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40-something models
Hello! This is my first forum post. I'm, just getting back in to modeling after having done some 20 years ago. You can check out my port now, but I'm about to get a whole bunch more shots to upload, so please check back. I found an old thread about mature models but it seems to have died a few years back and I'd like to open up the conversation a bit. First, an observation: More and more people are living healthier, longer lives and looking great doing it. They want, hell NEED, to see mature models, images and lifestyles that reflect who they are and what they are about. That goes for the 40-somethings as well as the 60-somethings! That said, where is the work? Do I have to get plastic surgery or botox to compete? What are the best ways to differentiate myself and my work as a model from the 20-somethings? Do photographers want to work with folks like myself or are they really only hungry to work with the youth? Let's fire up this dialog - it needs to happen! I am open to talking about the tough points as well as the good ones. What do you think? Where do you stand as a model? as a photographer? Smiling at you, Veronica Jan 28 13 01:59 pm Link To be quite honest, I'd like to get some more "mature" models in my portfolio. They are the ones who represent my true customer base, not the girls who like to pose for the camera, but those who have the money to spend on creating art. Jan 28 13 02:07 pm Link Veronica Sage wrote: So many answers to this. It greatly depends on the person on the other end (photographer). Like everything we have our preferences and some have a narrow band, some have a wide band, and then there are people like me who go in waves. I generally look at a model and try to create an idea from her (sometimes with her), rather than bend a model into an idea. I seem to go in phases though where youth is what is creatively moving me. Sometimes a more mature look inspires me. Jan 28 13 02:10 pm Link Veronica Sage wrote: Everyone will give you a different answer. For me, it is not about the llama's age, it is about her look. I have already hired one 40-something llama, and I would gladly hire more as long as they have the look I need. Jan 28 13 02:17 pm Link Here's some sage advice. Pardon the pun. Try and get some commercial images going. Things walking a dog, using a laptop or shopping. I think its hard to get paid clothes only work from sites like MM so focus instead on agencies. Many have a commercial division. Always, always get a great head shot. Big bright smiles. Many shooters on MM including myself enjoy working with models of every age. By the way OP you look beautiful. Jan 28 13 02:19 pm Link Veronica Sage wrote: That answer is going to vary based on your location but more importantly, what YOU yourself are interested in doing. Veronica Sage wrote: If you're depending on that to get more modeling jobs, you might want to think twice about it & in fact can cost you jobs (again) depending on what kind of jobs you're interested in doing. Veronica Sage wrote: I'd say own your age, don't try to hide it. Also don't try to relive your 20's or expect to get the same kinds of jobs they're going after & getting. Veronica Sage wrote: Many will, yes. Many won't too. Don't lose sleep about the latter & focus on the former. Jan 28 13 02:20 pm Link So far, I'm really appreciating the feedback. I totally have the impression that MM caters more to the nude set. While I'm not opposed to doing nudes, I know I am much better suited to commercial work and the nude work looks better on the younger girls, anyway. I've seen some gorgeous mature models here, but what I see from their ports are mostly pix that are better suited to younger models, making their age stand out a bit more (IMHO) I'm wondering if there are looks that more mature models should shy away from and others that suit them better? Jan 28 13 02:25 pm Link Many people think "young and beautiful" is one action rather than two. There is, of course, "young and beautiful", but there is also "young" where beauty is not a factor and there is also "beautiful" where age is not a factor. And then there is the beautiful that really isn't relative to what the commercial world defines as beautiful. Nor does life end at twenty something. In perspective, to me, you are young and beautiful. To some twenty five year old art direct, maybe not. But then he/she hasn't lived long enough to know what life or beauty really is anyway. As far as working as a model goes? Go for it. I am often frustrated by the difficulty in finding models with the life experience required to make someone truly beautiful. Sometime I am disappointed when the models who list there age as 100, aren't. I would love to shoot the beauty that comes with that kind of age. I would be tickled pink to work with you. Jan 28 13 02:28 pm Link Definitely not interested in botox and the like. I love who I am and how expressive my face is. Perhaps more so with the lines, etc. Also totally digging the confidence that come with age and experience - wouldn't trade it for anything! Now, more than even is a time to flourish. As I go through the shots from a big shoot I did a couple of weeks ago, I found I had these questions & thoughts come up. I really like hearing from photographers on this topic - especially since you all seem to have more experience than I do. Hoping to hear more from some fellow 40+ models on how it's going for them and what they find works. Jan 28 13 02:35 pm Link Do you ever design your own shoots? do you approach photographers with 'i have this great idea' I do it all the time and it works, i get most of my work that way age really shouldnt be a factor, i see plenty of models from all ages getting booked up fast Jan 28 13 02:42 pm Link I always put this link into any thread about "older" women. Jantana was 45 years old at the time of this shoot, and had two children. She was one of my all time favorites. https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/1005854 18+. -Don Jan 28 13 02:42 pm Link Don Garrett wrote: Don - she is truly beautiful! Thank you for sharing! Jan 28 13 02:45 pm Link You look great, I would work with you. Someone with your experience will more than likely show up for a shoot! Can't say that for many of the young ones. I think you can pull off a lot of genres if you do it right. Jan 28 13 02:47 pm Link Veronica, First my opinion: You are a 'no make-up' needed very womanly individual. Please DO NOT GIVE UP!! Any photographer that either turns you away OR attempts to pose you as a teen/20 something model needs to do a lot of maturing themself. GOOD LUCK - KEEP STRIDING to your goal. Jan 28 13 03:04 pm Link Hi Veronica, My sister was born in Staunton and I was born in Wytheville. I can promise you one thing, the work ain't there. There may be some work in the larger cities, but as a 40+ woman that doesn't shoot nudes, there will be very little, especially of the paid variety. For that matter, there's very little even in the larger markets such as NYC, LA and Miami. And since both my daughters are older than you, I hope you can trust me that this is not agism on my part. It's just the way things are. If you are willing to work nude but only very selectively, there may be some paid work in the college art programs, but other than that, my suggestion would be to accept that modeling can be a great hobby for those willing to shoot trade and accept what paid shoots come along. From what you say in your profile, this isn't likely to become your bread and butter occupation anyway. We're not allowed to critique here, you need to go to the critique forums for that. But I think I can safely say that I agree with you about the benefits of shooting with women that are a bit more stable and mature. It's a relief to at least occasionally work with someone that isn't all drama and me-me-meeee as some of the younger models are. And I can agree with your self-evaluation as well. From what I see so far, there's no need for botox or any other change other than the right photographers. They're out there even if not as many as there once were. You just have to look a little harder to find them. The good thing is they can't run away--arthritis, you know! Jan 28 13 03:10 pm Link I have shot a bunch of 40+ models and have them in my port. I would certainly work with you. I incorporate a lot of the models life experiences in my projects and older models have much more to draw from. I also prefer a natural look as opposed to cosmetically enhanced even to the point of minimal makeup let alone botox. edit: All that being said I am a hobbiest with no budget  Jan 28 13 03:11 pm Link I would rather work with gals that are closer to my age. Jan 28 13 03:15 pm Link communication is much easier Jan 28 13 03:15 pm Link Rays Fine Art wrote: Ray - so true about this area, beautiful as it is. And I love your comments about photographers! You're a funny guy and I thank you for your honesty. Jan 28 13 03:16 pm Link Alan Thomas wrote: Thank you, Alan! Jan 28 13 04:02 pm Link Veronica Sage wrote: On my site is a model named Deanna, 40yrs. young. One of the most professional, savvy, and fun people I've ever shot with. If a model is with it and is adventuresome, age is just a number. Jan 28 13 05:58 pm Link Veronica Sage wrote: I guess it depends on the model. Kristen McMenamy is one of my favorite models, and she is in her mid-40s. Most of the models that I see i their 40s have had some work done (even if it's just botox), and there's nothing wrong with that! I'd love to work with an older model if I had a project that called for one. Jan 28 13 06:09 pm Link Veronica Sage wrote: Since you don't shoot nudes, your focus will need to be commercial modeling of fashion, editorial, lifestyle. You cannot compete with younger models for these looks. You can only present yourself as the best candidate in your age group. And from what I see, that shouldn't be too hard. Most older models are not doing age appropriate modeling. They are shooting low class, cliche glamour, they have huge fake boobs or their skin looks like leather from years of tanning. None of these looks will get you paid commercial work. They will get you shoots with GWCs. Jan 28 13 06:14 pm Link I'd certainly work with you. My wife is 43 and she still models but only nude work. Jan 28 13 06:29 pm Link Bill - you wrote Since you don't shoot nudes, your focus will need to be commercial llamaing of fashion, editorial, lifestyle. You cannot compete with younger llamas for these looks. You can only present yourself as the best candidate in your age group. And from what I see, that shouldn't be too hard. Most older llamas are not doing age appropriate llamaing. They are shooting low class, cliche glamour, they have huge fake boobs or their skin looks like leather from years of tanning. None of these looks will get you paid commercial work. They will get you shoots with GWCs. That is part of my point - the mature llamas I see are doing low class work. I don't mind doing nudes Jan 28 13 06:34 pm Link Veronica, I am 49 and an agency represented commercial model. A mature model's work is definitely commercial versus fashion. It would be nice if advertisers would use more age appropriate models for their products but this is a long time away. The baby boomer/generation X market is huge...but they still want the 20 somethings to sell wrinkle cream. My agent suggested that I take a commercial acting training class (which I did) so I can be submitted for commercials as well as print work. I have to admit the vast majority of casting calls I see for my age range are more acting than modeling. It is best to get some lifestyle pictures in your portfolio. I have some here on MM, but my website at http://www.marketablelooksmodeling.com has more. My agent said all of my shots are "pretty lady" shots, but I also need to add shots like the frumpy frazzled house wife or the business executive with a headache. Anything that can show a variety of looks and expressions. I am working on getting more of these "non-pretty" shots in my port. I am in LA so geographically I am lucky for the amount of work, but it is extremely competitive. I know a casting director that said when he submits a casting call he gets an average of 2,500 submissions. So modeling is something I do as fun on the side. I do not do it to make a living. As far as Botox or cosemetic surgery, it is 100% your choice. Do not do it to get a job, do not do it because you think you should, only do it if you are not happy with what you see in the mirror. Only do it if it is something you want for yourself. And then only after alot of research and weighing the risks versus the benefits. Feel free to message me anytime. Good luck. Jan 28 13 08:05 pm Link Veronica Sage wrote: Hi, Jan 28 13 08:17 pm Link MyrnaByrna wrote: OMG...I Googled Mature Models and the vast majority of sites were tacky porn. Definitely not the kind of work I am interested in. Jan 28 13 08:28 pm Link Over 40, and getting close to the over 50 crowd, I find there is still work. You just have to look harder and the right situations. Personally having cosmetic work done is always an option but I find natural to be sexier. Just my 2cents worth  Jan 28 13 08:29 pm Link Great discussion. I'm on the cusp of 40. I think age is a number. I didn't get into modeling until I was 38. I've found more success than I ever expected within about a year of starting. I've been blessed to be able to be in 2 commercials, a promotional video, and 3 magazines. I think it is a certain mindset that age doesn't matter and you get what you give...enthusiasm, openness and willingness to try new things and experiment go a long way too (not that you're not any of these things). Still, I know there are age-related barriers that may not be removed so I just move onto the next opportunity. Great discussion! Jan 28 13 09:00 pm Link Veronica Sage wrote: The work depends on what you want to do, your location, etc. There is commercial work for older models. Just have to find it. Best to get with an well represented legit agency. Have to be careful with agencies so check them out before signing any agreements. Veronica Sage wrote: Please don't ever do such a horrible thing. I looked at your portfolio and you are a very beautiful women. Don't ruin the wonderful natural beauty that you possess with botox, plastic surgery, etc. Veronica Sage wrote: Go after the market for your age. Allow your portfolio to reflect your natural beauty and the market you are going for. Veronica Sage wrote: After viewing your look, I would work with you before I would work with some of the younger models I have encountered. Jan 28 13 09:13 pm Link I don't see why your age would have to be a factor, looking at portfolios on MM, you see many photographers working with mature models, some work with plus size models, some photographers are interested in subjects for which age is immaterial, some may even need a mature model. Clients who advertise products want models who are going to appeal to their customers, so as long as people your age are still buying stuff, or potential buyers would identify with people your age, I would guess there is a market somewhere. Jan 28 13 09:45 pm Link Raven-Lily wrote: Raven, Jan 29 13 05:25 pm Link Micyl Sweeney wrote: Veronica Sage wrote: The work depends on what you want to do, your location, etc. There is commercial work for older models. Just have to find it. Best to get with an well represented legit agency. Have to be careful with agencies so check them out before signing any agreements. Veronica Sage wrote: Please don't ever do such a horrible thing. I looked at your portfolio and you are a very beautiful women. Don't ruin the wonderful natural beauty that you possess with botox, plastic surgery, etc. Veronica Sage wrote: Go after the market for your age. Allow your portfolio to reflect your natural beauty and the market you are going for. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your comments and feedback! You and many others here are confirming what I have been thinking/ intuiting. Jan 29 13 06:11 pm Link Do photographers want to work with folks like myself or are they really only hungry to work with the youth? Photographers get paid by clients who sell products which are purchased by the public. Clients will hire models and photographers that can make pictures that entice the public to buy. If the public demands pictures of 40+ models, that's who photographers will be taking pictures of. Jan 29 13 06:26 pm Link I find work, but it's very seasonal:-) Jan 30 13 10:26 pm Link I find more quality work and better pay now than when I was 18. I'm also wiser. “Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right.” ― Henry Ford Jan 31 13 05:35 am Link MM is a glamour site. When it comes to a photographer shelling the money to hire a model, she has to do nude. With the other genres like commercial, then you have to hook up with a photographer who has connections with a client who will pay the model. If you're willing to pose nude to get restarted, you can get paid by the photographer. Don Jan 31 13 09:55 am Link 
Model Posts: 6639 MacMurdo - permanent station of the US, Sector claimed by New Zealand, Antarctica Veronica Paige wrote: Just once, I would love to see a mature model who doesn't do nudes have a discussion that doesn't include insulting those of us who do. Make your own choices, but just because you say something, it doesn't make it true. Jan 31 13 11:15 am Link MoRina wrote: I am not referring to you or to posing nude as low-class. I am referring to low-class images I've seen all to often on mature models' portfolios. Jan 31 13 12:58 pm Link |
