Forums > Modeling > Not having much luck starting out - any tips ?

Model

Mrstarfish

Posts: 2

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Hi

Trying to get started in modelling/photography as a male but not having much luck getting interest so far.
I’ve had a couple of shoots in recent years (mostly ones I’ve paid for).

I know it takes time to build a portfolio and connections, but it’s been harder than expected getting replies or opportunities. Also still getting comfortable in front of cameras.

Would anyone have any tips on:
    •    getting noticed when starting out
    •    finding photographers to work with
    •    building a portfolio
    •    improving posing/angles
    •    whether agencies are worth approaching early
    •    should I be focusing on Instagram or other sites/platforms?

Interested to hear how others got started and what works…

May 25 26 03:11 pm Link

Photographer

Brosius Photographics

Posts: 1515

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US

The following is just my opinion as a photographer in the United States.

Modeling is a difficult industry, probalby more difficult for a male depending on your look and the desired genre you are aiming for.  Paying for shoots by an established photographer is a great way to start.  They can help guide you to get the shots you need to build your portfolio.

If you don't mind, I'll give a brief review of your portfolio which may help answer your request for tips:
* You say you are new to modeling but you have 37 photos.  That is probably too many.
* You have many images that look similar (probably from the same shoot).  For example
  - you have about 8 images with a blue button-down shirt and sunglasses. 
  - you have about 6 images with a dark puffy jacket, and two of them have a water bottle (probably the same image with differer cropping). 
* You have, what appears to be, the same image in black and white and color (sitting down buttoning a shirt)
* You have many nudes with a chair and a blue towel
* I think I may have missed some others

Your portfolio is very repetitive and repetitive is boring.
You have some interesting black and white photos but many of the others look amateurish.  In my opinion, amateur images won't make me want to work with you unless you have something exceptional.

My advice is to cut your portfolio in half...if not more.
Get photographers that will help you build the portfolio you want and who are comfortable shooting it. 

This is a skill that takes practice and doesn't come naturally for everyone.

I hope this helps.
Good luck

Mark

May 28 26 05:09 pm Link

Photographer

Mark Salo

Posts: 11956

Olney, Maryland, US

Mrstarfish wrote:
Would anyone have any tips on:
    •    getting noticed when starting out
    •    finding photographers to work with
    •    building a portfolio
    •    improving posing/angles

You can attract attention by posting in the forums.
Search for photographers near you by using the Browse function.
  Some members use the Castings function.
You may have to pay photographers while you are building your portfolio.
As you look at your images, you need to be your own harshest critic.
  No one may criticize your images on MM unless you post them in the Critique forum.

Note that many of your images are not really "M". You should edit them to remove the "M" because M images cannot be seen on the mobile app.

May 29 26 09:37 am Link