Q: Can I be a model?
A: Yes. You don’t have to be the prefect height or weight or even age to be a model. Yes the highest paying jobs go to fashion and runway models, but there are lots of jobs out there for every sized guy or gal looking for work. Pam Anderson was only 5’7â€? when she became a Molsen model and that worked out well for her. However more you stand outside the ‘norm’ – the harder you have to work.

Q: What do I do first?
A: Go get yourself some professionally done hair and/or eyebrows. Seriously. A good/modern style will go a long way towards telling photographers that you are serious. I mention eyebrows because girls are almost as guilty as guys when it comes to ignoring this feature. Don’t just go to some flunkie in the mall either, find someone who can suggest a style for you.

Q: I need good pictures, where do I get them?
A: Either you pay an established professional photographer to do portfolio shoot for you, or you do something that is called TFP. TFP means Time For Photos. You give the photographer your time, and he gives you some photos. This way you can both learn from each other, build a portfolio, and make some new contacts in the business. TFCD is similar to TFP only you will not get physical prints, you will get a CD of the pictures that were taken.

Q: Where do I find photographers?
A: Here are some good sites to check out, be sure to find a photographer who shoots in a style you are looking for:
   http://www.onemodelplace.com
   http://www.allmodelzone.com
   https://www.modelmayhem.com
   http://www.premiermodels.com
   http://www.garageglamour.com

Q: How do I protect myself from weirdos?
A: If you are under 18 you MUST ALWAYS have a parent or legal guardian with you. Any photographer that will work with someone underage without a parent or guardian present is someone of highly questionable character. If you are over 18 you can still bring an escort with you to any shoot. Real photographers have no problem with escorts being brought along with you to a shoot. Try to pick an escort who is more helpful than talkative and also knows how to get out of the way when others are working. Addition security... ask for references, talk to models that have worked with that photographer, and use common sense. If your gut says no, you should say no too.

Q: How Do I Pose?
A: This is why you should do lots of TFP shoots. You gain experience in working with photographers, lighting and even makeup. You can find out what poses work for you and which ones do not. You should also study the various poses you see in magazines, as well as try to emulate those poses in a mirror. Being a model is like acting – you will be asked to show certain emotions or smile on command to project a feeling in the photo. The better you get at this, the better your photos will turn out.

Q: How do I find an agent/agency?
A: Work. Lots of it! Unless you are one of the very lucky models in the world who gets signed to a good agency just by walking down the right street at the right time chances are good that you will have to do several shoots, build a really good portfolio, and shop it around in your spare time. It’s actual work for most people. You should be prepared to make the commitment before going this far into modeling. Being driven and confident gets you a long way, even with agents who have already turned you down.

Q: What about attitude?
A: Your will face lots of rejection, and people will give you honest opinions on how you look. You think they are rough on American Idol, just wait. A good agent can spend 20 minutes picking out flaws on the best looking girl alive today. Your attitude should be strong and confident. You should believe that you are a winner, but you should also listen when they suggest improvements.