Questions Answered

What is editorial modeling?
How much can I earn as a model?
As a model, do I work for a modeling agency?
Who pays for a model's portfolio & composites?
How much do photos & composites cost?
How do I choose a photographer?
Who owns the copyright to a photograph?
How often should I update my portfolio?
How much money do I need to invest?
Should I hire a make-up artist when I'm shooting?
Should I pay an agency up-front to represent me?
What about those modeling schools?
Someone approached me about modeling - what should I do?
Which is better, freelancing or having an agent?
I have tattoo's & body piercing, is this OK?
I'm 5'4", is this too short for modeling?
I'm 25, is this too old to start modeling?
Which US cities are main modeling markets?
Do you have any suggestions for applying make-up?
 

What is editorial modeling?
Editorial modeling is when a model works for a specific publication and not the advertisers within the pages of the publication. E.g. a magazine targeted towards teenage girls may have an article about teenage anxiety and depression. The photo shoot would involve the casting of a model that would possess a look that would target the specific group. The model and photographer are essentially telling a story in imagery that compliments the written article adjacent to it. Posing on the cover of a magazine is also considered editorial work and it is this sort of thing that can lead models to the high fashion doorways of modeling in a flash.

How much can I earn as a model?
It really depends on the market and the type of modeling you're in. Here are a few examples of rates in the New York City area:

Consumer advertising - $200 - $300 / hour
Trade advertising - $200 / hour
Catalog - $150 / hour
Editorial - $200 - $300 / day
The exceptional models with well established careers often make in excess of $50,000 a day.

These rates also depend on the experience of the model and who negotiated the job. Usually, the more experience, the higher the rates.

As a model, do I work for a Modeling Agency?
Actually, the modeling agency works for the model! They promote and find work for the models.

Who pays for a model's portfolio & comp cards?
The model is responsible for these costs in most cases. Some agencies like Elite Looks will provide a portfolio in some cases.                 more info here

How much do photos & comp cards cost?
Composites cost about $200 for 100 cards. Photos cost anywhere between $350 to $800 for 5 great shots to put on your comp-card and portfolio. Some photographers will charge per the roll of film - between $100 and $200 a roll. It is not correct to assume that the most expensive photographer will be the best, and it's not a good idea to choose a photographer on the basis of lack of money. Some examples here

How do I choose a photographer?
There are three main factors to consider when choosing a photographer:
 

1) Cost
You can only pay what you can afford, but it's better to save up than settle for a photographer who's cheaper and not able to put you in the best light. Get the best photographer you can possibly afford.

2) Ability
This is an area you may need some help with because not everyone knows by looking at a photographer's portfolio, whether he is good or not. If you have doubts, contact modeling agencies or experienced models and ask for their advice in the matter. Don't be afraid to ask for a sample of their best work. If the photographer does not have his/her work online then you should find someone more familiar with the modern world of modeling and online presentation. Online is the best bang for the buck in the long or short run.

3) Reputation
It is important that you feel comfortable with the photographer because a good chemistry between a photographer and model is essential for the shoot to not only go smoothly, but result in some great images for the model's portfolio. Speak to people who have worked with the photographer, see what they say - word of mouth is still the best way to measure the credentials of a photographer.  We also have our Elite Looks data base of photographers around the globe.

Who owns the copyright to the photographs?
The photographer or the client of a project owns the copyright to the photographs. The only time the models owns the copyright is if the photographer has specifically signed them over in writing as property of the model. This is very seldom done however, and models should not expect to receive negatives or slides as part of their portfolio. They will receive prints from the photographer, and although they have the physical images in their possession, the actual copyright to those images still belongs to the photographer.

How often should I update or change my portfolio?
Since the very nature of modeling and fashion operates on ever-changing trends, so should models too, by maintaining a current look with your book. This is even more true if a model has changed their look by cutting or changing the color of their hair. The portfolio should reflect the model's current look as well as the current fashion trend. Considering all these factors, it is probably a good idea to revamp your portfolio on an annual basis - this could possibly mean replacing every image in the book.

How much money do I need to invest?
The minimum amount to invest is between $500 - $2000 which goes to your comp-cards and portfolio (photographer, make-up artist, prints, etc. This obviously depends on the market you're in but is a good average.

Should I hire a make-up artist / hair stylist when shooting my portfolio?
Some photographers do everything, hair, make-up and then shoot. I personally don't believe in the "jack of all trades" approach and prefer to specialize in my photography. While I obviously have a thorough understanding of the styling process, I leave that up to a professional make-up artist to handle. Some girls I have come across do their own make-up, but very few are able to do a satisfactory job. I strongly suggest the hiring of a make-up artist because even an excellent job by the photographer in the shooting process could yield an unusable image for the model, if the make-up didn't work properly. Remember, it's the complete image that sells you as a model. A make-up artist usually charges about $70 - $150 a session.

Should I pay an agency up-front to represent me?
Not legitimate ones! They make their money from a 10-25% commission on every job they get you. Be careful of those agencies that charge you a fee for joining them!

What about modeling schools?
This is probably one of the most abused areas of the modeling industry. There are a few good ones out there, but there are some that will take models' money for modeling classes and the models will never work a day in their life. A warning sign for a scam: If the modeling school seems to accept anyone into their modeling classes, chances are that they have no interest in finding work for anyone in their school - they're perfectly happy making their revenue from tuition fees. If you have no desire to work in the modeling industry, then it could be treated as a sort of charm / finishing school.

Someone approached me about modeling, what should I do?
Lots of models are discovered every day by scouts, agents and photographers. There is still reason for caution however, so don't give your last name and phone number to them. Rather take their business card and contact them at your convenience.

Which is better: freelance modeling or having agency representation?
Freelance modeling has become a little easier now with the internet, but for a beginner model, the best way to go is to  sign up with a good and reputable modeling agency. A new model who knows nothing of the market, needs all the help they can get when it comes to the modeling business.

I have a tattoo and several piercings - is this OK?
Generally, tattoos and body piercings are only going to limit your chances of getting work, unless they are small or hidden enough not to get in the way of the eye or the camera.

I'm 5'4", is this too short for modeling?
Technically, anything under 5'7" in the modeling world is classified as petite in nature. The problem is, those models who are 5'6" will get nearly all the fashion and editorial work. Swimsuit and lingerie modeling, however, do tend to have less restriction on the height requirement. As long as you're in proportion, height shouldn't be a problem in those fields. The other option to consider is acting and TV commercial modeling.  See CastingUSA.com

I'm 25, am I too old to start modeling?
A few years ago, I would have said yes and nothing more. But today, with the trend to represent a more accurate image of the public's physical profile, fashion houses and cosmetic companies are hiring older and more "normal" looking people to represent the average person in catalogs, commercials, posters, etc. Although it's not accurate to say that these type models they use are plain by any means. A good example is Liz Hurley who started modeling at 28 years of age, and had been acting before that.

Which US cities are main modeling markets?
Below are some of the major markets in the U.S. including what they're known for, in terms of modeling opportunities:

Boston: Catalog

Chicago: Catalog, Advertising, TV

Dallas: Catalog. Film

Houston: Catalog

Los Angeles: Catalog, Editorial, TV, Film

Miami: Catalog, Film

New York: Advertising, Runway, Catalog, Editorial, Film

Phoenix: Catalog

San Francisco: Catalog

Washington, DC: Catalog

Do you have any suggestions for applying make-up?
Here are some tips that will help you apply your make-up in a more professional manner -- whether you're a model or not, in front of the camera or just simply in the office.

1. For a light sheer look, dampen sponge before applying foundation.

2. If you have shallow skin, pick a foundation that disappears on your face. To counteract your skin tone choose a pink or rosy blush.

3. Use foundation all over your eyelid, powder with a clear dust before eye color application. This helps to keep color truer and it will last longer.

4. Make sure to blend the foundation on to your jawline and slightly on to your neck. Otherwise you will have a line from your jaw to your neck and it will look like you're wearing a face mask.

5. Don't test foundation or concealer color on your hand. Match it with the skin on your face and neck.

6. Be careful with shimmery products, especially on your eyes, they tend to collect in the creases. These colors are definitely not appropriate in the work place.

7. If you have large and open eyes, do not use loud or bright colors which will over-emphasize the fullness. Go for soft shades instead.

8. On deep-set eyes, you should use shadow colors that are on the light side of the color spectrum. Remember the rule 'light brings out'.

9. To avoid lipstick from feathering, line your mouth with a lip pencil and apply powder over foundation.

10. Always choose a lip liner that matches your lip color.

11. Be careful with very matte and long wearing lipsticks, they can be very dry. Creamy formulas are a lot more flattering. For more lip definition, try a soft color lip pencil under your lipstick.

12. Don't pump your mascara wand into the mascara container. This pushes air into the container and makes the mascara dry out faster. Gently insert the wand, turn two or three times, then remove and apply to the lashes.

13. Always use less mascara on your lower lashes.

14. For clumpy eyelashes, use a lash comb to remove clumps.

15. If your mascara thickens when it reaches the end of the tube, place tube in warm water. This will help make the mascara thinner.

16. If you are thinking of lightening your brows, try a colored mascara first to see what they'd look like.

17. If you want your eyebrows to stay in place, put clear mascara on them or a little hairspray on the eyebrow groomer and brush to the desired shape.

18. Brow hairs do not grow back thicker from plucking, sometimes they do not grow back at all. Be sure to invest in a good pair of tweezers.

19. Wearing lighter colored clothing helps to reflect light on to the face.

20. The biggest favor you can do your skin, is to wear sunscreen everyday.

21. Don't smoke. If you have a smoking habit you should put in the closet and take no chances of it being a pitfall in your career.

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