Disclaimer: There will be Videos explaining all of this soon for the more visual learners but for now there is gonna be a blog-type thing.

The basics 

Lingo

 TFP or Test Shoot – Means Trade for Print or Trade for Photo. This is when a photographer and a model collaborate (for free, no one pays) sometimes this is when the photographer needs to add something to their portfolio, and/or you as the model need some more photos. Sometimes it’s when you both collaborate on a joint idea to gain more content. 

Collab or Collaboration  – Basically the same thing as TFP but this is where you collaborate on an idea you both gain something from this partnership

Networking –  This typically happens at events or gatherings. This is when you make connections and meet new people especially if they are in the same field. You never know who you’re gonna meet. Networking is specifically when you meet and talk to new people, especially in the same field as you. This can happen at special networking parties, premieres, parties, or regular events. You can even network in a grocery store

Connections – These are the people you meet while networking, connections are a huge asset in your career. Connections can make or break your career. These connections can severely help you.  Connections are people already in the industry, they can help you get castings, book jobs, or recommend you for an opportunity. 

Digitals – Basic photos of a model on a solid (industry-preferred) white background, a full body shot, and a headshot used for comp cards, auditions, and castings. As a model you will use these photos for everything in your career, this includes castings (online and in person), Auditions, Agency Applications, comp cards, and so much more.

Niche – A specific area of modeling that you focus on, for example focusing on the runway and not anything else or athletic modeling.

Portfolio Building

You’ll be using TFP and Collaboration to build your portfolio. The easiest and best way to do this is with local photographers. To find these photographers I suggest going on Instagram and searching for photographers in your local area. I am closest to Columbia, SC so I searched on IG Columbia SC Photographers. From there I DM’D a lot… and I mean A LOT of those that popped up on my search bar. Your dm should be along the lines of “Hello! I’m (your name), I’ve been trying to build my portfolio for modeling and would love to collab with you! Please let me know if this interests you, Thanks!”. Another way to find local photographers is through facebook, more than likely is you search up your area or state and photographer next to it you have groups pop up that you can join. Once you join these groups you can make a post if any photographers local to your area are looking to do collaborations and TFP!

With one of these photographers or even yourself, you’ll want to take digital photos. These photos are a model standard and most likely your most important photos. You’ll want to be in all black specifically an outfit that shows off your body shape and you’ll pair it with a 3in set of black heels (heels do not apply to children models). You’ll want to have minimal and natural makeup with your hair pushed back out of your face. These photos will go on your comp cards and you will use these photos for pretty much every single audition/casting. Digitals are an industry norm but if your photographer doesn’t know what or how to take them or you’re taking them yourself it’s really easy!! You’ll want to have the photo taken from about nose height for your full body shots this will make you seem taller. For a full body try to keep a neutral face and have a solid background to stand on preferably white. You’ll want two full body shots, one headshot, and then one profile shot. You’ll probably only need one full body and then a headshot but it’s amazing to have all the above! 

Portfolio tips

Instagram – I suggest making a separate profile just for your modeling. For one it’s very professional, a photographer typically doesn’t want to see your personal life mixed in with your professional. another good thing about this is you have to opportunity to post your amazing and beautiful self and show your true personality without having to worry about your personal life and friends judging you!

Niche – In the modeling world you may have a lot of people tell you that you will have to find a niche but that is not true! Some models enjoy ALL aspects of modeling. If you want to find a niche really try to explore different types of modeling while building your portfolio and don’t be afraid to try new things you might love it!

Video more in-depth coming soon

Move on to Level Two