So you want to be an Alt Model....
I've been getting quite a few emails from girls wanting to get into vintage, burlesque and fetish modelling, asking for advice. First of all, I don't really identify myself as a model, but i have done a lot of modelling and continue to do so in a promotional and a recreational capacity. Now what I mean by that is that I do shoots that i pay for to promote my burlesque work, often in return for other modelling work that the photographer requires. I am not and have never been represented by an agency. (Edit: Now represented by Shoot DHS Models!) With that in mind, I CAN give you some tips on where to begin, but keep in mind my advice only comes from my own experience.
WARNING: I'll be blunt, as usual!
So if you'd like to get into any kind of modelling my advice is this:
*Get a portfolio of shots. Either pay for them to get done or ask any photographer friends of yours to take some studio shots of you, in three or four different styles (perhaps black and white 40's style, a playful swimwear shot in colour and maybe a fetish style one too). You could put out an ad on facebook to see if any student photographers want to use you as a model so you can get it for free? DO NOT apply for modelling jobs without professional shots. They will not answer you.
*Don't forget to include CLOSE UP as well as FULL BODY shots. This is the time you need to get honest with yourself and to build a thick skin for rejection. Let's face it, you're going to need to be somewhat attractive or to scrub up real well. Me? I ain't no belle of the ball without my make up and support hose. But i know how to scrub up. But this isn't enough for a modelling agency. They'll want you to look good in a boob tube with no bra and minimal make up. Do you?? If not, what can you offer an agency? They are paying you after all... if not, maybe it's just worth stopping here, paying for a lovely make over and photo shoot and indulging as a recreational sport.
*Get used to the camera. Being pretty is one thing - being a good model is totally different! You may be surprised at how long it takes to get used to a studio shoot, it's quite odd and takes a while to relax and get good shots! Talk to your photographer always, make him or her comfortable, have a joke and then discuss what you want to do, it'll make things much quicker.
*Once you have some nice shots, you could think about approaching modelling agencies and latex, goth, fetish wear, lingerie or vintage reproduction clothing companies about modelling for them. They could be dresses, hats, swimwear, corsets, underwear, stockings, shoes or even make-up companies. Get on Google and make a list of all the companies you can find in the feild you are interested in. If they are small and independent they will be glad for some help in promoting their product. You could ask to even act as a spokesperson. Tell them you will talk about them on Facebook and Twitter and carry their business cards, wear their products to events and promote them. It may not be paid work at first. They may just give you clothes, but at least it adds to your portfolio.
*Consistently update your portfolio. A lot of companies won't accept shots older than 3 months. People get so many girls sending them pics of a size 10 girl and then a size 16 turns up on the day or they have cut all their hair off or dyed it pink. They need recent shots so always put the date on the file name.
*Finally, if you are working with a photographer you don't know, always take a friend, just in case he is a sleaze! I am not joking. The stories you hear...
WARNING: I'll be blunt, as usual!
So if you'd like to get into any kind of modelling my advice is this:
*Get a portfolio of shots. Either pay for them to get done or ask any photographer friends of yours to take some studio shots of you, in three or four different styles (perhaps black and white 40's style, a playful swimwear shot in colour and maybe a fetish style one too). You could put out an ad on facebook to see if any student photographers want to use you as a model so you can get it for free? DO NOT apply for modelling jobs without professional shots. They will not answer you.
*Don't forget to include CLOSE UP as well as FULL BODY shots. This is the time you need to get honest with yourself and to build a thick skin for rejection. Let's face it, you're going to need to be somewhat attractive or to scrub up real well. Me? I ain't no belle of the ball without my make up and support hose. But i know how to scrub up. But this isn't enough for a modelling agency. They'll want you to look good in a boob tube with no bra and minimal make up. Do you?? If not, what can you offer an agency? They are paying you after all... if not, maybe it's just worth stopping here, paying for a lovely make over and photo shoot and indulging as a recreational sport.
*Get used to the camera. Being pretty is one thing - being a good model is totally different! You may be surprised at how long it takes to get used to a studio shoot, it's quite odd and takes a while to relax and get good shots! Talk to your photographer always, make him or her comfortable, have a joke and then discuss what you want to do, it'll make things much quicker.
*Once you have some nice shots, you could think about approaching modelling agencies and latex, goth, fetish wear, lingerie or vintage reproduction clothing companies about modelling for them. They could be dresses, hats, swimwear, corsets, underwear, stockings, shoes or even make-up companies. Get on Google and make a list of all the companies you can find in the feild you are interested in. If they are small and independent they will be glad for some help in promoting their product. You could ask to even act as a spokesperson. Tell them you will talk about them on Facebook and Twitter and carry their business cards, wear their products to events and promote them. It may not be paid work at first. They may just give you clothes, but at least it adds to your portfolio.
*Consistently update your portfolio. A lot of companies won't accept shots older than 3 months. People get so many girls sending them pics of a size 10 girl and then a size 16 turns up on the day or they have cut all their hair off or dyed it pink. They need recent shots so always put the date on the file name.
*Finally, if you are working with a photographer you don't know, always take a friend, just in case he is a sleaze! I am not joking. The stories you hear...