I have some suggestions with regards to people interested in starting in modeling.
1. Get goal oriented. When you come to one of our open shoots, you want to have an idea about what you want to accomplish.
a. Think of poses. Cut photos out of magazines. Print out pictures and start a scrap book of poses
b. Think of wardrobe. Mix & match what you have. Borrow clothes. Don’t forget shoes. Wigs can make for great shots as well
c. Practice. Use a full length mirror and practice poses and facial expression. Don’t just try bland expressions and poses. Try different. Use a point & shoot camera to take pictures – Learn to use the self timer so you can put the camera down. Don’t hand hold the camera or everything will look like a Selfie.
2. Get ready
a. Hairstyle and color.
b. Look at your eyebrows. DON”T over pluck
c. Armpit hair and leg hair
d. Nails well cared for – no need to spend big bucks
e. Makeup. None. Let the Makeup artist worry about that.
f. Some acne is ok. We can help with that.
g. DO NOT OVER TAN. You will look orange on camera. It’s ok if you are dark skinned, but tanning makes you look like an oompa loompa from willie wonka – lol
h. lips – take care of them so they don’t chap.
3. Be prepared for the nudity question
a. There are different kinds – full, topless & implied. Full & topless are self explanatory. Implied is when you are nude with props or something covering various areas in an “artful” pose
b. Consider an escort regardless of whether there will be nudity or not.
c. Know what is being asked of you up front. Get the facts.
d. Stand by your convictions. If you’re not comfortable then just don’t do it.
e. Look at a photographer’s previous work. If their stuff looks like trash, then any nude shots they take won’t have artistic merit.
4. Safety
a. Bring an escort
b. If no one is available to escort you, then set check in times where you can phone someone at regular intervals and also setup a stress word you can use in case of coercion.
c. Know the address you’re shooting at and leave it with someone you trust.
5. Resources for models
a. onemodelplace.com – Free to join – only 5 images to start
b. modelmayhem.com – Free to join – 20 images to start, pro level is $10.00/month
6. Magazines & books
Glamour
GQ
Ebony
Grace Ormonde – Wedding Style
Elle
Vogue
Vanity Fair
Iman – The Beauty of Color