Modeling Tips ........................for beginners
Posing
Position weight on leg furthest from camera, bend the closest.
Always point toes, stand on ball of feet to accentuate the shape of the legs and rear end.
Consider standing with feet at 90 degree angle to each other.
Twist hips at a ¾ turn from camera to narrow waist
Sides of hands should face the camera
Separate fingers, curl fingers slightly
Tilt head away from the lower shoulders
Stretch your chin out about an inch and bring it down a little to strengthen jaw line. This will also clean up a double chin.
Never face a camera head-on; turn your best side to the lens, then twist your body a little in the other direction.
Never support the head or chin with a hand or depress skin
Beware of clothes that are too tight
Beware of bra or pantie lines.
Remove facial hair, don’t bleach
Never use glitter blush
Don’t use pink or light lipstick, avoid lip gloss
Mascara and lipstick should be “kiss-proof” all day wear. Don’t go cheap on make up. Keep in mind that make up for studio photography is very different from what is worn to work at an office or at a night club.
Hair and Makeup
1. Wear a heavy layer of translucent powder—your face will appear flawless in photos. Shine disappears, pores seem smaller, skin looks even, and blush is smoother.
2. Line lips before applying matte lipstick, then reline. Dip a cotton ball in powder and run along lip line to prevent color from bleeding. Mouth also “pops” more in the images.
3. Never wear frosts or garish colors—they create a caught-in-headlights look. Using little or no makeup isn’t wise either; bright studio lights or flash will tend to erase features.
Getting started; Choosing a Photographer.
I do not advise anyone to spend thousands of dollars to get pictures done to get started. All you need are clear pictures of face and body. Industry standard for a photo shoot is about $75 per roll of film, more if a stylist is hired to bring you wardrobe and set your make-up. Digital images are usually charged by either the hour or a set rate per number. Check references.
There is no reason to charge more. Three rolls of film or 100 images should be sufficient to get the pictures you need. You need about 4-5 clothing changes to show your versatility. You should not be the sole person determining which images to use. Consult someone who has knowledge of the business, not someone who will select the photos that make you look ‘cute’.
You should also consider finding test photographers in your area. Test photographers who are usually building their portfolios take pictures of new models for free. In exchange, the photographer has the right to use the photo(s) in his/her portfolio or other publications. Always sign a written agreement.
You can get in touch with photographers through friends, the internet or simply just looking in the phone book. Set up an appointment with each photographer and take a look at his/her portfolio. If you do not like their portfolio, do not work with them. You have the power. It is your money after all. If you are new to modeling, make certain that another person is onsite. The are more ways to be victimized than just being over charged.
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