Modeling Resources

Are you considering a career as a model? Are you a photographer who wants to photograph models? The resources below will help both of you. For models, these articles will provide you with all of the details to help you avoid modeling scams and to ultimately get signed and get work from legitimate modeling agencies in the United States. For photographers, this material will help you develop a better, more detailed understanding of the types of images that new models need for their agency portfolios.

In addition to working as a photographer and photo educator, I have been nationally recognized as an innovator in shaping models’ portfolios and careers. Simply put, I advise serious models (both new and experienced) about how to better market themselves to modeling agencies and potential clients.

I am often tapped as a source for television news stories as well as magazine and newspaper articles about modeling. The Author JE Bright references my writings in his book America’s Next Top Model: Fierce Guide to Life: The Ultimate Source of Beauty, Fashion, and Model Behavior. My work has also been referenced by author Rif K. Haffar in his book Roadmap to Stardom: How to Break into Acting in Hollywood.

MODELING PORTFOLIO 101

A modeling portfolio is a model’s most important marketing tool. The modeling portfolio is what will get you signed by modeling agency(s) and hired by clients. Modeling is a first-impression business. Your photographs are always seen by the modeling agencies and clients BEFORE you are, so if they don’t sell…
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Baby Modeling – 6 Things for Parents To Consider

Baby modeling is NOT for everyone! It’s only for babies! *hits drums* Ba-Dum-CH! :-) If you are the parent of an adorable little baby or toddler, congratulations! I’m sure you are reading this article because people stop you all the time and tell you that your son or daughter should…
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How To Discover a Modeling Scam Before It’s Too Late!

I have noticed a trend in the past few years: modeling scam artists are getting smarter in the modeling biz! Years ago there were only a few and it was actually pretty obvious which companies were running modeling scams. These individuals have gotten smarter and realize that new models are…
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Why Don’t I Get a Call Back When I Send Photos To Modeling Agencies?

Chances are, the reason you’re not getting a call back is not because of the way you look. The mistake a lot of young models make is that they wait for the agencies to call them back. A lot of agencies, as a rule, will not pick up that phone.…
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Child Modeling – 3 Things Your Kid Needs To Succeed

If you are interested in child modeling for your son or daughter, there are some very important things to consider before you begin the process. PLEASE take a few minutes and read the article: Baby Modeling – 6 Things for Parents to Consider, before you dive in. A successful child…
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Can an Artistic Nude Model Sign With a Modeling Agency?

NO modeling agency will encourage you to be an artistic nude model. The simple reason is that corporate advertising clients do not want the people who represent them appearing in nude or erotic pictures. Primarily because one person’s art is another person’s pornography, modeling agencies must take a very conservative…
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15 Tips for a Great Modeling Portfolio

Shooting your modeling portfolio is the most important thing that you will do as a model. Hopefully you make it to the cover of a major magazine some day, but without an amazing modeling portfolio your career will never get off the ground. PLEASE don’t make the mistake of rushing…
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How To Find the Right Model Photographer To Shoot Your Portfolio

There are great model photographers all across the United States. It is however a challenge to find a model photographers that is really good at shooting modeling portfolios. That doesn’t mean they aren’t good model photographers, it just means they don’t really understand what makes a great modeling portfolio. They…
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Foot Modeling: 5 Tips for Becoming a Foot Model

So you want a career as a foot model? If you live in a big city and have great feet, then there is a chance that you could become a foot model. I am, however, sorry to report that the majority of foot models are actually girls who are making…
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Modeling With Tattoos – Is It Even an Option?

Yes – modeling with tattoos is an option. But if you’re serious about modeling – STOP getting tattoos. If you’re researching this question – you probably already have some tattoos or you are thinking about getting one. There are photographers who love models with tattoos. While those photographers may create…
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What Should Be In Your Modeling Makeup Kit for Your Next Shoot

A modeling makeup kit is an important tool for EVERY model. Both male and female models need a well-stocked modeling makeup kit to ensure that they always look their best in front of the camera. It doesn’t matter if you are modeling for fun or if you are modeling professionally…
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Is Your Modeling Go Bag Packed for a Successful Shoot?

What is a modeling GO bag? A modeling GO bag is a small suitcase or duffel bag that you keep packed with the supplies that you should have available each and every time you attend a photo shoot. Being prepared is an essential habit if you hope to be successful…
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Modeling Terms and Phrases

Here is the most complete, most detailed glossary of modeling terms and phrases that you will find anywhere on the Internet. I have defined more than 150 modeling industry terms in detail and included links to additional reference material. Every industry has its own unique vocabulary, and modeling and acting…
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What Is a Comp Card?

A model’s comp card is a 5.5” x 8.5” card that usually has the model’s headshot on the front and three to five images on the back that show the range of the model’s ability. Comp cards are printed on a thick card stock and are handed out to agencies…
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How To Find a Good Modeling Agency Without Being Scammed

Try a modeling agency directory! You can find the most detailed and up-to-date listing of modeling agencies in the United States right here on this website. Remember, that you will generally “work where you live”. A Modeling agency will be reluctant to sign a model that lives more than a…
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Never Pay To Join a Modeling Agency

Legitimate modeling agencies make money the old fashioned way. . . they EARN IT by getting you work. You should NEVER pay to join a modeling agency! There are indeed some very legitimate reasons for a modeling agency to ask you for money – AFTER they have proven themselves to…
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What Is a Promotional Model?

A promotional model is hired to create consumer interest in a product, service, brand, or concept by directly interacting with potential customers. Where do we find promotional models? Promotional models can be found at sporting events, bars and nightclubs, retail stores, car shows and booths set up at fairs, concerts…
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5 Reasons To Hire a Makeup Artist for Your Photo Shoot

The Top 5 reasons to hire a Makeup Artist for your Photo Shoot if you are a model: If you are the model – your job is to MODEL! You should be focused on modeling – not trying to do your hair and makeup. No one can do their own…
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Should I Tan Before a Photo Shoot?

NO! Absolutely not! Do NOT tan for a photo shoot. If you look at the major fashion magazines or visit the top modeling agencies in the world, you will see that most of the models in the fashion world are somewhat pale or even very pale in skin tone. These…
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Should I Hire a Makeup Artist for My Photo Shoot?

Oh HECK Yeah – you should hire a makeup artist! When you are shooting images for your modeling portfolio, remember that these are potentially the most important photographs that you will ever create. You need to hire a makeup artist to help insure these images look amazing. These are the…
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