10 Easy Tips for the New Model

photo credit: Tammy Manet

So you want to be a model. The first thing you need to do is think about what your ultimate goal is, and then, find the steps to getting there. Do you want to be a fashion model signed with a top international agency? Do you want to be a catalog model? A model for men's magazines?

There are a lot of different types of modeling, and it's important to know what you want from the modeling industry. It's also important to be open-minded to trying different styles of modeling, that will expand your portfolio and broaden your diversity.

If your new to modeling, this article will be very helpful to your future career as a model.

Tip number one: You do not have to pay a photographer. Contrary to what you might hear, this tip is 100% true. You do not ever have to pay money to be a model. You do not have to pay an "agency" to be featured on their directory. You never have to pay a model/photographer networking website to have "access" to their castings. You should never have to go to a "modeling school" to learn how to model. You can do it all on your own.

What is your alternative option to paying a photographer?

Tip number two: TFP/TFCD. Is. Your. Best. Friend. (When your starting off, of course.) TFP/TFCD stands for Time for Print and Time for Compact Disc. TFCD is more commonly used, because most photographers use digital equipment and sometimes do not have access to high-quality printing equipment. In translation, TFCD is basically a trade. The photographer puts in their time, the model puts in their time, and as a result, they come away with a compact disc of pictures for their portfolio.

But where do you find photographers willing to shoot TFCD?

Tip number three: Networking websites. There are many networking websites on the internet for models, photographers, make-up artists, wardrobe and hair stylists. My first choice in networking websites, which I have had great success meeting with many different photographers in my area, is ModelMayhem.com (http://www.modelmayhem.com) I highly recommend creating a profile page on this website if you are serious about becoming a model. You can find photographers in your area, browse castings, events, and participate in its' infamous forum. You can receive advice, offer advice, have your pictures critiqued, and build your network by making "friends." It is easy to navigate and offers 20 photo slots and you never will have to pay a single penny. (Other examples of model/photographer networking websites are: www.onemodelplace.com, www.musecube.com, www.models.com, www.modellaunch.com) Networking websites are great for getting exposure to the modeling industry and finding TFCD, as well as paid work.

But what are some other ways to find exposure and paid opportunities?
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