Forums > General Industry > What does it take to be a model

Photographer

Daring - 360ism Studios

Posts: 11

Washington, District of Columbia, US

Yes I want to open a can of worms and a can common sense, which ever can will inspire the new crop of wannabees to greatness.

So this is how it goes, tell me from your modeling/photographic perspective what it really takes to be a model...(is it work ethic, the look, gorgeous body, a big ole booty, photoshop, etc) I will probably repost some of these comments in an article.  So lets be honest with this one.

Jul 03 06 09:03 pm Link

Photographer

BlindMike

Posts: 9594

San Francisco, California, US

An ability to evoke.

Jul 03 06 09:08 pm Link

Model

Aila Rose

Posts: 113

HUBERT, North Carolina, US

I think its all about the models attitude towards modeling. They have to love what they do to get great shots. I don't really think that its a matter of beauty (ie, size shape, ect) If the model has the confidence to model then she should model. Granted some (like me) may never become supermodels, but hey! Lets have fun right? Besides, if they are lucky enough they can get some pretty nice paid gigs. But it take work, disapline, the right attitude, dependability and the drive to do well. You can't get anywere in this world without hard work right? Modeling is the same.

Aila Rose

Jul 03 06 09:18 pm Link

Photographer

jeff s

Posts: 282

Springfield, Massachusetts, US

Have a myspace page

Jul 03 06 09:29 pm Link

Photographer

jeff s

Posts: 282

Springfield, Massachusetts, US

Oh almost forgot to include 10 pics from the samsung digital camera phone

Jul 03 06 09:31 pm Link

Photographer

UPoz4me

Posts: 748

Perrysburg, Ohio, US

How about showing up to a scheduled shoot?

Jul 04 06 12:05 am Link

Makeup Artist

User Name Unavailable

Posts: 558

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

at the minimum: a striking face.
oh, and a good makeup artist wink

Jul 04 06 12:08 am Link

Photographer

S W I N S K E Y

Posts: 24376

Saint Petersburg, Florida, US

the ability to reflect light...

if i get that, as a photographer, i can do almost anything

Jul 04 06 12:09 am Link

Model

Carmilla

Posts: 357

Highland, California, US

jeff s wrote:
Oh almost forgot to include 10 pics from the samsung digital camera phone

Nope, only the greatest of greats take ALL of their photos with their cheap webcams smile

Jul 04 06 12:10 am Link

Model

Anne of Ohio

Posts: 4391

Columbus, Ohio, US

Im still trying to figure it out!

Jul 04 06 12:10 am Link

Photographer

udor

Posts: 25255

New York, New York, US

MySpace profile
Handheld webcam shots
Fee $140/hour with 5 hours minimum.

Why do you ask? big_smile

Jul 04 06 12:15 am Link

Model

Darkdesire

Posts: 588

Tucson, Arizona, US

I thinik it takes comfidence, good attitude, and personality. The biggest thing is Show up!!! OR if your gonna be late call and let the photographer know. Communication is hugh I think, and having the ambition to want to succeed even though you might not become a supermodel.

Jul 04 06 12:16 am Link

Photographer

udor

Posts: 25255

New York, New York, US

jeff s wrote:
Have a myspace page

jeff s wrote:
Oh almost forgot to include 10 pics from the samsung digital camera phone

Damn'... you pre-stole my idea... big_smile

Jul 04 06 12:17 am Link

Photographer

Valkyrur

Posts: 1187

Nelsonville, New York, US

a BIGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG ego smile

Jul 04 06 12:18 am Link

Photographer

Garry k

Posts: 30131

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Ray Ruben wrote:
Yes I want to open a can of worms and a can common sense, which ever can will inspire the new crop of wannabees to greatness.

So this is how it goes, tell me from your modeling/photographic perspective what it really takes to be a model...(is it work ethic, the look, gorgeous body, a big ole booty, photoshop, etc) I will probably repost some of these comments in an article.  So lets be honest with this one.

Dont know  much about  models but ...

To be a Model - it takes the right look , at the right time , in the right place  , with the right person witnessing it , and  course then making the right decision . Clear as mud eh?

Jul 04 06 12:56 am Link

Photographer

Joey

Posts: 457

Orange, California, US

Watch the Janice Dicknonson Modeling Agency

Jul 04 06 01:01 am Link

Photographer

studio36uk

Posts: 22898

Tavai, Sigave, Wallis and Futuna

Pot-noodle... lots and lots of Pot-noodle.

Studio36

Jul 04 06 06:25 am Link

Photographer

FKVPhotography

Posts: 30064

Ocala, Florida, US

D E D I C A T I O N

Jul 04 06 06:27 am Link

Photographer

Image K

Posts: 23400

Las Vegas, Nevada, US

UPoz4me wrote:
How about showing up to a scheduled shoot?

Are we listening, ladies?

Jul 04 06 06:33 am Link

Model

Jane Weiss

Posts: 2027

Nottingham, England, United Kingdom

Image K wrote:

Are we listening, ladies?

and men tongue there are such a species as the male model you know

Jul 04 06 06:37 am Link

Photographer

ChristopherRoss

Posts: 1559

Eškašem, Badakhshan, Afghanistan

emote.

Jul 04 06 06:41 am Link

Photographer

Daring - 360ism Studios

Posts: 11

Washington, District of Columbia, US

WOw these are pretty good...The MySpace page seems to be a necessity...I wonder why no one said "A page on MM"...lol  Has this platform out grown its usefullness?  I do notice a lot of people that I wouldn't qualify as "typical Model Types" have a page on MM,  but who am I to judge....

Jul 04 06 09:52 am Link

Model

Oriental Silk

Posts: 535

London, England, United Kingdom

A sense of humour ... an understanding of irony ... the ability to work with as well as for a photographer, painter or sculptor ... and the ability to take informed criticism .

https://www.solloway.demon.co.uk/web_images/akemi_avatar_1.jpg

Jul 04 06 10:22 am Link

Photographer

theedge

Posts: 2008

Las Vegas, Nevada, US

Your Focus Determines Your Reality...

If you believe you are a model, just say it..  don't hesitate & don't sugar coated it and say I have a job at a office as a HR person..

Jul 04 06 12:52 pm Link

Model

Electra T

Posts: 15462

Brooklyn, Indiana, US

DEMANDS and a diva attitude.

Jul 04 06 12:55 pm Link

Photographer

Southwest Photography

Posts: 288

Boston, Massachusetts, US

Maybe it's like writing; 10% talent, 90% perspiration.

Jul 04 06 12:56 pm Link

Model

Adrienne Aurora

Posts: 2745

Atlanta, Georgia, US

big ole booty

lol

Jul 04 06 12:56 pm Link

Model

Isys Entertainment

Posts: 1420

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Electra T wrote:
DEMANDS and a diva attitude.

smile

Jul 04 06 12:57 pm Link

Photographer

D. Brian Nelson

Posts: 5477

Rapid City, South Dakota, US

Doug Swinskey wrote:
the ability to reflect light...

Dammit Doug!  That was my line.

And that, folks, is all it takes.

But some do it better than others.

-Don

Jul 04 06 12:58 pm Link

Model

NC17

Posts: 1739

Baltimore, Maryland, US

Drive
Determination
A thorough ability to negotiate and communicate

Professionalism including:
Being on time
Checking to be sure of correct dates
Being prepared
Having all the information neccessary (phone numbers, etc)

Knowing what your goals are within the modeling community
Being honest with yourself and others about who and what you are

Having enough business savvy to be able to freelance and be successful

Jul 04 06 01:00 pm Link

Photographer

BTHPhoto

Posts: 6985

Fairbanks, Alaska, US

"When a model believes that making good photos is her or his job, (as opposed to just looking good in photos) the photos will usually be better.  A good model is part of the creative team.  A poor one is a prop." - Brian Diaz

Jul 04 06 01:06 pm Link

Model

Electra T

Posts: 15462

Brooklyn, Indiana, US

Isys Entertainment wrote:

smile

Don't smile at ME! ME!

Jul 04 06 01:09 pm Link

Photographer

miss z

Posts: 977

San Francisco, California, US

Overall, I think it all boils down to 2 things: GUTS and Passion.  Or maybe I'm wrong.. because that's all I have and err .. I'm not anywhere yet. *laugh*

Jul 04 06 01:10 pm Link

Model

Isys Entertainment

Posts: 1420

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Electra T wrote:

Don't smile at ME! ME!

Jul 04 06 01:15 pm Link

Photographer

Dave Krueger

Posts: 2851

Huntsville, Alabama, US

Ray Ruben wrote:
So this is how it goes, tell me from your modeling/photographic perspective what it really takes to be a model...

I assume you're talking about being a full time model able to live off the proceeds.

In the case of mainstream modeling, I would say height (at least 5'7" for commercial and taller for fashion), slender figure, uniquely attractive face, good luck, and perhaps most important, location.

In the case of internet modeling you'll need a pretty face, slender figure, boobs, and a willingness to get naked.  If you're not in a big city, you'll probably have to be willing to do some driving to get to a shoot.

Please note, I'm speaking in general terms.  Also, I didn't mention attitude or experience because I didn't go that far down the list.

Jul 04 06 01:43 pm Link

Photographer

Click Hamilton

Posts: 36555

San Diego, California, US

Doug Swinskey wrote:
the ability to reflect light...

D. Brian Nelson wrote:
Dammit Doug!  That was my line.

And that, folks, is all it takes.

But some do it better than others.

-Don

Best quality light comes from the inside out

www.pbase.com/click_hamilton

Jul 04 06 01:49 pm Link

Photographer

Click Hamilton

Posts: 36555

San Diego, California, US

Electra T wrote:
DEMANDS and a diva attitude.

Some people seem compelled to compete this way as a testament to their inflated vanity and/or low self esteem. Seems they want to make everyone their Toe Bitch.

Personally I find it unprofessional and worthy of the delete button.

Butt hay, that's just me.

Jul 04 06 02:02 pm Link

Photographer

Dave Krueger

Posts: 2851

Huntsville, Alabama, US

Modeling is about appearance.

If you don't have a look people want, then all the passion, guts, attitude, dedication, confidence, personality, etc, etc, etc won't matter.

Unless, of course, a model plans to be the exception to the rule, which would be like me wanting to play on the NBA.  Good luck.

Jul 04 06 02:10 pm Link

Photographer

Dave Krueger

Posts: 2851

Huntsville, Alabama, US

Click Hamilton wrote:
Seems they want to make everyone their Toe Bitch.

What's a toe bitch?

Jul 04 06 02:12 pm Link

Model

Electra T

Posts: 15462

Brooklyn, Indiana, US

Dave Krueger wrote:

What's a toe bitch?

Suck my toes...BITCH???

Jul 04 06 02:15 pm Link