I have been wanting to share my knowledge of modeling with new girls entering the industry and have even been approached and asked if I could help others get their start in modeling.  I am happy to announce that I have decided to dedicate a page of my model website to sharing advice and tips to other models.  I can talk about anything you have questions about also, so do not be shy and leave a comment with your questions for me to provide answers for, or you can email me nykib@yahoo.com.  I can share about anything from make up and portfolios to attitude and reputation.

Another important reason I am doing this, is to provide new models with a place to get experience and start building their portfolio.  I have had occasions when I could not line up a chaperon to accompany me to a photo shoot.

—————Let me make my first note of advice here—————

When you attend a photo shoot with people you have never met before it is always a good idea to bring a chaperon to help ensure your safety.  There have been times when a model went to meet a photographer alone and either disappeared or had an unpleasant experience.  If you know the make up artist or other models attending the same event, or if you have worked with the photographer before and know they are safe to work with then by all means work it.  On the other hand, if you have never met the people you will be working then with be weary.  Group events are safer than private shoots, but be sure you know at least one person there.  Lastly, always tell someone where you are going for your photo shoot or event so they can keep track of you - just like camping make sure someone knows where you are.

I want to make this into an opportunity to attend events in a safe environment.  I will also be there to give instruction during a live event, help guide you in photo movement and expression.  And the best thing about these opportunities is the chance to be featured on my website to get exposure to photographers and talent scouts all over the world.  You never know who may find you…

• Explore Talent - Over 10,000 Modeling and Acting jobs

I wanted to share this great opportunity with new models who have not already heard about it.  Explore Talent is a great talent search agency where new models can get booked easily and effortlessly for jobs.  It is a great resource having others help you find jobs because there are just so many out there but not enough time to find them all.  Explore Talent is a place where clients go to book talent easily and efficiently.  Their database of available talent makes it easier for clients to cast their parts quicker.  Being a part of this database gets you the inside scoop on upcoming castings and auditions.  This is not only for models either, they are a database for all types of talent, whether you sing, dance, or want to act.  I have found it to be a great place to jump start my acting while still being able to pursue my modeling without skipping a beat because I am going to the same website for both castings.  It is a one-stop talent portal pretty much.  Here is a link to go check it out and sign up if you are serious about a modeling or acting career Explore Talent  Be assured they are very legit and reliable, I know of others who have been booked through Explore Talent besides me.  Explore Talent was actually where I booked my first paid job, so get started today!

• MODELING PROFESSIONALLY

I had a comment posted to my Popularity post (Voice Your Opinion link under favorites) recently about how people have a mis-perception of modeling.  In my post, I mention the difficulties that come with being a model.  Model Dreams responded,

June 15th, 2010

  i’m working as a part time model for several trendy wear and think what you wrote is really relavent and practical… its hard being a model and not as glamorous as it seems!

Model Dreams makes a very good point, being a model is not so easy and glamorous all the time.  It takes work and dedication to be a model, don’t get me wrong it has its great moments, but it is not easy money.  I got started modeling part time and it took me  couple years before I was offered paid jobs.  I did not get into modeling for the money or the glamour.  In fact, I was terrified to start modeling and was kind of forced into it by a friend.  I stayed with it because it has helped me grow tremendously and I have come to greatly enjoy it.  I used to be shy and insecure, but modeling has empowered me to feel comfortable in my own skin.

Modeling is all about marketing yourself.  If you do not have confidence in your product (yourself) how can you convince others to believe in you? Models are always networking and meeting new people, that is how we get paid.  You may be the perfect model for a project, but how can they hire you if they cannot find you?  This was very hard for me, and probably contributed to the length of time before I got paid work, but it is essential in modeling.  Your network = your net worth, meaning the more people you know, the more money you make.  So get out there, but be careful!  Never give out personal addresses, they only need phone or email to contact you.  If they need to mail you something (ie. CD of images) try to have them mail it to PO Box, but I highly recommend getting the images before you leave the shoot to ensure you get them.

I, and almost every other model, have had photographers shoot me and never send me any images.  Unless they paid me money, this is robbery because I gave my time for those pictures, those pictures were my payment and in essence they did not pay me for my time.  Bring a blank CD or storage thumb drive with you to the shoot for saving the images, I sometimes bring my whole laptop when I haven’t cleared space on my thumb drive.

I want to mention one last aspect of discomfort for models - contortions.  Often models have to contort their bodies, getting into some very awkward and uncomfortable poses.  This is why it is essential for models to be healthy in shape, not just skinny.  It takes muscle coordination, flexibility, and strength to maneuver in and out of awkward poses quickly and smoothly.  Sometimes the best images are the worst poses lol.  I will admit I have strained a muscle in a shoot before and I will admit that I have had photographers ask me to do poses I just could not do.  When that did happen I would go home and practice the pose until I got it so I was always improving and practicing to get better.   Like everything else in life,  practice makes perfect.