The ABC's of Modeling

A

Actor - Performers that act in tv films and/or on stages.

Accessory - 1. A decoration or piece of clothing that adds emphasis to an outfit. 2. A supplementary device such as a make up accessory.

Ad Agency - The abbreviated term for an Advertising Agency.

Advance - Money that is paid before the modeling job is completed. This is deducted at a later time from the model's pay. Advances can be given to cover modeling supplies such as portfolios.

AEA - A union for theater actors and actresses called the Actor Equity Association.

AFTRA - The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists that represents the union of performers that star in television productions.

Agency - A business that acts as an employment agency. An agency helps promote their models, schedules casting calls, and bills the clients for whom the model works for. An agency usually charges a commision of 15-20% of the model's total earnings for that job.

Agency Book - A group of headshots contained in a portfolio.

Agency Card - 1. A small card containing information about the model's agency such as phone number and location. 2. A card that shows a model's personal information such as height and weight.

Agency Contract - A model release or other written agreement that explains the obligations between an agency and a model, or a photographer and a model, this usually comes from the agency.

Agency Director - A person or individual that has a management position inside an agency.

Agency Party - A social gathering, party, or celebration that is sponsored by a model's agency. These can include, but are not limited to birthday parties, and holiday parties.

Agent - A person or individual who arranges jobs for a model that they are representing.

Agent's Trained Eye - The skill of an experienced person to spot potentially successful models.

Age Range - An age group of individuals ranging from any age whether it is young or old.

B

Beauty Shot - A headshot from the shoulders up, where the main focus is on the model's face, including make up, hair, and accessories.

Body Shot - A full length photo of a model, where the main focus is on the model's body.

Book - A model's portfolio containing composite cards and photographs of a model that is representing a certain modeling agency.

Booker - A person or individual who arranges jobs for a model that they are representing.

Booking - A job that already been scheduled and confirmed for a model.

Booking Out - When a model indicates times that he/she will be unavailable for work by crossing out time on his/her planner or schedule.

C

Callback - A second interview after a model has alredy attended and initial go-see.

Casting - When a business chooses a model for a fashion show, print, etc.

Casting Call - A request made by a business or company for agencies to have the models appear for an interview.

Cattle Call - An audition where a lot of models show up at the same time, and are competing for the same job position.

Catwalk - A term that is used to describe a fashion runway.

Character Model - A model whose appearance suggests a certain character, such as a grandmother or construction worker.

Client - The business that is hiring a model for a specific job.

Collection - Groups of clothing of different styles made and created by fashion designers.

Commentary - A description at a runway show that explains about the garment that the model is wearing.

Commentator - The person who is describing a garment that a model is wearing at a runway show.

Commercial Look - An appearance that appeals to a wide variety of people and consumers.

Commercial Model - A model who appears in commercial advertisements.

Commission - A certain percentage of the model's earnings from a modeling job that is taken out by the agency that is representing the model. Typical commission is from about 15% to 20% of the total job earnings.

Composite - A card with the model's picture, the agency representing them, and personal information (height, weight, etc).

Contract - A legal statement between a model and either his/her photographer, business, or agency that is representing him/her.

Convention/Trade Show - A trade show used to attract agencies who are looking for potential models with talent and poise.

Cover Girl - A female model who appears on the cover of a magazine or other forms of print work.

Audition Tips - How to LOOK Like a Model

An important tip for all models to remember is, when attending a go-see, your pictures must transform to how you look in person. Looking like a model involves more than just pouting and walking the catwalk. Models have a confident mystique about them. Even the most unconventionally beautiful models carry themselves with an aura that exudes style, grace, and health. Here's how to get in touch with your own inner model and book that job!

1. Get fit. Being healthy is a million times more important than being thin. Exercise, eat properly, and drink plenty of water. You are what you eat, so learn to like it in order to achieve the weight you want and be as healthy as you can be. And even if you're already happy with your body, it still might be good to tone it up--turn that flat stomach into a six pack!
2. Mind your style, top to bottom! There are two things that can make or break your look: your hair and your shoes.
   
   
   • Look through hair magazines and talk with your hairstylist about what would look good with your face structure. Always keep your hair clean and styled, and make sure you go back to the salon every 2-3 months as your hair grows. Make sure the shade of your hair is vibrant; there's nothing worse than dull hair.
   • Wear clean, feminine shoes. That doesn't mean you always have to wear high heels (although that does help to send your model look up a notch). Models wear sneakers, too, and they wear them with style. Just make sure your shoes aren't worn out, and that you can walk comfortably in them (a grimace accompanied by a limp from the pain of wearing a torturous pair of shoes is unbecoming). See the Tips section for more advice about shoes.
3. Be fashionable. This one is a given, but a lot of people don't realize how wrong they are in the clothes they wear. Learn about your body type, height, skin tone and preferences. Discover yourself, and fashion will come to you. Rid yourself of any insecurities, because you can look bad in a Gucci & Manolo shoes if your shoulders are slouching and you have a scared look on your face. You don't have to wear designer clothes, especially if you can't afford them. Just look through fashion magazines, pick your favorites and then find look-a-likes. Remember: Clothes don't make you, they complement you.
   • Smile, and do it like you mean it. Models can be happy girls, even though they might look bored or fierce on the runway. They make tons of cash, have lots of beautiful friends, attend the hottest parties, and let's not forget that their job is to walk around in really expensive clothes. So generally, they appear to have good lives. Smile, be merry and people will notice that. It will help you meet people and be talked about. But to smile genuinely, you have to be genuinely happy with yourself. Some models are unhappy, some have eating disorders and use unhealthy ways to lose weight. Just because they do that, doesn't mean you have to. Don't hide behind your smile all the time. The key to being a good model is emotiveness (the ability to convey emotions).
4. Be your own makeup artist. Makeup is amazing, and any fashionista knows that. You can transform into so many different looks if you have the necessary tools and skills. Look through fashion magazines and practice the looks you see on yourself and your friends. Then invent your own looks and perfect them. Being able to apply makeup like a pro is a must for looking like a model. It requires practice, practice, and then some more practice.
   
5. Make sure every part of your body is as flawless as you can make it. We all have this idea that models are perfect human beings with perfect super powers, but they're just girls like you and me. Of course, they have been refined, polished, re-invented, and perfected. You can be all of these as well, with proper maintenance! Hygiene is extremely important.
   
   • Don't bite your nails and always keep them polished. This doesn't mean always have nail polish on just make sure to buff them and maintain them.
   • Keep your feet in impeccable conditions at all times (you never know when you will have to take your shoes off and dance on the tables!).
   • Soft elbows and knees are just as important as matching shoes and belt.
   • To get softer skin, try to exfoliate your skin at least twice a week with something simple like white sugar and aloe Vera mixed.
   • Keep those pearly whites pearly white! Use whitening strips if you need to, and stay far away from cigarettes and coffee, which will turn them yellow.
6. Be seen. What does it matter to look gorgeous if the only one that sees it is your family, and your teddy bears. Go out dancing with your friends, or dining, or whatever it is you like to do. Have fun and live it out. Models are also known for being party girls and amazing party hosts!
7. Educate yourself in culture. Stay on top of the arts, film, music, fashion, news and all things hip. Learn key phrases in various languages from countries with an active fashion scene. Travel the world, or watch the Travel Channel. Professional models learn to feel at home in any part of the world, and so must you--or at least you can pretend!
8. Watch your posture. How you carry yourself affects how people perceive you more than you think! Perk up that chin, throw those shoulders back, and glide through the air as if you just signed a ten million dollar contract. At home, practice carrying books on your head. Move like a dancer. Keep your head back, chin up, and shoulders down and back. Remember that every moment is a potential pose! However, you shouldn't become obsessed.
9. Be nice. Models carry themselves with a smile that tells everyone their friendly.
10. Looking like a model doesn't mean you have to cake yourself with makeup. they don't so you shouldn't either. Moisturize every morning. Curl your lashes with an eyelash curler. Use a bronzer on your body and face, just to give you an extra tint. Foundation should be light. Eyeshadow is nice also but don't over do it. Eyeliner and mascara are better in black. Makeup should be about enhancing your beauty not covering it up.

Awww...You Made Me Smile!

Check out Tyra's tips on smiling...a lesson every model needs!

Great Tips For Top Models

It’s a common misconception that naturally beautiful models take naturally beautiful photographs. The truth is—without modeling poses and modeling tips, perfect photographs are harder than you think.

If you are a professional model, a photographer will most likely guide you through a variety of model poses throughout the photo shoot. But if you are an inspiring model and are still working your way up to the top—you may have to control your poses to ensure great headshots and sample modeling photographs.

Live show models, promo models, photographic models, and runway models all rely on professional model poses to succeed. Whether you aspire to appear in print magazines or fashion shows and Hollywood movies; if you want to be a model, pay special attention to this insider guide to modeling poses.

Breathe
Although sometimes concentration enhances a good photograph, obvious concentration can distract and often ruin a good photograph as well. Do not hold your breath for a modeling pose; always remember to breathe and appear at ease.

Posture
Bad posture is an unrecognized flaw in many people. However, for models, posture is a harmful flaw. Always remember to keep your back straight and your shoulders up. Slouching affects the mood of the photograph and enlarges the appearances of your stomach. In addition to your back and shoulders, always remember to flex your stomach muscles. Despite your weight or state of shape, your abdomen will appear more toned if you flex.

Limbs
Symmetry is officially out in the modeling world. When posing, make sure to differentiate your arms and legs with asymmetrical poses. If you have one arm long and straight by your side, make sure the other arm is bent. Whether a big or small angle, the bend will make the modeling pose look more real, less artificial. Continue the asymmetry to your legs. If one leg is locked straight, give the other leg a casual bend.

Camera
Although the camera is the ultimate focal point of a modeling photo shoot, great models do not look directly into the camera. To enhance the quality of your photo shoot, look away from the camera with a mix of head and eye poses. Looking off to the right or left side, or tiling your neck to either side can help you avoid direct eye contact with the camera. In many cases, your head and neck can remain stationary in your modeling pose—and your eyes can do all the work. Head and eye positions, coupled with personable facial expressions make for great model poses.

Sitting Poses
If you are sitting down during your photo shoot—don’t think it’s ok to slack off. In fact, sitting photo shoots require a lot of extra work. If you are sitting down or reclining, it’s important to put your eight on the back of one thigh, rather than distributing your weight equally on both thighs. If you roll one hip up from the ground or surface, shifting your weight will be simple. This pose results in a slimming effect that you don’t want to miss out on.

Cleavage
To make sure your best assets shine, there are a few basic guidelines to follow. Based on two distinct poses, a forward lean and a backward lean, any model with any breast size can maximize cleavage. When leaning forward, either bring your arms together at your waist, keep your arms straight at the elbows and clasp your hands together below your waist, or simply cross your arms. When leaning backward, raise your arms about your shoulders and head, keep your arms apart, and always slouch for the best cleavage results.

Smile
If you have a naturally beautiful smile—show your pearly whites with pride, just not every time. If you smile in each modeling pose, modeling agents will notice your lack of versatility, not your smile. To add variety to your modeling poses, try switching up your smile with a cute frown, a bratty bout, a friendly laugh, or even an edgy scowl. Your facial expressions can make or break your modeling poses. Let your smile show, but make sure to show what else you can do.

In addition to these personalized tips for modeling poses, every model should be aware of the basics of posing. There are 4 main types of model poses: lifestyle pose, movement pose, portrait pose, and body pose.

Lifestyle
The lifestyle pose evokes a sense of everyday living with common body movements and facial expressions. Throughout the day, moments of happiness, love, anger, and hope arise. To succeed at the lifestyle pose, each model must be able to recreate these everyday emotions.

Movement
The movement pose captures a specific action, such as running or jumping. Because this pose is most often used for a marketing photo shoot—the model is used to promote a product. Each model must be able to smile and laugh when using the products in the photo shoot.

Portrait
This modeling pose emphasizes the face of the model—and relies purely on facial features. The model will be in modest makeup and relaxed hair and should pose with a casual, genuine smile. Many portrait photographs are close up and emphasize details of the model’s face. If you are scheduled for a portrait photo shoot, make sure to pay extra attention to your skin and drink at least 8-12 glasses of water a day.

Body
Full-length photographs require body poses. Models are encouraged to shift weight between hips and make arms and lengths into asymmetrical stances. Although many body poses do not require specific facial expressions, putting your entire body into character during full-length poses helps your body find a natural balance.

Keep these insider model posing tips in mind during your next professional model photo shoot to ensure you blow the photographer away. Whether you’re a trained expert or an ambitious beginner, all models have the ability to excel in photo shoots. Focus on your posture, attitude, and facial expressions to succeed beyond your wildest expectations.