Models and Modeling is a skilled craft. I have lot of respect for talented Models.

What you you Models out there do to hone you craft?
How do you make yourself better at Modeling?
Do you take take any formal training?

So what do you do to keep up?

There are plenty of Models out there who think it about just being pretty and thin. I know from working with a few hundred Models that is much more than being pretty.

I think it would be appropriate if Models answer this question.

Thanks,
Mark

Acting classes.

For what it's worth Mark, I encurage the newer models to TFP/CD with as many photogrphers as they feel comfortable with which gives them real live experiance.

Craig

for me, it's simply been going to shoots... I could see and feel improvement from my first shoot to the second with Israel... of course, the fact that I did two shoots with Israel Colon probably didn't hurt

of course, neither did my 11 years of dance training....

For some it's just intuitive.  I worked with a model on Saturday who did a fantastic job of posing herself.  Shot about 250 images and probably could use 200 of them.  OTOH, I've worked with a lot of models who were stiff as a board.

Paul

Well...I'm no expert, but for me I have learned and grown from the photographers I've worked with, studied what I have seen others do, and looked at lots of magazine ads.

When models ask me what they can do, I tell them get in front of a mirror and pratice different expressions. Not just facial, but body. Look over magazines, not just one style, but MANY as there's tons to learn in each one.

I learn from photogs. I've shot with some pretty good ones here in the midwest. If you pay attention, they will teach you about lights and everything. And, I have done a lot of TFPs that's for sure. And, I finally learned my way to the DAV for clothes. THAT was getting expensive. Take the photog with you if he has time. Plus, it is a good way to get to know each other and you will be more comfortable in a shoot. Taking Dean Johnson to Victoria's Secret was a real hoot!!! And they have a really good return policy.

Ive had models ask me this question before. I tell them they need to spend a lot of time in front of a mirror practicing poses and facial expression. a very large mirror or mirrors preferrably. and to look at magazines for poses. Models have come back to me months and years later with thanks yous for this advice. So far, it seems to have worked the best. I think acting classes would do wonders if you have the time and money.

There are some answers in here:
https://modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=7912

I practice most days infront of a mirror. Find a pose I like and then close my eyes and see how it feels cause on a shoot you don't have a mirror infront of you, wish i did! Any new outfits I buy I try on and see how they look best and also always check out the magazines and keep copies of all the poses I like. Don't know about anyone else but some weeks i'm working everyday and others none so thats not enough if you want to be great!
Nina
xxx

I've only worked with one model. But I am looking for chances to get better at photography.. I like to find people that are on vaction and need someone to take their picture with their camera. Once  I take care of their needs I ask if I can take a picture of them with my camera.. Sometimes they allow it.  I was at the dedication of a new fire station and a young woman wanted a picture of her son with an old fire truck they had on display. Of course I jumped at the chance to do this for this woman. ... She was great in all the images. Her son,I am guessing 3 1/2. Looked like it was nap time for him .He didn't want to smile or do anything for his mother. So we just shrugged it off and took the shots she wanted.

for me it is having people ask me to portray certain emotions, also I gain experience from working.