Wednesday, December 1, 2010

All Models’ Portfolios Should Include Digitals aka Polaroids


What's happening!
I hope you all have had a great Thanksgiving weekend. I ended up preparing the dinner and had 14 people gather around my table. We ate, we drank, but I am glad it is over. Now I can get back to my normal routine in answering questions.

DouglasP: "I have noticed that all the agencies state on their websites that they only need a few digitals from which they apparently base their decision to either accept or reject a prospective model.  Do you think this is fair and more importantly, a reliable method for an agency to use?  Also, does this imply that the polaroids should be taken by a professional photographer or is your best friend good enough?"
Ever since I have been in the business, Polaroids have played a big part in the selection process. Polaroids tell no lies. They show you as you are, that is exactly what agents want to see.
We live in a society where time is of the essence and everything is digital. In fact, the term "Polaroids" is now being called "Digitals" in the industry. Taking a Digital is simple to take. Even a friend can take the photo and then you can email the Digitals/Polaroids to an agency or industry professional.
An agent can tell a lot in a Digital Polaroid and yes, it does decide whether or not they want to see you or not. And I know you are thinking, "Why do they not look at my portfolio with twenty-five beautiful photos of me?"
They don't have the time. Most agents only look at the first two photos in a portfolio and push it aside.
If you want to be in the business, then you need to be persistent and try to get into meet with an agent.
For all models seeking representation, your portfolio should include three photos that follow these Professional Digital Polaroid Guidelines: 
1. Headshot - close-up of the face (no smile and no makeup is best)
2. Profile - side view of the face with hair pulled back
3. Bodyshot - full length photo showing the form of the body against a plain wall (tight clothing or bathing suit attire, NO LINGERIE)

Velvet White: "What is the best way to move forward with acting and modeling? What type of people should I be looking for to work with and where do I look for accurate work?"
You look like an actress. If that is something you want, then you need sign up for acting classes and commercial reading classes.
If you want to pursue modeling, then you need to focus on commercial print modeling. There are agencies in San Francisco that focus on both acting and commercial print modeling. Do your research.
Your headshot shows that you have good skin and hair, which is great for commercial print and tv commercials. What you need to do is take more photos. One photo in a portfolio is not going to cut it. You need some casual looks, from the look of your headshot, it appears you are wearing something formal. 
As for finding people to work with, you are on the right website. Here at ModelWire Network we are a safe site that caters to working professionals in the business. Post a project on our Project page. Specify what profession you are seeking, what you want to do and the location of the shoot. By posting a project, all ModelWire Network members can read the project and submit their portfolio if they are interested. If you want to get in contact with them all you have to do is message them. This makes it safe for everyone.

Justin Magoulas: "I'm not represented by any agency at the moment, but I'm looking to see if I can get represented by Ford. I have heard that Ford is a hard one to get into due to the strict limitations on height and look...Do you have any suggestions?"
I have looked over your photos and you show a large range of looks, which is good. You could use more formal shoots in your portfolio. As it is, it feels too casual, but overall, very good. You do not look like a model, who just started a couple of months ago. 
You are a bit too short for most fashion agencies, but you could definitely get picked up at an agency in San Francisco that does both fashion and commercial print. Since that is where you live in. Don't start at the top, start at an agency that can take you to the next level.

Michelle Vidal: "I was wondering how I go about getting signed with an agency when I am right below their height requirement. Is there any way to get around it?"
I don't know what you are trying to do with your photos. You are trying to be high fashion and it doesn't work especially if you are not 5'9" or over. The only photo I like is your headshot. Take it as a compliment; you look like the "Girl Next Door." 
There is no getting around it, you have a commercial look. You didn't fill out your sizes or stats- shame on you You asked if you can get around the height requirement and in normal cases, if you're not 5'9 and over, you can't for high fashion modeling. 
Take some photos of you playing tennis, going to the beach, hanging out with friends and going to work, and get rid of the gowns!
In the meantime…
Have a successful day!
JOEY

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