A full glossary of modeling terms.

Before your first modeling job or your test shooting- you need to learn how to pose in front of the camera. It is not as easy as some think...

When you are just starting out, you do not need any photos to find an agency. Once you have representation however, you will need anywhere from 4-6 photos to fill a composite card. Luckily for those aspiring models, portfolio books are becoming a thing of the past. It is on a very rare occasion that a client asks me for my book. They just take a composite card and a digital photo. So enough great photos to put on a composite card should be your goal.

The amount of time a photo shoot takes really depends both on the client and the type of job. I have been to shoots that last 30 minutes and others that can go on for days.

If you do not want to relocate to a major market like New York, Miami, or California, should you still submit your pictures there? That is a great question. It is really up to you and how far you are willing to travel.

Even if you are already a professional model you can still have issues with blemishes. Luckily we have photo retouching to help with this matter but you still need to see a Dermatologist to get on a regimen to clear your skin up as best as you can. The occasional breakout can happen to anyone but if it is a constant problem your agency may have a problem with sending you to their clients.

Yes! And I encourage you to do so! This does apply to those models that have only signed non-exclusive contracts however.

Most professional working models have representation in every major city. This is the difference between those models who only work once and a while and those who actually make a profession out of modeling in smaller markets.

When I started modeling I discovered quickly that being a professional model is very much like running your own business. Marketing yourself with your portfolio and comp cards should be a recurring theme throughout your entire career.

One of the questions I am always getting asked is “do I need a manager”? A manager is someone who attempts to obtain you agency representation and from time to time an actual booking.

Once you get your first booking or schedule your first test shooting you will need to prepare for the shooting day by making sure you are comfortable posing in front of the camera.