WG Rowland wrote:
Well, if you're looking for fashion or a career what the hell do I know?

But as someone who likes to point a camera at people, my opinion is simple..

If you're tall, I can point a camera at you at eye level, or from down below.. Beyond that I need a ladder..

If you're short I can shoot above, at, or below without risking breaking me (or more importantly my camera), and that's all pure plus in my book..

I'm with you on that one.  It's not a consious choice, but I'm 5' 9" and it's very rare for me to shoot models taller than me.  I shoot a model based on many other factors other than height, and therefore the majority of models I shoot are between 5'2" and 5'7" ... average, right?

MaryPetiteModel wrote:

Hi Meg:

I need to ask, because this has been bugging me a bit throughout your exchange with Brad:

What makes you assume that just because the model is tall, she is capable of doing "everything else" (i.e., better than the shorter model)?

I've seen *many* a tall model who SUCKS as a spokesmodel, doesn't have a super strong commercial look, etc.  I'm just curious why you think her height alone would make her some kind of superstar.  It's not so, from what I've seen...especially if you are referring to both models as "just starting out".

Hi Mary-

I agree with you. Just being tall does not make a model good and get every job.

MaryPetiteModel wrote:
Hi Meg:

I need to ask, because this has been bugging me a bit throughout your exchange with Brad:

What makes you assume that just because the model is tall, she is capable of doing "everything else" (i.e., better than the shorter model)?

I've seen *many* a tall model who SUCKS as a spokesmodel, doesn't have a super strong commercial look, etc.  I'm just curious why you think her height alone would make her some kind of superstar.  It's not so, from what I've seen...especially if you are referring to both models as "just starting out".

I never said a tall model can do everything better then a shorter model. I said she can do everything a short model can and more. I said in a previous reply what I meant by that. She can do commercial/print, beauty ads, etc, but can also do high fashion.

I also never said height alone would make someone a superstar. I even pointed out in a previous reply that many girls of all heights get turned away by agencies all the time.

Meg 784 wrote:

I've been talking about this as if both were new to the industry. The chances of a short model having any type of book is slim to nil to begin with. Commercial models don't use portfolios. Ports are used in high fashion unless one is doing this online thing. That is a whole other topic in itself.

To comment on who an agency would take. I'm not just talking about top agencies. An agency will take a tall model who can do it all, over any other model of any height.

It is true a shorter model could try another agency but that doesn't mean she will find an agency. Which has been the point all along. There are few to no reputable agencies who will take a woman who is 18+ who is shorter then 5'5-5'6.

I've worked with a model that's listed on MM and she happens to be 5'6. I met her & contacted her through one of the best agencys in NYC. She does some fashion,beauty, and lots of on-camera national commercials.

My client hired her for national advertisng based on her personality and how strong her portfolio is. She's worked hard on her portfolio and is also becoming a very talented actress to increase the size of her paydays. She is not letting the market hold her back. She's not letting the fact of being shorter stop her. She's doing what it takes to get the work she wants. It's not easy for anyone. There are a lot of tall models that have gotten kicked out of top agencys because they're unprofessional even if they are tall,working every day, & amazing looking.

Any good model has to have a great book to get work. To say that "The chances of a short model having any type of book is slim to nil to begin with.." is sad. The shape a models book is in is up to them. If the portfolio looks like crap, make the investment,work with better artist and dont complain.  A port outlet like this is great to have as well but it's only part of the networking you need to do to get your career rolling as a model.

Meg 784 wrote:
I never said a tall model can do everything better then a shorter model. I said she can do everything a short model can and more. I said in a previous reply what I meant by that. She can do commercial/print, beauty ads, etc, but can also do high fashion.

Meg, I'm sorry but you are wrong. The look needed for commercial work is different than the high fashion look. So, because a model is tall, and can do high fashion, she probably can't do a lot of commercial because she doesn't have the right look. A commercial model is usually pretty, but not gorgeous, not as skinny and more "normal" looking. So they are not always interchangeable. Just because a chic is tall doesn't mean she can do everything a short model can and more.

Angel Tara wrote:

Meg, I'm sorry but you are wrong. The look needed for commercial work is different than the high fashion look. So, because a model is tall, and can do high fashion, she probably can't do a lot of commercial because she doesn't have the right look. A commercial model is usually pretty, but not gorgeous, not as skinny and more "normal" looking. So they are not always interchangeable. Just because a chic is tall doesn't mean she can do everything a short model can and more.

Well NO ONE can "do it all!"  The reason I like shooting people of "average" height is that I shoot for a look that makes the models approachable.  Taller women "can" appear more intimidating next to those men and women of average height.  Since I shoot a lot of couples, I like to have a nice balance, although I wont turn down tall or short people just because of their height.

Patrick Walberg wrote:

Well NO ONE can "do it all!"  The reason I like shooting people of "average" height is that I shoot for a look that makes the models approachable.  Taller women "can" appear more intimidating next to those men and women of average height.  Since I shoot a lot of couples, I like to have a nice balance, although I wont turn down tall or short people just because of their height.

Of course not! I didn't come here to argue about why short models should be able to get work, etc. I just wanted to point out that just because a model is tall doesn't mean she can do both commercial and fashion, because each market requires a different look. A 5'6 model may get a commercial ad because she has a more approachable look than the 5'10 fashion model with stunning cheekbones and piercing eyes.

Lidia M wrote:
What is your take on shorter models?
Is height ever really an issue, and if so, why?

For me, height is totally irrelevant. I think the people who worry about 5'8" or above are just being silly.

How many babies or children are used in advertising that are less than 5'8"?  .. or dogs, cats, etc?

Dumb issue. Let other people worry about it.

Angel Tara wrote:

Of course not! I didn't come here to argue about why short models should be able to get work, etc. I just wanted to point out that just because a model is tall doesn't mean she can do both commercial and fashion, because each market requires a different look. A 5'6 model may get a commercial ad because she has a more approachable look than the 5'10 fashion model with stunning cheekbones and piercing eyes.

Oh I agree with you!  There is a market for most every look.  An average yet very approachable look is very marketable!  There is a market for shorter models too.  It all depends on what the purpose of the shoot is.

Angel Tara wrote:

Of course not! I didn't come here to argue about why short models should be able to get work, etc. I just wanted to point out that just because a model is tall doesn't mean she can do both commercial and fashion, because each market requires a different look. A 5'6 model may get a commercial ad because she has a more approachable look than the 5'10 fashion model with stunning cheekbones and piercing eyes.

Ummm...."a model with stunning cheekbones and piercing eyes..."

Sounds like a model I know based in Auburn Hills, Michigan...hahahaha!!

Youre right Angel...if you have the portfolio,look and the talent the client want for what ever youre shooting, you'll get that booking and many others. As a model thats just starting out or depending on getting work through ports like this, it's important to create the strongest portfolio you can. This business of modeling is EXPENSIVE!! Testing cost money, cards cost money, everything costs. The thing is, is if you get the right shots in your portfolio you can make it pay for itself. There are ways to svae money as long as you cut corners in the right areas.

Brad Starks wrote:

Ummm...."a model with stunning cheekbones and piercing eyes..."

Sounds like a model I know based in Auburn Hills, Michigan...hahahaha!!

Youre right Angel...if you have the portfolio,look and the talent the client want for what ever youre shooting, you'll get that booking and many others. As a model thats just starting out or depending on getting work through ports like this, it's important to create the strongest portfolio you can. This business of modeling is EXPENSIVE!! Testing cost money, cards cost money, everything costs. The thing is, is if you get the right shots in your portfolio you can make it pay for itself. There are ways to svae money as long as you cut corners in the right areas.

Haha Brad! Well, if you ever feel like helping me with my port, I'd be ecstatic to take you up on it!

I know, I'm shameless!

Troy Gearhardt wrote:
Well I am kind of in this boat lol... since you are on the subject, and it seems like people know where there is work for shorter models. can anyone tell me some agencies that might take shorter/petite male models. becuase i hear of all this talk but i cant find any agencie that will take a shorter model....

Hey Troy!

Did any of those agencys I e-mail you help out?

WG Rowland wrote:
Well, if you're looking for fashion or a career what the hell do I know?

But as someone who likes to point a camera at people, my opinion is simple..

If you're tall, I can point a camera at you at eye level, or from down below.. Beyond that I need a ladder..

If you're short I can shoot above, at, or below without risking breaking me (or more importantly my camera), and that's all pure plus in my book..

Ok you have a point, but the afct is tehre are reason why models where heels, and nobody says you have to kill yourself for a shorter model, and in fact shorter models work twice as hard as a model of average height int his industry, casue we know that we may not have the height but creativity, and hard working is exactly what we are!!

Darkdesire wrote:

Ok you have a point, but the afct is tehre are reason why models where heels, and nobody says you have to kill yourself for a shorter model, and in fact shorter models work twice as hard as a model of average height int his industry, casue we know that we may not have the height but creativity, and hard working is exactly what we are!!

That is so true girl, I try to work so much harder, and not to put down tall models, but i think since shorter models have it harder we do work a lot harder.

Angel Tara wrote:

Meg, I'm sorry but you are wrong. The look needed for commercial work is different than the high fashion look. So, because a model is tall, and can do high fashion, she probably can't do a lot of commercial because she doesn't have the right look. A commercial model is usually pretty, but not gorgeous, not as skinny and more "normal" looking. So they are not always interchangeable. Just because a chic is tall doesn't mean she can do everything a short model can and more.

I'm not wrong just because you're not understanding what i'm saying. Take Nikki Taylor. She's done commercial/print as well as high fashion. So has Tyra Banks and a host of others. Most girls you see doing commercial/print are doing high fashion too. There are a lot of models in high fashion who can't do commercial/print. But that was not what I was talking about. I was talking about a model who can do both.

I never said just because she is tall she can do everything a shorter model can do. There are models who are tall that can do both and an agency would choose that model. That is what I've been saying in all of these replies.

Anybody can try to find loop holes and twist what i'm saying but i've been quite blunt in my wording. The fact of the matter is there are no good examples of a short model that is not in porn or has a famous name that got them to where they are.

Troy Gearhardt wrote:
That is so true girl, I try to work so much harder, and not to put down tall models, but i think since shorter models have it harder we do work a lot harder.

We have to troy. This industry is hard but its that way for everyone! The good thing about it is that everyone wants different looks so none of us as models should take things hard. All we can do is take our critiques and work on what needs to be done. None of us are perfect!

Troy Gearhardt wrote:
well the allure model and talent agencie wants me to come in, but i prob. wont hear back from more of them till monday... do you know anything about allure?

I went to there site and they look like a desent place but you'll need to go in there and meet with them to get a real feel for the agency and see who will be your booker.

Take a look at who they have on the board as well if you can. This way you can see what they have in there books and what you might need to do to get your book up to the same level. There is nothing worse than getting a new agent and then getting no work and then dropped by your new agent.

Brad Starks wrote:

I've worked with a model that's listed on MM and she happens to be 5'6. I met her & contacted her through one of the best agencys in NYC. She does some fashion,beauty, and lots of on-camera national commercials.

My client hired her for national advertisng based on her personality and how strong her portfolio is. She's worked hard on her portfolio and is also becoming a very talented actress to increase the size of her paydays. She is not letting the market hold her back. She's not letting the fact of being shorter stop her. She's doing what it takes to get the work she wants. It's not easy for anyone. There are a lot of tall models that have gotten kicked out of top agencys because they're unprofessional even if they are tall,working every day, & amazing looking.

Any good model has to have a great book to get work. To say that "The chances of a short model having any type of book is slim to nil to begin with.." is sad. The shape a models book is in is up to them. If the portfolio looks like crap, make the investment,work with better artist and dont complain.  A port outlet like this is great to have as well but it's only part of the networking you need to do to get your career rolling as a model.

I know all of this and it's irrelevant to my reply which you quoted. I never said a girl who is 5'6 couldn't be successful. 5'5/5'6 is the minimum for commercial/print. 5'6 is a lot different then 5'0.

Meg 784 wrote:

I know all of this and it's irrelevant to my reply which you quoted. I never said a girl who is 5'6 couldn't be successful. 5'5/5'6 is the minimum for commercial/print. 5'6 is a lot different then 5'0.

What kind of answer are you looking for meg?

Darkdesire wrote:

What kind of answer are you looking for meg?

I never asked any questions.

Meg 784 wrote:

I never asked any questions.

I just can't help but notice you have been going back in forth with brad thats why I asked.

Meg 784 wrote:
I never said just because she is tall she can do everything a shorter model can do.

yes you did....

Meg 784 wrote:
I said she can do everything a short model can and more.

I'm not misunderstand, nor am I twisting your words. You are wrong.

But, I'm not going to argue with you. I think you are wrong, you don't, and that's that.

Darkdesire wrote:
angel you have some beautiful work!

Thank you!

Angel Tara wrote:
yes you did....

You seriously need to reread what you thought you read.

Angel Tara wrote:
I'm not misunderstand, nor am I twisting your words. You are wrong.

But, I'm not going to argue with you. I think you are wrong, you don't, and that's that.

I'm not wrong, lol. You did misunderstand and I pointed out exactly what I was talking about and refering to.

Darkdesire wrote:

I just can't help but notice you have been going back in forth with brad thats why I asked.

We were having a discussion for a bit because I quoted him.

Meg 784 wrote:

I'm not wrong just because you're not understanding what i'm saying. Take Nikki Taylor. She's done commercial/print as well as high fashion. So has Tyra Banks and a host of others. Most girls you see doing commercial/print are doing high fashion too. There are a lot of models in high fashion who can't do commercial/print. But that was not what I was talking about. I was talking about a model who can do both.

I never said just because she is tall she can do everything a shorter model can do. There are models who are tall that can do both and an agency would choose that model. That is what I've been saying in all of these replies.

Anybody can try to find loop holes and twist what i'm saying but i've been quite blunt in my wording. The fact of the matter is there are no good examples of a short model that is not in porn or has a famous name that got them to where they are.

Brooke Burke was just a normal swimsuit model and she's 5' 7". She decided to learn how to read a teleprompter and look how well she did. Brooke Burke is recognized worldwide as the hottest tour guide and adrenaline junkie on E!'s popular travel series, "Wild On," seen in 120 countries and in more than 400 million homes. She has graced numerous magazine covers, has top-selling swimsuit calendars and is regularly ranked in men's magazines as one of the sexiest women in the world today. Now, her travels have inspired a collection of internationally flavored beachwear called "Barely Brooke".

She isnt a supermodel but she makes rakes in TONS of money as a result of not being a "small model" .

Is your real point that not many Models that are supermodels like Gisele Bundchen are all tall?