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.

Katherine

I 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 so, then you would feel very comfortable wearing athletic clothes. Take photos of you running, jumping, and playing basketball.

Let's see more of a connection between what you do best and your photographs.

If you were a track star, then use that to make connections with sportswear companies. There is a lot of money in endorsements. In business, you have got to use what has served you best over the years. Why waste all the training and fun you had? Channel that into a different direction.

Khalil Lewis

Can u please look at my work, and tell me you think. What do I need to do?

You have a very good look, and your book is well-rounded. I don't have much advice for you because you already are headed in the right direction.

What you need to do is get out there and find an agent. Though the market in Philadelphia is a bit small, it is still a strong market. Find a local agent there. Check out the fashion directory on our parent site, ModelWire.

Get proactive and start making some phone calls!

Beryl

I have a little experience in the modeling industry and just moved from Kenya to America two years ago. I would greatly appreciate it if you reviewed my portfolio and gave me your feedback. I am trying to figure out what part of the modeling industry my look would fit into.

I like your book. I think your photos look really good, but you better recheck your hip size.

In your photos, you do not look like a plus-size model, but if your hips are really 38.5", then you need to reinvent yourself. Start taking more commercial print shots.

As of now, your photos look high fashion and your book has a very editorial feel about it. However, the standard hip size for fashion and editorial models is 34". Therefore, you are not going to fit any of the designer clothes. It is time for you to change directions.

Have a happy holiday! See you all in the New Year!

JOEY

* Have a question for me? Click here to go to my ModelWire Network profile.

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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 Bevins

I'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 are a great agency to get started with. I would urge you to continue presenting yourself to them; they should pick you up soon.

When it comes to your portfolio, as far as I am concerned, I only like your first photo in your ModelWire Network portfolio.

It is a beautiful photo of you and it is a shame that the others do not look this good. It is worth keeping, but I can't say the same for the other photos. They don't do you justice, so I would say 'start over'. Get some good body shots of yourself in there and some great fashion shots.

Wish I could give you more advice, but I do not know your measurements, seeing as you did not fill out your sizes and stats. In the modeling business, measurements are VERY, VERY, VERY important!

Luciano Acuna Jr.

What do you think I need to work on from the work you see of mine? Also are there any tips in general you can give me?

You have a very interesting look and it works! It's hard to give you much advice because it seems like you are doing everything right. You have a variety of looks in your portfolio, which shows your range. If I had to come up with anything, your portfolio could use more formal fashion shots.

I don't know why someone wouldn't sign you. Get on the train and start hitting up the agents in NYC.

Stephie Cape

I recently moved from Ohio to New York City and I have had a few conversations with 'industry people' and a few smaller agencies who are interested. But I am looking at doing something more serious. I would love for you to critique my portfolio and tell me what you think.

At this point in your career, you should build a relationship with any agency that will take you, as long as they are legitimate. Going small in the beginning is good because they can take you to the next level. Sometimes starting out at a big agency, you can you get overlooked by the more experienced models.

I like your photos. I think your portfolio is good enough for you to get out and find an agent.

Lawrence Rush

I am an actor, but I am fit at 50 and would love some modeling gigs. Any advice?

If you are an actor, then you know the business. Find a commercial agency to represent you. Most commercial agencies all have print departments. Keep putting yourself out there and network with people for those modeling gigs.

In the meantime…

Have a successful day!

JOEY

* Have a question for me? Click here to go to my ModelWire Network profile.

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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 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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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.

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

* Have a question for me? Click here to go to my ModelWire Network profile.

Read More