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Model
K E I R A
Posts: 4
Toronto, Ontario, Canada


We all know each model has their own specific look, talent level, and appeal to everyone differently. Just curious as to what makes you think that a model is going to make it, or really stand out from others in this industry. What is the x factor?
Dec 08 12 09:13 am  Link  Quote 
Photographer
H3D PHOTOGRAPHER
Posts: 3,835
Gig Harbor, Washington, US


For print advertising work .....Being extraordinarily beauty, at least 5'9" 34-24-34 or close figure, with an ability to perform in front of the camera, paired with a good personality that agencies/clients warm to... You have no idea how hard it is to find all of the above in one package... That's the x-factor!
Dec 08 12 09:25 am  Link  Quote 
Photographer
James Morgan aka Maddog
Posts: 99
Burlison, Tennessee, US


Her eyes for one, but the truly exceptional  one project their che.  They dominate a photograph instead of simply have their photo taken.
Dec 08 12 09:27 am  Link  Quote 
Photographer
ChiMo II
Posts: 602
San Diego, California, US


H3D PHOTOGRAPHER wrote:
For print advertising work .....Being extraordinarily beauty, at least 5'9" 34-24-34 or close figure, with an ability to perform in front of the camera, paired with a good personality that agencies/clients warm to... You have no idea how hard it is to find all of the above in one package... That's the x-factor!

^^^
A voice of experience.

To add: I need a face and personality that speaks to me. It comes in different ways so I can't quantify it but I know it when I see/hear it.

Dec 08 12 09:27 am  Link  Quote 
Photographer
MC Photo
Posts: 3,831
New York, New York, US


K E I R A wrote:
We all know each model has their own specific look, talent level, and appeal to everyone differently. Just curious as to what makes you think that a model is going to make it, or really stand out from others in this industry. What is the x factor?

Her emotional intelligence.

Dec 08 12 10:08 am  Link  Quote 
Photographer
Jim Lafferty
Posts: 1,767
Brooklyn, New York, US


Great looking, if a bit strange or unconventional, even better. Clear skin. Wears clothes well and comes to a shoot wearing something relevant to the project or at the very least, interesting. Most importantly: willing and able to MOVE, give everything and transform herself constantly.
Dec 09 12 06:27 am  Link  Quote 
Photographer
Amy J Jones Photography
Posts: 522
Fallston, Maryland, US


I look for a mix of beauty (subjective) and personality.  I was something more than just a pretty smile.  If I see a portfolio with images that have energy & expression because of the model...I am going to book her.
Dec 09 12 02:35 pm  Link  Quote 
Photographer
Amy J Jones Photography
Posts: 522
Fallston, Maryland, US


Jim Lafferty wrote:
Great looking, if a bit strange or unconventional, even better. Clear skin. Wears clothes well and comes to a shoot wearing something relevant to the project or at the very least, interesting. Most importantly: willing and able to MOVE, give everything and transform herself constantly.

Couldn't have said it better!

Dec 09 12 02:36 pm  Link  Quote 
Photographer
London Fog
Posts: 5,003
London, England, United Kingdom


Expressive eyes, creative movement and total connection with the lens!
Dec 09 12 02:45 pm  Link  Quote 
Photographer
Ken D Photography
Posts: 568
Marietta, Ohio, US


K E I R A wrote:
What is the x factor?

I would think that would depend on genre. I also think that luck and location has a big part in any model making it.

Dec 10 12 03:09 am  Link  Quote 
Photographer
Neil Snape
Posts: 9,224
Toronto, Ontario, Canada


For me, as I'm specialised in beauty, it is good skin, features that are right for make up and light, super strong confidence in the regard, and a message or story telling ability.

There are lots of girls in the agencies here that can do this already so be aware the competition is fierce.
Dec 10 12 03:26 am  Link  Quote 
Photographer
Rollo David Snook
Posts: 1,933
Bristol, England, United Kingdom


That basically.

Whether agency model or not, some acting or storytelling ability and physical features that an mua would love.

At castings models stand out for different reasons sometimes though. Less can be more. A confident and happy smile and a port that speaks for itself does more to impress than any amount name-dropping, overtalking and flirting.

Sometimes a model stands out to me by their taste in photographers and whose work they put in their portfolio, or what subjects and themes they attempt to portray.
Dec 10 12 04:06 am  Link  Quote 
Retoucher
Christiana1990
Posts: 197
Munster, Lower Saxony, Germany


Apart from great skin and size, height, weight.. definitely posing, elasticity and ability to transform into vary looks.
Dec 10 12 04:26 am  Link  Quote 
Photographer
JMHSPhoto
Posts: 407
Windsor, Ontario, Canada


It depends on so many factors.

What am I trying to do and accomplish? What look is going to serve me better for the item(s) I'm pitching?

Personally, if it's a look for ME alone. I look for diversity in a portfolio. A girl that can change her look from one frame to another, one concept to another, with you hardly being able to see similarities.

That and a huge long jaw line.. it's just a thing..

Tattoos pretty well eliminate a model (women) from work if they are extensive. it's one thing to cover or Ps one small item, it's total other thing to have to work around a sleeved girl.. It limits the scope of work they can be used in, and I find it personally a waste of really good talent.
Dec 10 12 04:28 am  Link  Quote 
Photographer
Mark Harris Photography
Posts: 407
Edison, New Jersey, US


K E I R A wrote:
We all know each model has their own specific look, talent level, and appeal to everyone differently. Just curious as to what makes you think that a model is going to make it, or really stand out from others in this industry. What is the x factor?

I think for an art model it would be confidence and joy in doing the work. The sessions I have done that I felt yielded the best results were the ones where we both had the most fun.

Dec 10 12 12:12 pm  Link  Quote 
Artist/Painter
sdgillis
Posts: 2,247
Portland, Oregon, US


the one that stands out in a crowd
Dec 10 12 12:15 pm  Link  Quote 
Photographer
RE Imaging
Posts: 93
Deer River, Minnesota, US


James Morgan aka Maddog wrote:
Her eyes for one, but the truly exceptional  one project their che.  They dominate a photograph instead of simply have their photo taken.

Completely agree. In my opinion, the versatility of the eyes can provide so many more options.

Dec 10 12 12:18 pm  Link  Quote 
Photographer
sospix
Posts: 19,827
Orlando, Florida, US


Not sure EXACTLY what "it" is, but, when you shoot a model who has it, you know right away  .  .  .  it can be a subtle expression, the way she holds her shoulder, the position she gets with her hands, or fingers  .  .  .  when a camera loves a model, it shows instantly  .  .  .

SOS
Dec 10 12 12:18 pm  Link  Quote 
Photographer
Neil Peters Fotografie
Posts: 993
Tucson, Arizona, US


....it....
is passion
and it comes across as unique expressive beauty

passion makes you fearless
not afraid to be beautiful
not afraid to be un-glamorous
not hesitant, in any way, to be expressive....
Dec 11 12 03:42 am  Link  Quote 
Model
MyrnaByrna Jen B
Posts: 1,226
Chicago, Illinois, US


Jim Lafferty wrote:
Great looking, if a bit strange or unconventional, even better. Clear skin. Wears clothes well and comes to a shoot wearing something relevant to the project or at the very least, interesting. Most importantly: willing and able to MOVE, give everything and transform herself constantly.

Your reply here made me note my skin in my profile. Thanks!

I am digging this thread and the replies, helpful.
Jen

Dec 11 12 08:19 am  Link  Quote 
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