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 have the tenacity it takes?

Let's face some facts ... Ford, IMG and Elite Modeling 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 stating that some of the biggest supermodels in the business ( like Tyra banks for instance) were turned down before they became successful models and stars. But, they had an attitude for modeling called persistence - which paid off in the long run.

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?

One more attitude for modeling is the way you plan your day - or the lack of it. Professional models have a routine and are always striving to be better at the craft. You should be too! 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 an attitude for modeling and, finding a 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. And, some are "easier" to step into than others but all still take a good attitude for modeling in order to make progress.

An Attitude for Modeling Will Not Make You Taller

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!, a promotional model needs to be attractive and just about able to sell, a commercial model needs to be great at body language and facial expressions, etc.). 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 pictures do I need to put in model portfolios?" or imagining yourself on the top teenagers or female model list, go back through these steps, examine your attitude for modeling, and do the basics in repetition. Success as a model does not come to those who just stroll along through life but to those with the right attitude - along with some good, hard work!

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.

A story from a fashion model ... If there was one thing about my life that has surprised me so far, it is becoming a female 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. But, I discovered as you might that I had to create my attitude for modeling in order to get started in the business.

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 for modeling which is 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 new female interested in this profession 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 catalog 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 or posses the best attitude for modeling to make it happen. 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 - now mostly being considered by top agents and certainly not a good attitude for modeling. Whatever the case, they will not become a high fashion model who will be remembered for years to come in the entertainment industry.

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 demonstrating your abilities and your attitude for modeling 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.

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