Getting into Modeling & What to Expect.
Is Modeling a Good Career Choice in 2021?
Just like any other profession, modeling has it’s ups and downs. Unlike a standard 9 - 5 job there are plenty of uncertainties like Seasonal Lulls (Winter), Competition in Landing Jobs & Trend Requirements. If you’re ready to go on a path of self-development, networking, and patience. Yes! Modeling is a good career choice for 2021.
A Professional Modeling Portfolio, Do I need one?
Many Modeling Agencies in Toronto do not require a Professional Portfolio for Representation. Three simple pictures, a headshot, mid-shot, and full-length against a plain white wall using your phone’s camera, will be enough for you to be considered for an Agency Representation. However, if you’re serious about your journey as a Model and have never experienced working with a professional, creating a modeling portfolio with a professional fashion photographer would give you an insight into how the industry works and whether you are capable of understanding requirements and instructions during a photoshoot. A professional portfolio also helps you stand out during casting and helps portray your abilities in front of the camera as a model.
How do I pick the right Modeling Agency?
Like every metropolitan city, Toronto has a whole lot of Modeling Agencies but picking the right and legit one is the most important first step. Make sure you read an Agencies Google Reviews, Social Media Presence & First Impression. A legit modeling agency will never cast you at a mall, contact you, charge you for representation and promise you work. You can learn more about finding the right agency in this Modeling Agency Guide.
Develop Yourself.
There is a common misconception about being a Model as a Part-Time Hobby. Just like any other career, being a professional model takes time, practice and investment. Before making the decision to invest in a Portfolio or approaching an Agency, mentally prepare yourself for a 6 - 12 month timeline to truly understand yourself, what you can bring to a photo-shoot, and better yourself as a professional. Avoid having an expectation of any paid campaigns for up-to 6 months from the start of your modeling journey.
Starting off by practicing posing is the best way to understand yourself and gain the much required confidence. Follow these steps:
Which Profile of mine looks best (Left/Right)?
Do I prefer my chin down or up?
Do I look best looking away or right at the camera?
These are a few foundational questions you should ask yourself before practicing posing in front of the mirror. The best starting point to answer these questions is to look at your pictures, especially your selfies. How do you take them, which profile of yours is always facing the camera, do you hold your phone high, low or face height. This should be your ultimate goal: YouTube: Coco Rocha
Pinterest is your Best Friend.
There are tons of pictures available on Pinterest for you to start creating your own Mood Boards. A Mood Board is a series of images for references.
Start by creating 3 Mood Boards:
Poses: Look for and save pictures of photo-shoots based on what poses appeal to you as a model.
Feel: Search for broad terms like “Fashion Photography”. Save the images that appeal to you and add it to your second board. Look back at them and ask yourself what did you save? Outdoor pictures or Studio pictures, Hard Light or Soft Light, Color or Black & White.
Color: Repeat the “Feel” board steps, but this time save images by what wardrobe you like from the photo-shoot images.
Once you have saved enough images on all 3 boards, dial it back and look at them. Look into your boards and ask yourself Why, How & Who. Practice your saved poses, understand why did you prefer certain images in your feel board and what colors you have an affinity towards.
Nudity is Never Needed.
A portfolio or an Agency will NEVER require a nude portfolio from you. If you’re researching photographer’s for your shoot (paid or collaborations) and they recommend a nude look, BLOCK THEM. It is up to you entirely, if nudity is something you want, then do it.
Getting into Modeling is a daunting journey and people don’t know where to start. Research every move before going all in or Get In Touch and let us do all the heavy lifting