Castings for Playboy's hit show, Foursome

Do you want to be on Playboy's hit show, Foursome??? We are coming to Las Vegas and looking to find FUN HOT SINGLES! Are you wild, uninhibited and sexually open??? Do you want to explore your wild side? If you're SINGLE and between the ages of 21-28 we would love to hear from you.

The show is about 2 hot guys and 2 hot girls spending a 24 hour period in a gorgeous luxury mansion. It is a REALITY show with 4 hot singles looking to explore their wild side......so we are looking for FUN and WILD types who love to have a great time. You must be SINGLE to participate. Since this is a Playboy program, so you must be very comfortable with your body and nudity is required...this opportunity is definitely NOT for the shy and timid ;)

If you are selected and appear in the show, you will be paid $500 for the 24 hour period and all other expenses for the evening will be paid. We look forward to hearing from you and if you are not single but know someone else who would be good we want to hear about them.

Please submit: Head shot, Fullbody shot, Swimwear shot, Bio, and Contact Information. You must already be located Las Vegas, NV or San Fransisco for audition and dates of filming

***Please Research The Subject Matter Before You Submit***

You can contact me on One Model Place or email me directly at sarajoneil@yahoo.com and reference HB Models at the end of your email.

Good Luck,

Dionte
HB Models

DOING YOUR YOUR HOMEWORK (YOUR SAFETY)

DOING YOUR YOUR HOMEWORK (YOUR SAFETY)

Do your homework before booking any assignment. Always ask for references from people the photographer has worked with if the photographer is not well known.

It is recommended that you always take an escort to a shoot. However, you should not expect a photographer to pay for your escort's travel expenses.

Prior to a shoot, tell someone where you will be, provide the contact information of the photographer, and tell them that you will contact them during the shoot. When you get to your shoot, you should then make a point of checking in with that person to let them know exactly where you are, what the plan of action is, and when you expect to be home. If you don't have a cell phone, then use the photographer's phone. If he doesn't let you use the phone, maybe you shouldn't be there.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

As with any career, it is important to plan. As the saying goes, "Failing to plan is planning to fail". You will get much farther and be more effective if you are organized, set realistic goals, and then set about to achieve those goals. You need to consider everything from how to get started and how to market yourself to how you will position yourself when paid offers for nude or topless shoots come in or a photographer's behavior or request makes you uncomfortable.

As with any skill, practice and experience will make you better. Therefore, if you take your aspiring career seriously, it is important that you are either getting experience, practicing what you need to become better at, or both.

Be informed. Study. If there is a particular market you can see yourself fitting into, research it. Study the models in magazines. Find out who your favorite models are. Find out how they started out and became successful. One of the most common ways of becoming successful is emulating the behavior, attitude, and drive of those who became successful.

Understand a little bit about photography. Understand what makes a good photograph. Find out what types of photos you like best. Keep these photos in mind when you are shooting.

source: http://www.zerotopia.com/resources/models/info-modeling-knowledge-is-power.html

ONLY THE STRONG [MODELS] SURVIVE

ONLY THE STRONG [MODELS] SURVIVE

If you are serious about progressing your career, modeling will be hard work. Many jobs will be fun, but some will also involve working in difficult conditions (cold, wet, etc), wearing uncomfortable outfits, or holding uncomfortable poses for significant periods of time.

Persistence is important. Being a model will typically mean having to deal with rejection and criticism (not all of which will be constructive). You may be told you are too tall, too short, too fat, too skinny, too fit, too out of shape, don't have the right look, are not intense enough, are too intense, are not relaxed enough, etc. The point it, you may be criticized in any number of ways depending on who you are working with and what their needs are. It is important that you develop a positive means to be able to deal with criticism.

Dealing with the difficulties associated with modeling will often lead many models to give up before they've really given modeling a chance. If it was truly that easy to make a living at modeling, then everyone would do it. As with any career, the rewards of success can be great, but you generally have to earn them.

source: http://www.zerotopia.com/resources/models/info-only-the-strong-models-survive.html

So you want to be a model?

So you want to be a model?

Well, you have picked a tough and competitive business that requires a lot of hard work, patience, and the ability to take rejection well and often.

There is a simple fact about the business of modeling...
The most successful models fail many more times than they succeed.

It is simply the nature of the business. Generally several models if not ten or twenty are submitted for the same job - not everyone can get the job and nobody is picked for every job.

Modeling is NOT the glamorous profession that is portrayed in the movies and reality TV shows.

In fact the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that for the year 2006, the job of being a model ranked #8 on the list of Top 10 Worst Jobs in the United States. Models made a median hourly wage of $11.22, a bit less than twice the minimum wage of $5.85. Not so glamorous. Most models work part time.

On the plus side, it is a business that can give you the opportunity to meet lots of creative people, have a lot of fun and make some money and who knows, for the very lucky few even travel and notoriety.

The reality is that this is a BUSINESS--just like any other business--that requires constant research and marketing to keep up with trends and to keep your face in front of the agencies that you have employed to market you.

Models must take care of themselves and work hard to maintain a marketable image. Photo shoots can be long and difficult and take place in less than desirable conditions.

Still interested? Ok - here is where you start...

To begin work as a commercial model - you need a professional modeling portfolio and a comp card.

Your modeling portfolio is the most important expenditure you will make in the business of becoming a model. It is your marketing tool. It is how you will show modeling agencies and potential clients that you have the ability to act and portray the characters that they need for their advertising campaign.

Your modeling portfolio and the comp card (zed card) that you have printed will ALWAYS be seen by a potential agency or client - before you are.

The modeling portfolio should be filled with photographs that look as though they have been published. You want people to assume that the pictures in your book have been used in a commercial advertisement or fashion magazine.

Certainly - if you are asked, be honest. But you want to impress people with images that look as close to the real thing as possible and show not only how attractive you are - but how much personality you have.

Also - remember the rule - "Less is BETTER!" You don't win any prizes for having more photos than anyone else. You are competing against many other models for jobs. Your pictures need to have the "WOW Factor". They need to be professional - visually catching and most importantly - make you look incredible and show how much personality you have.

The column to the right contains links to pages that should help to get you off to a good start!

source: http://www.joeedelman.com/faq/industry/model.shtml

Pre New Years Eve Party in Tampa With Trey Songz and Young "Soulja" Skrilla

Pre New Years Eve Party in Tampa With Trey Songz, Young "Soulja" Skrilla, and Tampa, Florida own S.D.C Boys.


click to Purchase Tickets Online
Tickets Can Be Purchased Online At Wantickets.com

Featured HB Model Jhana Anjali

http://www.myspace.com/jhanamanana

America's Next Top Model Cycle 12 Castings

click
Open Calls
Check back periodically for updates on casting in your area. Many more calls are coming soon!

Sign Up To EncoreNationwide.com

	We provide our clients with promotional models, tour managers, emcees, truck drivers and other exciting positions within the product promotional arena. Whether you are a first time event marketer or seasoned event professional, we invite you to register with Encore Nationwide, the industry leader in promotional talent. Click here to become part of the Encore talent team.

How Important Are Good Photographs?

GOOD PHOTOS ARE IMPORTANT

When you're first starting out (and from that point on!), good photography is important. It baffles me to see what some models use to market themselves. Just a quick scan of many of the portfolios on modeling sites, such as OneModelPlace, will reveal an abundance of poorly lit, poorly exposed, uncropped, out-of-focus, and badly composed photos. Photos that would look bad in a photo album, let alone a model's portfolio!

If you were an agent or a model scout looking for talent, who would you pick, the aspiring model with mediocre photos or the model whose images really catch your eye? Putting "snapshots" online does not make you a model. Be critical. Get good photos. Avoid representing yourself with photos that do not accurately reflect your potential and level of expertise.

Your photos are your selling point. They most often create the first impression. A viewer will make judgements about your personality, your professionalism, your eye for detail, and your level of expertise based on what they see in your photos. You owe it to yourself to only put up your very best.

Variety is important in a portfolio. When creating a portfolio, the photographer you work with should be willing to think outside the box. The last thing you need are photos that make you look exactly like everyone else. I have seen so many photos taken by photographers where the model doesn't really matter at all in the photo. She's just filling a space. It could be anyone. You want to create photos that show you, your diversity, and what you are capable of. If it's been done before, trying to do it differently will help.

I've seen a number of models fall into the trap of "Since I worked with a professional, his photos must be good". Not true. It is true that working with a professional photographer will absolutely increase your chances of getting some decent photographs. However, it is only the best of the best of these photos you should use. No photographer gets an outstanding photo with every click.

Even when all is said and done, there is absolutely no guarantee that good photos will create demand for you. However, bad photos can be damaging to your career and aspirations.

source: http://www.zerotopia.com/resources/models/info-in-modeling-good-photos-are-important.html

Laris Marketing and HB Models Now Offering Marketing Services

HB Models with Laris Marketing Associates L.T.D. Is Now Offering Marketing Promotional Packages To All Models That Want To Get Noticed. Marketing tools are very important in the success of any business.

* 5 Page Custom Website, HTML With Flash Components or Full Flash Website

* Domain Optimization

* Custom Myspace Layout

* 500 Custom Comp Card/Zed Cards

* 500 Custom Business Cards

* Mass and Targeted Email Marketing

* Press Release on 5 Major Wire Services

* Professional Photoshoot (if needed)

* Agency Contacts and Listings

Email us for more info and prices HBModels@gmail.com

You Must Market Yourself

A little bit of marketing theory...

Grab people's attention, arouse their interest, trigger their desire, and motivate them to take action. All it takes is a little theory practiced and applied, and soon you will find that marketing comes naturally.

Marketing is more than sales. Marketing is the set of activities used to
1. get your potential client's attention
2. motivate them to book you
3. get them to actually book you
4. get them to book again (and again…)

Marketing Tools
1. website - a must(www.yourmodeling.com)
2. professional photographs with fashion and artistic value
3. comp/zed cards and business cards
4. portfolio
5. model communities (modelmayhem.com, onemodelplace.com, ect.)
6. social communities (myspace.com, facebook.com, ect.)

Marketing is how you define your product (YOU), promote your product (YOU), distribute your product (YOU), and to maintain a relationship with your clients and fans to. Marketing sets the tone of the quality and the amout of work that you may receive.

Mirror Mirror, Do you do it? Do you know what it is?

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
5 minutes at a time at least once a day
By Joe Edelman - The Business of Modeling

Mirror Work. Do you do it? Do you know what it is?

If you answered "no" to either of these questions - you shouldn't be calling yourself a model. Top models practice daily and Mirror Work is how they do it.

Athletes, Musicians, Singers, Actors - they ALL practice to become good at what they do.

So what IS Mirror Work? It is "Muscle Memory"

If you have ever played organized sports - your coaches talked to you about "muscle memory." I'll give you an example - in the sport of Baseball, players take batting practice before every game. Before each at bat - the player stands in the On Deck Circle and swings the bat over and over again. All of this practice is for the purpose of training the body and its muscles how to swing the bat.

Think about it - when a ball player is standing at home plate with someone throwing a ball at them at more than 90 miles per hour - they don't want to be thinking about how to swing the bat - they need to think about where the ball is and where it is going.

This same principle applies to a piano player or a guitar player - they practice and practice the chords and locations of keys and strings, because when they are playing they need to concentrate on the tempo and music.
Models need to do mirror work for TWO reasons

The first and most obvious is posing. A smart model learns quickly that nobody has a perfect body. You must learn your best as well as your worst features and more importantly how to make them work for the camera. It is important to learn the basic bikini pose and more importantly understand why it makes the body look so good.

Every model should have an arsenal of at least 10 poses that they can do well and have the confidence of knowing that their body looks great in these poses.

Your goal while practicing in the mirror is not just to find attractive poses - but to concentrate on "how does your body feel" when you are doing a pose correctly. Remember that when you are in front of the camera, you don't have a mirror in front of you to look at.

The second and most important reason for doing mirror work is facial expressions. Modeling is acting and your face is your MOST important communication tool.

First and foremost a model must learn how to smile. It is natural for people to tend to squint their eyes or show too much gum when smiling.

Mirror work allows you to learn how your face "feels" when you smile correctly. It also allows you to learn how your face feels when you do a big look of surprise or anger or the classic open mouth smile.

The purpose for all of this practice is just like that of the athletes and musicians - so that these skills become second nature. When you get in front of acamera if you have to think for just one second, "Does my smile look ok?", "Does this pose make my butt look big?" then you have blown the shot. When you are in front of the camera you have to be thinking about the character you are portraying and the personality that is needed to sell that idea.
A few quick pointers for successful mirror work:

1. Do it alone - nobody else in the room, radio and TV turned off.

2. No more than 5 minutes at a time. Good mirror work takes lots of concentration. If you stay at it too long - you will start looking at the pile of wash that you see behind you or the books on your desk that are waiting to be read. (Feel free to do mirror work several times a day if your schedule permits - but still only for 5 minutes at a time.

3. Only work on one pose or expression in each session. Remember - anybody can look in the mirror and do a perfect smile in 2 seconds - your purpose is to learn how that smile feels. Keep your sessions short and focused.

4. When working on poses - be sure to do your mirror work in the nude from time to time. There is no better way to see how your body looks when posing then when you are naked. Additionally - it is a great way to learn how to pose your hands. With no clothes on - you have no place to put your hands. (I challenge you to come up with poses that DON'T include placing your hands on your hips!)

5. Be critical but constructive. Nobody has a perfect body or perfect face. Don't watch yourself in the mirror thinking that you are "all that" and don't look in the mirror and totally tear yourself apart. Learn what your strengths and weaknesses are and in the words of Tyra Banks, "Work it girl!"

source: http://www.joeedelman.com/faq/preparation/mirror.shtml

The Truth About Modeling Expenses Part 1

The Truth About Modeling Expenses

Expenses are an area that seem to create the most confusion and misunderstandings between new models and agencies.

Modeling agencies often hear new models say "Well, if you liked me you would pay for everything". Unfortunately, the hype surrounding modeling agencies paying for expenses is grossly exaggerated and often wishful thinking on the part of new models who don't understand how the modeling industry really works.

We understand that models have been told "don't pay an agency to represent you" - that is true. But that is much different from investing in your own basic start-up costs that don't involve the agency, such as photoshoots, composite cards, etc. These are services you need from outside sources such as photographers, stylists, printers, etc.

Agencies that were willing to finance the careers of new models were much more prevalent in the 1980's (the Supermodel era) than they are today.

In the '80's the modeling industry was booming, many of the agencies such as Ford Models, Next, Company, Elite, IMG, etc. were new and building their rosters; clients were paying huge fees for models; Linda Evangelista "wouldn't get out of bed for less than $10,000.00 a day" and competition between modeling agencies was fierce. Well, those days are all but over.

Modeling agencies soon learned that financing the careers of new models was more costly than profitable. Many agencies lost hundreds of thousands of dollars each year when new models were unable to fulfill their obligations for a variety of reasons that were of no fault of the agency. Young models may have found they couldn't handle the stress, they didn't like being away from home, their looks changed, they were difficult to work with, or any number of reasons that would send a new model packing and the agency holding the bill.

Today, many agencies expect to be repaid for advances even if the model does not work. Some agencies have gone as far as taking legal action against models who have outstanding debts. These days over 90% of models working with top agencies in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Paris, London, Milan, etc. did not have their initial expenses advanced and they worked long and hard to get where they are.

As a fashion model you are a self-employed, independent contractor. You are considered a sole proprietor in your own small business, you are not an employee of the agency. In addition to basic start-up costs, professional models, including those represented by top agencies such as Ford Models, Elite, Next, Wilhelmina, DNA, Women or Karin's are required to cover all of their own promotional expenses such as composite cards, agency books, headsheets, websites, couriers, etc. These promotional expenses can run anywhere from $200 - $600 per year to post photos on the agency website, $1,500 - $2,500 per year for composite cards, in addition to couriers, postage, working visa's, legal and accounting fees. Professional models understand that this is simply the cost of doing business and it is standard in the industry for the model to cover these promotional expenses.

Don't make the mistake of telling an agent to pay for your expenses. Agents consider this extremely rude, presumptuous and unprofessional and it is a sure fire way to make the agent show you the door. If an agent is willing to help you financially they will offer it. Keep in mind this is extremely rare and is generally offered only by large agencies in markets such as New York, Paris or Milan and they will deduct what you owe them the moment you book a job.

Agencies in smaller markets simply do not have the resources to finance new models. However, the agencies in smaller markets are very important to a new model's career. Most models do not start at the top in big New York or Paris agencies, rather they learn the business, develop their look and build their books in the smaller market agencies. If you have the opportunity to work with an agency in a smaller market don't pass it up, they can be a valuable asset to your career. And please, please don't expect modeling agencies to finance your career. Remember that agents are just that - they are AGENTS. They are not bankers or magicians.

Normal Start-Up Expenses

Test shoot with a photographer

You should pay no more than $85 - $125 per roll of film and should shoot at least 3 rolls. It is not necessary to shoot more than 3 - 5 rolls of film with one photographer.

You will then need prints made from your shoot. Photographers usually charge $20 - $25 per 9 x 12 print. Models do not use 8 x 10's.

Make-up Artist

Professional make-up artists usually charge between $85 - $150 flat rate. This should include at least 3 looks and basic hairstyling.

Clothing Stylist

A clothing stylist will go to stores and gather up-to-date clothes and accessories for your shoot. Rates are generally $125 - $175 flat rate. Clothing stylists are optional but highly recommended if you can find a good one in your area.

Website

A website is the best promotional tool that you can have these days. With the agencies being more available through the internet it would behove you to invest in your own website, Myspace, Facebook, and other community sites are ok for fanbase building but not for your main promotional tool


After your shoot you can print composite cards or laser copy 3-4 of your photos on one sheet of paper. If you already have an agency they may recommend a good printer that prints composite cards. Prices can vary greatly for composite cards and laser copies so it is a good idea to check around. You may be required to cover the cost to have your photos placed on a headsheet, in an agency promo book or on the agency's website. These are all normal and perfectly legitimate expenses.

RUNWAY MODELING TIPS

RUNWAY MODELING TIPS
When it comes to runway modeling tips, you must realize one thing... YOU ARE A HUMAN COAT HANGER!

Your purpose on the runway, is to display the designers clothes.

The second thing you need to realize when runway modeling is that this is a really good opportunity to get good exposure and future bookings.

So in order for you to A) Be a good coat hanger and B) Get exposed and get future bookings, have compiled a list of runway modeling tips for you to study.


The best runway modeling tip to give though, is that you should watch professional models on the runway. Recording a runway show would be best because then you can go over it time and time again.

Although watching these tapes many times may help, you still may miss a few important runway modeling details. So we have outlined what you would probably not notice just by watching.

These also happen to be the things that most models mess up on and don't know. Your agent should teach you these, but they will be very pleased if you appear to already be a "natural".


Runway modeling tips #1: Eyes
Your eyes should be focused straight ahead of you. Looking off into the distance. Just find something on the back wall and focus on it.

WARNING: There will be bright lights aimed at you! Do not try and focus on a light unless you want to go blind and walk right over the ledge of the runway, because all you can see is the after image of the light bulb.


Runway modeling tips #2: Chin
Your chin should be down slightly while runway modeling. The reason for this is because every one will be sitting, looking up at you.

There will be many photographers taking pictures aimed up at you. So for your exposure aspect, you want to have good pictures taken of you so that they can be reused in magazines. You can then take these and add them to your portfolio.


Runway modeling tips #3: Shoulders
They shouldn't move much at all.

Your shoulders need to stay still as you walk. This can take a little getting used to but will not take long.


Runway modeling tips #4: Arms
A lot of models, when learning runway modeling, tend to swing their arms way too much. Your arms should only swing as much as your body makes them.

With men and women it is a little bit different of a swing. The reason for the difference is how a man takes his steps. His step will cause his whole arm to swing more while a woman's steps will cause her arms to swing more from her elbows down.

Next time you watch a model runway modeling, watch and see how their lower arm is doing most of the swinging.

Tip for WOMEN: Concentrate on keeping your upper arm in close and somewhat tight to your body. This will ensure that only the bottom half swings.

MEN: All you need to do is just let them swing naturally. Don't assist them at all.


Runway modeling tips #5: Hands
Now hands are surprisingly quite important while runway modeling.

Here's why: Say you are walking down the runway with your arms at your side. Then someone for a fashion magazine take an awesome picture of you.

Now this is a good picture! Everything looks perfect, until they look at you hands! Why? Because you, like most people, had your fingers curled in and up slightly.

So what's wrong with that you ask? You have no fingers!!!! At least in the picture it will look like you have no fingers! Like they all got chopped off!
Always remember to have your hands open with your fingers nearly totally straightened. Not totally straight (you don't want to look like a robot), but out enough to be visible.


Runway modeling tips #6: Legs
Legs refers to walking. Men just need to walk natural. The only difference is that you take longer strides. So instead of having 1.5 feet in between your strides increase it to 2.5 to 3 feet.

The main point is to take long strides without making it look unnatural.

Women need to also take longer strides, but they need to walk with one foot in front of the other. This causes their hips to sway, which gives their arms the swing that was described in the arms section.


Runway modeling tips #7: Posture
This is fairly basic runway modeling tip. Stand straight up, with your shoulders back. No hunching! That looks insecure and disgusting.


Although this is all important, it can change from designer to designer. But, the main key is confidence. When you have that, everything else just falls into place.

If you want to have more confidence, our How to become a model course is perfect for you! Check it out on our how to become a model page.

Spotlight on Wilhelmina Models

By Clare Tattersall

Wilhelmina has been successfully spotting and booking talent for over 30 thirty years, but only recently ventured into the world of technology — and with surprising results. At first cautious about breaking with tradition and using the Internet to do business, Wilhelmina has found that they can not only challenge convention, but also level with the headliners.

Wilhelmina operates many different divisions within the world of modeling, catering to every media from print to TV and digital. They pride themselves on taking care of their clients and the needs of their models, not inconsiderable, given the stresses and strains inherent in the world where image is everything. They are proud to represent Kate Dillon, who after battling with anorexia for years withdrew from the business, but Wilhelmina, recognizing her talents, coaxed her into entering their Plus Size division, where she could enjoy the talents she had learned under the glare of the cameras.

Already known for their leadership in the world of modeling, Wilhelmina has been confronted with some important changes recently. In an industry entrenched in convention, they were forced to make a decision about how far to involve technology in their process. Under the guidance of Richard Troost and Casey Doran at Model Network, they made a choice to offer their clientele a far easier, faster and more cost efficient means of doing business.

With fifty percent of their clients being international, Wilhelmina needed to find a way for their clients to select their models and make bookings, even while the U.S. office was closed. Model Network provided the ideal service, working closely with the Wilhelmina, they discussed building a system that would allow their clients to browse model portfolios by division, or other criteria, and even make bookings twenty four/seven. Model Network custom designed a Web site for the agency that not only matched their look and feel, but also provided on-line all the traditional features that their clients were accustomed to using off-line. By using the "Light-box" feature on the site to select the right talent for their clients, bookers can email entire portfolios, thereby replacing the old "dinosaur" system of choosing from cards on the wall, preparing a package and sending it out. Model Networks provided a site, which was cutting edge in design and greatly improved efficiency.

Ray Lata, who made the decision to opt for the Model Network’ solution says, "Going forward we feel that this is the best way to deal with our clients," and he is certain that they made the right choice, "It has been fantastic," he says, "we can do bookings all over the world in a fraction of the time it would have taken us in the past and at less expense to us and the talent."

So, with the majority of their clientele adopting the new on-line system, Wilhelmina is stunned by immediate savings in time and money and an incredible reduction in waste. By cutting out high courier and Fed-Ex bills, time-consuming paperwork, exorbitant printing and reproduction costs, the agency is left free to expand on what they are famous for — taking care of the way the world looks.



| visit Wilhelmina.Com |

The Future of Modeling?

By Cristina DeHart

When I first discovered that models and agencies were turning to the internet as a marketing tool, I have to admit I was skeptical. I know from personal experience that clients strongly prefer casting models in person, so I was unsure as to how successful marketing through these sites would be. Today I stand convinced that the internet is an excellent, low cost way for agencies to market their models and for models to market themselves!

Having modeled for the past 10 years I can definitely say the industry is always changing and staying abreast of these changes will ensure your success in the industry. At the forefront of web design for modeling agencies and models is Rick Troost, creator of www.modelnetwork.com. His innovative, dynamic and user-friendly software allows agencies and models to create their own cost-effective, personalized websites.

After noticing the large amount of money that agencies spent on courier fees, composite cards, agency books, head shots, etc., Rick was convinced there was a better way. With a background in production, Rick set his sights on pioneering the top agencies onto the net. “It was magic, and it started a phenomenon!” said Ken Loo, media director Q Models in New York City. “Don’t get me wrong, there still are industry standards like composite cards and portfolio books, but our costs are significantly reduced with our internet site.“ As a boutique-style, high fashion agency in New York City, Q Models wanted to set the standard on Internet sites for modeling agencies. With this intent, Jeffrey Kolsrud, director of the agency, teamed up with Model Network to provide an agency/client solution that was ahead of its time. When asked, “What makes your site different than others out there?” Ken Loo states, “It’s our interactive features like online video casting and Polaroids that take the guesswork out of booking models for clients.” These innovation s are what keep Rick Troost at Model Network busy building sites for many of the top agencies including Whilhelemina Models who represent over 500 models between New York City, Miami, and Los Angeles. Now most agencies, large and small have constructed sites of their own. But how do you know whether you should take part if an agency invites you onto their site? Make sure they are a reputable agency and check with the Better Business Bureau in your area.

Now, let’s say you are interested in your own website. Personally, I have had great success with my own (www.cristinadehart.com). It allows clients to peruse my entire portfolio. In addition, the online video feature and Polaroids make direct bookings plentiful. If you are new to modeling start with a simple site. Contact an online hosting company and secure your domain name, or go directly to a place like www.modelnetwork.com which provides this information for you. I suggest at al times during this process that you keep your safety in mind. Do not post your address! I would even hesitate to post a home or cell number. Instead, you should affiliate yourself with a reputable agency and post their contact information. The Internet is a wonderful source, but there are still dangers that should be avoided.

Will modeling agencies and models be marketing themselves strictly ove the net in the future? Will we see a day without composite cards, castings, and heavy portfolio books to carry around? Ken Loo believes that, “it is going to take another five to seven years for that to happen. But what is magical about fashion is that it is a young industry and it thrives on change.”

Cristina DeHart has forged a highly successful career in the New York City fashion and beauty, and commercial print modeling, as well as an actor in daytime soap operas and commercials. Cristina has created www.theagencyforum.com that host seminars nationwide to assist models in finding high-quality representation, successful marketing and worthwhile bookings.

It’s official, from fashion agencies: getting tan, you lose health and glamour

UV rays of the sun can do a lot of harm to your skin. Be aware of the summer skin care, do not be laying out in direct sunlight to achieve a bronze tan do not be delighted with that golden suntan. It is not worth the risk. There is no greater factor when it comes to premature aging than the sun's UV rays.

I'll follow the Sun?

Are you a Caucasian (white) woman/girl? This is for you, especially if you are white-haired, blue- or gray-eyed. Do not rush to slip on a new bikini and lay out in the hot sun.
Do not slick your body up in baby oil and tanning lotions so that your skin will draw in the heaviest ultra violet rays, leaving you a hue of golden brown.
Skin cancer doesn't seem to frighten folks away from the sun bathing ritual and chains of tanning bed salons. But does it reinforce what you already know about the effects of UV rays?


Skincare Products vs Skin Cancer

Try contemporary and effective sunless tanning products. You can exfoliate your body in the bath or shower with a quality scrub, and then apply a sunless tanning lotion. In no time flat, you have golden skin that's already moisturized. This is a routine you can do every two or three days instead of sunbathing.
With new-age sunless tanning products, premature aging is not a concern. Your skin is not dried-out, nor is it damaged with spots and wrinkles like it is when you sunbathe.

Plus - a wide-brimmed hat. And cancer is not a worry anymore. Your skin, face and body are your livelihood so why destroy it with sun rays and other factors?

Look at your skin very closely

You may want to take a closer look at your skin. If your complexion is beginning to show a few dark spots and your chest a few wrinkles and freckled patches, then you just might want to re-think your next bout with the sun.

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Becoming a Model: promoting yourself through agencies

If you plan to promote yourself locally put together a professional portfolio and keep contacting model agencies & photographers who may need your services. Be sure to ask questions when contacting agencies. The most important question being: "Do you charge any upfront fees?"

Even if you don't have all the physical requirements for the New York City top model agencies, don't give up hope! There are other options for you. Bob Pardue (at http://www.bobpardue.com/) is one of the best people on the Net that feel both the demand and supply and deliver the goods!

Even though this gentleman's advice relates basically to US-based prospective models, the very approach is well worth your attention.

Let's take a look at Hollywood as an example ..

Hollywood has thousands of actors / actresses working on movie sets all over the world but has very few superstars.

Not Julia Roberts? We can't all be a Julia Roberts or Russell Crowe. The same goes for modeling.

There are models who don't have all the features of Cindy Crawford or Tyra Banks but they are happily working in the modeling industry.

Granted, these models are not making the same money as Cindy or Tyra but hey, are you in modeling just for the money? If so, I would suggest choosing a different profession you really enjoy!!

If you feel that you would be better suited for a local market, I have a list of local modeling agencies by state for you to contact.

Please check out these agencies and talk to their references.

Better still, talk to some working models who've been around for a while and maybe they can recommend a good agency for you. I will be discussing modeling scams in a different chapter so beware!!

Keep checking my Bob Pardue Photography site at http://www.bobpardue.com/ because he will be adding more articles about portfolios and agencies in the future.


Model Agency Scams

There are a lot of fantastic agencies in most states, if you know what you are looking for.


Below are some pitfalls and things to watch out for.

Steer clear of agencies who ask for large sums of money for so called "training" unless you feel that you just want that particular experience. There are plenty of legitimate agencies out there. You may want to try checking modeling agencies for local markets ...

Or,,, If you feel you qualify to reach the New York markets, you can find this agency information at New York Modeling and Talent Agency Listings

I don't have detailed information or endorse any of these agencies so you just have to pick and choose until you find the answers you are looking for.

Below are two articles you should read before venturing out on your own or going to that interview where you were singled out in the mall.

If You've Got The Look, Look Out! Avoiding Modeling Scams - Taken from the Federal Trade Commission www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/services/model.htm


Don't just read, learn it by heart!


Don't Let Them Flatter You!

What could be more flattering? Someone approaches you at the mall and says,

"You could be a model. You've got the 'look' we're after. "

Here's my card. Give me a call to set up an appointment." People have always said you're good looking. Now, visions of glamour, travel and money flash before your eyes.

It's true that some successful models have been discovered in everyday places like malls, boutiques, clubs, and airports. But the vast majority of would-be models knock on door after agency door before work comes their way.



It's All an Act

If and when you make that follow-up appointment, you'll probably find yourself in an office filled with lots of other model and actor hopefuls. Then the spiel starts.

What you thought was a job interview with a talent agency turns into a high-pressure sales pitch for modeling or acting classes, or for "screen tests" or "photo shoots" that can range in price from several hundred to several thousand dollars.

Man, woman, or child -- it makes no difference to bogus model and talent scouts. Often, these scouts are after one thing -- your money -- and will say just about anything to get it. But what they say isn't always what they mean.

Here is some advice taken from consumer advocates, former (modeling) customers and ex-agency employees for avoiding modeling scams:

1. Avoid paying fees in advance. Legitimate agencies make their money from commissions.

2. If you're asked to pay for extra composite cards, check out the company with the Better Business Bureau and state consumer officials.

3. If you are asked to sign a contract, take it home first. If they refuse, walk away.

4. Ask for reference lists of clients and ask what kinds of jobs the agency books.


Be sure to ask questions when contacting agencies. The most important question being: "Do you charge any upfront fees?"

What fashion agencies looking for in models

Many (prospective) models don't really understand what agencies are looking for in a model.

It's important for you as a prospective model to have a general idea before contacting any agencies.


WHAT AGENTS/MODELS LOOK FOR IN MODELS:

For runway and most print work: women 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 11 inches with a dress size between 4 and 8; and men 5 feet 11 inches to 6 feet 3 inches with jacket size of 40 or 42.

Please Read This Before Giving Up Because of Your Height !!

For promotional and commercial work, companies want people with good faces and high energy." Height is not as important in this modeling field so there is still hope for you!

a) You need to be at least 5'8" tall or taller (Only for Runway or High Fashion, NOT COMMERCIAL)

b) Your body weight and proportions need to flatter your height


c) You need to have a good skin complexion without lots of pimples or blemishes


d) Your hair should be in good shape (no excessive split-ends or over-dying damage)


e) Your teeth should be well taken care of, straight and white (a dynamite smile)



Take a serious look in the mirror and get to work on yourself. You may just be a diamond in the rough!