MiGel wrote:
I'll ask the one-million-dollar question:
What's a good starting point to get decent jobs/payment in the fashion or beauty industry, assuming one got a decent portfolio, like I think I do?

P.S.: I'm a photog and asking as such.

So Rui is going to answer your question, since out of all of us he is the one that deals more with photographers. Since Rui does not speak english very well, I am translating what he says:

Answer: Hard Work, Persistency, and Perseverance. You have a decent portfolio, one way is to do some research on clients you would like to work with, and hit the streets to try and land those clients. Learn about the company and who makes the decisions to hire the photographers, don't send "to whom it may concern". In this industry, people change all the time, so if you get a "NO" when a new person is on the job, try again. You are going to hear a lot of "NO's" don't give up. Also in Europe, it's very common for a photographer to get an agent, that will promote that photographer. You will have to share your profits with the agent, a good agent can open doors for you that you normally would not be able to get into. Best of luck to you.

MiGel wrote:
I'd have some replies, but it wouldn't be fair to spam the thread. So if I may and you have the nerve, I'd like to write a message.

P.S.: THANKS of course!!!

Of course...

Danielle Reid wrote:
I'm guessing this is just for fashion models or hopefuls. I'm not into fashion at all. My focus is glam/fetish/erotic. I suppose fashion can sneak its way in there but as I said, I'm not a fashion model.

My question is what needs to change about my portfolio, profile, etc to attract more paid work while traveling?

I'm not the author, but if I may (ok  with you and the TO-guys) I'd like to answer also.
But first a question: What's the client you're aiming for?

Danielle Reid wrote:
I'm guessing this is just for fashion models or hopefuls. I'm not into fashion at all. My focus is glam/fetish/erotic. I suppose fashion can sneak its way in there but as I said, I'm not a fashion model.

My question is what needs to change about my portfolio, profile, etc to attract more paid work while traveling?

Hi Danielle,
This is a group answer.
Let me start by saying that your portfolio has really improved since the last time I looked at it. Your new images are great.
We have this opinion, that the better photographers you work with and it's on your portfolio, the more better photographers want to work with you.
Keep adding new photos of your work with good photographers that you work with in the genres you are going for while traveling. Remember quality over quantity. As you travel, if there is an amazing photographer in the area that will work with you, even if you have to do a couple TF shoots during your trip. If you are willing to do group shoots or workshops while traveling say so on your portfolio and on your traveling notice. If you know some traveling models talk to them, and see if they are willing to share some of their contacts. Be willing to negotiate on pay. You have a great look, and I think you will do well as a traveling model.
On a separate note. The first comment from Helcio "Nice hair"!

RenatoJr - RJ wrote:

Hi Danielle,
This is a group answer.
Let me start by saying that your portfolio has really improved since the last time I looked at it. Your new images are great.
We have this opinion, that the better photographers you work with and it's on your portfolio, the more better photographers want to work with you.
Keep adding new photos of your work with good photographers that you work with in the genres you are going for while traveling. Remember quality over quantity. As you travel, if there is an amazing photographer in the area that will work with you, even if you have to do a couple TF shoots during your trip. If you are willing to do group shoots or workshops while traveling say so on your portfolio and on your traveling notice. If you know some traveling models talk to them, and see if they are willing to share some of their contacts. Be willing to negotiate on pay. You have a great look, and I think you will do well as a traveling model.
On a separate note. The first comment from Helcio "Nice hair"!

Thank you, all of you, for answering my question. I am planning a pretty big trip/tour next month hitting on 3 cities back to back in 3 different parts of the country (first time I ever did anything like this). I am also going add my willingness to work group shoots and workshops to my profile and travel notices. Not sure why I didn't think of that before.

And thank you, Helcio glad you like it.

Pauline Yee wrote:
Hi,

     I have recently asked you to rate me as a model and my portfolio so I am not sure if it is fair I ask yet another question of you. But, here it goes, I have been told I would work best as a lifestyle model. What kind of shots should I add to my portfolio to increase my marketability? I am taking your previous advice and shooting as often as I can.

       Are you guys still drinking?
        Thanks for your consideration,
               Pauline

Hi Pauline,

This is a group answer after a couple of Mooseheads!

In our opinion, we think you can handle Glamour and Lifestyle.
I would find a photographer that really knows how to do lifestyle shoots.
A couple of us around this table have quiet a bit of experience in Lifestyle photography, and without going a lot into it, here's the steps we follow.
When we are hired by the client to do a lifestyle shoot, more then anything we want the model to be comfortable doing it.
We normally interview the model and get the answers to the following questions from the model:
* Where is the model most comfortable?
* What is something she loved to do?
* Where do you spend most of your time?
* What is your ultimate treat?
* What things do you not want to forget?
* Does the model have any special routines that make up a large part of your day to day life?
* When you have free time you will find me________ (fill in)
* If you were to plan a perfect day, it would look like…
* Some of your favorite stories have happened when_________ (fill in)

We then create a Lifestyle shoot that fits the model and makes her pretty comfortable.

GO FOR IT!!!
Switching beers!

Celine Sophia wrote:
Im interested in getting into a good agency, do I have what it takes? Anything I should change? Any Advice?  Thanks!

Ok, this answer comes mostly from Rui and Helcio, and if you look at their jobs are, they are the most qualified to answer.

You have a couple of great things going for you.
1. Your age.
2. Your look.

If you were a couple inches taller, they say you would be a shoe-in, But at 17 who knows, you might still grow a little.

You are also near LA which is great.

And by the way, if you are what the agency wants, you don't need much, just walk in with maybe a few Polaroid's, which more then likely they will take themselves if they are interested.

So, the simple answer is "YES" if you really want it.... GO FOR IT NOW!!!!

Meghan Devlin wrote:
Hi! I also posted on your previous thread. My question is, what genre should I concentrate on in order to make modeling my primary source of income? OR, what genre am I best suited to?

We feel Fashion, Catalog, Commercial, Editorial and Glamour are your best bets.

If you are interested in Fashion, Catalog, Commercial and Editorial your portfolio needs quite a bit of development for those genres.

Editorial/Fashion are images you see in fashion mags Commercial are images which are more product focused.

I know some people combine Fashion/Editorial/Catalog in the same category. I put catalog in separatly since Fashion/Editorial work generally has minimum height requirements whereas catalog is more flexible.

winking_wonder wrote:
What genre of modeling do you think I am most suited to and what ideas on concepts of shoots I should try next/add?

We see you mostly in Glamour and Lifestyle genres. We feel that your could use a few more good glamour shots, and some lifestyle images with a concept that real excites you, depending on what you like to do, Read one of the answers above to see our take on lifestyle shoots.

Pauline Yee wrote:
Hi guys,

      I hope this thread is not dead as I have a question for you. I am an agency signed model that cannot seem to get a job. I have gone to or applied to all the casting calls and updated my portfolio with professional photographers. Any suggestions?

              Thanks,
                  Pauline

We have two questions before answering your questions:

1. You say you have gone to all the casting calls. Can you tell us the last 5 casting calls you went to what were they casting for? and did your agency sent you to them or did you find it on your own.

2. What agencies are you signed with?

Pauline Yee wrote:
Hi guys,

          The last five casting calls that I physically went to were held by my agency for runway modeling( those were the only ones available). I apply to casting calls through my agency( they present my portfolio to the client to see if they are interested), kijiji and Model Mayhem. I am currently represented by Numa Models.

             Thanks guys.
                   Pauline

OK. So this is basically just Paul and I answering this. Wish Rui was here, since I am sure he would be one of the best to answer this, But Rui and Helcio have gone back to Portugal, and Stevie is on vacation.
From what I understand kijiji, is like and Craig's List in the US. so kijiji and Model Mayhem, so I do not count those as agencies, and I took a look at what were the castings available on MM for Calgary, and there were not that many! about half of the ones that were there was for nude modeling, ink models, etc. which you do not fit. Only a few did I think you could try for. So not much there.

Now your agency. Funny you mentioned Numa Models. I was just talking to a friend of mine a few days ago about models that I might need for a job that I have in Calgary, and the first thing out of his mouth was about Numa Models. For what I can see and hear, Numa does not have a very good reputation. I can talk more about what I have heard on an email if you are interested. Also, If what they are sending you is to casting calls for fashion runway shows, I don't think those are the type of jobs you should be going after or the casting calls they should be sending you to. In our opinion that is most likely why you are not getting any jobs. We don't think fashion runway shows are your thing.

Our opinion.