Model
Angela Benedict
Posts: 331
Norwich, England, United Kingdom
I guess I'm what the industry would call vertically challenged. Being only slightly over 5'2'' I'm pretty much laughed at when looking for representation. The only thing is, I'm not looking to be a double threat (runway AND print). I just want to do fashion/editorial print work. In photos, I do NOT appear as short as I am and most models don't.
For runway I can understand the need for height as I've been given a few explanations. One being that designers tend to make garments in one size and given time issues they prefer only do minor alterations to suit each model. Another was that in fashion shows some people are quite a distance from the runway and the taller the model the more visible the garment to those not seated front and center.
Now the big question. Why do models need to be 5'7'' and above for print? Someone here has GOT to know.
Model
Angela Benedict
Posts: 331
Norwich, England, United Kingdom
Thanks!
(great shots btw)
Model
Josie Nutter
Posts: 5865
Seattle, Washington, US
Pretty much, yeah. I'm 5'2", and because of that, everything I do is for fun only.
Model
Phoenix E
Posts: 596
i'll join in this bitching.....
yeah, i think blatant height requirements are just ridiculous......i am very much built like a runway model, not a print model....i have no breasts, and a slightly less than coventional facial structure..............and i'm 5'8''
Model
Burnz F
Posts: 162
San Diego, California, US
Angela Benedict wrote:
I guess I'm what the industry would call vertically challenged. Being only slightly over 5'2'' I'm pretty much laughed at when looking for representation. The only thing is, I'm not looking to be a double threat (runway AND print). I just want to do fashion/editorial print work. In photos, I do NOT appear as short as I am and most models don't.
For runway I can understand the need for height as I've been given a few explanations. One being that designers tend to make garments in one size and given time issues they prefer only do minor alterations to suit each model. Another was that in fashion shows some people are quite a distance from the runway and the taller the model the more visible the garment to those not seated front and center.
Now the big question. Why do models need to be 5'7'' and above for print? Someone here has GOT to know. Hey y'all, I'll pitch my 2 cents... from what I have learned over the past years, there are quite a few reasons why they (agencies, or most of them atleast) prefer a 5'7 and above for commercial print, but the most common I have heard from casting agents, art directors, etc, is this: "IT DOES NOT LIMIT AN AGENT TO SEND A TALLER GIRL TO ONLY COMMERCIAL AUDITIONS, THUS GIVES THEM AND THE MODEL MORE OPPORTUNITY TO EARN MORE!" Simple as that... I guess, it is pretty smart for an agent to do that, but do not lose hope because there are agencies out there who will take you in, as long as you have the edge to make it out there... It is difficult for shorter models to make it in this industry because agents feel that shorter models are only limited to a few certain jobs (trust me, I have been in that situation before because for a guy, I am out of standards - atleast 5'10 for male models) but like I said, don't lose hope, contiNue shooting with creative, edgy shooters, and build a network... goodluck... 
Model
Chieko
Posts: 50
Las Vegas, Nevada, US
Yes!
I agree!
I never had much of an interest in runway...
However I did get signed with a local agency, Saying I had great look for print work.
So short girls can get signed! I think it just depends on market and location.
Photographer
Moraxian
Posts: 2607
Germantown, Maryland, US
The models on my site range in height from 4' 10" all they way up to 6' 1". Height doesn't matter when it comes to web photography. Really!
Model
Linda T
Posts: 346
Lubbock, Texas, US
Brooozz wrote:
Hey y'all, I'll pitch my 2 cents... from what I have learned over the past years, there are quite a few reasons why they (agencies, or most of them atleast) prefer a 5'7 and above for commercial print, but the most common I have heard from casting agents, art directors, etc, is this: "IT DOES NOT LIMIT AN AGENT TO SEND A TALLER GIRL TO ONLY COMMERCIAL AUDITIONS, THUS GIVES THEM AND THE MODEL MORE OPPORTUNITY TO EARN MORE!" Simple as that... I guess, it is pretty smart for an agent to do that, but do not lose hope because there are agencies out there who will take you in, as long as you have the edge to make it out there... It is difficult for shorter models to make it in this industry because agents feel that shorter models are only limited to a few certain jobs (trust me, I have been in that situation before because for a guy, I am out of standards - atleast 5'10 for male models) but like I said, don't lose hope, contiNue shooting with creative, edgy shooters, and build a network... goodluck... well said, well said indeed. I would really like to do some print/editorial work but I just don't know where to get started at. I'm only 5'3" btw and as you can see I'm a little asian chickie... I don't see too many of those out there but eh... is there any hope for the little people?
Model
Tina Ginger
Posts: 445
Magnolia, Arkansas, US
Angela Benedict wrote:
I guess I'm what the industry would call vertically challenged. Being only slightly over 5'2'' I'm pretty much laughed at when looking for representation. The only thing is, I'm not looking to be a double threat (runway AND print). I just want to do fashion/editorial print work. In photos, I do NOT appear as short as I am and most models don't.
For runway I can understand the need for height as I've been given a few explanations. One being that designers tend to make garments in one size and given time issues they prefer only do minor alterations to suit each model. Another was that in fashion shows some people are quite a distance from the runway and the taller the model the more visible the garment to those not seated front and center.
Now the big question. Why do models need to be 5'7'' and above for print? Someone here has GOT to know. The truth is agencies take all shapes and sizes of people
Photographer
studio L
Posts: 1775
Oakland, California, US
Brooozz wrote:
Hey y'all, I'll pitch my 2 cents... from what I have learned over the past years, there are quite a few reasons why they (agencies, or most of them atleast) prefer a 5'7 and above for commercial print, but the most common I have heard from casting agents, art directors, etc, is this: "IT DOES NOT LIMIT AN AGENT TO SEND A TALLER GIRL TO ONLY COMMERCIAL AUDITIONS, THUS GIVES THEM AND THE MODEL MORE OPPORTUNITY TO EARN MORE!" Simple as that... I guess, it is pretty smart for an agent to do that, but do not lose hope because there are agencies out there who will take you in, as long as you have the edge to make it out there... It is difficult for shorter models to make it in this industry because agents feel that shorter models are only limited to a few certain jobs (trust me, I have been in that situation before because for a guy, I am out of standards - atleast 5'10 for male models) but like I said, don't lose hope, contiNue shooting with creative, edgy shooters, and build a network... goodluck... This is correct.
In any supply demand market where supply far outstrips demand-the 'one size fits all' cookie cutter logic generally prevails...this is nowhere more true than in modeling (sigh).
Stated more succintly:
Versatility Rules.
A shame that.
Model
Naomi Jay
Posts: 1436
New York, New York, US
Here's my two cents:
Yes, at 5'2" you can get commercial work as long as you are proportionate. Angela, you are very pretty and can't see why you won't be able to do this. If I can , you can DEFINETELY!!!!!! But, you need more comemrcial shots. A good headshot and some casual ones.
I understand the height requirements in fashion. Clothing just falls better. I do, however, think 5' 8" being a standard should be lowered to 5'5". I ahve seen gorgeous models turned away at 5'7"!
NO ONE will look at you if you are 5'2" in fashion/editorial. Not even the fashion agencies that do commercial work. You need to hit a COMMERCIAL only agency.
This is based on my experience so don't flame me please.
Model
haitherelilu
Posts: 109
Los Angeles, California, US
Tina Ginger wrote:
The truth is agencies take all shapes and sizes of people Name ONE agency that takes all shape and sizes and I'll prove to you that it isnt liscensed.
Look at any major agency's requirement.s You have to be at least 5'7 i think.
Model
haitherelilu
Posts: 109
Los Angeles, California, US
Naomi Jay wrote:
Here's my two cents:
Yes, at 5'2" you can get commercial work as long as you are proportionate. Angela, you are very pretty and can't see why you won't be able to do this. If I can , you can DEFINETELY!!!!!! But, you need more comemrcial shots. A good headshot and some casual ones.
I understand the height requirements in fashion. Clothing just falls better. I do, however, think 5' 8" being a standard should be lowered to 5'5". I ahve seen gorgeous models turned away at 5'7"!
NO ONE will look at you if you are 5'2" in fashion/editorial. Not even the fashion agencies that do commercial work. You need to hit a COMMERCIAL only agency.
This is based on my experience so don't flame me please. how are you finding commercial work?
Model
Chieko
Posts: 50
Las Vegas, Nevada, US
you can't still get lots of work even if you aren't with a MAJOR agency!
And there are lots of local agencies that get models lots of work, and are legit.
Model
Chieko
Posts: 50
Las Vegas, Nevada, US
well said, well said indeed. I would really like to do some print/editorial work but I just don't know where to get started at. I'm only 5'3" btw and as you can see I'm a little asian chickie... I don't see too many of those out there but eh... is there any hope for the little people? Of course there is!
However it really does depend on location.
You would get tons of work if you came here to Hawaii...
Model
Kerri T
Posts: 25
London, England, United Kingdom
Here in the UK commercial work sometimes requires 5'6" and over, but usually if you're well proportioned shorter is fine, for fashion they ask for 5'8 and over taller is better, and in glamour (which is not just nude and semi nude here, alot of the glamour models I know don't even do topless) height doesnt matter, as long as you are well proportioned, then there are specialist models that are different looking and you can be all shapes, sizes and looks for this, usually used in advertising when they require an unusual face or look. This is in general modelling not just the internet. Of course you will find work!
Model
Naomi Jay
Posts: 1436
New York, New York, US
haitherelilu wrote:
Name ONE agency that takes all shape and sizes and I'll prove to you that it isnt liscensed.
Look at any major agency's requirement.s You have to be at least 5'7 i think. gillaroos.com to name one
they are VERY licensed!
all shapes, sizes, heights
major FASHION agencies is another story.
How do I get commercial work?
I do not know how to answer that?
Are you saying you think I am ugly or is it my height/age.
I bascially have a compcard, book, freelance for an agency and bust my fucking ass.
Model
theda
Posts: 21719
New York, New York, US
It's possible to get commercial work when you're shorter, but usually the taller girls get preference. It's just the truth of the industry. I suspect Naomi's age is actually a benefit for booking work at her height rather than the other way around.
Note: she's not booking fashion print or editorial.
Model
Naomi Jay
Posts: 1436
New York, New York, US
Theda is right. The average age for a female model that gets more % of bookings for commercial work is my age. I think it's becasue most women are not modeling at my age so it's harder to find. Yes, taller girls get preferences. But, latley, minority wins (Asian, african-american, indian, etc.) mostly because there aren't many to supply the demand.
Photographer
Brian Diaz
Posts: 65617
Danbury, Connecticut, US
Go to www.fordmodels.com. Click New York. Click commercial print women. On the very front page, one of the models is 5' 5" and one is 5' 2". But, yes, the age is a factor...
Makeup Artist
Camera Ready Studios
Posts: 7191
Dallas, Texas, US
bottom line is, whose working? for money I mean....I don't mean testing and doing stuff free to get your face published somewhere. Real models make money modeling....I don't mean bootie in the air T and A stuff either, I think we all agree height isn't a factor on those jobs..Tied and gagged?, not talking about those either..... Homework assignment.....go Look through models portfolios, find the ones with the most published work and then look at their stats....this should be an eye opener for some of you. I can go through 20 portfolios here before I land on what might be a paid modeling job that doesnt include bondage and stuff like that. You're not a model because you pose in front of a camera, that would be called an exhibitionist (don't get them confused) I don't care how many TFP jobs you've done, you are not even a model because some large agency signed you...you are a model when a client hires you and you start getting paid work.. Thats my definition anyway.
Makeup Artist
Camera Ready Studios
Posts: 7191
Dallas, Texas, US
ok, I just went through 30 portfolios in order here at MM (I just put modeling portfolio, any state. NOT ONE PAID MODELING GIG COULD I FIND!!.... I didnt find anyone with modleing stats either, hmmmmm could be a correlation? Things are worse then I thought
Photographer
JT Hodges
Posts: 2191
Austin, Texas, US
As with any industry that utilizes physical stature, shorter models will need to create value to be picked up by an established agent. Different markets may require different attributes.
Similarly, a short basketball player will need to have other desireable attributes to compensate for their lack of height. Typically they create value by being faster, quicker, jump higher, etc.
Model
haitherelilu
Posts: 109
Los Angeles, California, US
LoveKerri wrote:
Here in the UK commercial work sometimes requires 5'6" and over, but usually if you're well proportioned shorter is fine, for fashion they ask for 5'8 and over taller is better, and in glamour (which is not just nude and semi nude here, alot of the glamour models I know don't even do topless) height doesnt matter, as long as you are well proportioned, then there are specialist models that are different looking and you can be all shapes, sizes and looks for this, usually used in advertising when they require an unusual face or look. This is in general modelling not just the internet. Of course you will find work! what does everyone mean by well proportioned? D cup boobs? isnt EVERYONE well proportioned? if youre tall are you allowed to be NOT well proportioned?
Model
haitherelilu
Posts: 109
Los Angeles, California, US
Naomi Jay wrote:
gillaroos.com to name one
they are VERY licensed!
all shapes, sizes, heights
major FASHION agencies is another story.
How do I get commercial work?
I do not know how to answer that?
Are you saying you think I am ugly or is it my height/age.
I bascially have a compcard, book, freelance for an agency and bust my fucking ass. no i mean how do you get work without an agency? first off how do you even hear about it? most get their models through agencies
Model
Ever Art
Posts: 1125
Chicago, Illinois, US
Agencies are a double edged sword. I went to all the agencies when I lived in Chicago in my early twenties, and not once but twice! I was turned down by them all....except one who said I had that "california girl look" and would do great in LA. I had no professional photos, just some decent candids at the time.
When I hit 30, I posted one photo on the web as an experiment, and it led to successful Modeling/Spokesmodeling & Acting opportunities almost overnight. So I have done very well, with out any agency representation, just self marketing on the internet. Then again, I have an art & business background, and I dont fit the typical mold. I'm 5 ft 7 and 6 ft tall with heels, natural 36C-26-34 a bit curvy for traditional runway but tall enough. Unfortunately, agencies want the "supermodel stereotype." That is marketable to them.
I feel agencies are basically overrated, so theres no reason to get all bent out of shape about it. No agency can provide you with steady work year round anyway, so if you're lucky enough to get signed, you may get higher profile jobs, but generally they still are few and far between. Then again, Agency needs differ in different cities. The work you could get in New York, may be totally different if you lived in St. Louis. All markets and demographics are different.
Model
Stormy1
Posts: 188
Lombard, Illinois, US
I am 5'4 and want to be in bigger better things, not just do photoshoots for photographers portfolios. I want to do advertising, be in magazines, etc. I am only 5'4.. and a half.. maybe a little more.. are you saying I won't get anywhere and should just quit now. I am totally in this for more than just pleasure I am in it to make it.
Model
Linda T
Posts: 346
Lubbock, Texas, US
Chieko wrote:
well said, well said indeed. I would really like to do some print/editorial work but I just don't know where to get started at. I'm only 5'3" btw and as you can see I'm a little asian chickie... I don't see too many of those out there but eh... is there any hope for the little people?
Of course there is!
However it really does depend on location.
You would get tons of work if you came here to Hawaii... :-\ well, at least I know that there's hope, lol
I change locations between 2 places during the year, so part of the year I'm in West Texas and the other part I'm in Southern California but I'm in West Texas for a longer portion of the year. It's sort of barren here and I've been trying to find some promo work to do out here. Although, I really don't have any luck with getting anything booked way out here in the middle of no where. The closest major city to me is Dallas and that's about 300 miles away aka 6hr drive away... O_O
I signed up with Encore Nationwide but I don't seem to get any e-mails for gigs that aren't in Dallas so far. I get e-mails for promo work with Events and Promotions but they haven't seemed to have been any help. They always set me up as a backup but not as the little promo girl... :-\
I'm in So Cal for about half the winter and then I'm back here in West Texas. I travel a bit during the summer and once during Springbreak. The closest I would be getting to Hawaii is Seattle, WA but that won't be until March and only for 1 week so I wouldn't have time to sail out there... :-\ maybe some time I could get myslef out there for a little bit, it would be nice! ^_^
Model
Linda T
Posts: 346
Lubbock, Texas, US
haitherelilu wrote:
no i mean how do you get work without an agency? first off how do you even hear about it? most get their models through agencies there's a little thing called open call and casting calls ^_^ you're in a pretty good area how about checking out this???
http://www.lacasting.com/la_home.asp
I only wish I were in that area more often so I could actually show up to audition and stuff for some of the things that come up on there, especially when they have a casting for a Deep Dish music video and need a little asian girl. ^_^
Model
Linda T
Posts: 346
Lubbock, Texas, US
haitherelilu wrote:
what does everyone mean by well proportioned? D cup boobs? isnt EVERYONE well proportioned? if youre tall are you allowed to be NOT well proportioned? when she is referring to well proportioned that means that the person is well... "well proportioned" if you've ever had to do figure drawing or something like that in an art course you learn the proportions that the human body usually has and can go by those guidelines to create a perfectly proportioned drawing of a person.
Those proportions are true in most cases for people, for instance the face!
If you measure your eyes on your face the gap between the eyes should fit another eye or be about the same length as the length of 1 of your eyes. Also the ears are the same in length as the length between your lips and your eyes. Also the eyes are half-way down on your entire head, they're right in the middle. If you were to takea headshot straight forward and on your face and then printed it out and drew the oval of the head and then measured the eyes should be about half-way down. These are proportions. Also, the more symmetrical the face and body are the better ^_^. Although, most people in real life, their bodies are actually not perfectly symmetrical and that's just how it is! For the people who are you'll notice right away because they could come off as being either a man or a woman most of the time which is a little disturbing and scary yet true! Grab an art book on human anatomy that's just the easiest way to get what she's saying.
Model
Chieko
Posts: 50
Las Vegas, Nevada, US
Mary wrote:
bottom line is, whose working? for money I mean....I don't mean testing and doing stuff free to get your face published somewhere. Real models make money modeling....I don't mean bootie in the air T and A stuff either, I think we all agree height isn't a factor on those jobs..Tied and gagged?, not talking about those either..... Homework assignment.....go Look through models portfolios, find the ones with the most published work and then look at their stats....this should be an eye opener for some of you. I can go through 20 portfolios here before I land on what might be a paid modeling job that doesnt include bondage and stuff like that. You're not a model because you pose in front of a camera, that would be called an exhibitionist (don't get them confused) I don't care how many TFP jobs you've done, you are not even a model because some large agency signed you...you are a model when a client hires you and you start getting paid work.. Thats my definition anyway. Just because people aren't in national campaign adds, doesn't mean it's not paid work.
I've done modeling locally, AND gotten paid. Sure its nothing huge or exciting-NOR WAS ITS T&A OR BONDAGE. but the point is I have receieved paid work. So Im just saying its possible....Even its its unlikely most of the time...And again I stress the market your selling your look to.
However I do not make modeling my career, and its rather something to do for extra cash here and there....But I don't think that makes me less of a model just because I don't receive constant work. ..Because I can say I have modeled. Besides I think there is nothing wrong with someone who wants to try something they feel they can do. With or Without an agency.
As for having an agency, it is a double edged sword.
Some people are better off without them.
Besides it's only wasting your time if you don't get work. An agency won't sign you unless they feel you can get work, and even if you are like me and don't get a lot of work, Your still with the agency because it doesn't hurt to have them. Besides they will try to get you work because they won't make money unless you make money.
But like i said, modeling is just something that i keep myself open to....It is in no way my career or main source of income. It's just fun that pays!
Photographer
La Seine by the Hudson
Posts: 8587
New York, New York, US
I could give you guys a whole bunch of reasons (and yes, there are reasons), but you won't like any of them. I don't even like some of them. It's just the facts of life, some of it fair, some of it not fair.
(And yes, I've liked some shorter girls, too, but the vast majority of models I shoot are fashion models, ie over 5'9.)
Model
xrhapsodiex
Posts: 72
New York, New York, US
Angela Benedict wrote:
I guess I'm what the industry would call vertically challenged. Being only slightly over 5'2'' I'm pretty much laughed at when looking for representation. The only thing is, I'm not looking to be a double threat (runway AND print). I just want to do fashion/editorial print work. In photos, I do NOT appear as short as I am and most models don't.
For runway I can understand the need for height as I've been given a few explanations. One being that designers tend to make garments in one size and given time issues they prefer only do minor alterations to suit each model. Another was that in fashion shows some people are quite a distance from the runway and the taller the model the more visible the garment to those not seated front and center.
Now the big question. Why do models need to be 5'7'' and above for print? Someone here has GOT to know. Ok, it's just a requirment for all petite models to give their 2 cents on this thread. hehe. Here's I think, All it takes is for one person to change the minds of all people. I'm 5"1' and 1/2 so I guess you can say I'm 5'2". I have an agent in LA and an agent NY, and I've only been doing the modeling thing for less than a year and just got my first print job, with another one waiting in the wings. There's also the fact that there are petite clothing lines out there (now my question is why would you want an amazon woman modeling for a petite clothing line? Hmm..)
And I think that if you are proportionate then the clothing will fall the way suppose to. And just think about how the fashion industry is slowly but surely changing. Look at all the plus size models getting work! (Dove/Fruit of a Loom etc etc) It's only a matter of time before petite models will be the hot item!! Hang in there girls, we will have our day! 
Model
Kerri T
Posts: 25
London, England, United Kingdom
Mary wrote:
bottom line is, whose working? for money I mean....I don't mean testing and doing stuff free to get your face published somewhere. Real models make money modeling....I don't mean bootie in the air T and A stuff either, I think we all agree height isn't a factor on those jobs..Tied and gagged?, not talking about those either..... Homework assignment.....go Look through models portfolios, find the ones with the most published work and then look at their stats....this should be an eye opener for some of you. I can go through 20 portfolios here before I land on what might be a paid modeling job that doesnt include bondage and stuff like that. You're not a model because you pose in front of a camera, that would be called an exhibitionist (don't get them confused) I don't care how many TFP jobs you've done, you are not even a model because some large agency signed you...you are a model when a client hires you and you start getting paid work.. Thats my definition anyway. I'm working I'm a full time model, usually get 4 jobs a week do commercial through to glamour, not tied and gagged stuff or rude, etc and get paid more than enough to live on, more than I've ever earned before. I have 2 agents and do a lot of self promoting, I have been modelling for a year and have had lots of published work. I know of a few others on here from the UK that are the same.
Model
Stacy
Posts: 2505
Englewood, Florida, US
Model
Kerri T
Posts: 25
London, England, United Kingdom
haitherelilu wrote:
what does everyone mean by well proportioned? D cup boobs? isnt EVERYONE well proportioned? if youre tall are you allowed to be NOT well proportioned? No hun, read what faerie_talez wrote, thats about well proportioned, Definately not just D cup boobs on everyone, whatever suites your body and looks in proportion :p
Model
angelavasquez
Posts: 844
Murrieta, California, US
height and age matters. thats all there is too it.
Model
Kerri T
Posts: 25
London, England, United Kingdom
Height, age and look matter depending on the assignment
Model
angelavasquez
Posts: 844
Murrieta, California, US
LoveKerri wrote:
Height, age and look matter depending on the assignment true. gotta agree with you there.
but fashion modeling, which is a bulk of the industry doesent tend to look for conventional beauty most of the time, its more androgynous or not typical looking.....
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(I just woke up so this is all I am capable of contributing right now *lol*) 
