A few words if you want to become a model

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A lot of people dream of becoming a model. And why not? Who wouldn't like to spend her/his days with somebody taking glamorous pictures of them?

 

You are beautiful, and you can certainly make your dream come true. But of course, there is a but…

 

If you are just starting out, please don’t think that once you have a portfolio, agencies and companies will start calling you immediately...It takes commitment. It is truly a long journey of meeting people, doing little gigs and trying to find your niche in a very busy and challenging environment.

 

The only thing I BEG YOU to do is, STAY AWAY FROM STUDIOS OFFERING YOU A FREE PHOTOSHOOT. Stay away from those that tell you that they are in contact with Modelling Agencies and Advertisers.

 

You probably understand that there is no such thing as a free lunch. These studios have to pay the rent and taxes too and of course, they want to make money from you. 

 

Once you get into those studios, an underpaid photographer will take some amazing photos of you, you’ll feel flattered and you’ll end up buying a bunch of unedited photos for more than they are worth. How do I know it? Simple, I was that underpaid photographer ;) …

 

So what can you do instead?

 

 

Well, if you play your cards right and maybe meet some student photographers, you can have some nice photos done and be on your way to create your portfolio. There is nothing wrong in doing TFP (time for print - Free) shooting, we all started that way.

 

When you see that you like to be in front of the camera, you can put some money aside and work with an experienced photographer to create your own photoshoot and have a professional portfolio done. 

 

Remember, as a male model or female model, you’ll have to start like all freelancers, with some free gigs and with day-long gigs that pay just 80£/$100. Don’t trust anybody who tells you that you can earn £2,000 – £3,000 a gig immediately. Of course, there are people who earn that kind of money but they’ve been out there for a long time and they are probably at the top level of the industry.

 

Your personality and physique make you unique. By all means, get your portfolio made but do it first of all to celebrate yourself and your life. Once you are grateful for all you have, you can achieve anything you want. 

 

I’m sorry if I come across as harsh. I don't mean to discourage you. I just want to open your eyes to what can be a magical but very tricky environment. I’ve been a portrait photographer and a fashion photographer for quite some time now and I can tell you that there are a lot of dodgy people out there. 

 

If the photographer who will eventually help you in your journey happens to be me, I would be more than happy to work with you to co-create some pictures that you will cherish forever. Good luck with your journey!

 

Speak soon.

 

Paul