Electra T wrote:
Should a plus model who is a 16 or 18, lose weight before attempting to go to the NY agencies considering they prefer 10's and 12's?

and....

hello!

In my opinion, I think a model should go as is and see what the agency has to say. See what they tell you to change. Then bust ass to make the changes and go back and try again. It'll show the agency that you determined and dedicated to getting signed with them.
Just my 2 cents, but I'm not a model... ;-)

Bklyn Brown Bunny wrote:
Hey yall Where'd our new thread disappear to?

off topic

Electra T wrote:

off topic

Dang already?

LoniONewby wrote:
Starting at grass roots level.

What IS a Plus size model? (kindly answered by Sita Mae Edwards) http://newmodels.com/plus.html

by Sita Mae Edwards
[followed by a lengthy copyright violation)

newmodels.com wrote:
This site in its entirety is copyright newmodels.com 2000-2007. All rights reserved.

Betsy G wrote:
Ariana, you are gorgeous, lady!  I would love to see some more headshots in your port, as you only have one. Or maybe some beauty shots.

What exactly is a beauty shot?

Betsy G wrote:
Ariana, you are gorgeous, lady!  I would love to see some more headshots in your port, as you only have one. Or maybe some beauty shots.

I agree, head and beauty shots specifically would be good for you. They are both the close up shots typically from just below the clavicle and up. Head shots are about reflecting your personality, beauty shots are more specifically for showcasing your beauty. I think good beauty shots are harder to come by than a decent headshot.

But I think in your area you've got some excellent resources who could fill that need pretty darn quickly

-Becca- wrote:
Being so new in the industry and my first shoot will be in a week or so - my portfolio is lacking - how can I come across to necessary parties that I am very serious about being a plus model? 

At the moment, with a port that is not diverse I get the feeling that there is a desire to see more, but not enough interest to help with that effort from the type of photographers that I like -

(hope that made sense! lol)

Hey Becca,
I think I get where you're coming from. What I would say is check out your area agencies and see if anyone happens to have a plus division, if not I think that you could get work through a commercial agency.  One of the nice things about plus modeling is that we have a longer shelf-life! lol You look really amazing for your age, and congrats on the weight loss as well. I think that you represent what most of America views as the typical "commercial mom."

Use the browse feature and check out photographers in your area, see if there are any that catch your eye and drop them a line. The worst they can tell you is no, or send you their rates. There's no harm in seeing who's interested. You can also put out a casting call for photographers as well.

Just be aware that there are photographers out there who won't be on the same page as you, if it's not something you're interested in shooting or that doesn't seem like it will be beneficial to you, then by all means pass!

I hope that helps a little bit, did that answer your question at all?

Ariana J O wrote:

What exactly is a beauty shot?

Here's an example... :-)

Nancy Frye wrote:
I'm looking to get in to the "plus" category, too. I'm 5' 8" and around a size 12-14 (and shrinking), so I guess I'm right on the edge depending on the market. It looks like I need some more full body shots: am I right? Hoping to set up some shoots in the near future. Love to have any advice!

Thanks in advance,

Nancy
Seattle(area)

That's great Nancy; take a look at the website provided in the begining of this thread it has very helpful information...

Best wishes!

Mari

Sungoddess Studios wrote:
well, +'s are the only ones that reply to my ads for work.
Through research in calif. +'s are 5-8 in NY +'s are 8-16.
I think if they are proportioned to their size. What the hey, a good photographer can work with anyone.
So whats with the prejudice.
Maybe some photographers should look in a mirror.
I can see my jully belly

I thought Cali had bigger plus size models than NY, not smaller.

Nancy Frye wrote:
I'm looking to get in to the "plus" category, too. I'm 5' 8" and around a size 12-14 (and shrinking), so I guess I'm right on the edge depending on the market. It looks like I need some more full body shots: am I right? Hoping to set up some shoots in the near future. Love to have any advice!

Thanks in advance,

Nancy
Seattle(area)

Nancy,
One thing that I've learned is that plus modeling is extremely commercial. The photos you have in your portfolio are extremely character driven, and artistic. There is some cool styling going on there, however for more mainstream plus modeling (where the money tends to be) take a look at Lane Bryant and Catherines to see what is marketible for some of the older plus size models.

I'd also peek around and see what local boutiques cater to curvy women and express interest in any upcoming runway shows or advertising campaigns they may have coming up. (Who knows, they might not have any, but you won't know until you ask.)

Kate Rose wrote:
Another thing to keep in mind is that being outside of industry standards isn't necessarly going to bar you from any modeling opportunities. Clothing brands and boutiques that market to plus women frequently use non-standard models for their ads and websites.

It's not the same as being an international runway model sure, but it's definitely an option to keep in mind in the meantime.

That's true, though location is important here.  A slightly shorter, rounder model is going to have a greater chance of working for a boutique designer if she's in a major metropolis than if she's in a small town in a rural state.  Location is really, really important in modeling, period.  I think that's often overlooked. 

I also don't know many shorter/rounder models, even in the right location, who get paid regularly.  They often end up modeling for free for start-up designers, or calendars, or whatever.  Which is totally fine as long as everyone involved knows that and isn't in for a horrible surprise.  It's just worth pointing out that it won't provide a lucrative career.  It can be great occasional cash and a good hobby, though. 

TAM HEMA wrote:

I thought Cali had bigger plus size models than NY, not smaller.

West Coast DOES tend to employ larger models than East Coast. The most requested size I see in Cali castings are 14/16 (and an occasional 18) and though I haven't personally sought out castings in NYC the few that I see pass through are typically looking for 12-14s.

(Again, I'm not an expert, this is observation from my VAST 6 months doin this! lol)

TAM HEMA wrote:

I thought Cali had bigger plus size models than NY, not smaller.

It shifts.  For now that seems to be true, based on looking at casting calls.  Who knows what it'll be like in five years.

Plus designer Monif C is a NY exception.  Her models are generally a good, solid size 18, and they look great!

Okay, done with my random Monif adoration.  *grin*

Ashy Rose wrote:
I'm at a size 7/8 right now..

Do you think it would be more practical to loose weight for mainstream or gain weight for plus-size?

Honestly, looking at your current stats you're a lot closer to the plus end of the spectrum than the straight end. So I wouldn't view it as whether you need to "gain" or "lose" weight. In fact, Tam Hema above you is of comparable size and is now signed to a major agency in the plus division...
I personally feel that you need to be close to where your body naturally plateaus to maintain a healthy lifestyle, not gaining or losing excessively. What I would work on, if I were in your position, is getting with some photographers who specialize in plus models who know how to work the angles and direct you to get the best shots possible and then take it from there!

LoniONewby wrote:

Honestly, looking at your current stats you're a lot closer to the plus end of the spectrum than the straight end. So I wouldn't view it as whether you need to "gain" or "lose" weight. In fact, Tam Hema above you is of comparable size and is now signed to a major agency in the plus division...
I personally feel that you need to be close to where your body naturally plateaus to maintain a healthy lifestyle, not gaining or losing excessively. What I would work on, if I were in your position, is getting with some photographers who specialize in plus models who know how to work the angles and direct you to get the best shots possible and then take it from there!

Thanks!

Ariana J O wrote:
Hey Loni what would you suggest I add to my port I know I haven't been on too many shoots but I wanna diversify my port. Thanks girly

I know I am know Loni ,but I agree with another poster - your pics are good,some great-I'd love to see one full on face pic so we can see your beauty pic potential
................ but then i am biased towards beauty shots :S

mondazechild wrote:

I know I am know Loni ,but I agree with another poster - your pics are good,some great-I'd love to see one full on face pic so we can see your beauty pic potential
................ but then i am biased towards beauty shots :S

man i miss that edit function-tonight my brain is slow-just dont want everyone else to know

Chanel Rene wrote:

Here's an example... :-)

Oh ok now I get

I know I'm  tenarded sometimes. Hey Chanel wanna shoot some beauty shots of me?

LoniONewby wrote:

I agree, head and beauty shots specifically would be good for you. They are both the close up shots typically from just below the clavicle and up. Head shots are about reflecting your personality, beauty shots are more specifically for showcasing your beauty. I think good beauty shots are harder to come by than a decent headshot.

But I think in your area you've got some excellent resources who could fill that need pretty darn quickly

Thank you my love and thank you Betty you guys rock!

TAM HEMA wrote:
Question, anyone know the pro's and cons to plus size and straight size modelling?  Am I correct in assuming that straight size modelling is generally percieved as being more prestigious?  Just wondering.

Plus modeling is definitely lesser known than straight size modeling. Heck, even a few photographers on here deny it's very existence as a legitimate industry...but honestly take 30 seconds and try to list all of the straight size models you can, just off the top of your head.

Plenty?
Now go ahead and do the same with Plus size models?
If you haven't been around long you probably have about 24 seconds to spare...

When you know TO look, you'll see some very familiar faces in quite a few places. But if you're not specifically looking for plus size models you may not even take note. The reason, it's a smaller industry--it's absolutely a growing industry--but if you're in plus modeling for fame, prestige, and to become a celebrity you're not going to get the same paparazzi response as Kate Moss, probably ever.

I can't pretend to know what the general concensus is, as far as which is more prestigious...but I am quite happy to be in the plus spectrum, the competition is still fierce but it seems like the cattiness is definitely muted in comparison to the drama I hear, read about and see all the time elsewhere! lol

Nikki S. wrote:
*waves*  Hello ladies!  This is going to be a great informative thread.

Does anyone know any plus friendly photographers in either Detroit, Chicago, or maybe even Ohio?

Ken Erickson

LoniONewby wrote:
Hey Becca,
I think I get where you're coming from. What I would say is check out your area agencies and see if anyone happens to have a plus division, if not I think that you could get work through a commercial agency.  One of the nice things about plus modeling is that we have a longer shelf-life! lol You look really amazing for your age, and congrats on the weight loss as well. I think that you represent what most of America views as the typical "commercial mom."

Use the browse feature and check out photographers in your area, see if there are any that catch your eye and drop them a line. The worst they can tell you is no, or send you their rates. There's no harm in seeing who's interested. You can also put out a casting call for photographers as well.

Just be aware that there are photographers out there who won't be on the same page as you, if it's not something you're interested in shooting or that doesn't seem like it will be beneficial to you, then by all means pass!

I hope that helps a little bit, did that answer your question at all?

Thanks Loni - it did make sense -

I have been rather productive in the last few days and have three shoots scheduled and thankfully, they are are all close by - I did send a photo over to one agency in Richmond and got a positive response, they would like for me to actually come in one day next week (of course, I'm always keeping an eye out for bad agencies and they didn't seem to be one)

I'm realistic that between age and size that I'm doing great if I can get just one phone call back! lol

Glad to see so many other models helping each other out~