Well first off, I am extremely tiny: 4"11. I have a deep love of fashion, but I know the industry only allows for tall models to do high fashion shoots. I started out doing glamour work but I realized it is not the direction I want to take.
If there is any feedback on if there is a small chance I would make it doing print modeling or other types of modeling that don't involve nudity, please give me your thoughts.
I also am looking to vastly improve my portfolio, so any constructive criticism would definitely help.
There are all sorts of models on here so really the question is getting paid gigs vs. just having fun doing TF. It's my impression that high fashion models work for agencies whereas most models on this site tend to be amateur/freelance. Best of luck!
In my experience as a fellow shortie, it's pretty hard to get paid without nudity. The exception is commercial print work if you are signed with a commercial agency (which is very different from a modeling agency, in that they need to have all types of talent for various markets). Fashion photography really has no market for shorter girls. Most photographers - especially on sites like this - are unwilling to pay when there are so many girls looking to model for free.
post in the critique forum for feedback on your work.
if you believe that the journey is the reward then keep on trying even if the odds are against the short ones (at least as far as fashion as i understand it). just watch out for faux agencies who will take your money for classes and photo shoots and stuff but not get you anything in return.
and maybe take some acting classes. you might have more luck that way.
From what I understand even if you were super talented you could not be agency represented simply because of your height. Don't worry I can't either for several reasons.
Even if you can't do fashion, take good care of yourself, especially your skin, and work on doing parts modeling and beauty/makeup modeling. Try TFing in those areas until you get some good experience and then start charging. If you're only seeing hands, feet, and face then no one will care how tall you are anyway.
I worked hard enough for my nudity now that fashion people too want to work with me. Took nudity to do it though, so ... not sure what to recommend when forgoing it entirely. Paying to build a portfolio and going from there may help!
Cyn Michelle
Posts: 74
San Francisco, California, US
I believe in you! I'm considered too short for modeling as well and so far I've had the opportunity to model for brands like Aveda and Oribe and have even been published in PopPhoto Magazine. It may take a while, but perseverance proves itself in the end!
Cyn Michelle wrote: I believe in you! I'm considered too short for modeling as well and so far I've had the opportunity to model for brands like Aveda and Oribe and have even been published in PopPhoto Magazine. It may take a while, but perseverance proves itself in the end!
There's a big difference between 5'4" and 4'11"
what works for you at your height in California may not apply to the OP in Virgina
Small llamas often find work posing with products. You'll make the product seem much larger by comparison. Think tool calendar or car parts catalog. If I want to make a Humvee appear even larger, a small llama will work better than a tall one. Will a Big Mac look bigger in your hands than a 5'10" llama's hands? As long as the small llama is proportional for her smaller size, she can find some commercial work.
photo212grapher wrote: Small models often find work posing with products. You'll make the product seem much larger by comparison. Think tool calendar or car parts catalog. If I want to make a Humvee appear even larger, a small model will work better than a tall one. Will a Big Mac look bigger in your hands than a 5'10" model's hands? As long as the small model is proportional for her smaller size, she can find some commercial work.
I wonder why we don't see more dwarfs in McDonald's commercials? Seriously, I don't even know where to begin with this.
What you're describing with the product advertising is called Parts Modeling...a shot of a an actor/model's hand holding a burger or product. Are you under the impression they're hiring shorter models for the ads because they have smaller hands for the closeups? The ACTOR you see in a McD's TV ad is not even the same actor/model you see in the closeups holding the product. And I hate to ruin it for you...but that burger isn't even a real off-the-shelf burger...it's a creation.
Do you think agencies are using really short models for auto ads because they make the interior of the vehicle look larger? When you're seeing the interior of a vehicle with a model inside it's not even the real interior...it's a staged set to allow for placement of cameras, etc.
It was a nice try and what you said sounds logical, but it's not reality and only shows you really don't know how models are selected for commercial work.
I love your look, OP! Unfortunately here in the U.S., you have to be pretty tall to make the big money in modeling. I am 5'3" and have accepted that modeling will most likely not be my career, but there are plenty of photographers that will shoot you (no pun intended) on a TF basis. Actually models of my height in foreign countries like Japan have inspired me to be a model. I noticed you are of Asian descent. They have so many professional and paid models who range 4'11" to 5'7". It's really too bad here in the U.S. you have to be ridiculously tall to do modeling as a career and make a living off of it. The only paid shoot I've had so far was fetish, so I tend to agree with the others that you are most likely to get paid if you do nude or fetish. It is a shame.
Olivia Clemens wrote: In my experience as a fellow shortie, it's pretty hard to get paid without nudity. The exception is commercial print work if you are signed with a commercial agency (which is very different from a modeling agency, in that they need to have all types of talent for various markets). Fashion photography really has no market for shorter girls. Most photographers - especially on sites like this - are unwilling to pay when there are so many girls looking to model for free.
This.
The reality for most shorter models is that if they don't get naked (either glamour or art nude) then then are unlikely to get paid. Period.
Melodye Joy
Posts: 527
Rancho Cucamonga, California, US
Avery Elle wrote: Hello!
Well first off, I am extremely tiny: 4"11. I have a deep love of fashion, but I know the industry only allows for tall models to do high fashion shoots. I started out doing glamour work but I realized it is not the direction I want to take.
If there is any feedback on if there is a small chance I would make it doing print modeling or other types of modeling that don't involve nudity, please give me your thoughts.
I also am looking to vastly improve my portfolio, so any constructive criticism would definitely help.
Thank you.
Being a fellow petite, I have come across this same issue many a time.
But, I hold to the fact that every part of modeling and photography is art. So what muse is one seeking? Will it be fashion, glamour, commercial?...depends.
To each their own, as they say...
I have been blessed to have started out as a glamour/nude/implied model and with continued push & drive, I am now seeking more commercial, fashion, beauty work. And depending on the circumstance, I get such opportunities.
-Have a strong, well-rounded portfolio
-Take acting lessons or do community/college theater
-Work on poses and facial expression in the mirror
-Take images/have someone take them of your poses/expressions and find the "fault"..and work on it (don't post these images, just use them as tools)
-Look up commercial agencies and apply
-Pay for wardrobe/stylists/photographers
There are TONS of things to do to get into another genre of modeling and at our height, no...we won't walk the runway, but perhaps given the right time and place, we could do some fashion (or at least incorporate it into a beauty session, ect)
Small models can get some work, but it's very very unlikely and won't really provide any steady income. I know car companies and airlines used to prefer small models to make their products appear larger and I am sure there are other special cases.
Just enjoy it as a hobby. If lighting strikes and someone "finds" you for just what they are looking for great, you landed a job; just don't expect to make a living at it. The only smaller models who do appear to make a living at it are glamour/nude and if that isn't for you then it's not. Have fun and enjoy the ride
I would recommend acting. You're really short, so short, in fact, that you could get non-nude work simply because of how short you are. You're like an inch away from being a midget.
Anna Adrielle
Posts: 17,229
Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Michael Pandolfo wrote:
I wonder why we don't see more dwarfs in McDonald's commercials? Seriously, I don't even know where to begin with this.
What you're describing with the product advertising is called Parts Modeling...a shot of a an actor/model's hand holding a burger or product. Are you under the impression they're hiring shorter models for the ads because they have smaller hands for the closeups? The ACTOR you see in a McD's TV ad is not even the same actor/model you see in the closeups holding the product. And I hate to ruin it for you...but that burger isn't even a real off-the-shelf burger...it's a creation.
Do you think agencies are using really short models for auto ads because they make the interior of the vehicle look larger? When you're seeing the interior of a vehicle with a model inside it's not even the real interior...it's a staged set to allow for placement of cameras, etc.
It was a nice try and what you said sounds logical, but it's not reality and only shows you really don't know how models are selected for commercial work.
haha, true story! I know a photographer who is also a handmodel... she shot a campaign for sloggi. They also needed a couple of shots of a hand holding the underwear, and they hired her for the job. So the models posing in the shot are fashion models, but the hands you see are someone's elses...
one of our models had us take closeups of her eyes for her eye modeling portfolio.
Anna Adrielle wrote: haha, true story! I know a photographer who is also a handmodel... she shot a campaign for sloggi. They also needed a couple of shots of a hand holding the underwear, and they hired her for the job. So the models posing in the shot are fashion models, but the hands you see are someone's elses...
i've seen posts lately from shorter models saying they are getting work. they didn't say how much work or if they could make a living off it. but they did get some work at least and i don't think it was all nude/fetish. i've also seen models post that they can make money just doing lingerie/implieds/swimwear (but not full nude or fetish).
for full-length body shots i find it easier to have a proportional shorter model since they fit on a standard backdrop. but i'm not paying models at the moment, not even nude ones.
SAB Photographer wrote: Refreshingly honest answer!
K I C K H A M
Posts: 13,016
Los Angeles, California, US
I know some shorter girls in CA who get paid and don't do nudes.
But I don't think I know any as short as 4'11. In LA you could probably get a lot of work doing 18TPY, if nothing else.
Chances are slim, but if you like modeling then keep doing it for fun.
Also, there are less height restrictions when it comes to pin up and lingerie, which it looks like you're willing to do. Look at your local casting calls and see what people are looking for that doesn't have height or nudity requirements. Try to build your book in those areas.
Slant Array
Posts: 2
London, England, United Kingdom
I get paid as a 5'4 model without nudity. It's all about proportions and what you wear (i.e. well-fitting/tight clothes with high shoes are best). Your angle, posture and pose will make a difference as well.
Let the fact that there are few 4'11 models inspire you to prove people wrong.
Thank you all for your responses!! And to those especially with suggestions on what I CAN do. A BIG thank you to those who show much encouragement. Modeling is not my main job, but it is definitely something I enjoy doing and want to pursue!
Avery Elle wrote: Well first off, I am extremely tiny: 4"11. I have a deep love of fashion, but I know the industry only allows for tall models to do high fashion shoots. I started out doing glamour work but I realized it is not the direction I want to take.
If there is any feedback on if there is a small chance I would make it doing print modeling or other types of modeling that don't involve nudity, please give me your thoughts.
I am shorter than you at 4'10" and fairly "proportionate" (built like a taller person). Because of my proportions I am often told I photograph taller than I am. I think when I was living in East TN I might have been in a similar market to you, so I have some experience with the general area and being in a smaller market.
I started out doing portraits and glamour. No paid work. Then I started shooting art nudes. That is the only thing I have ever been paid for aside from a foot fetish shoot.
But, one thing I did get to do outside of the nudes was a heck of a lot of bridal and that was mainly because I had a gorgeous dress that the photographers wanted to shoot. A lot of them shot mainly families and kids and weddings so they really did not care for the art nudes. I was not paid for the bridal, but I ended up all over the place on the websites and stuff which was nice.
So if you can get wardrobe that photographers want to shoot, you might have a better chance of booking some shoots. And it does not have to be bridal. It could be gothic or vintage or latex or Japanese Lolita or steam punk or pretty much anything a little outside of what people normally wear (yes, I realize that is normal wear for some). If you have a really awesome wardrobe you might even be able to book paid shoots from it.
The main thing about getting paid is that you have to be able to give them (the client who might be a photographer) something they cannot get via trade or for free. Most photographers have no issues finding shorter (under 5'8" or so) to shoot any sort of clothed work with. Nude models are more difficult to find so that sometimes works in the favor of getting paid.
You might be able to get published, maybe not in Vogue, but in local or specialty publications. That depends more on finding a photographer who knows what they are doing and how to submit to magazines. A good MUA and hair stylist (and possibly wardrobe stylist) will help too. If you have any local clothing boutiques or designers that are small business owned you might try promoting yourself to them. If you fit clothes they have, they might get you to model for them. Again, it might not be paid, though.
I think success depends most on what you measure success by. What is it that you want to do? Get published? Get paid? Have a lot of fans? Make money? Get paid to model? Have people recognize you locally?
I wonder why we don't see more dwarfs in McDonald's commercials? Seriously, I don't even know where to begin with this.
What you're describing with the product advertising is called Parts Modeling...a shot of a an actor/model's hand holding a burger or product. Are you under the impression they're hiring shorter models for the ads because they have smaller hands for the closeups? The ACTOR you see in a McD's TV ad is not even the same actor/model you see in the closeups holding the product. And I hate to ruin it for you...but that burger isn't even a real off-the-shelf burger...it's a creation.
Do you think agencies are using really short models for auto ads because they make the interior of the vehicle look larger? When you're seeing the interior of a vehicle with a model inside it's not even the real interior...it's a staged set to allow for placement of cameras, etc.
It was a nice try and what you said sounds logical, but it's not reality and only shows you really don't know how models are selected for commercial work.
Don't go off the deep end because I happened to mention a Big Mac.
Car and truck parts shops sometimes use smaller models. Tooling shops use smaller models at times, too.
I did not say auto ads use small models to make the car look bigger. Stop reading what is not written. Parts modeling that you even mentioned, but immediately ran off to the deep end. Parts. Stay on topic.
Yes, if someone wants their shock absorbers to look larger, they will use a smaller model. A model who is small, but proportional. Most dwarfs are not proportionally smaller.
Try reading what someone writes rather than finding something to attack. Next realize that the world is larger than any one person's personal experiences. Perhaps in your market area, these sorts of Part Models are amazons, but I know of a couple sub-five footers that do get work in these fields.
I think that the height thing may have a little more forgiveness given that the OP is Asain. Don't know how much of a discount this will be in the US but this could work out to be less important if her markets were Asain-centric.
Well first off, I am extremely tiny: 4"11. I have a deep love of fashion, but I know the industry only allows for tall models to do high fashion shoots. I started out doing glamour work but I realized it is not the direction I want to take.
If there is any feedback on if there is a small chance I would make it doing print modeling or other types of modeling that don't involve nudity, please give me your thoughts.
I also am looking to vastly improve my portfolio, so any constructive criticism would definitely help.
Thank you.
I would love to have your nearby, In my early days of commercial photography, (60 years ago) there were many clothing mfg for the children line of clothing.. It is sad that almost all of this has shipped out to China. BUT
there are some designers that are in the states.. These people use local for the design work, then send out of USA for manufacturing...
Your portfolio is excellent.. you might play around with make-up. Be a little girl... Vary your makeup, such as the cheeks and hair line.,.
Lucas_Smith
Posts: 208
Los Angeles, California, US
Define 'make it'? No, you'll never be a supermodel, nor ever get to shoot national fashion campaigns. Oh well. You can absolutely still model for photographers and probably make a decent living for awhile.
As long as you're willing, they'll always be photogs (especially here) who will be more than happy to shoot you.
I always understand what makes women want to do boring jobs without benefits that they are 0% suited for? This is like me wanting to be a day laborer doing construction.
V Laroche wrote: I always understand what makes women want to do boring jobs without benefits that they are 0% suited for? This is like me wanting to be a day laborer doing construction.
It's called a dream. Sadly, for most, it must remain a dream.
And why couldn't you do day labor involving construction?
Modeling is a lot like basketball. You don't have to be tall to play or even be good at it. But in order to be a professional, your height is going to play a major role. Even then, just being tall isn't always good enough. But no matter what, the Spud Webbs, Mugsy Bogues and Nate Robinsons are few and far between. And even they were limited in the positions they could play.
As long as you're aware of what the reality is, no one can fault you for trying.
William Kious wrote: It's called a dream. Sadly, for most, it must remain a dream.
And why couldn't you do day labor involving construction?
My health precludes it... just as her height precludes her from fashion modeling. Why would I nurture a construction worker dream? I would be the world's worst construction worker. I would not be able to do the work.
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