How To Get Into Modeling

[Tania Fonseca]

How To Get Into Modeling: Advice from Tania Fonseca

I come across the question: How can I get into modeling? Quite often.

 

I have decided to inform all of you who are interested in modeling on how you can possibly reach your goal.

My way of getting into modeling was a little different since I began working for a photography company so in a way I received great help from photographers and such.

▪   You must build up your portfolio before ever trying to book a gig or go to a casting call.

 

How do you build your portfolio?

Many choose to do "TFP" [Time-For-Print(s)] with photographers when starting out or when building their portfolios. A "TFP" shoot is where you are not getting paid nor are you paying the photographer for the shoot. You as a model are giving your time and in return he/she will give you shots that you can use for your portfolio. In many cases some professional/well-known photographers do not do "TFP" with "amateur" models which leads the models who are starting out to approach a professional photographer who charges for his/her services in order to get good shots for their port. (many professional models took this route) At times it may be better to contact a photographer with experience than one who is barely starting out because the quality of your images will be a lot better! 

 

I believe when people hear the word "Model" or "modeling" they think of high-fashion/runway modeling as being it. On the contrary, that is one little root from a whole tree full of different types of modeling. I believe there is a demand for everything now. From Pinup, to Alternative, to Cosplay (to name a few) there is a want for several different genres. 

 

Networking is another "must", you have to get to know the people within the industry of your choice. You then can help each other out and so on.

Becoming published is another great big step, so find out about magazines that publish stuff of your interest and contact them in order to know how you can submit and be a part of their publication.

 

Here are a few tips on what are the things to look out for when working with photographers.

 

TIPS:

1.) ALWAYS take a bodyguard/friend/witness with you to every shoot in which you don't know the photographer or a shoot you don't feel comfortable to be alone in.

2.) If the photographer DOES NOT let you bring someone with you then I recommend for you to not work with the photographer, most likely he/she is a "pervert."

3.) Ask before leaving whether you can publish the photos online or if you can submit them to magazines (release forms are usually needed).

4.) BEWARE of in home studios! 

5.) BEWARE of scams! Do not send any money orders back to a photographer that paid you "too much" or that you are not sure will give you his/her photography services.

 

xoxo,

Tania Fonseca