Lifestyle

Modeling: Understanding the Business Aspect

12 May

Understand the importance of client-focused modeling. Success in modeling goes beyond looks; it is about teamwork, respect and results.

With hobby-level effort you will never be successful as a model. Professional models can use their looks so we can produce pictures that sell.

It’s not about you, the model, but about the client who invests money so we can shoot together. The goal is to make the client more money than they invested in the shoot!

If you don’t understand that sentence it’s best you keep shooting with hobby-level photographers so you (hopefully) can get some pretty pictures for yourself.

It’s about being humble because it takes a collaborative effort to produce pictures that sell. It takes all of us, a good photographer, model, hair stylist, makeup artist, wardrobe stylist and client!

It’s about treating everybody on set with respect, like they are a valued human being and not simply someone to be used.

What Is The Difference Between A “New Face” Model And A Professional Model?

As a new face model it would be great if you know that you don’t know anything yet, that would be a good start.

Just because you have been told you are “pretty” doesn’t mean you know how to model. For example, can you convey different moods, such as happiness, sadness, anger, fear, excitement, calmness, sensuality?

How many hours do you spend in front of a mirror each week honing your craft, not painting your face? How else are you trying to improve your posing and conveying of different moods in a strong manner if not in front of a mirror?

What’s your “strong side” when it comes to facial expression? How much time does it take for you to feel comfortable to shine in front of the camera? 10 shots, 25 shots or 50 shots?

When I’m shooting with a great professional model she knows how to give me “great shots” with ease because she knows her body and how to pose well.

She understands we are in business and not stroking egos. She spend hours in front of a mirror and has done hundreds of photoshoots so she knows all of these important factors for success.

With a “new face” model I may only get 3 different looks done in 8 hrs of shooting, whereas with a professional model I may get 8 different look done in the same amount of time.

With a professional model I take 25 shots and 20 of them are awesome so we can move on to the next look fast. With a “new face” model I may have to take 100 shots to get 3-5 shots that look great.

Are You Living In Realty Or LaLa Land?

Many “new face” models are not living in reality. They may have been told they look “good” but the thing is we are not doing a photoshoot to produce “pretty pictures” that are sharp.

Instead we are doing a photoshoot to produce pictures that “sell”. There is a difference!

This is where it becomes difficult because a lot of “models” have been told they look good and they can do whatever they want because they are special.

Unfortunately I have to break that bubble that this is not the case because not everybody can be a champion.

There is a reason why certain people are champions, winners, and others are losers. 2nd place is 1st looser, do you understand?

Now, you can tell yourself that you are a champion but people who have risen to the top simply know who is a champion and who isn’t, who is in “La La Land”, as I call it.

Champions know who they are looking for. Usually, with time, there is a separation, some models move on and other models stop modeling altogether. There is a reason for it.

When It Comes To “New Face” Models Who Do I Choose To Work With?

It’s very simple. Your “look” is not really that important, it’s only important to a certain degree: are you a good fit with what I need / want to convey in my mood board?

Most important is that the model has self-confidence! In other words, you can look “unattractive” but if you have confidence in front of the camera the pictures will come out great.

Important for me is that I have a “new face” model who is willing to learn and improve her skills, because as a “new face” model hopefully you know that you don’t know everything yet.

That would be a great start.

I surround myself with a great team so I can get something out of them and also I treat them like a human beings and make sure that they feel comfortable.

I don’t hit on my models nor do I eye them like I want to have sex with them. There are certain things I would not do because I don’t care about that stuff. That’s not the reason why I do what I do, for me.

Again, it’s not about producing a sharp, pretty picture. Anybody can do that! You can take your cell phone and take pretty pictures, but that’s not it! If that’s what was needed to be successful then anybody could do that.

Instead, we have to produce pictures that other people are willing to spend money on. That is the important part here.

Modeling Is A Business: There Is Pressure To Produce Money

If you want to be booked as a model, which is already great, then we need to deliver outstanding results but if you want to get rebooked as a model then we need to produce pictures that make the client more money than he spent on the photoshoot!

Think about it. If a client gives me a e.g. $10,000 budget for a photoshoot and let’s assume they sell fashion, and per shirt they are selling the client makes $10 PROFIT, then the client needs to sell 1000 shirts just to break even!

That means we are not talking about a local fashion designer or fashion boutique because they won’t be selling 1000 shirts.

So, now after we produced the pictures for a client who paid me $10,000 for the photoshoot the client is going to use the pictures for marketing purposes.

In marketing you attach numbers to everything, mainly engagement and SALES. Sales are most important because the client invested $10,000 with the anticipation to make that money back, and more.

What do you think happens if a client comes to me and gives me $10,000 and I hire models, hair, makeup, wardrobe, etc. and then we produce pictures that make the client e.g. $3,500?

Do you think I’m going to get rebooked as a photographer? Do you think I’m going to rebook you as a model?

Exactly, NO!

So, it’s all about the NUMBERS and hence there is pressure to meet and exceed expectations!

We are in BUSINESS here. Hence, we have to produce pictures that SELL.

There are thousands of people who can take sharp, pretty pictures but that isn’t it!

Model Shoot For Your Starter Portfolio

The model shoot for your starter portfolio is a great way to kick off your modeling career. And we offer it at an affordable price!

You’ll get more tips and tricks from an experienced team to help you with your posing in front of the camera.

And, of course, great pictures for your portfolio…all at an affordable price.

You have to start your career somewhere and the model shoot for your starter portfolio is a great way to kick it off. You’ll work with a team of professional artists in a fun & positive atmosphere.

Because you have professional artists helping you on your first journey, and they’ll share some of their tips & tricks, you’ll have a great foundation to hit the ground running.

Some of the final images may be published in The Prestige Magazine for promotion, visibility, image/brand development and formal advertising for the model.

What To Expect During The Model Shoot

During the model shoot you are taught how to pose perfectly for the camera to produce the strongest and most attention grabbing images for your professional portfolio.

The following article will give you more detailed information on what to expect & how it works:

Professional Level Photoshoot: How It Works