Models Facial Expressions

Facial expressions are as important in communicating to the camera in a photo shoot as words are in talking to your friend on the phone.

For example, facial expressions are to deaf individuals what tone in conversation is to hearing people. They are an important way to communicate emotions to others and evoke a reaction. Therefore, facial expressions are an important source of information for human interaction.

How to smile

Learning how to smile sounds ridiculous - surely everyone can do it? In fact, smiling 'to order' is a real skill, and one that professional models need to master.

To improve your smiling skills, position yourself in front of a mirror and practise the following steps.
Put your lips together without moving them. Look at your face in the mirror, concentrating on the eyes. At first, they're lifeless. Now lift up the corners of your mouth and watch your eyes come alive.
To create a smile, say "MMM" without opening your mouth. No teeth should be showing. Don't forget to turn the corners of your mouth up.
To create a broader smile, say "MMM" again with your mouth still closed and again, don't forget to turn up the corners of the mouth.
This time say "ME", whilst opening your mouth and showing your teeth but keeping it soft. Next say "ME" again, this time with a big smile showing all your teeth.
When you say "HEY," you produce a very natural facial expression. Say "HEY" and hold it - you will notice your tongue is coming forward and your lips are apart. Now try it again, saying "HEY" with a smiling expression.
Create a gaunt look by saying the word "POOR", keeping the lips very soft and sultry and holding for a few seconds.
To achieve an open and happy laugh try saying "HAA", remembering to focus your gaze on someone or something to avoid a "lifeless" look.


Facial Expressions Exercise
It’s important for a mode to know how to use their face. try this exercise to feel more comfortable using your face to express different emotions or lack thereof.

In front of a mirror, for at least 20 – 30 minutes just use your face to convey emotions.
Emotions or Ideas to Convey
Generally happy / content
Fun, laughing and playful
Scared, trapped or lost
Sad or broken hearted
Serious model face
Empty, lonely or bored
Fantasizing or day dreaming (happy)
Fantasizing or day dreaming (sad)
Scheming and flirting

Try and focus on different options for each emotion for each area of your face, you eyes, mouth and angles you can tilt your face to try and more strongly emphasize the emotion.



One more thing: The most expressive feature on a person's face is their eyes, so an important thing to remember about facial expression - though it might seem obvious - is to open your eyes. Unless specifically directed by the photographer, make sure that your eyes are wide open. You can test this by looking at two photos side by side, identical other than a tiny difference in the wideness of your eyes, and you will know which is the better.

 

 

 

Promotional Modelling

To be successful in the world of exhibition and promotional modelling is so much easier to achieve than with fashion and catwalk work. There simply aren't the stresses and strains placed on models in this area - which is very good news if you don't fit the modelling stereotype. A model doesn't necessarily have to be tall and thin, or classically beautiful either. It's just your job to look as good as you can be. You don't have to be a certain height or weight - anything goes.


There are many different types of promotions ranging from tradeshows to red carpet events. You can pick which events you want to work for and which ones you want to pass on. Very few industries allow you to manage your entire career yourself.


Why Consider It?

Okay, We know you want to be a fashion model or maybe walk the runway just as your idol, Kate Moss did. But, it's not always that easy. These girls are very fortunate to be up there and it could have been any one of a hundred others who applied for the job. But, promotional modeling is a bit different. It is not as competitive and young women with outgoing personalities and good looks have a chance to work - and earn pretty good money in the meantime!


Other Benefits

In these tips We would also like to share some other, very important reasons to get into promotional modeling. Besides getting over shyness, you can network with other models you'll meet, find clients and maybe even find a great agent to "discover" you. Don't discard the other perks of this industry.

Why not give it a try then? 

Flair Talent Promotional Modelling 

 

5 Mistakes We Almost All Make When We Put On Makeup And Their Fixes

Have you ever been putting on your makeup and when everything is going well, you suddenly make a mistake that ruins all of your effort? Have you had to take off your makeup some time because, without meaning to, you’ve ruined your makeup?
Surely you have; it happens to all of us.
Below you will find five of the most common mistakes and the best tips to quickly fix them without having to take off all of your makeup…

I’VE PUT ON TOO MUCH FOUNDATION

This is a very common mistake that we all make when we put on makeup. If you are totally made up, to take off any excess foundation, do the following:
• Lightly moisten a clean sponge with water (the sponge should be almost dry and without any makeup residue) and sponge all of your face with downward movements.

TIP: It’s very important, most of all, to avoid excess foundation and concealer around the eyes. To eliminate any excess in this area, perform the same step and afterwards use your fingertips to softly blur the product in that area.

MY EYESHADOW LOOKS TOO DARK

If you’ve put on too much eyeshadow, or it looks too dark, follow these steps to quickly fix the problem:

• If it happened on your upper eyelid, blur the eyeshadow toward the edges with a clean brush to reduce the color. If it still looks very dark, apply a little bit of matte cream eyeshadow with a brush (if you don’t have cream eyeshadow, you can use translucent powder) and blur the eyeshadow.

• If it happened on the lower part of your eye, use a fine, clean brush to blur, or pat it softly with a Q-tip.

• If as you were blurring, you’ve left the contour of the eyelid and the shadow looks very dark, blur it with a clean sponge and afterwards apply a little bit of foundation, patting lightly to fix the foundation.

I’VE PUT ON TOO MUCH BLUSH

If you applied too much blush, try the following tip:

• Stroke your cheek with a thick, loose powder bush—the brush should be completely clean. If you still have too much blush on, apply translucent or clear powder with the same brush, just over the blush. That way the two powders should mix, clarifying the original color.

I’VE PUT TOO MUCH MAKEUP ON MY EYEBROWS

When we put too much makeup on our eyebrows, we look harsh and we can’t even recognize ourselves. Follow the following tip to quickly solve this:

• Simply brush the eyebrow with a clean Q-tip, going against the grain of your eyebrow. You will see how quickly the color you initially applied disappears.

“I’VE SMEARED MASCARA ON MY EYELID”

That’s all right. Just follow these next steps and you’ll see how you can quickly fix the problem:
• Continue applying makeup and when you have finished, allowing enough time for the mascara to dry, apply a Q-tip right over the smudge. You’ll see how it quickly disappears and you don’t need to remove the makeup from your whole eye.

TIP: A good trick to avoid smudging yourself is applying makeup first to your inferior eyelashes and then to the superior.

Pros and Cons Of Getting Into Modelling

If you're not sure whether you could live a life of a model or it might be something not suitable for you, we've prepared a list of pros and cons which could help you to make up your decision.

The negative aspects of modeling include:

    •    Not getting paid a lot of money at the beginning.
    •    You may not have work for a few weeks which will also reduce your finances dramatically.
    •    You will have to diet all the time to remain trim and healthy.
    •    You must also make sure you exercise which is negative if you hate exercising.
    •    Most of the work involves long hours, lots of standing, and having to pose for the camera all day.
    •    It can become boring and tiring depending on the job you are doing and how often you are needed. You can spend all day on a movie set and only shoot your scene for an hour.

The positive side to modeling is that:

    •    You can be included in fashion and cosmetics.
    •    You have the chance to meet many interesting people.
    •    You can become famous and internationally recognized.
    •    If you work hard, you have the opportunity to earn lots of money.
    •    You can be the first to wear fabulous designer clothes, shoes, and accessories.
    •    You can get a personal trainer and dietician to help you keep in shape.
    •    You get to do something that you love as your career.

If everything is clear now and you still feel like modelling is something you might be interested in, get in touch!

Model's Earning Potential

Being a model itself is a pretty good thing but let's not forget about the financial perspective. At the beginning it may be hard and you might not get a lot of money but once you're more experienced the money will come.

Working with an agency

Fees can range from ￡50 to several hundred pounds per day.

Earnings depend on the type of work, your experience, how many agents you register with and also your own initiative and persistence.

 The best pay is for taking part in TV commercials. 

Adults can expect around ￡250 BSF plus repeats. 

Television work is paid at a much lower daily rate but there are extras such as a programme fee, repeat fees and payment for standby days (days when you are not working during the overall shoot days). 

Films are sometimes paid on a daily or weekly rate or an overall fee is negotiated.

You should agree the fee with the agency before you accept an assignment. After the assignment, the agency collects the fee from the client and keeps it in the client account. The agency get's usually 10-20% commission, sometimes even more.

You can also get paid extra bonuses for working in difficult situations and conditions.

For lingerie modeling the agents can negotiate a higher fee to give them a 25 to 30 percent commission. The modeling jobs they get you with ad agencies and fashion shows will earn 15 to 20 percent, while film and TV work will allow them to take 10 percent. 

You don't like the fact that agency is charging 20% commission? Have a look at Freelance modelling!

Child modelling earning potential

A chaperone fee

A chaperone fee is agreed before an assignment and paid, in addition to the booking fee, for one parent or guardian to accompany a child/teenager on an assignment.

A chaperone fee helps with your costs for being on hand during the assignment. The amount paid depends on the value of the assignment, location, time and travel costs.

You must discuss and agree any chaperone fees before the assignment is confirmed. You cannot negotiate them retrospectively, after the assignment.

Fees paid for child performers vary hugely but are usually half the adult rate plus a chaperone fee for the parent. Performers over school leaving age are paid at the adult rate as they do not require licensing or chaperones. Commercials are one of the best paid jobs, with a child’s basic studio fee of around ￡180 plus a buyout in lieu of repeats (sometimes as much as 500%). 

As you see the hard work at the beginning can easily pay off in the future as the rates for modelling jobs are quite promising!

Why don't you make the first step!

 

 

 

In Search of Model's Search

Today we would like to talk some more about Model's Searches by various companies, brands and even agencies.

It is not something they do on daily basis but it is worth checking whether there any open casting calls. It means that you should have your eyes open all the time and check their websites from time to time in order to find out when they are looking for new faces and apply.

In order to apply you need to have some photos prepared.  

(Click here to let us help you with that)

Some companies are looking for models to be involved only for some specific campaigns but there are also agencies/brands which are looking for models to sign a contract with them for a longer period. Either of this cases is a big chance for you to get into the industry. It's also good to be up-to-date with new faces search by modelling agencies, as even if you can always apply to join one, sometimes they are in urgent need of new faces and they inform about a model's search so it might be more likely they will choose you. To give you a heads up, we've listed few model's searches you might be interested in..

• Various Model Searches Across UK

• Glamour Model Search

• Male Model Search

• Model Search For Scotland

• Model's Jobs

Remember that it's all up to you whether you will become a model or not. It is a hard work but once you get into, it is worth it. You need to make the first step, have your pictures done and apply to various kinds of modelling jobs. Sure it is hard at the beginning but We're sure you can manage all that!

Model's Hair

Hair plays quite a big role when it comes to model's image. It can hide or expose some facial features, it helps to bring the mood to the photoshoot, it completes the make up.

The model’s hair is just as important as your skin and body. Agencies and photographers are always looking for models with shiny hair. If your hair suffers from dryness, split ends, or bad colour, then you need to check out how you can get that healthy hair look.

Unfortunately for a model is extremely difficult to avoid styling products, the heat from the hair drier or hair straightener and the constant change of colour that might be necessary for your work. Reason why you have to have extra care with your hair.

Experts recommend that you use heat-activated shampoos, deep condition at least once a week, and avoid using too many hair care products, as they can dry out your hair, leaving it dull and lifeless.

As you are going to be working with experts it is always a good option to ask them for advice on how to make your hair look shiny and healthier. In the mean time we have some basic tips that will help you.

- Shampoo your hair gently instead of aggressive shampoos or scrubbing. Use very little shampoo but enough to cover your hair completely with lather. Use a conditioner to keep hair manageable

- Avoid wrapping your wet hair in a towel turban when you get out of the shower. The added friction can knot and damage vulnerable wet hair.

- Never wash your hair with very hot or very cold water.

- Do not brush your hair when wet. Use a wide-tooth comb, to work out tangles as you move from the ends toward the scalp.

- Get your hair trimmed or shaped every 5-6 weeks to remove the ends. It makes it easier to keep the scalp clean if the hair is kept reasonably short.

- Healthy hair depends on an adequate diet. Eat food that is rich in vitamin B, C and E. Also add iron and minerals in the natural form in your diet.

- Always go out in the sun with your head covered.

- Stimulate circulation by massaging your head with oil to which some vitamin E has been added to make it soft and silky.

Keep your hair long and healthy.

Avoid chemical processes (i.e., coloring, highlighting, straightening). Regular deep conditioning hair treatments are a good idea.

Long hair does tend to be preferred on hair models. Not always, but the majority of the time. Keep this in mind when you're deciding whether to allow a stylist to cut a lot of hair off. If you plan on doing more hair modeling in the future, make an effort to keep it long.

We don't reccommend that you have your hair cut at much of a varience before coming to your model portfolio session because most teens and women do not especially like the way their hair looks when they first leave the stylist. It is best to leave your hair the way you normally wear it.

Types Of Modelling: Character Modelling

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and not every model has to be super-tall and super-thin.

If you think you might not be a runway model material you might try to get into character modelling.

Character models are used in all forms of media including advertising, commercials, promotions, and as TV and film extras.

Unlike fashion models, characters are not restricted by height, weight, body shape and age. What is quintessentially important about characters, whether they are ‘plain’ or ‘eccentric’ looking is that they have a gregarious personality; excellent people skills and are the right face for the job.

Character modelling is about something else all together and the clue is in it’s name. What you need is character and plenty of it. We can advise on your look and help you to find your character. For example, you might be anything from an ‘every day type’ or an unusual or extreme look. There is work in this industry for a wide variety of ‘looks'.

As a character model you can portray ordinary people or humorous types, you might have an interesting face of an unusual body. No matter what you look like, it is only important that you communicate well with the camera. Whether you are plain or eccentric looking, the only ‘must’ is that you have a gregarious personality; excellent people skills and are the right face for the job.

As with all forms of modelling, the key is to work hard and to be persistent but realistic. 

Here are some agencies for character modelling:

Ordinary People

Reality Check
 
Ugly

Glamour Modelling

All the styles of photography in the industry, perhaps the most misunderstood one out there is glamour.

By modern definitions, the word glamour means: alluring beauty or charm (often with sex-appeal). In photographic or modelling terms, glamour, concentrates on a model's appearance and presentation rather than the clothes she may or may not be wearing.

Today's understanding of glamour modelling is difficult to define because it can mean anything: page 3, boys' magazines, top shelf magazines and even hardcore.

At least in Britain, the term glamour modelling is commonly used for models who appear in glossy boys' magazines, on calendars and in similar publications.

Usually, glamour modelling involves a suggestive girl in a bikini, transparent or similar outfit - also topless or nude, but not particularly explicit - with an artificially inflated bust and lots of glossy make-up.

Depending on your viewpoint, glamour modelling is either cheap and derogatory - or a girl power thing.

Thinking that you are beautiful and spending thousands on a set of new breasts won't guarantee a spot on the cover of a magazine. You might attract someone with more money than hair.

Examples of Glamour photography can be found in Publications like FHM, GQ or even the Ann Summers Catalogue.

*(If you are not comfortable about being seen partly or fully naked, you will not succeed in any Areas of the Glamour Industry)

It is critical that you have the body type needed for glamour or body modeling. These are the models you see in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Editon or Glamour Magazine. You'll also see glamour models gracing the pages of Victoria's Secret catalog.

Look through these or similar books and magazines to see if your body measures up to the emmaculate bodies of these glamour models. 

The payscale can vary but keep in mind that the pay is normally doubled for lingerie or nude work. Glamour is very lucrative but evey model is not comfortable with this type of modeling and how much skin they have to show.

It's better to wait until you're at least 21 years old before making a decision to do any type of nude work.

Physical Requirements for Glamour

Height: Not all Important

Bust: 34-B

Waist: 22"-24"

Hips: 34"

You need to be really toned and in great shape to be a glamour or body model. 

So, get out those barbells or join the local gym today!

Glamour Modelling Agencies

Yum Yum Models 

Flash Glamour 

London Glamour

Types Of Modelling: Body Parts Modelling

Many beginner models tend to believe that they don't have anything of value to offer the industry. They are not tall enough. They are not quite pretty enough. This is where body part modeling can help if he or she has an especially outstanding portion to model. Although this may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a career in modeling, body part modeling can actually lead to a lucrative career.

Many products benefit from using body part modeling doubles for model jobs and not just for beauty products. Once you get started in this career, you'll be surprised as the uses for these types of models. Body part modeling is not limited to the hands either and the competition is not as fierce. Feet, legs and lips are also in high demand so you should take full advantage of the assets you have.

Hand models — hands should have flawless, smooth skin with evenly shaped nails. The shape of the hands is important. Men’s hands should not be too hairy.


Leg models — legs should be smooth, long and shapely. Skin should be free of veins, scars, and blemishes.


Feet — should have smooth skin tone with evenly shaped toes and nails. Skin should be free of veins, corns, or other foot blemishes.


Torso — for men and women, even skin tone and a well-shaped body.

These are the main types of body-parts modelling; however there is also a market for ears, hair, bottoms, backs, necks, eyes and lips. 

 

Kimbra Hickey is a hand model, and her hands grace the cover of the novel Twilight. She earned $300 for the photo.

Even the actress Megan Fox needed a female model of this type when she did a Motorola commercial that was aired during the 2010 Super Bowl. You won't be recognizable when out on the street, but you can bring in a very nice income by doing so. Ask Pamela Moses who was the hand stand in for Megan Fox. Ms. Moses was the owner of the thumb seen in this ad.

Body Parts Modelling Agencies


Body Agency

Elliot Brown

Mentor Agency
 
The agencies accept usually professional photos. If you need help with prepapring your pressional modelling portfolio click here

Models Of Colour: Asian Models

Following the recent post about African Models, let's focus today on Asian Models and their situation in modelling industry.

Fashion industry realizes the importance of diversity and choice.
We start noticing exciting things happening; over the last few years there is a whole generation of Asian Super Models showing up in Western and European Fashion Capitals.

In the past, model agencies in New York, Paris, London and Milan preferred to represent only one or two Asian girls, but now their presence is becoming more and more obvious. Today, Asian models are starting to change the world’s definition of beauty. If in the past they used to be featured only as representative of their community in Gap and Benetton ad campaigns. These days they are featured as super models in the Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue US ,Vogue Paris, Numero, Elle and many others. 

Asian women are climbing the rank of the modeling world as names like Liu Wen, Tao Okamoto and Shu Pei win high-profile runway spots and ad campaigns.

Twenty-three year-old Wen, born in China's Hunan province, is the first of East Asian descent to walk a Victoria's Secret fashion show. In 2010 she became the first Asian face of cosmetics giant Estee Lauder.

One of the leading Asian faces is Du Juan (see pic below) , an ex ballerina from Shanghai. Du became the first Asian to grace the cover of French Vogue. She also has appeared in advertising campaigns for Armani, Gap, Anna Sui, Uniqlo, H&M.

People do pay attention to those changes and try to embrace the asian models in modelling industries:

http://xxgirls-asianmodels.blogspot.com/

http://asianmodelsblog.blogspot.com/

Asian Beauty and Fashion Magazines

Asiana-Top asian fashion mag

Asian Woman

Agencies for Asian Models

http://www.asianrunway.com/

http://www.caramelmodels.co.uk/

http://www.mahoganymodelmanagement.com/

However to apply to some of the agencies you will need professional photos to submit while creating your application. If you need help with prepapring your pressional modelling portfolio click here. 

Enter A Competition Miss Asian Model 2012


Some observers see the embrace of Asian models as a strategy toward tapping into the booming Chinese retail markets. According to ABC, the Asian cosmetics sector is poised to become the world's largest.

Have a look at the graph showing diversity of models in 2010 in fashion shows

Models Of Colour: African Models

We've already mentioned a modelling competition called Top Model Of Colour however we would like to  write more about this part of modelling industry and give you some useful links and tips to follow as well.

By models of colour we mean models that are of African, Caribbean, Asian, Hispanic, Oriental, bi & multi racial ethnicity. 

In this post we would like to focus on  posibilities for African Models in the modelling industry within the UK.

Apart from applying to universal modelling agencies, there are some agencies which are specialized in hiring African Models only or Models of Colour. The African Models are getiing more and more popular to be hired for catwalks and fashion shows.
See below the agencies for non-white models.
However to apply to these agencies you will need professional photos to submit while creating your application. If you need help with prepapring your pressional modelling portfolio click here. 

Modelling Agency for African models

http://www.africanmodel.com/

Agency for multi racial ethnicity models

http://www.mahoganymodelmanagement.com/

Sola Oyebade, chief executive of Mahogany Model Management, has been running a Facebook, text and email campaign in an attempt to make the 'black'  issue the biggest-selling Vogue ever (the issue was published in 2008)  'We believe there's industry apartheid and this is something that the black community does feel very strongly about. I've had so many calls from people asking where they can get their hands on a copy. I've had shops like Harvey Nichols ring me up, telling me we're causing them a lot of problems with supply, so we've been liaising with them, too. Our fashion industry is institutionally racist. The explanation for why they don't use black models is always that we don't sell, but this shows that's not true. Black people are among the highest consumer spenders in the UK for material goods.' - she said.

We've already mentioned a Modelling Contest called Top Model Of Colour which is organized for African, Caribbean, Hispanic, Oriental, African, Asian & Dual heritage ethnicity.
Top Model of Colour competition is providing models with exposure to the modelling industry. Most of the candidates are from UK, Europe and Africa.

You can read more about it here

It might be useful to have a look at  Ebony magazine  as well as The Special Vogue Pages

African models at catwalk for spring 2012

More about Top African Models

http://www.demotix.com/hub/african-models

Have a look at this article about Donyale Luna, The First Black Model To Cover Vogue UK
as well as African Models appearing in fashion magazines in Russia, UK and USA 

Child Modelling Tips

Child modelling is quickly growing in popularity and profitability as another branch of the modelling industry.

Children can experience all kinds of work, and can be required to work all over the world. The requirements for a child or infant model are not as strict or defined as most other aspects of the industry.

Personality and attitude are very important in child modelling.

The temperament of the child model is the key to their success. It is essential that any child model be co-operative and good natured, and it is imperative that the child is easy to direct and quickly at ease around strangers and under the spotlight.

A shoot can last for hours so it can be difficult for children to remain attentive and interested.

Visit the website of the National Network for Children in Employment & Entertainment (NCEE) www.bucksinfo.net/nncee/employment/ for more information on the employment of school-age children. If your child is offered work, she will need a performance licence from your local authority. A good children’s model agency should help you to organise this.

If you decide to give it a try, remember to:

• Be a good timekeeper, reliable and prompt. You will need your own transport and be prepared to travel and to be flexible.

• Take food and drink along to the shoot – it may not be provided and you may be there over a mealtime. It’s also a good idea to take along books and games to keep your child occupied.

• Make sure your child has clean and tidy hair and nails, and a clean face when you take her to a shoot. A few changes of clothes are also a good idea.

• Above all, enjoy it. If either you or your child stop having fun, don’t do it.

For the castings calls for kids you can register on Kids Casting Call Pro or Mandy.

If you think your kid is ready to work with an agency here are some child modelling agencies in the UK:

Bizzy Kidz


Scallywags


Truly Scrumptious


Tuesdays Child Agency


Elisabeth Smith Agency

Online Model Profile

So you've got your first portfolio ready and what next? 

How to get into castings, jobs and agencies?

Where to start?

As we all know the Internet is the right answer for all of these questions and also the easiest way to show to the world your possibilities.

Creating a profile in social media and uploading your modelling photos is a good thing to do but it is not enough though.

 

First of all you should create your profile on the biggest modelling portals.

 

Model Mayhem would be the first one on the “to do” list. You should create a profile, upload your photos (they accept only professional images to be uploaded on the profile) and start to get connections through the website. You can contact photographers, makeup artists, there are many casting calls for various kinds of modelling jobs as well.

The truth is that you need to send your photos to people in order to get the job, they are not going to find you on their own (at least not at the beginning of your career).

 

StarNow is another website with a big number of job offers and casting calls. You even do not have to create a profile in order to apply for jobs.

There are many of websites like these.  You have nothing left but to have a look and start sending your portfolio! You can also try the ones listed below  (in order to apply for these jobs you have to create a modelling profile on their websites) 

 

New Faces 

 

Casting Call Pro

 

To Be Seen

 

Angel Stages

 

When you have a look at the job offers you may notice that some of the jobs are not paid or expenses paid but as you have no or little experience it is still a good opportunity to apply for this job. You will get more experience, some photos and what is the most important – connections. If they like you they could recommend you to some other (maybe paid) jobs. Making friends and staying in touch with people you are working with is very important in this industry.  

So don't waste your time and start creating your modelling profile!

Become A Male Model

In the world of highly competitive and female-dominated professional modelling, the attitude toward male modelling is changing. Although male models are still facing criticism and bias from their professional peers, society's typical mindset is changing.

Being successful requires more than simply seeing see a guy in an ad who looks similar to you - and think "I can do that, too." It might have been a long road for that guy and he may have needed the right non-conservative attitude to land that modelling job. 

The good news is that you can beat your competition by outworking them and by making good decisions. Good career networking and smart marketing tactics are more effective than looks: A decent looking guy who markets himself well can go farther than a guy who is much better looking. You can beat your competition by adopting a marketing approach.

Put yourself in the shoes of someone who hires guys for modelling jobs, then give them what they want. This is called "positioning" yourself to be chosen. If you do so, you will become a lot more successful than other guys. Think of what make you different and unique and why the photographer should choose you.

Remember that attitude and personality counts a lot. Whenever seeking to try out for an audition, include a short note that describes what makes you unique: are you an athlete? Have you won any competition? What are you latest achievements? Do you have any special talent? Can you dance? Sing? Act? Make sure you describe yourself honestly but don't forget to highlight your qualities.

Have a look a this competition for male models with Shortlist magazine

Shortlist Competition

Male Model Scene is a portal dedicated for male models:

Male Model Scene

For photographic modeling you will need to have strong features and will have to prove that you are photogenic and can act for the camera. For ramp work, you will also be trained, but you should be over 6 foot tall to succeed in this arena. There is a large popularity for mature male models and even if you are graying a bit you can easily become a model.

Most male models are chosen for their sex appeal and good looks on camera, but a good stage presence is also required for doing any kind of fashion catwalk shows, where you will be taught about how to walk, how to hold yourself, posing and more.

Being a male model does not mean that you have no complications when it comes to nudity and being taken advantage of by photographers. Male models are also entitled to refuse topless or nude shots and must be just as careful as the women about getting caught in a compromising position where you can be exploited.

Men can usually start modeling at the age of 16 or 17 and it will all depend on their build and structure at that time. If they look older than they are or have strong looking bodies, then it helps when they apply at an agency. This is not to say that younger guys cannot join, but if you are in the younger age bracket you will get modeling jobs that reflect that age for clothing stores and other photographic ads.

You will rarely be given ramp work at a young age unless it is for a teenager clothing brand or designer.

If you decide that male modeling is the industry for you, there are plenty of opportunities for males to get involved. The first thing you should do is find a good agent who will get you a lot of jobs and build your modeling portfolio. 

At the end we would like to show you the top male models:


Top 10 earning male models


 

Facts About London Fashion Week

London Fashion Week is an apparel trade show held in London, England twice each year, in February and September. It is one of the "Big Four" fashion weeks, along with New York Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week.

• London Fashion Week first took place in 1984.

• It's getting an official sponsorship from Mercedes-Benz, a worldwide known automobile brand and global hairdressing company Toni & Guy.

• It is attended by over 5,000 press and buyers, and has estimated orders of £40m to £100m.

• Canon is the principal sponsor for the eleventh consecutive season.

• In spring 2010, London Fashion Week became the first major fashion week to fully embrace digital media when it offered all designers who were showing their collections on the catwalk at Somerset House the opportunity to broadcast their shows live on the Internet. The video stream can be seen on London Fashion Week's website.

• The Model Health Enquiry, backed by London Assembly members and the Mayor's threat to withdraw funding, recommended vetting of models

• The UK fashion industry is similar in size to the food/beverages services and telecommunications industries.

• This year dates are: 17th - 21st Feb and 22nd February (menswear)

 

Would you like to be a part of London Fashion Week? Get into modelling. Register with Candi Models!

Travelling Tips For Models

One of the perks of modelling is the chance to travel all over the world or at least all over the country. This is something you should be prepared for. There are some advantages and disadvantages of this kind of work. It might be tiring to move between so many places at such a short periods of time but you would have a change to meet a lot of different people, can contacts from all over the world and have an adventure of your life. 

Before living this experience you should stay focused on preparation for yout trip. As once you leave your home you should have everything neccessary with you.

• Travel arrangements will differ from agency to agency so make sure to find out what you will be responsible for in preparation for travelling

• Carry as much information as possible as, such as the address of where you will be staying and the details of who you will be working for as Immigration Control will request this information when you arrive

Model travel tips:

• Ensure your passport is always current. Most countries will not allow you entry if your passport is within 6 months of the expiry date

• Keep hydrated and get enough rest on the plane to arrive looking and feeling good

• Get the contact details of the agency in the country you are visiting in case there are any problems

• Carry a detailed street map of the town you are working in and familiarise yourself with transport links in the city. You will have to find your way from casting to casting or to shows so plan how you are going to get there ahead of time, it is very unprofessional to be late on your appointments

• Carry a form of ID on you, but leave your passport in a safe place

• Visit The Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for detailed travel and visa advice to the country you are planning to visit www.fco.gov.uk