The fashion industry is highly competitive, and most girls start at a very young age. There are a lot of articles about how to maintain body weight or apply for modelling agencies, or how to take good digitals. While this is all very helpful, I feel like other aspects that beginner models should know about.
- Safety firstThere are some horrid stories that we all heard and wished could have been avoided. That’s why increasing awareness of safety aspects is essential.As a beginner, you might need to build your portfolio and collaborate with different and unfamiliar people. It is not always possible for you to bring someone with you to the photo session, but there are other things you can do to be safe.
1. Always check the credentials of photographers you will work with (google them, ask for references).
2. Request the location long enough before a photo session that you can share it with your family member/friend, or manager.
3 .Make sure your location services on your phone are switched on, and make sure you have a full battery.
4. Request a mood board and discuss a range of posing. Observe how the photographer talks if he uses professional language. Etc.
5. Evaluate any last-minute changes that sound suspicious and make you feel uncomfortable. For example, suppose there is a last-minute change of location. If a team member cancels, or you are suddenly not allowed to bring someone with you to the shoot, consider cancelling.
6. Don’t ever drink alcohol before or at the photo session! Besides that, it is totally unprofessional. It can also get you in serious trouble. No professional photographer or brand would offer you a drink at a photo session. Hence, it’s not a good sign if it happens.
7. If your photo session or fashion show finishes late, ask someone from the team to walk you to the car or wait with you for a taxi.
8. Report any inappropriate activity.
- Collaborate only with reputable brandsBe selective with the brands you work with, as it will represent the kind of modelling you do. Remember- the photos are forever, and nothing ever gets deleted from the Internet. Think twice before signing a contract with a company, especially if it is an alcohol or lingerie brand. It is all about the image you want to show and what you want to have in your portfolio. Sometimes it is better to pass on an offer. Keep in mind that many reputable brands won’t work with models with too explicit content or advertised alcohol.
- Be confident and embrace your beauty.Confidence is beauty. Feeling good in your own skin and self-acceptance will make you look more beautiful than any makeup or clothes. It’s easier said than done because realizing that you will be judged by your look might be overwhelming. Self-development work
- Get good digitalsDigitals are unedited, simple photos without makeup or styling, usually taken against a white background. You will need a whole body, 3/4 of the body, and portraits. You can ask someone to take them for you or even do it yourself. Digitals don’t need to be taken by a professional photographer.
- Train your skillsEven tho modeling does not require any special education. Your look and attitude are not enough. You need to have specific skills to work in the fashion industry, and there’s quite a lot to learn. First, you should know basics like applying for agencies and what to bring to the castings. It is essential to learn how to pose and walk the runway. Remember, there are different styles and different requirements. There is an entirely different walking style during Paris or New York Fashion Week and Miami Swim Week. Also, while taking your photos, you will be required to do different poses and facial expressions. To high fashion and. When you are promoting lifestyle products or bikinis. You can hire a professional coach, enroll in a course, or research the Internet.
Training and improving skills is essential not just for beginner models; everyone in the industry needs to stay on top of the game.
- Sign with a management company or modelling agency.A good manager or agent can help you secure positions that are hard to get for freelancer models. You can either sign on an exclusive or non-exclusive basis. Having a manager or agent will simply make your life easier and provide safety.
- Take care of your mental and physical health.During castings, your look will be judged, so you must look your best. Your diet should be healthy, full of vegetables, fruits, and no alcohol. You should have a healthy sleep cycle and remember to rest well, especially before castings, photo sessions, and fashion shows. It’s crucial to stay hydrated. Also, when you drink a lot of water, you remove excess water that causes swelling and cellulite. However, what’s most important you need to take care of is your mental health. Many people working in the entertainment industry get mental problems like anxiety and depression because they don’t look after their mental health. Remember to rest, meditate, spend time in nature, and have regular breaks from social media.