TFP Shoot Opportunity (by
invitation only) after seeing 3 e-mailed photos (male and
female models, ages 16-24)
TFP
Shoot: Model will get one hour of studio photography time,
an 8X10 fully edited print (picture of their choice) for use in
their model portfolio. If the model wants other pictures taken
from the shoot he/she may purchase them for $25 per 8X10 print,
and $95 if they wish to purchase a personalized CD with all the
pictures from the shoot.
Most
"new" models come into my studio unable to strike a
suitable pose. In nearly every case we spend an hour, or more
instructing models in the very basics of posing. Some catch on
quickly (we call them naturals) and some with a lot of work will
learn the basic skills. Then there are those that never get it.
A pretty face doesn't equate to a great modeling career. Below
learn the basic posing skills that will prepare you for future
modeling jobs. Using these skills will go along way to making
your photographer and clients happy. Your relationship working
with photographers requires you learn these skills. Your print
modeling future is make, or break based on how well you pose in
front of a camera. So work hard to learn these skills well!
Models
Looking Natural
Looking
natural does not refer to how you look normally. It means no matter
what pose you are in, make it look like it comes natural to you.
Some poses are not natural, and may be a little uncomfortable,
but they look great in print. Looking natural means you look comfortable
even if you are not. You should concentrate on the mood of the
shot, without showing any stress in your face, or in your bodies
posture. Do not hold your breath for shots, this will only ad
to a look of discomfort. Doing stretching exercises each morning
will help you become more flexible, so that when you do get in
front of the camera you can manage most poses with little discomfort.
Models
Eye Contact & Expressions
Have
you ever noticed how the eyes in a good close-up magazine ad grab
your attention. Your eyes should say everything about your pose.
In portfolio shots they should be making contact with the camera
lens. They should be captivating, and demand the attention of
the viewer. Your eyes are your greatest asset. When you shoot
print for products (clothing, Jewelry, hair, even sports drinks,
your eyes will usually be used to direct viewers to the product,
or they will be looking away from the camera to keep the viewers
attention on the product being offered. Models should practice
eye contact exercises. Try making smiling eyes, ferocious and
sexy eyes, shy eyes, angry eyes, adoring eyes. Like an actor/actress,
get into character, feel the emotion and do it while your eyes
are looking into the lens of a camera. Have a family member, or
friend take close-up shots so you can see what the lens is seeing.
Flattering
Model Posture
Follow
the rules to good posture. Practice good posture daily. Do exercises
that flatten the tummy, strengthen the back and that help you
look straight and lean. In every model shoot you should concentrate
on keeping good body lines. This means keeping your back straight,
shoulders up (not exaggerated forward, or back). Avoid letting
your arms hang down making contact with your body. Tighten your
stomach muscles without making it look concave. There are a few
times a photographer will ask you for a shot with less than flattering
posture, but that is the exception. Good posture impresses potential
clients. Try to make good posture a habit.
Model
Facial Expressions
This
is the fun part. You will need a good mirror and a good sense
of humor. Every day practice on making model relevant faces in
the mirror. Develop a face portfolio and practice those faces
until they become natural. Try to develop facial expressions that
will not cause your eyes to squint, or your face to wrinkle. In
your face portfolio you should have: a pleasant smile, a fierce
look, admiring loving look, a deep thinking look, a sassy sexy
look, etc. Once you think you have one look down, have a friend
take a close-up digital picture of your face. If it looks good
from a point and shoot camera, it will look even better from a
professional camera using appropriate lighting. Your face is your
winning ticket, make it pay off in a big way.
Model
Hands and Arms
Wow,
what a difference a photograph shows when a model has well placed
hands and arms. This skill is a challenge for many models, and
even some photographers directing models. Rules include: Keep
arms from laying flat against the body, Make sure at least on
arm is slightly bent. Diagonal lines are much more attractive
than straight vertical, or horizontal lines. Keep arms and hands
from blocking your face, or the cameras view. Hands that are attractive
should be seen. Female hands can be lightly resting on hips, or
can rest diagonal across breasts, or the stomach. Female hands
can look good teasing hair. One hand looks good with the pointing
finger slightly touching the lips. Use hands lightly touching
hat rims, clothing seams, or tugging down on a belt. Female hands
should not be fisted (unless to express aggression), female hand
should not be stuffed into pants pockets. Hands should not be
pointing directly at the camera. Fingers should be extended, but
not to look stiff, or too strait. When holding cups, bottles,
cell phones, and other small objects use the tips of your fingers,
allowing the object to be fully viewed. In
most cases female hands should look more delicate, while male
hands should portray a strong, more rugged look.
Model
Body Language
Body
language is also a major factor in how a picture sells. The body
should be appropriate to the models facial expressions. Stiff
strait bodies standing directly at the camera look like police
mug shots. A little bend in the waist, a little tilt of the head,
and the placement of your hand all ad up to a successful shot.
I always tell models to go through fashion magazines and cut out
top model pictures. Also ask a professional photographer if you
can watch them photograph a model portfolio shoot. Study model
picture poses. Make your own posing book and practice different
poses to see what ones work best for you. Work with your figure.
See what movements make it show a more flattering waist and hips.
That's what it means to "work it". Women with smaller
breast can bring arms across their body to enhance their features.
Women with more cleavage can move arms up, or out from the body
to improve the look of their breasts. You should get to know your
body. Show it in ways that will enhance your best features.
Basic
Standing Position for Models
The
basic pose is standing with your lower body turned away from the
camera (approximately 45%). Turn your upper body towards the camera
keeping your back straight and your shoulders square to the camera.
Place your hands on your hips with your fingers extended but slightly
bent and separated. You can tilt your head slightly. Avoid having
your chin down as it can create a double chin. At the same time
do not raise your chin more than a few degrees above parallel
with the ground. Doing that creates a nostril shot, and they are
rarely desirable.
Model
Legs and Feet Position
Most
people love great leg shots. If you have great legs, show them
off. Shots taken at lower angles can help accentuate the length
of your legs. Avoid posing with both legs together (strait, or
bent). Avoid posses sitting on your legs (on the ground, or on
a seat). If you must sit, sit at the edge of a seat with most
your wait on the butt farthest away from the camera. If a shot
has you cross your legs, lift up your top leg slightly to avoid
flattening your lower leg muscles. Since one leg will almost always
be bent, learn to keep the bent legs toes pointed downward. Feet
should not point out more than a 90 degrees from your heels. In
a basic stand the back foot should be pointing parallel to the
camera with the heal of the front foot touching the mid part of
the back foot. Generally feet are kept closer together with the
exception of action shots. Avoid having one leg much closer to
the camera lens than the other. This will make one leg look longer,
and bigger than the other. Break out a few fashion magazines and
see how the pros do it. Become a student of the profession.
Models
Fluidity and Variety
Model
posing is a work in "action". It is not a stagnant portrait
style shoot. You will be expected to make slight adjustments and
hold a pose and then adjust your pose again in just a few seconds.
A little twist her, a little less smile, a change of the hands
position, etc. To create action you will need to make movements
look big in a small confined area. We shoot models walking, dancing,
whipping hair, twirling, jumping, and contorting. At the same
time they still need to remember their posture, hands, legs and
head position. They also need to do all this keeping in character,
looking as natural as possible. Last they must keep eye contact
with the camera. Some models do this naturally, but most need
to practice! practice!! practice!!!
Models,
Follow Instructions!!!
This
is the game breaker with most model photographers. No model photographer,
or client will work with a model that won't follow instructions.
Listen closely to what your photographer wants from you. He is
there to create (photograph) an image for his client. Time is
money in this business. A model who can't follow instruction will
cost a photographer extra money, and maybe even his client. So
listen carefully. Take notes if you must. Avoid offering opinions
unless asked. Remember that you are the canvas, and the photographer
is the painter. He is there to make you a masterpiece. He can
not make you shine if you don't follow instructions.
Top
Model Photography, Fashion Portfolio Shoot Prices
IDM
Photos model portfolio photography is available in San Diego and
Orange County California
locations only! Let IDM Photos shoot your model portfolio, and
create your model image.
IDM
Photos Offers: Model and Fashion photography, free modeling
advice, makeup & hair assistance on shoots, A private studio
with over one dozen background choices, professional lighting
and unique props for adding a variety of looks to your model portfolio
shoot.
HEADSHOTS,
Talent, or Models Session Price:..............................................................................................
$135*
Price
includes a one half hour photography session in-studio,
Unlimited photos, poses, Two custom 8"X10" (or 9"X12
prints), Eight wallet prints,
One
photo CD (w/full resolution, edited pictures) and full
copyrights .....................................................................................
$50
FASHION
PHOTOGRAPHY (Studio, or On Location Shoot) ............................................................
Price
: $175 hr.
Hire
IDM Photos to shoot your fashion project. IDM can shoot Apparel
and clothing accessories of any type. IDM photos will also arrange
for models if needed. Your shoot price includes their top fashion
photographer, one assistant, All equipment and San Diego studio
rental. The price also covers unlimited photos taken, a DVD with
all high resolution images, and copyrights. Makeup, and hair assistance
is also available for an additional fee.
MODEL
STARTER PACKAGE (Male,
or Female Models ages 11 and older) .............................Price :$295*
This
package starts with a half hour model education (what you need
to know to safely get started), One half hour of pose study and
training, Basic submission shots (headshots, and body posture
shots) you will need to give a reputable modeling agency, One
hour of one-on-one on-location photography to help you use your
newly formed posing skills, A photo CD from your shoot (to evaluate
your progress and choose prints from) that can be used as part
of your first modeling portfolio (Portfolio prints sold separately).
COMPLETE MODEL PORTFOLIO
(Male,
or Female Models ages 11 and older)
.......................Price :$495*
Price
includes: One hour model evaluation and consultation, three
hours model photography with unlimited photos, model poses,
clothing changes, basic hair and makeup assistance, studio and
on-location shots, photo processing and cleanup, Twelve 8"X10"
custom glossy portfolio prints (9"X12" add $65), twenty
4"X6" and eight 2"X3" wallet prints, an on-line
model portfolio on our top fashion model photography Website www.IDMphotos.com.
No travel charges on locations under 70 miles from our Salem,
Oregon home office.
(Child, Baby Ages 1-10) Model PORTFOLIO Photography
Price:................................................................
$225*
Price
includes up to one hours photography with unlimited photos,
poses, clothing changes, basic Hair assistance, studio and on-location
shots, photo processing and cleanup, six 8"X10" custom
glossy portfolio prints, eight 4"X6" and eight 2"X3"
wallet prints, an on-line model portfolio on one of Americas top
listed fashion model Websites, IDMphotos.com.
One
photo CD (w/full resolution, edited pictures) and full
copyrights .....................................................................................
$75
Price
includes up to one hour in studio, or on location videotaping,
up to three clothing changes, basic Hair and makeup assistance,
video processing with titles, music and voice. Six personalized
video DVDs, Video uploaded to YouTube for online promoting.
Additional
HD Video DVD and full copyrights ... $25 each
One
photo CD (w/full resolution, edited pictures) and full
copyrights ... $100
Female
Models Shoot:
Basic Shoot: swimsuit, lingerie, or bikini, shorts and tee, sports,
casual, product, headshots, and high fashion. Specialty shots:
face, eyes, leg, hands, hair, feet, or figure.
Fashion Model Photography, MODEL PORTFOLIO MARKETING
KIT:
$895*
Price
includes up to four hours model photography with unlimited photos,
poses, clothing changes, basic hair and makeup assistance, studio
and on-location photography, one black portfolio with twelve custom
8"X10" glossy photos, five personalized photo CDs, 40
4"X6" prints, Sixteen 2"X3" prints. 200 full
color model zed cards, Fifty full color photo business cards,
An on-line model portfolio on our top listed fashion model photography
Websites, IDMphotos.com.
Female
Models Shoot:
Basic Shoot: swimsuit, lingerie, or bikini, shorts and tee, sports,
casual, product, headshots, and high fashion. Specialty shots:
face, eyes, leg, hands, hair, feet, or figure.
*Please
Note: IDMphotos does not shoot nude, or pornographic
photography!!! Nor
do they provide models with alcohol, or drugs. IDM photos charges
a 45 cent per mile travel fee for model photo shoot locations
over 70 miles from Salem, Oregon.
Boss
Models Modeling Agency, Clear Model Management, Coach models,
DNA Model Management, Diva Model Management, Elite Miami, Ford
Models Modeling Agencies, Elite Models Modeling Agencies, LA Models
Modeling Agency, Wilhelmina International Modeling Agencies, Face
Model , Hand Model , Leg Models , Print Model , Runway Model ,
Spokesmodel , Swimsuit Model , Lingerie Model , Supermodel , Modeling
Jobs
The
modeling agencies and services listed below are not affiliated
with IDM photos and may have varying levels of ethical practices.
We make no recommendations of any one of them. We only provide
this list as a resource for models seeking representation by a
modeling agency. We encourage all models to take careful consideration
before booking with any talent, or modeling agency, If they ask
for up front costs before you can be represented, promise you
jobs for signing, or you feel pressured to sign quickly you may
want to look for another modeling agency. Agencies listed vary
from local modeling agencies to International agencies representing
super models, Good wishes on your search for OR, WA, CA, NY, FL,
New York, Miami, San Diego, Los Angeles, Hollywood, Beverly Hills,
Santa Rosa, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle Model Agencies and
Talent services. Modeling agencies san diego Calif.
Modeling
Agencies serving El Cajon, Imperial Beach, Mission Valley, Mission Beach,
Pacific Beach, Lajolla, Del Mar, Ocean Beach, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Vista,
San Marcos, Escondido, Fallbrook, Rancho Bernardo, Poway, Miramar, Kerny
Mesa and all other San Diego County locations