You Ask, I answer
Hello My Friends!! The Fashion Modeling Biz can be so frustrating to figure out exactly how you can break into it, right? There are so many different ways to get signed to an Agency.. every model is different.. different backgrounds, looks and experience. So what is right for you? What is the best way for YOU to become a Working Model in NY, Miami, Paris, London… etc. There is so much BOGUS info on the web. You don’t need modeling schools, conventions or a Portfolio!! You don’t even need model Websites to find a photog, or get booked for a job.. You NEED a Modeling Agency to sign you in a Major Market.. WHERE THEY WORK FOR YOU!!! Get the RAW TRUTH from me~ Your model mentor. I know you have Questions..
Well, I have the Answers baby ; )) Let me know what it is you have on your mind.. What is upsetting you, frustrating you.. Your achievements.. Your most burning Question that you need answered TODAY!! I will do my best to answer them and If I can’t answer it I will find someone who Can (another Model or Agent,,etc)!
So, feel free to leave ALL your questions on any Video on my MODEL MENTOR MONDAYS Video Series on my LISA PHILLIPS NY Youtube Channel.. or below!
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Ooooh I am so excited ; ))
Love, Lisa XoXoXo
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It’s definitely possible… FORD signed a women in her 60′s the other day! T
There are so many clients looking for all ages.. if you have the right look and agency will definitely call you. NY models recently opened up a 30+division for men, called the money board. Most male models actually make the most money in their 30′s, so lucky you! There are tons of advertising and catalogs that book men 30′s and 40′s.. Wilhelmina and Ford, Images, CESD, Bella Agency in NY ALL have men whom work well in their 30′s and up. so go for it!!
HI Wynne,
Modeling agencies in oregon or New York or Tokyo ALL look for the same standard pictures for submission. Very simple closeup faceshots, profiles and a body shot in form fitted clothes. Just do that.. nothing fancy.
The pictures of you that you described to me sound fine. Agencies know that you aren’t experienced..they are not expecting a VOGUE cover my dear! ALL they are looking for is if you are photogenic, and they can tell this in one picture. Only smile in your pictures if you have a great smile..
Basically, here are my questions.
1. What photos should I submit to the modeling agencies? you answered your own question.. 2 digital snapshots (one headshot, and one full body shot in either a swimsuit or athletic wear)
2. In the body shot, which outfit out of the ones I described to you should I be wearing? The striped bikini, black shorts and tank top, or black shorts and navy/dark blue bandeau bra top (this one shows my stomach too)? the ones that show off your body the best and make you look the most fit/thin
3. In the body shot I end up sending, should I be smiling or not? If yes, with teeth or no teeth? the body shot is to see your body proportions only, so doesn’t matter is you smile or not. But if you do smile, always show your pearly whites : )
4. Same above question for the headshot, smiling or not? And should my hair be down or up? for the headshot, only smile if you have a killer smile.. a lot of fashion models don’t so it’s no big deal… but if you have a great smile then definitely smile in one close-up shot I like to see the hair up in at least one closeup shot
5. Is the background I described to you okay, or do I strictly need to be standing in front of a completely plain white wall with no door or anything?
6. Is there anything else I should know, or any other pictures I should make sure to send?
Just keep it very simple. the details aren’t really in up or down, smile or not..etc. The detail is all in whether the camera likes your face, thats what makes you photogenic.
Also, Portland is a great little market to get started. I really like this husband and wife team that is a mother agency called MUSE MODEL MANAGEMENT. google them and upload those pics to their website..
Good luck!!! xoxo Lisa
Hi! I have some questions about modeling in Tokyo. I will be going there for 3 months at the end of May.
Sure Bridgett, I just emailed you! x lisa
I love your blog!
How can I send you pictures?
Hey Chidi.. I see you opted in your name and email. You will immediately get an email from me, then you can send me your snapshots to that email address! You’re all set : ) thanks xoxo Lisa
New to the modeling thing, was wondering if i could get some advice from someone with as much exspeiance as yourself…
Sure Spencer, what do you need to know? Ask me here..
I have seen your posts about Los Angeles being easier to get into the industry than in New York. My question is: if I submit my photos to agencies in LA, should I be in the area or is it safe to submit to them and wait to hear back? I know that some agencies may not respond quickly, if at all, but I live across the country so the idea of submitting to an agency in LA never crossed my mind because I wouldn’t have access to meet with them in person per request.
HI Myles,
You do not have to live in the LA area to submit your snapshots. You just have to get really good clear snapshots taken and submit those to the websites. If an agency is really interested they might call/email and ask for more snapshots or a video of yourself. Once they say they would like to meet you, then you could fly/drive with your parents (or if older, by yourself) on your school break. And meet with that agency. They wouldn’t ask you to come unless they are pretty sure they want to sign you.
You should always submit pics no matter where you live. The younger the better and keep sending different pics every few months.. sometimes an agency might like your hair longer or shorter or your face is clearer or you have lost weight,etc. Sometimes the look they need changes. So, submit your pics 4x a year.
Remember, the business has changed! Everything is digital. If any agency likes you from a snapshots- they can request a video of you. In this video they can get a pretty good idea of what your body proportions are and how you look. So, YES send your snapshots to LA agencies.
It is extremely hard to get signed in NY, and most models working in NY have already worked in other markets. So, you really need to work in LA or Miami (or overseas) first anyway. NYC is not the only market- It’s actually the most difficult. I hope you are enjoying my MODELING IN LA series..
Thanks! xoxo Lisa