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Talent and Tenacity Wins the Contract with Commercial Print Modeling Agencies
Why You Should take a Look at Commercial Print Modeling Agencies
Commercial Print Modeling
Tip! Always be on time or early for appointments. The photographer's time is just as important as yours. And, you may want a second photo shoot with them.
The following article presents the very latest information on commercial print modeling. If you have a particular interest in becoming a commercial model, then this informative article is required reading.
Advertisement in a trade magazine:
"Prestigious company seeking professional commercial models.Pay depends on experience. Call 555-0000."
If you spotted an ad similar to this one would you know what it meant? Maybe or maybe not. Commercial modeling is often overlooked because female models often think that there are only one or two types of model opportunities: Runway or Fashion.
Nothing could be further from the truth!
In reality there are numerous types of modeling besides the two mentioned above. One type that comes to mind is commercial modeling; an overlooked gold mine for many girls.
Tip! Also include shots which may be considered for commercial print, fashion, casual, and editorial content. Ask the photographer to help you with choosing looks that best fit your personality and the type modeling you wish to pursue.
What is Commercial Print Modeling?
Think of commercial print modeling as a TV ad in print. The magazine industry uses models as part of their total package. These commercial models are seen in store catalogs, magazines, editorial stories, newspapers, brochures, on posters for sale, billboards, on the tops of taxis, in store displays, and many other areas not mentioned here.
Tip! Always keep a pleasant attitude. Nothing spoils a photo shoot like a model who got up on the "wrong side of the bed".
Now, before you shrug off this type of modeling to become that super model in the fashion world take a look at the physical requirements. If you are looking for a chance at becoming a fashion model you must have certain physical attributes. For instance, female fashion models are generally 5'9" tall and up. Her dress size has to be between a size two and six. Do you fit these measurements?
Commercial Models and Lifestyle Photos
In contrast, Commercial models are put in lifestyle situations and need to be able to present themselves as "natural". In other words your body language, facial expressions and interaction with the environment are important.
Commercial models are a melting pot of different heights, weights, dress sizes, ages, genders, and ethnic backgrounds. For instance, a magazine may want photos of an Italian family making pasta in a rustic kitchen. A high fashion model would probably have little chance of landing this job. So, there are some definite advantages of working in the commercial field.
Tip! Look through fashion and glamour magazines to see how the models pose, the lighting, the outfits, etc. and then practice.
The Commercial Print Model Advantage
The quick answer is that your physical measurements and height are not as important in commercial modeling.
Also, you can model commercially as a part-time supplement to your income. You will have flexible hours, and the rates paid to commercial models are from good to terrific!
One other benefit is that you get to see your photo, or that of your daughter, in a magazine. Not a bad perk!
How much can you expect to earn as a commercial model?
This of course depends heavily on the location and type modeling jobs you apply for. If you are an adult model you can expect to make between $50 to $250 an hour in some markets. A child model will normally be paid less than an adult. Not to say that it's not feasible to enter your child into commercial modeling. Your child can sometimes earn up to $60-$75 an hour.
The information about commercial print modeling presented here will do one of two things: either it will reinforce what you know about becoming a commercial model or it will teach you something new. Both are good outcomes.
Some models earn more and some less but it is still a refreshing alternative to other part-time jobs. It is not impossible for a commercial model to earn $20,000 from one job, and I know other models who just want to have some fun with modeling and make some extra mad money.
Tip! Remember, you will become what you think and the way that you act. You're not lying when you say, 'I am in the process of writing down my goals for modeling and on my way to becoming successful.
Be Prepared to Work
Regardless of how enticing this all sounds you must realize that commercial modeling is like any other kind of career. It can be fun to dream of becoming a commercial model but it will require some research and study time. Consider first that you will need to learn about the kinds of pictures that will get you the most job offers.
Now, let's get started in developing your model portfolio. A really good, complete model portfolio is not created overnight.
In addition, you need to know how agencies operate, and know which questions to ask when talking to a commercial print modeling agency. There are some answers the agent will give that put up red flags during your first contact. These agents are the ones you walk away from. The 7-part mini course for models will cover this in more detail. You will want to learn how to look and act like a professional commercial model. And then, when you feel you are ready to take that step, practice, practice, practice! I cannot stress this enough.
Tip! Practice posing as often as possible. Look in the mirror and give different expressions. You may be called upon to do exactly that by a photo coordinator or photographer.
The professional models who are already successful in the business are practicing every day and so should you. Just like fashion, commercial modeling is competitive and those who are willing to do what it takes and searched for all the information they could find are naturally going to be "luckier" than those who do not Skip this part and you are headed for guaranteed disappointment.
Where do You Fit In as a Commercial Print Model?
Everyone has a certain look. Some are more defined than others. You may have a "girl next door" look, an outdoor or athletic look, etc. but you can be sure that you have one.
Take an inventory of yourself and develop a profile. Look in the mirror and honestly judge your face, body, expressions, your perfect features, and imperfections to see where you can start in the commercial modeling field. Personality also plays an important role in this type modeling so add that to your personal inventory list.
Another great way to find how you fit in is to talk to stock and commercial model photographers, agents and others in the industry. They can help you pinpoint your look and help to give you a starting point. Gather all this professional advice and then decide how you want to proceed.
See What Other Commercial Print Models are Doing
I usually have my models look through magazines and brochures to see the types of photos being marketed and this helps them to find a look they are comfortable with and to find images they can visualize themselves as doing. You will be cast for all types of jobs but it's wonderful to do photos with which you feel you have a personal connection.
You don't have to be a rocket scientist to learn these steps but this is not all there is to becoming a commercial model. However, if you study this article and learn from as many people as possible, you will remove some of the obstacles that have made so many others stumble and fail. At least give yourself a chance to succeed.
Set your goal for taking the first step today and then write down another you will take every day. Before you know it you will be ready to step in front of the camera!
Now you can be a confident expert on commercial print modeling. OK, maybe not an expert. But you should now have a starting point before entering the exciting world of commercial print modeling. Go for it!
Let's get started in developing your model portfolio. A really good, complete model portfolio is not created overnight.
Bob
Pardue is a professional stock
and fashion model photographer located in the Southeastern
USA. Launch your modeling career with your free
7-Part
Model Mini-Course delivered by
email at ... http://www.bobpardue.com/newsletter/subscribe/
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Disclaimer: Although we have made every effort to provide solid and accurate information in this report about commercial print modeling agencies, Bob Pardue Photography accepts no responsibility or does not insure or imply any degree of success in a female modeling career by reading this material or by working with any of the commercial model agencies listed on this website. Degrees of modeling success varies greatly dependent upon the attitudes, attributes and ambition of each individual model. Please thoroughly check out any information you find on this site and always remember the model safety rules. Be safe and Bring A Friend to all commercial photo shoots! And, now you can bring your newfound knowledge about working with a commercial photographer
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