So you want to be a model!

 The first thing you have to ask yourself is which style? Modelling takes many forms - it can be from simple portraiture at the local Photographic Club to International Catwalk Fashion modelling. However, very few ever achieve success in the latter as the requirements are so stringent and because of this, the majority of semi or professional models are either employed in the Glamour Industry or Advertising.

Fashion modelling requirements.

Height is the first priority, the usual minimum is about 5' 9" and the average figure is around size 8 (or even less!) Weight is around 7 - 8 stone which makes the model quite distinctive in stature! Pretty looks are an asset but not nearly as essential as distinctive looks! Take a look at some of the catwalk models we see on TV fashion shows - many are not what one would  describe as pretty but they have such a distinctive presence that you are attracted to them instantly! If you have these characteristics and it is your ambition to become a fashion model, then you need to approach agencies which specialise in this style of modelling! Don't expect to find much work via websites unless these specialist agencies have their own websites! For this style of modelling you will need training in that good old fashioned word - ' deportment ' etc:! Some agencies/businesses run courses for this type of modelling but beware of paying high fees with little or no return work! They are running it as a business and some of the less scrupulous ones are only after money! A good agency will determine whether you are suitable material and, if not, they will advise which style you could do!  If you are what an agency is seeking, they will snap you up right away and train you into the bargain!

Glamour Modelling Styles.

Glamour modelling is by far the most popular style of modelling today! There are no height requirements ( unless specified for a shoot) and there are so many ' looks ' that there is no real average glamour model ( unlike fashion modelling ). Obviously if a model is built like a Hereford Cow then she is hardly going to get much work - though even those of a larger proportion can find work!

Glamour modelling can cover anything from facial portraiture to full nude! There are styles of glamour modelling which are referred to as English Magazine, Continental, American magazine etc! Fundamentally they are soft PORN! There is no getting away from it! They involve anything from displaying the genitalia to the use of sex toys etc! I personally find this type of photography and modelling extremely distasteful but, as long as there are models who will do this sort of thing, then there will be customers for it and I still respect them for it as I have no right to judge!

Glamour Modelling.

Every day I receive emails and photographs from aspiring or completely novice girls wanting to become a glamour model! Most understand what it entails but others naively think they are going to make a fortune from merely facial modelling! Sadly this is most unlikely to happen!

Most glamour modelling involves some form of nudity at some point! It is a sad fact that if a model will not entertain at least topless modelling, then she will get very little work compared to a model who will! There are exceptions, but usually the model is exceptional too! Even many famous models have modelled nude and there is no shame in that providing it was tasteful! I personally never exceed what one would class as a ' Page Three ' ( topless) style of photography! Occasionally I shoot the odd nude photographs but only when commissioned or for fine art work and only if I consider that the poses meet my own personal level of respectability!

Fine art is usually done in black and white ( monochrome ) and nudity in such photographs is not usually perceived as sexual - more erotic and can be very fine work indeed! There are some excellent photographers who are superb exponents of such work and I would advise any model offered such work to accept it if the photographer is respected as they will have something artistic to display for years to come!

As stated earlier, there is no perfect glamour model - it is the eye of the beholder! Ideally, the model should have a good, well proportioned figure from size 6 to 12 ( other sizes are not excluded ). height is not too important unless specified as long as the models' figure is in proportion! Bust sizes can vary from say 32A up to DD, E, F etc! In other words, there is work for most models! Breast enhancements can put the model at a disadvantage as some photographers/clients/magazines don't employ models with this type of figure alteration! The same goes for tatoos and piercings. However, some clients are looking for this so it shouldn't stop a model from getting work!

If you are booked for a fine art or nude shoot - remove any tight-fitting underwear, long before you take part in the particular shots! Failing to do this will result in indentations in the skin of the model showing up on the finished photographs!

How do I start?

Before doing anything about it, first find out what glamour modelling entails! Only when you have done this should you start to think making approaches to photographers and agencies!

Once you have learned what is required get yourself photographed by a friend etc. The photographs don't need to be professional but they need to be reasonable! You should have a close-up of your face, a full length frontal pose ( clothed of course ) and similar shots from side and rear! That's all you need - the agency or photographer will know from those what you look like and whether they want to take it further!

Avoid and agency or photographer who requires you to send nude photos before meeting them personally!

Once you have armed yourself with the photos, get in touch with good agencies or photographers who appear respectable and explain what kind of work you'd like to do! If they are interested in the copies of the photographs you send them, they will respond usually favourably!

You can advertise on the numerous photographic and modelling message boards on the internet, but beware as there are lots of unsavoury characters out there with let's just say, not nice agendas!

Warning

Avoid contact via the internet with any supposed photographer who doesn't have a website who advertises on the internet message boards, particularly if they only have a Hotmail, AOl or Yahoo email address! Also avoid anyone who doesn't have a landline or give a contact address! The internet is wonderful when it comes to anonymity - make sure you know who you are dealing with! Before you go to a shoot, find out all about the photographer etc, including all contact details references and if you are still not happy - skip it! It isn't worth the risk!

If you look at this website, you will find my photograph ( ughhh ), contact details and telephone number(s). You may even have a reference from models if you wish! That is the minimum level you need to be safe!

Always take someone with you to shoots with photographers you don't know! I don't recommend that you do this every time with good respected photographers as you need to become independent and professional and some respected photographers can take exception to others being there! You have to learn from experience, just don't let it be bad ones!

Modelling and fees - start slowly

Many new models with perhaps three or four amateur shoots under their belt think that they are experienced and can charge whatever they like! Far from it! If you wish to be successful, then creep before you walk. Start by doing perhaps a few unpaid TFP shoots ( your time modelling for their time in photographs ) with good photographers. Gradually you will learn how to pose etc from the photographer, then you can think of charging for you services.

Fees vary from as little as £15.00 per hour to anything around £50.00 per hour, but the latter usually involves some nudity! Shoots are usually around two hours or longer and often the client will also pay reasonable travel expenses.

Many clients are often amateur photographers who have to hire studios etc, so keep your fees reasonable and be reliable! Never, ever let a photographer down who has gone to all the expense of booking studios, make-up artistes etc! They will justifiably give you a bad name and you could lose valuable work if word gets around that you are unreliable!

Make sure you make it clear to the client the level to which you will model and the fees you charge! Some photographers often try to coerce the model  while at the shoot, into poses etc that she made clear she doesn't perform! Do not give in - simply refuse and if being harassed - leave the shoot!

Photographs - Portfolios

Many models use TFP shoots as a way of building up a portfolio which is fine. The problem with this however, is that the photographs are usually those of which the photographer has decided and may not be what you want. It could take two years to get a decent portfolio built up. There are a number of photographers like myself who offer starter portfolios at very reasonable prices! The benefit of paying for a starter portfolio is that you get all the basic shots that you need right away, which saves a great deal of time and effort and disappointment! This will get you noticed right away as it will show you in various poses with differing looks!

Gradually, as you get more work, you will build up your portfolio ever further, particularly if you pose for photographers who specialise in distinctive styles!

Our starter portfolio service.

Many girls who are aspiring glamour models, come to us with absolutely no experience whatsoever in front of a camera for their  very first portfolio shoot. Even under those conditions we can achieve excellent results which you can see from the first test shot of Tracy-Leigh and the finished product below. I think you will agree this is an excellent transformation which we both achieved within a few hours of the first click of the shutter. Enthusiasm and of course modelling potential, such as in Tracy-Leigh's case, are far more important than experience. We do not use stylists or make-up artists, instead we simply help you discover your own potential though a little creative photography and direction with lots of encouragement. We work in a relaxed atmosphere at your own pace and help you overcome any initial nerves or shyness, which also prepares you for future work and photo shoots.

To view more of Tracy-Leigh's images, you will find her in the Model Portfolios Section of this web site.

If you'd like to find out more about our value starter portfolios and their cost please click here

Age Restrictions - and the law.

Glamour models must be 18 years old or above in order to model for most styles of glamour. Above 16's but under 18's are still subject to current 'Child Protection Laws' in the UK as they are classed as minors. Where the model is under 18, she must not pose for photographs which could be implied or perceived as sexual in content in any way, even if she is totally willing!

Any photographer suggesting to an under-age model that she should pose in such totally improper ways or takes such photographs is liable to prosecution and may be put on the sex offenders list! The only person who can take images of a sexual nature of an under 18 are those who are either married to or living with the model in a family relationship! However, the partner must not show the images to anyone else or this relaxation does not apply! Many photographers are just too scared to photograph under 18's but I think by and large, they are over-reacting! Providing the images are sensible and non-sexual in content, what have they to fear?

Websites.

Finally, websites are not essential for models but they can be very helpful to photographers who contact you to see how you look, styles of work and your fees etc! They make the model look more professional and are a good shop window of your talent! Websites don't need to be flashy or expensive! They just need to display your photos and details in a tasteful  and professional manner. Again, many like myself, provide reasonably priced websites for such purposes!

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