Showing posts with label modeling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label modeling. Show all posts

Saturday, January 13, 2018

Jumpstart your Modeling Career: the steps you need to do now to make 2018 your best year ever


There is no better time than the new year to kick start your modeling career and to take things up a notch, making 2018 your breakout year. It can be hard to get back into the swing of things and even know what you should be doing to elevate yourself and your career after the holidays, so I have compiled a list to help you hit the ground running:


Reach out to all your agencies in an email, or drop in if they are local to you.  Send them all your new images in hi-res so they can update your online portfolio.  Express your commitment to your career, your desire to travel to different markets, and your ambitions.  Ask them to help you reach out and see what other markets and agents would be good for you.  Make sure they have all your current sizes, updated digitals or polaroids, test shots, tear sheets, contact info, and all the tools they need to help you succeed.  


Commit to working out and actually do it.  It is good for your body, your health, your modeling prospects, your mind, and your stress levels.


Get a hair trim to maintain your hair in good condition for work, or consider a new haircut to change your image, but always ask the agency first. Start doing regular facials at home to maintain a good complexion, so you will always be ready for shoots.



Eat well, drink less alcohol and don’t smoke - your career depends on it.  You must maintain a good weight with healthy eating to be strong and able to actually do the job, and alcohol and smoking destroys your skin and makes you look old and haggard. 


Commit to increasing your social media presence.  Set a schedule for posting, follow industry pros such as top and emerging photographers, hair and makeup artists, magazines, editors, stylists, brands, designers, and other models. “Like” and comment regularly.  Do Instagram “stories”.  Always follow your agency guidelines when posting.


If you are trying to find an agent or get scouted, do updated research to identify the best agents, agencies, and scouts, and follow their submissions guidelines to the letter. 

A new year requires a new commitment if you want to take your career to new heights.  Put some energy into it and you will see results.  Put it out there into the universe and ask for help to make your dreams come true.  Be smart about it and treat it like a business and watch your career take off.  Good luck in 2018!

                                                                XOXO Shelley

All photos Kaia Gerber

#newyearsresolutions #modelingcareer #jumpstartyourmodelingcareer #businessofmodeling #modeling #newfaces #getintomodeling #getscouted #facethis.blogspot.com #ShelleyGoodstein

Thursday, May 26, 2016

How to Know Your “Market” as a Model - Editorial vs Commercial Modeling


So an agent just told you that your market is editorial, not commercial, and you have no idea what that means.  Knowing what the markets are and where you “fit” is key to building a successful career.


The “market” not only refers to the different types of modeling, but also the various cities around the world where models go for work.  First you need to understand the different types of modeling, and subsequently the cities that are predominant for each type of work.  


“Editorial” or “Fashion”

These models shoot for magazines and high fashion campaigns, and walk the runways during fashion weeks in Paris, London, NYC, and Milano, and sometimes in smaller fashion cities like Tokyo, Sydney, or Sao Paolo.  This is a fast-paced market where top models compete for a limited number of opportunities.  




Timing and a great agent are everything.  It requires nerves of steel to handle the rejection, the long hours, distant travel that can be lonely, and the physicial requirements.  It is a lot to handle on very young shoulders.  These models have to be tall, willowy and have the ability to be transformed by designers and editoris into the “look of the season”.  Getting editorial and runway work, often for very little money, is the risk fashion models take in aiming for a major career.  It is essential that these models appear in the shows of the top designers, which puts them in front of the most powerful magazine editors, in hopes of being noticed and selected for prestigious editorials.  Exposure is key and any income takes a back seat until (and if!) a model becomes a “name” and they begin to book campaigns.






“Commercial”

The commercial modeling market has a broader range in both body type and age, and these models can have quite a long career.  This market can also be a training ground for new faces to give them the time and opportunity to learn the business and to gain confidence in front of the camera and potential clients.  Commercial modeling can be broken down into specific types of modeling such as swimwear, juniors, lifestyle, and catalogue. These markets exist all over the world and these models tend to travel on bookings, and also for extended stays in certain cities such as L.A., Miami, Chicago, Hamburg, Singapore, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. London, Paris, NYC, and Milano also have commercial work and often the fashion editorial models are able to take advantage of this to ear some money between magazine editorials and runway work.  Commercial models have the chance to develop longer relationships with agents and can follow the work seasonally around the world.  It is a great way to travel, and experience life abroad, while hopefully(!) earning some money.  



Both fashion and commercial models need to build a strong portfolio and there are magazines and testing opportunities for both in their respective markets. Knowing where you “fit” in the modeling industry can help you aim for the right agents and markets.  If you are 5’9” to 5’11” - willowy with high cheekbones and under 21 years old, you might be considered more editorial than commercial.  If you have some curves and look amazing in a bikini, or if you are young and fresh and like to move more naturally in front of the camera, then you are probably more commercial.  If an agent tells you that you are commercial you might find yourself off to Miami or Hamburg or Tokyo, and if you are considered fashion then you will most likely be sent to NYC or Paris depending on your age, to do show castings and to meet editors.  


It’s not very common for models to transition from commercial to fashion but in some cases and model can really become known for working for a commercial brand and catch the eye of editors, reversing the trajectory of their career.  Fashion models are lucky to have three or four seasons of shows to make their mark before agents are likely to begin transitioning them to a broader more commercial market, increasing their income potential.  

Remember, it is all business and whether it is commercial or fashion, it is all work, so respect that, and always be the most professional that you can be and take advantage of the opportunity.  People will remember that  - you are your “brand”.  And don’t forget that for every one model that are tens of thousands of hopefuls who would gladly walk in your shows in a heartbeat!  

Supporting images:

Candice Swanepoel, Self Magazine, March 2015 by Sebastian Kim

Liya Kebede, Porter Magazine, Winter 2015, by Chris Colls



#newfaces #modeling #gettingintomodeling #modelingmarkets #businessofmodeling # editorialmodeling #commercialmodeling #lifestylemodeling #runwaymodeling #modelinginfo

Saturday, May 14, 2016

Your Best Swim Suit Shoot Starts Here! Better Pictures on the Beach.


Shooting on the beach in a swimsuit can be one of the most challenging shoots a new model can do, but having a few tricks ready and practiced, can make the experience a lot less stressful and much more successful.

The whole point of doing a swimwear shoot is to show your proportions and how natural you can be without relying on a lot of styling or contrived hair and makeup.   It’s all you!  Make sure you are in great shape before you shoot swimwear so that you can actually use the images in your book – no one is going to retouch you into having an amazing body if you clearly need to go to the gym!

With that in mind, choose a bikini or one-piece that fits properly and does not dig in on the sides making rolls or indentations.  If you aren’t super voluptuous, don’t try to pad yourself up – it never looks good and clients will see it as a drawback. Enhance what you have and own it.  Same goes if you are curvy!  Wearing a suit that fits actually makes your body look better.  Watch where the bottom of the suit hits at the top of your leg to make sure it doesn’t dig in or shorten the visual look of your legs.

If you are a newbie, start by wearing a pair of shorts over your suit like above, until you are comfortable enough to shoot without them.  Or try a sheer cover-up that let’s the light through and catches the breeze and flutters around you – it can be super flattering.




Striking a static pose right away can feel forced and awkward so try movement, such as walking towards or away from the photographer, or twirling around.  This looks much more natural and can get you warmed up. When standing still you must be really aware of your posture and pose.  Model from the top of your head to the tip of your toes as the camera sees all of it, and it all matters.  This takes practice in front of a mirror at home to know your body’s best angles.  Cheating a little to one side is more faltering than shooting straight on, unless you are really fit and can slam-dunk a power pose, staring down the camera.



KEY TIPS TO REMEMBER:

  • Keep your shoulders down and back so you have a long neck and beautiful collarbones.
  • Arching your back a bit so that you feel it in your lower back makes the legs longer and thinner.
  • Arms should be relaxed and natural.
  • Crossing one knee slightly over the other and touching your ankles together while standing on your toes really lengthens visual look of the legs.

Opening your eyes on a bright beach can be really difficult but there are tricks you can learn that will help you to avoid a scowl


Close your eyes, relax your face, and breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth – open your eyes on the exhale and close them after your hear the camera click.  This makes the most gorgeous natural beauty look if you do it correctly.  Practice!

  • Let the photographer count you in, opening your eyes on their cue. "1, 2, 3, OPEN"
  • Shoot in an open shade area if possible, or see if there is someone on set who can hold a “scrim” to provide shade over you while you shoot.
  • Smile!  A big, sincere, gorgeous smile makes a natural squint – and looks great!


You and your photographer are a team and it is in both of your best interests to make beautiful and marketable images.  Choose your photographer carefully, and make sure their esthetic matches yours, when you are choosing for a test shoot. Plan ahead and be on the same page.

Practice at home and learn as you go on the shoot and enjoy it!  If you are tense it won’t work. Have fun with sass and class  ... because it’s not all about your ass, despite what the Kardashian's might have you think!

Best tip from this entire post you must always remember .... SHOULDERS DOWN and be YOU!


Big thank you to Allana Wesley White for the amazing photos - definitely the photographer in the know in Miami! 

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Get Scouted: How can I get into modeling!







All model hopefuls need someone to notice just how amazing they are, and one of the biggest hurdles is to catch the attention of a model agency or model scout.


Do your homework and research online the most reputable agency in your local area. It’s a good place to start, but in the age of social media, it has never been easier for scouts and agents from the top tier agencies in NYC, Paris, and other major markets, to find the most promising “new faces” online, no matter where they live.

There are several ways hopefuls can be in contact with agencies:  online submissions on agency websites, social media, open calls at agencies, and through contests or model conventions and showcases. Let’s break it down to find the best approach for you to get your face in front of the decision makers in the agencies:


Open Calls:  this is a set time at an agency where they will meet drop-ins.  You should come exactly on time, do not wear makeup, wearing skinny jeans and a tank top or t-shirt.  Make eye contact, be yourself, and put your best attitude and personality forward.

Online submissions through agency websites:  go to agency websites and look for a menu item that might say either “Be A Model” or “Get Scouted”.  There you will find their submission guidelines with a questionnaire and a place to upload specific photos of yourself.

Social media such as Instagram:  agencies maintain social media accounts, especially on Instagram. Make sure you are following the verified account of the agency and not a fan account.  The best working models have very active social media accounts with images that show their personality, interests, behind the scenes shots, and sometimes they show their tear sheets from work.  Think about your own account and remove any images that might make a potential agent or scout leave your account, such as nudity, club life or party images, duck lips (!), wearing too much makeup, and pictures that are missing a head! All the best agencies check Instagram every day and most of them have a hash-tag # that you can add to three or four of your best pics, that they will check.  Just as a matter of protocol, hash-tag only one agency at a time on a photo, and edit and change the hash-tag to a different one from another agency after about ten days if you have not received a direct message from them. 

Conventions, showcases and contests:  often these events cost money – a lot of money - and promise to put a model in person in front of agents and scouts, but your chances are no better than if you submitted online, or went to an open call or hash-tagged an agency online – and these are free!

So ... Key things to remember: 

Be natural with a fresh face without makeup, have clean hair worn in a normal style, and show the real, genuine “you”.

No professional photos needed – phone pics are preferred.  Use good, natural lighting and avoid a busy background behind you.

Modeling schools are not necessary and do not qualify you to be a model.

There should never be a fee to apply to submit yourself to agencies. Ever. 

Girls should wear skinny jeans and a tank top and guys should wear jeans and a plain t-shirt for online submissions to agencies so they can get an idea of your proportions and figure.  Every agency has different requirements so make sure you read the guidelines.

Don’t lie about your age or height – imagine if you get to actually meet the agent in person and you are caught in a lie??  It’s not the way to begin a business relationship. 

Finally – don’t get discouraged!  Keep in mind that many top models were rejected by one or another agency along the way to building their careers, due to timing, their particular look, their age, or just being the right type for that market.  It’s business, not personal. 

“No” might mean “not right now” or “not this agency”, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for you in the industry!  Don’t give up!



Monday, May 2, 2016

So you think you want to be a model? 5'9" is the minimum Height Requirement!

Modeling is not always as easy as it looks.


So many girls ask me about that 5'9" requirement and why it's such a deal breaker.  Below is some proof positive how those few extra inches give you the ability to stretch your body and elongate your torso in ways most women find impossible to do, all the while looking poised and beautiful. Take a look and see what you think.



Find more photos like this from funny girl Celeste Barber on her IG page! 

Friday, April 29, 2016

PREPPING FOR YOUR PHOTO SHOOT


It is a model’s obligation to arrive prepped and ready to go for every booking and photo shoot, from hair, skin and nails, to mental attitude. It's
the true sign of a professional model. 

Don't leave things until the night before the shoot but maintain your beauty routine at all times so you are ready to go when the agency calls to say  “you’re booked!”.

  • I recommend shaving fuzz and fine hairs from arms and face. To learn about this technique check out a previous post Women's facial shaving {Here}. If waxing do so at least two days before any shoot and really moisturize your body skin, to avoid redness


  • Avoid alcohol the night before so you don’t have a puffy face that goes for any salty foods too


  • Never try a new product the day before a shoot in case you have a reaction to it! Trust me!  This happened to me from a facemask and I had to shoot a jewelry campaign the next day! Not good.



  • Wash your hair the night before, not the morning of a shoot.  Hair stylists prefer hair slightly dirty as it holds product and style better.  That does not mean having any product already in your hair, or greasy hair.



  • Make sure your haircut, hair color, and hair condition are maintained regularly so you don’t arrive on set with a birds nest for the stylist to deal with



  • Make sure you have clean nails and no colored nail polish and that includes your toes



  • Get a good night’s sleep – woe to the model who parties all night and thinks she can pull off a great booking in the morning – no one is that beautiful – or irreplaceable



  • Pack your bag the night before with nude lingerie including a nude thong, bring your toothpaste/toothbrush, and don't forget energy bars, water, and your phone charger. Even if you are arriving with clean face because a make up artist is booked, always bring the basics - foundation, powder, mascara ... Once I went to an early morning booking and the makeup artist was deathly ill and couldn't make it to the shoot and it the location was far from town in the middle of no-where. Thankfully I had enough to makeup with me to make the job still happen for everyone.



  • Check the call sheet for any other specific things they might ask you to bring - always bring 2 choices if clothing or shoe requests



  • Eat breakfast!  Do not starve!  Models who don’t eat before a shoot because they want a super flat stomach or are just nervous, are fooling themselves.  They have no sustainable energy to last through the shoot and clients and the creative team never have patience for low energy from the model.  Eating a normal breakfast will not be an issue by the time you are shooting, after hair and makeup.



  • Arrive with a clean, moisturized face, without any makeup - sometimes this appears on the call sheet as "clean - clean"  (clean hair, clean face, clean nails



  • Sometimes it will be written on the call sheet "arrive bikini ready" - that means waxed and without any fake tan streaks


Being prepared is in your own best interest in helping create beautiful images which can get you re-booked in the future.  Never assume that the photographer or client will be willing to retouch your roots, shaving stubble or lack of proper hair removal maintenance, ragged nails or cuticles, or the dark circles under your eyes from lack of sleep.  The makeup artist and hair stylist are there to enhance your look and are not there for your beauty upkeep.

  
My first agent told every model to always arrive fifteen minutes before your call time in case you are lost or can't find the location, or need to use the washroom, or whatever.  When you arrive on set, greet everyone, be respectful, polite, and engaging.  Always ask the protocol regarding social media, selfies on set, and posting.  The booking is not about you but about the client and the project, so be professional.  It's business.  When the shoot is finished, thank everyone on set before you leave.  Remember: today's assistant stylist, editor or photography assistant could be tomorrow's client! Have a great booking!


Monday, April 13, 2015

POSING LIKE A MODEL - HOW TO TAKE GREAT PICTURES FOR THE RED CARPET - PROM - WEDDINGS - INSTAGRAM or FACEBOOK


Shelley Goodstein & Dr Kevin Pounds
I've had my share of red carpet photo ops. Being a model certainly helps when it comes to knowing how to pose year after year. So I thought I'd share a few tricks I've learned for perfect red carpet moments.  Besides sucking it in and good posture, here's how to pull off a perfect pic!


The Classic.
This is your fail safe, go-to pose. Turn to an angle, one foot in front of the other - one leg bent and one hand on the hip! This might be the absolute, most photographed pose of ALL time. Definitely flattering for any "booty"!

Kim Kardashian - photo credit: Getty image


Cross your legs. 
Yes, imagine you are in need of a bathroom and VOILA you have the super slimming forward facing pose. 

Emily Ratajkowski - Photo credit : HuffingtonPost.com



Unladylike - Legs apart.
 JLow repeats this pose often and may be one of the few that can get away with it. Keep in mind this pose is only flattering from the right angle though HINT: Always know where the camera is. Your legs appear slimmer because of the space between. Point your front foot. 
Jennifer Lopez - Photo credit: Grammy.com

The BFF pose
Let's face it, life and photos are always better with your bestie by your side. Plus if you're the "smarter" friend, you'll cheat yourself a little behind to hide a little extra-whatever. This pose always works well as long as you both don't have the same "better" side!
Madison Reed and Victoria Justice - Photo credit : Wire Image 

Twice as nice. Double bent arms.

For this you need the perfect dress and the confidence of a warrior princess or Greek goddess! 
Taylor Swift from Grammys.com


Working the crowd - Air KISS pose


Adrianna Lim - photo credit: Wire image


Using a Prop - Polly Pocket Style

Katy Perry/Rosie Huntington Whitely - Photos: Hollywood Gossip




Avoid a seated pose - standing will always look more flattering ... unless of course you are half naked with this crew at a bonfire in Puerto Rico!
Photo credit: Victoria Secret 















Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Fifty, Flirty and Fabulous - Shelley GoodStein



I wasn’t going to celebrate 50 - this is considered OLD in the modeling industry, but then again I keep getting booked, jobs keep getting better, and I keep walking in runway shows with girls half my age. Plus the older you get the more people think you know and the more valuable you appear to be! Ok ... but I still wasn't sold on celebrating this occasion and then, last month I was seated next to one of my beautiful friends and we began talking. She asked me about my mother's age when she passed away. I told her "60" and remembered how painful the year preceding her death in her fight against leukemia was. It occurred to me that this could be my last "zero" birthday that I felt healthy, happy and beautiful … so I decided to kick up my heels and have the party of a half century! 

I do NOT believe in the “rules” for women over “ahem” a certain age. For example I still wear short skirts, sky high heels, and sequins – just not all at the same time! However for this party I wore all three!!! (But, I have learned to say yes to solids and no to frou-frou.)

What else I have learned?

  • I know that the truth always reveals itself. 
  • I have painfully discovered over the years that it’s not important to have the last word –victories are sweetest when you can avoid the battle. You can trust that the Universe will solve the situation. I have found given enough rope, well, let’s just say that the best strategy to defeat an enemy is to deny engagement to the person behind the fight. And you sleep better!
  • I believe good deeds will be rewarded with crowns in heaven, and as a  past beauty queen I can tell you I always feel prettier with a tiara.
  • None of us like the idea of getting older and it is important to realize that it is impossible to look 30 when you’re 80, but that true beauty does last; It lives inside us and is a halo that everyone sees shining brightly.


What are my plans for the future?

Supermom …  supermodel … Check in with me in 5 years as I am working on super-mogul! Visit me at A Model's Secrets this month as I will be posting the best of ways to fake, beg, borrow and steal the fountain of youth and not looking your age!

A quote from my adorable husband's speech from the party:
"She is a woman who makes 50 look like she is just getting started!"

"Beware of the brunette in your life because she has plans."

My life-sized birthday card!