Ask Joey: Be Yourself in Your Photos

What's happening!I've been asked to critique a lot of people's photos and portfolios, all of them asking what I think and feel.For the people who are starting out:Try to be as natural as possible. Don't pose; it always looks like you are trying. What you need to try to do is show off what kind of personality you have. Your photos will always look more inviting.KatherineI am looking to see if you have any advice on my photos and if you feel they represent me well.You photograph well, but if you are questioning if your photos represent you, then it is clear that something is missing. You say that you were a track star and basketball player. If...

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Ask Joey: Measurements are VERY, VERY, VERY Important

What's happening!I know I say this every week, but if you want to succeed in this industry, then you need to start with the basics. You can't be a model in this business without filling out the most important thing about you: your sizes and stats. If you are reading this and you haven't filled out your sizes and stats in your ModelWire Network profile, then do it NOW! (Well of course, finish reading my blog and then fill out your stats.)Erin BevinsI'd love to have your opinion on my portfolio. I really want to get some work! I'm unsigned, but am testing with pinnacle10 agency in Louisville, KY.It's good that you are testing with pinnacle10. They...

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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...

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Ask Joey: 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.DouglasPI 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...

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Ask Joey: Modeling Is About Being Versatile

What's happening!Eric SanchezI am new to modeling. I have worked on some print projects including Umbro and Dickies. I love High Fashion. I am looking for representation. Any feedback would be grateful.You have a nice look, but you have the same type of expression in all your photos. The clothes change, but the look is always the same. Modeling is about being versatile.Images CoutureWe look forward to your assistance and point of view. Please look at our images; we look forward to your evaluation of our work.In your ModelWire Network "About Me", you say that you are fashion and editorial photographers and it very clear in your portfolio that...

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Ask Joey: They Don’t Like Your Look

What's happening!Here's my stab at answering six questions:KseniaI actually need advice about how to get into the whole modeling industry. I live in NYC and have tried several agencies, but they all want someone experienced and I'm not. Where to start?If these are the photos you are presenting to the agencies, I understand why they are telling you need more experience. It is a nice way of telling you they don't like your look.Your photos do not look natural. You are trying too hard to be a high fashion model. And it is not working. Do a shoot more like the girl next door.Cedric ArmandI can definitely use the support. I'm originally from Mississippi....

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Ask Joey: You Need to Focus

What's happening!My Inbox keeps growing and I love it. Here are the questions that I responded to this week:Jason SchulzWould love your feedback on my profile.To be honest, you are all over the place. There is no theme to your book. As it is right, now I don't know what you want or want to say or what area of photography you want work in.We can see that you are having fun, but if I was to book you for a job, I wouldn't know what to book you for. Clients book photographers because they are specialized in different styles of photography.For instance, if I was booking a fashion shoot, I would go for someone who mainly shoots fashion. If I was booking...

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Ask Joey: Put Some Clothes On

What's happening!This week I was on a roll and answered five questions.ORIANAI would love to get as much input as possible on my portfolio, etc. I do have a question. Which photo would you recommend I use for my main photo here & on my comp card?Don't touch your main photo, I really like it. It really shows off your eyes, lips, hair, and skin.As for your portfolio, it is a strong fashion portfolio, but according to your sizes and stats your...

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Ask Joey: Portfolio and International Talent Showcase?

What's happening!I decided that this week I wanted to tackle two questions that were sent to me.The first question comes from Matt Allison, who asked, "I have been invited to the International Talent Showcase in July 2011. Is this worth my time and money or should I just send Head/Body shots to different agencies. I am so ready to work!!"Well, Matt, do you only want to do modeling, or are you also interested in pursuing a career in acting, singing, and/or dancing? If you want to also pursue acting, singing, and dancing, then I would definitely say, "Go." If you are solely looking into modeling and you live in or close to any of the major US modeling...

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Ask Joey: How does a makeup artist get an agent?

What's happening!D. FONTA messaged me this week asking, "Can you tell me how to go about getting signed with an agent?"First of all, D. Fonta, you have talent as a makeup artist. I went to your MWN profile to check out your work, and you have potential. You need to show more of your work, but what I saw, I liked. The first step is putting together your portfolio. According to your profile, you say you live in Philadelphia. Therefore, you should find a local agency in your area that represents makeup artists. Once you have found some local representation in Philadelphia, the next step is to find representation in the New York area, which is the...

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Ask Joey: How old is too old?

What's happening!I want to say thank you to Minsun, who post a question on my profile this week.Her question was, "What is the age range for models these days. How old is too old?"As we already know, models do come in all shapes and sizes, which includes a variety of age ranges. The key to modeling is to grit your teeth and accept your age range. This does not mean you have to look exactly like your biological clock says you are, but you need to accept and be realistic about how old you really look. If you want to be model and you get the chance to meet with an agent, you need ask, "Is there a market for my age group?" Then ask, "Is there enough...

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Ask Joey: Making Models Feel Comfortable On Location

What's happening!I want to say thank you to Christopher Gregson, who was the second person to post a question on my profile.His question was, "What is your advice for making models feel comfortable on location and in the studio? Do you have any tips to help them to loosen up a bit and capture them when they're most confident and relaxed?"The key to making anyone relaxed it to talk to them. It's just a matter of taking the time to chat.I know that seems like a no-brainer, but not enough people take the time to do this.I would advise you to get to your set early so that, when your talent arrives, you are the first to greet them. Walk them through...

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