Hannah Flattery wrote:
Q- What is your biggest struggle with modeling?

- Posing Techniques
- Building my Portfolio
- Confidence to Pursue Goals
- Finding Paid work
- Building my IG/Personal Brand
- Signing with an Agency
-  Other?

The answer you get from models will most likely be totally different than photographers, but the answers may be more realistic.  The honest to goodness #1 answer should be Posing Techniques.

I've shot models that have great portfolios and/or are signed with a legitimate agency that have no idea how to pose (and I wonder how they got signed by a legitimate agency in the first place, but around here it's fairly easy to get signed).  In many cases it's like they freeze in front of the camera by not striking new poses. On more than a few occasions I had to literally instruct the model to strike a new pose and/or show them proper poses each and every time the shutter clicked.  This happens equally among male and female models.

Portfolio building is also important.  I can't tell you how many models that I come across that post every image from a shoot in their portfolio which makes it appear that they've only done one shoot in their life... while at the same time claiming that they've got years of experience with a list of major brands.  Many photographers do this too.  Adding credits and photos from fake magazines only lessens the persons credibility too.  Real decision makers will see right through that and offer reduced rates if they offer any rates at all.

SayCheeZ!  wrote:
The answer you get from models will most likely be totally different than photographers, but the answers may be more realistic.  The honest to goodness #1 answer should be Posing Techniques.

I've shot models that have great portfolios and/or are signed with a legitimate agency that have no idea how to pose (and I wonder how they got signed by a legitimate agency in the first place, but around here it's fairly easy to get signed).  In many cases it's like they freeze in front of the camera by not striking new poses. On more than a few occasions I had to literally instruct the model to strike a new pose and/or show them proper poses each and every time the shutter clicked.  This happens equally among male and female models.

Portfolio building is also important.  I can't tell you how many models that I come across that post every image from a shoot in their portfolio which makes it appear that they've only done one shoot in their life... while at the same time claiming that they've got years of experience with a list of major brands.  Many photographers do this too.  Adding credits and photos from fake magazines only lessens the persons credibility too.  Real decision makers will see right through that and offer reduced rates if they offer any rates at all.

From a Photographers point of view - I have to agree that Posing appears to be the biggest challenge for New  Models ( as well as some more experienced Models )

I don’t think that Many of them understand that they need to do more than stand there and look beautiful or handsome ..And Proper Posing takes a lot of practice and skill

I started my portfolio here with some photos I had taken of 17 yr old Coco Rocha ( and Everyone knows that she is the Master Poser ) She took Modelling seriously and had been working on her posing since she was 14 ( of course she schooled me as a new photographer - I could barely keep up with her )

G Reese wrote:
Hmm, 4 months before first reply, interesting. Beginner forum, not model. Much to learn about marketing I'd say.
Still, would be interesting.

Years ago, the MM forums were pretty active with all types of members participating. Anymore, you see mostly photographers in the forums, not a lot of models.  Of course, MM used to be THE site to go to for modeling. FB and IG have now taken a big bite of that market.

Flex Photography wrote:
If you are advising models on how to find or attract shoots, I would not advise them to list their age as 110 as you have done. By doing that they will fall outside the normal range that would be found by the site's Browse (search) function, so that photographers searching to hire models in a reasonable age range will not find them! That will not get them work. Also most photographers appreciate honesty.

Yes! The other thing most important, besides their images? "About me" biographical copy. The ones who go on and on with their demands, or fail to state that '"my husband or boyfriend or escort will be on set, for my safety! On the other hand, with careful research, many fine models are to be found here.