Modeling Advice/Contacts

[jkragins]

I have a 19 year old niece who is interested in modeling. She is tall, thin and very pretty. Does anyone have any advice on how to get into the industry or have any contacts in the industry? She doesn't want to do runway fashion modeling. She's more interesed in fashion print or commercial print. Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks!

[PIC]

I used to do fashion in NYC in the 70's ...
Be carefull w online modeling and forget model schools like Barbizon.
The only models that become real NYC types are those who work with real photogs
and market themself to the nth degree.
There is a way to market but few do it correctly.
Online modeling is good for amatures who just want to have fun or make a few extra bucks - and often nude .

EL

[Robin Binder]

Well, this isn't NYC and models can find sites that can help and that don't focus on nude print.

EL is right, forget the modeling schools; they just want your money IMHO. Models need photos (thats the bottom line) and if they are new, they have to start somewhere; Working with the right photographer, will help.

Alot of models think they can jump in and say they are a professional. I think maybe with the right photographer and contacts. I would do your research more and if you aren't having fun than why Model.

Say Cheese. lol

Famous models in interviews, say they started modeling because they won a model search or they won a pageant.

Good Luck, Modeling is easier than you think and as hard as you make it.

[eRoc]

modelmayhem.com ?

Might be a good start to making some contacts. Thats where I seem to meet lots of newbie models. It seems like just another myspace, with girls who just want to call themselves models, but it'll give her a place where she can meet lots of different photogs with different styles and build a portfolio.

[CFord]

onetalentsource.com is a good site for parents wanting more control over what their kids are seeing. They have a G-rated policy that they work hard to enforce. I know several people who have their kids listed on their and most of the photogs I see over there are forum members here as well.

[Dokk]

First off, if she wants to be the next Tyra Banks or whoever's on top now, she's got a long row to hoe and it's a hard climb to the top. Second, she needs to be in LA, New York or Chicago, not here. All she needs is a nice, high quality portrait, full length front, side, side and back in a neutral, basic bikini. She takes those to agencies and if they're interested, they'll send her to thier photog for the shots they want to market her. BTW, she pays for the pics that thier photog takes too. She can try model mayhem and the like but she's one of ten million cute girls out there that also think they have what it takes to be Americas' next top model. They are also plagued by GWCs who only want to get some cheap nudes.

[texxter]

Modelmayhem (or the other online modeling sites) is a good way to get some initial photos, but care is needed to select a photographer that understands what a new model needs, and not just a GWC. But that's just a start, like a portfolio is just the start for a photographer. Making contacts, calling agencies to show the portfolio, and getting to be known requires hard work and dedication. No picture of a pretty girl, no matter how well done or sexy is enough to get work as a model. There are plently of people with gook looks trying to break into the industry.

I'll be happy to shoot a portfolio for her, my fees are on my website :-)

Paco

[Damon]

I can't imagine WHERE she could go to find a good group of trustworthy photographers

My advice.. fork out the money for a GOOD photographer to get some headshots, make a contact sheet, and go from there. Beware the TFP'ers, they're usually beginners like me (although you could get lucky).

[eRoc]

Could someone please tell me what a GWC is? I've heard that term alot on MM and not sure what it means.

Guys With Camera's?
Guys wanting chicks?

[CFord]

Originally Posted by eRoc

Could someone please tell me what a GWC is? I've heard that term alot on MM and not sure what it means.

Guys With Camera's?
Guys wanting chicks?

I'm sure there are numerous interpretations but I understand it as Guy With Camera or someone with little ambitions other than to get to see naked or suggestions poses from girls.

[LEATHERNECK]

I don't know to what level she aspires to reach but there are models here in Dallas that make some "real" good money (and we're talking some make 6 figures in a day) doing print work for JCPenny. I have a friend who shoots for them and he said they get most ,if not all, of their models from Kim Dawson Agency. And they shoot everybody from babies to adults. You can check out these sites and they will give you what you need to know as far as starting down the path.
http://www.kimdawsonagency.com/index...PageID=1000000
http://www.marycollins.com/
http://www.thecampbellagency.com/info/aboutus.html
http://www.fashiongates.com/

[jkragins]

Thanks everyone for the advice and contacts. She hasn't had any experience other than modeling school (which is kind of a rip off). She would be interested in catalog work. She had an appointment with Kim Dawson yesterday. They told her her measurements need to go down. She's a 33, 27, 36...skinny enough IMO! She's meeting with another agency tomorrow. Thanks again for the information.

[C!LLY]

when I was a kid some of my friends were with John Casablanca http://www.jc-centers.com/ and one of them got a pretty decent gig, but staying true to her mormon ways, she got married and moved to Utah and had 5 kids-last I heard. She doesnt model anymore.

[Double H]

The University of North Texas has a fashion design program. Have her contact UNT for some industry contacts in North Texas (mostly Dallas).

RM

[kronos2818]

Originally Posted by jkragins

I have a 19 year old niece who is interested in modeling. She is tall, thin and very pretty. Does anyone have any advice on how to get into the industry or have any contacts in the industry? She doesn't want to do runway fashion modeling. She's more interesed in fashion print or commercial print. Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks!

Here http://www.newmodels.com/ have her read all of this. It gives you good insight on the modeling world. Make sure she is realistic about how far she can go in the world of modeling. If a "modeling agent" claims the agency can make her a "runway" model with her height over 5'9 or under 5'7 and a dress size over 1 or a commercial model if she is under 5'6 with a dress size over 3 and all she need to do is pay $XXXX RUN from them!!!!! That website also talks about what is a real agencies and agent, who are the real players in modeling.

I hope this helps.