Modeling Opportunities

High Fashion Modeling

High Fashion Modeling is working for famous fashion houses and designers, either at working the runways at fashion shows or posing for fashion photographers. The pay rate is the highest among modeling jobs. Of course, the advertisers' expectations are also very high. The competition is fierce among High Fashion Models and only a small fraction of models who attempt a career in this area ever succeed.

Runway Modeling

Runway Models are High Fashion Models who work in Fashion Shows, where clothing designers showcase their upcoming designs. Runway Models must meet very specific size requirements and have measurements that fit a standard clothing size. The vast majority of modeling agencies represent Runway Models.

Plus Size Modeling and Petite Modeling

There are opportunities for the oversized or undersized model. The demand for these models with whom a majority of the audience can identify continues to increase. The market for full-figure models and petite (less than 5'7" tall) is growing and includes editorial, commercials, television and more.

Glamour Modeling

There are no established physical requirements for Glamour Models, other than the model must be beautiful and sexy in the photographs, with any clothing, fashion, products or environment contained in the image being of minor consideration. An elegant lady in an evening dress, the eye-catching face of a beautiful girl, a shapely woman in casual dress, swim-wear, or lingerie can all become subjects for glamour photography. Pay rates can be very good for Glamour Modeling. There is a misconception that glamour modeling involves nudity. A glamour shot could be nude, but it could also be taken in formal evening attire. Usually, the pay rate doubles for posing in lingerie or in the nude.

Catalog Modeling

Catalog Modeling involves posing with products, most of which is done wearing store-brand clothes. To become a Catalog Model, you need a special look and the ability to emote with your body language and facial expressions. If you are interested in becoming a Catalog Model, you need to look good in a variety of different clothing styles as well as be able to convey the spirit and tone of the catalog company you are posing for with your body and face.

Editorial Modeling

Editorial Modeling is working for a particular publication, such as Elle, Mademoiselle, Seventeen, and even regional magazines. The readers of that publication make up a target audience for the photographs taken. Images in the non-advertisement sections of the fashion magazines are good examples of this type of modeling. Editorial Modeling is extremely hot right now and is something every model should be interested in doing.

Specialty Modeling

There are numerous other Specialty Modeling opportunities. People with beautiful hands have opportunities to display their hands demonstrating different products. For men, it could be masculine hand, or alternatively the more elegant, long-fingered hand. Women with well-proportioned feet are needed for shoe advertisements. Advertisements of stockings, pantyhose, and razors require women with nicely shaped legs. Hair products call for female and male models with good hair. Your modeling portfolio should include a photographs that emphasize areas of your body you might use for Specialty Modeling.

Character Modeling

Some modeling jobs require people with an everyday look, such as a truck driver, auto mechanic, doctor, school teacher, pool cleaner, construction worker, etc. Many people who work in television commercials also do character modeling.

Commercial Print Modeling

Commercial Print Models pose for ads that are placed in commercials, print ads, and ad campaigns. Commercial Print Models are people of all types and sizes, real looking people, and especially energy and friendly looking people. Photographs can appear on buses, magazines, newspapers and billboards.

Trade Show and Conventions Modeling

Trade Shows and Conventions use many models to demonstrate products, hand out leaflets or brochures, and answer questions.

How much models get paid

There is no one average pay rate for models. How much a model is paid for any particular job depends on many different factors such as the market the model is working in. A runway show in Miami might pay less than a runway show in Milan, Italy. The level of the model is also a major factor. A model who is "hot right now" or a "supermodel" would command a much higher rate than a more novice, lesser known model. And of course, the type of modeling job makes a big difference in pay scale.

Unlike actors, there is no union such as SAG governing the modeling industry, therefore no wage limits are imposed on employers of models. The pay can be as little as minimum wage to thousands of dollars per shoot and upward.

What They Say vs. What They Mean

Unscrupulous model and talent scouts have their acts down pat. Listen carefully to read between their lines:

"We're scouting for people with your 'look' to model and act."
I need to sign up as many people as possible. My commission depends on it.

* "Your deposit is totally refundable."
Your deposit is refundable only if you meet very strict refund conditions.

* "You must be specially selected for our program. Our talent experts will carefully evaluate your chances at success in the field and will only accept a few people into our program."
We take almost everyone.

* "There's a guaranteed refund if you're not accepted into the program."
Everyone's accepted into the program. Forget the refund.

* "You can't afford our fees? No problem. You can work them off with the high-paying jobs we'll get you."
We demand payment, whether or not you get work.

* "Commissions from our clients are our major source of income."
Our income comes from the fees we charge you.

United States Modeling Legal Requirements for Foreigners

You will need an American Model Agency certified by the United States Department of Labor to sponsor you for an H1, B3 Visa. If your Visa is approved you can work legally in the United States for up to 3 years. Visas can be renewed.

You must be a model of "international acclaim". This means you must have modeled in other countries. Generally the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service will require tear sheets from several magazines you were in. If you have never been in any magazines, it is considerably more difficult but still possible.

Wardrobe for modeling agency interviews

Always dress properly for interviews with agents. Dress sexy, fashionable, and look tall. Clothing that highlights your best assets help greatly.

You need to wear something that allows them to clearly see your bust, hip and waist measurements. The typical model wardrobe is skinny jeans or leggings and a fitted top, with high heels. You could also wear a fitted dress as long as it hugs your figure.

Do not dress like a stripper. Sexy is very different than cheap or vulgar. Hair, skin, nails must be done perfectly. Makeup must be light and natural.

Important Safety Information

NEVER meet someone outside of a professional environment such as a photography studio or modeling agents office. Do NOT meet someone at a restaurant, private residence, etc. You should ALWAYS let someone else know EXACTLY where you are going, WHO you are meeting, and WHEN you are going there.

Let the photographer know that you have informed someone of your whereabouts, and bring a cell phone.

Make sure that you know exactly what the shoot consist of, and never feel pressured to do anything that you do not feel comfortable doing. If nothing else go by your gut feeling.

Remember your body is yours, and if anyone comes within your safety zone, be sure to let them know. I have found that more reputable photographer's will NOT touch you. If you feel uncomfortable as stated before, tell them so. That is your right.

On a professional fashion shoot there is usually a stylist there who will keep your wardrobe neat during the shoot, but make sure anything they do is not inappropriate.

And a parent or guardian must ALWAYS accompany minors. A parent or guardian should NEVER be out of eyesight of the minor, whether it be at go-sees or on a photo shoot.

Modeling Information