Forums > Critique > Can i model if i'm not tall or skinny?

Model

KimberlyKay

Posts: 21

Cleveland, Texas, US

I see a lot of models who are tall and skinny but ill never be that so i was wondering what all the requirements were to model?

Apr 11 14 07:15 am Link

Photographer

johnreefphotography

Posts: 200

College Park, Maryland, US

Figure modeling might be a start.  There are a lot of class acts out there who have made a career of figure modeling.

Apr 11 14 07:31 am Link

Model

MatureModelMM

Posts: 2843

Detroit, Michigan, US

There are no requirements, other than to have a positive attitude, be able to hold a pose, and have people who want to work with you.

Figure modeling is great for shorter models, and working with artists in life drawing or painting classes is also one of the top genres. They want models of every age, appearance, size, and shape.

If I can still model at 61, then at 25 you should have no problems finding your own niche or genre that you are best suited to.

Apr 11 14 07:38 am Link

Model

Svetlana Muerte

Posts: 928

Austin, Texas, US

Oh sure. There are a lot of photographers and artists who aren't particular about height. I'm just average in height, but I've modeled quite a bit in the last couple of years.

It's more about bringing creativity and a positive attitude. And being able to handle the rejection of people not wanting to work with you (via casting calls or "cold calls" where you just hit up photographers to see if they are interested).

Some photographers really like the "girl next door" look. Others aren't interested in shooting that style. The trick is to find people who seem to have people like you in their work.

Apr 11 14 07:53 am Link

Photographer

Marin Photo NYC

Posts: 7348

New York, New York, US

Svetlana Muerte wrote:
Oh sure. There are a lot of photographers and artists who aren't particular about height. I'm just average in height, but I've modeled quite a bit in the last couple of years.

It's more about bringing creativity and a positive attitude. And being able to handle the rejection of people not wanting to work with you (via casting calls or "cold calls" where you just hit up photographers to see if they are interested).

Some photographers really like the "girl next door" look. Others aren't interested in shooting that style. The trick is to find people who seem to have people like you in their work.

+1

Apr 11 14 08:10 am Link

Photographer

DVP Photography

Posts: 2874

Broomfield, Colorado, US

There are many genres of modeling besides fashion.  Just look at the list you put in your profile page, and go after those.

Apr 11 14 08:21 am Link

Photographer

Philipe

Posts: 5302

Pomona, California, US

Kimb3rlyKay wrote:
I see a lot of models who are tall and skinny but ill never be that so i was wondering what all the requirements were to model?

Well, you have to look like a model.
Models are girls who are exceptional and that stand out.
I don't think you you look like a model...
Its not about being thin or tall.. Those are not always the requirements..
Again having a strong look is priority..
But just because you can not model. It can't keep you from taking pictures..
Here on Model Mayhem you will have a lot of supporters. But in the real world (the industry) not so much...
So just have fun here on Model Mayhem and take pictures...

Apr 11 14 09:03 am Link

Photographer

Eros Fine Art Photo

Posts: 3097

Torrance, California, US

Can you model?  Sure, anyone can open a model portfolio on this site, regardless of their height, weight, age, attractiveness, etc.

The question you need to ask though, is are you going to get anything of value for your time?

I'd say most "models" here who are not tall, shapely, and beautiful never get more than a handful of amateur looking photos for their online portfolio.  Even less if they don't shoot nudes.  I don't understand the pursuit, but hey...it's your time and energy to spend.

Apr 11 14 09:20 am Link

Photographer

Orca Bay Images

Posts: 33877

Arcata, California, US

Kimb3rlyKay wrote:
i was wondering what all the requirements were to model?

One requirement is a thick skin, an ability to take hard feedback without complaining about it and seeing it as an attack.

Apr 11 14 10:32 am Link

Photographer

Philipe

Posts: 5302

Pomona, California, US

Orca Bay Images wrote:

One requirement is a thick skin, an ability to take hard feedback without complaining about it and seeing it as an attack.

Elite model look of the year brings 14-20 year old girls to tears...

Apr 11 14 02:12 pm Link

Photographer

AJ_In_Atlanta

Posts: 13053

Atlanta, Georgia, US

Philipe wrote:

Elite model look of the year brings 14-20 year old girls to tears...

Some very amazing looking girls for that matter...

Apr 11 14 02:29 pm Link

Photographer

Philipe

Posts: 5302

Pomona, California, US

AJScalzitti wrote:

Some very amazing looking girls for that matter...

Yes, girls with world class looks..
This is the competition out there. Young, tall and ridiculously good looking..

Apr 11 14 05:17 pm Link

Photographer

Mark Salo

Posts: 11725

Olney, Maryland, US

Kimb3rlyKay wrote:
I see a lot of models who are tall and skinny but ill never be that so i was wondering what all the requirements were to model?

There are many genres of modelling.  First off, I recommend that you set an avatar and fill in your measurements.  Then network and post only your best images.

Also, be sure to credit your photographers.  Grammar helps too.

Apr 11 14 05:29 pm Link

Model

Anna T

Posts: 192

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

the only modelling requirement is a positive attitude and a thick skin. I'm boderline for most modelling agencies (36/26/36, and 5'7") so i've gotten positive and negative feedback, and at this point, i'd consider my portfolio pretty established, and modelling is a hobby for me, no more no less. I love having catalogue shoots every other week and i've made great friends because of it.

Apr 11 14 05:43 pm Link

Model

Paige Thomley

Posts: 573

West Bend, Wisconsin, US

Yep. Look at me, I'm short and a little on the bigger side (in the modeling world) and I do just fine. You have to make up for this in other ways though.

Apr 11 14 05:46 pm Link

Model

Blaire_

Posts: 343

Portland, Oregon, US

It's possible. If I could give you any advice, It would be to stay away from gimmicks (crazy makeup, crazy headbands) Almost all of your photos has some gimmick going on and it looks amateur.  If I could suggest anything, it would be to HIRE a makeup artist and hair stylist, and HIRE a photographer that will help guide you into poses.  The makeup artist should give you a CLEAN, natural look.  Only start with the more interesting makeup concepts when you have a good base of really natural looks. Also, don't use your own clothing.  Use some clothing with some interesting texture or something that can show light through it.  Stay away from cammo until you have a good base portfolio. 

Good luck!!

Apr 11 14 06:57 pm Link

Model

Nat has a username

Posts: 3590

Oakland, California, US

Eros Fine Art Photo wrote:
Can you model?  Sure, anyone can open a model portfolio on this site, regardless of their height, weight, age, attractiveness, etc.

The question you need to ask though, is are you going to get anything of value for your time?

I'd say most "models" here who are not tall, shapely, and beautiful never get more than a handful of amateur looking photos for their online portfolio.  Even less if they don't shoot nudes.  I don't understand the pursuit, but hey...it's your time and energy to spend.

I'm short-for-new-york, not a size 0, and weird looking, but I make a decent living as an art model with an occasional editorial or other project as more of a character model. Most of my work is non-photographic and not found through mm for the most part.

To the original poster, you need to be realistic about how to market yourself, what work you can possibly do, and then put in a lot of time and energy getting your foot in the door if you want to make it as a model. If you want to just have a fun hobby, that is also a valid option, and it just takes finding the right people you really love working with and have fun with and that is a bit of trial and error.

Best of luck!

Apr 11 14 07:55 pm Link

Photographer

Eros Fine Art Photo

Posts: 3097

Torrance, California, US

a raw muse wrote:
I'm short-for-new-york, not a size 0, and weird looking, but I make a decent living as an art model with an occasional editorial or other project as more of a character model. Most of my work is non-photographic and not found through mm for the most part.

That's why I said "most" models.  As far as I can tell, the OP doesn't shoot nudes, so I'd say that limits her options of getting paid gigs even further.  On top of that, she doesn't have any strong images in her portfolio and she doesn't seem to know how to pose or show expression.  That, in my opinion, will also cut down the number of photographers who'd be willing to shoot with her. 

So what does that leave her?  Well, realistically it leaves her shooting with people who don't know how to take a decent photo.  In other words, more of what she's already got.  In my opinion, she'd just be spinning her wheels at that point.

My advice would be for her to hire a good photographer in her area and get the best shots she possibly can to show other photographers what her potential is. 

In my opinion, the idea that all someone needs is a "Positive Attitude" to get anywhere in modeling is a fallacy perpetuated by Hollywood movies like "Rudy".  You could be as positive as Mr Rogers when he changes out of his loafers and into his tennis shoes, but that doesn't mean I'll shoot with you if you show me nothing but amateur looking images, poor modeling skills, and an ordinary look.

Apr 12 14 01:45 am Link

Photographer

Another Italian Guy

Posts: 3281

Bath, England, United Kingdom

Set your avatar for a start!









Just my $0.02 etc. etc.

Apr 12 14 03:54 am Link

Model

Gelsen Aripia

Posts: 1407

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Anyone can be a model.  ANYONE.  You just have to find your niche.  I know of some obese models in the art circles I run in who work regularly.  I have seen effing amazing drawings of these people.

Apr 12 14 04:20 am Link

Photographer

Pete Bliss photography

Posts: 9

Naples, Florida, US

My average models are around 140 and fit so the stereotype of needing to be 5'8+ and 100 or less pounds is going out of style. Some photographers like like the skinny anorexic types but I find My clients want the fitness look. Height (Unless You are a fashion model) is not important. Models that show up on time, are fit and have a great attitude are an asset but rare to find. The average model I shoot is 5'2 or so and slightly muscular (Gymnasts,volleyball players etc)

Apr 12 14 04:22 am Link

Photographer

Eyesso

Posts: 1218

Orlando, Florida, US

Eugenya wrote:
Anyone can be a model.  ANYONE.  You just have to find your niche.  I know of some obese models in the art circles I run in who work regularly.  I have seen effing amazing drawings of these people.

+1

Apr 12 14 05:08 am Link