Models | Cast Vegas

A Guide On Looking Your Best Posing with a Photographer

April 2, 2019 By CastVegas

Posing can be a struggle both to the model and the photographer. This is because some of the less-experienced models tend to wait for the direction of the photographer before striking a pose. They normally freeze in front of the camera and are mostly clueless on what to do. This situation makes it difficult and troublesome for the photographer to produce good photos.

The preparation for any modeling job starts even before the photo shoot. You need to be aware of what kind of shoot it is. You can start looking at the related fashion magazine on the type of pose that they are doing. Not all of the tips here will work for everyone since the right kind of pose will vary in every genre.

1. Your Mirror is Your Friend

Stand in front of your mirror, take a pose and see how you highlight the shape of your body. The mirror is an ideal tool to show you the thing that the camera can produce. Consider the features and things that can be seen depending on the angle. For instance, in case you put your feet closer to the lens, then there is a possibility that your feet will look larger in the photo.

2. Create a Space on Your Limbs and Body

Squashing your limbs closer to your body will make you appear to look larger than they are. Separating your limbs from your body will also create a slimmer appearance. This is a tiny cheat in the modeling world that can make a huge difference.

3. Understand the Light

For instance, in case you raise your arm on the light, it will basically look brighter compared to your face. There is also a possibility that it will cast shadows on your face and body. A simple way to counteract this is by using your other arm. You may also adjust your arm backward to avoid the casting of the shadow. Having an understanding of how the lighting falls is a basic necessity in modeling. Ask the photographer about the key light and think about how you can work with it.

4. Elongate the Neck

In order to show class, poise, and height, elongating your neck would be a great solution. It is also one of the most difficult things to remember when modeling since this action feels a bit unnatural. Look in front of the mirror and stand in a normal position. Let you face come forward by rolling your shoulder backward. By now you have seen the huge difference in the neck’s width. You may even advance your pose by popping the jaw in front of the camera to create shadows that will highlight your jawline.

Hopefully, the modeling tips that we provided above can provide some help for our aspiring models. These are just some of the tricks that most professional models wish they knew when they were just starting out.

Modeling Mistakes to Avoid When Starting Your Career

March 25, 2019 By CastVegas

cast vegas modeling agency

Embarking on your new modeling career, may at times, prove to be a bit overwhelming and confusing. You may also find that although you are working hard toward your goal, you aren’t getting the responses or success that you would like.

It may be that one or more of these common mistakes are the reason you aren’t progressing as you should. Here are six common mistakes you should avoid when starting your new modeling career.

1. Unnecessary Photos and Classes

While all new models will have some basic modeling expenses to get started, you shouldn’t break the bank to jumpstart your career.

When you are first starting out the only type of photos you really need are some simple snapshots that show the agents and scouts who you really are. The agents understand that you are new to the business and don’t expect you to have professional photos.

When considering you as a new model, the agents and scouts are analyzing your bone structure, body proportion and your overall marketability to their clients.

Professional photos with artificial lighting, makeup, and other techniques that can manipulate your image, often do not give the agents a true sense of your potential.

Another thing new models often spend too much money on are modeling classes. Modeling classes can be fun, and you can meet and make new friends that have the same interests as you. But, modeling classes will neither make you a model nor are they necessary for you to become one.

2. UnFlattering Digitals

Agents often make their sole determination on whether or not they want to offer you a modeling contract based on your snapshots or digitals; therefore, it cannot be overstated just how important these types of shots are.

Be sure your snapshots are clear and in focus, and that your hair is groomed and your makeup is fresh. Male models do not wear makeup.

3. Unprofessional Correspondence

How you present yourself in an email or a letter tells the agents a lot about you and how you will ultimately present yourself to the agency’s clients. Your first contact with an agent is not the time to tell them your life story or your problems.

Keep your emails and letters short and to the point. Include all your stats such as:

Women – age, height, bust, waist, and hips.
Men – age, height, jacket size, chest size, waist.

Visit our submissions page if you are interested in modeling with us!

4. Being Too Eager

Wanting to become a model and working hard to reach your goal is a good thing. Wanting to become a model really, really badly and being willing to do whatever it takes to become one is not. No reputable agent will want you to or ask you to compromise your integrity to get a modeling job or contract.

If an agent, client, or photographer ever tells you that you can advance your career by posing for nude photos or by giving them “a little extra” you shouldn’t walk, you should run!

5. Limiting Exposure

As a new model, it is very important to get as much exposure to as many agents and scouts as possible. The reason being is that not all models are suited for every market and not all markets are suitable for every model.

So, don’t think that just because an agency in New York is unable to represent you that you can’t work in other markets such as Los Angeles, Chicago, London, or even Paris, France. At ModelScouts.com we specialize in giving you the exposure you need to agents and scouts of every market.

6. Giving Up Too Early

Many people think that today’s supermodels were instantly discovered and offered modeling contracts the moment they walked through the door of a modeling agency.

In reality, the opposite is often true. Many of the industry’s most successful models got there because they worked hard, built their books (modeling portfolios), and developed their look and “brand” over time.

In fact, supermodel Gisele Bundchen, who according to Forbes Magazine, earns over $47 million a year, was rejected by 42 agents before she was eventually signed to Elite Models.

Becoming a model and having a successful modeling career is a process that takes time, patience and perseverance. But, with the right exposure, the right attitude, and the right people behind you, you will be on the right track to a successful modeling career.

How to Keep Your Photographer Happy!

March 12, 2019 By CastVegas

Models wouldn’t get very far without a professional photographer. Regardless of what kind of modeling you’re into, both female and male models alike greatly benefit not just from the images from the shoot but the networking that takes place as a result.

Oftentimes, models are able to develop a list of go-to-photographers they regularly work with. Those types of business relationships are golden in the industry because everyone involved benefits. Of course, first thing’s first: you have to know how to work with photographers and be the type of model they would drop everything to shoot within a heartbeat.

Below are some helpful tips that can be applied to most situations when it comes to working with photographers:

COMMUNICATE LIKE A PROFESSIONAL

When contacting photographers, don’t talk to them like they’re your bestie. That means messaging/emailing them using complete sentences with good grammar that are free of typos. No emojis or other goofy things you’d normally include in a message you’d send to a friend. Always keep that first impression in mind and how you would like to be perceived by the person you’re contacting.

You want them to take you seriously and that can be hard to do if they receive a message that looks like it’s been composed by a drunk person.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Before reaching out, make sure you’ve not only checked out the photographer’s portfolio, website, and social media pages, but also read their bios/about page and anything else related to their background history and experience. They didn’t include this info on their sites just for fun.

No two photographers are alike and you can tell a lot about someone based on what they write about themselves. It will also help you, as a model, find out if that individual would be someone you’d want to work with.

KNOW WHAT YOU WANT & HOW TO ARTICULATE IT

Don’t expect the photographer to figure out everything for you. Are you in need of new headshots? Do you want to create a portfolio to aid you in booking gigs as a freelance model? Does your agent want you to update your images?

Tell them that.

You’ll get the end results you’re looking for a lot quicker if you get to the point, as well as a relevant and direct response in return. You’ll also get bonus points if you have references and/or a mood board that clearly shows the look and feel you’re going for.

TELL THEM A BIT ABOUT YOU

This doesn’t mean submit a full biography. Keep all correspondence simple and straight to the point. If you don’t have modeling experience, then say so. Briefly describe your level of experience, if any, and what your purpose is with wanting to work with them.

SET EXPECTATIONS & HOLD UP YOUR PART

Once you’ve opened up a dialogue with a photographer, there is going to be a lot of conversations back and forth in the time leading up to your shoot together. There should ideally be at least one in-person meeting prior to working with each other, especially if you’ve never met offline before.

Whatever expectations, agreements, arrangements, etc. should be followed by both parties to guarantee a positive outcome. Figure out locations, if you’ll be taking care of your hair and makeup or if additional pros will be onset/on location and confirm who is responsible for doing what.

As long as you do what you’re supposed to, the photographer will have less to worry about, making their job easier–that’s what you want and they’ll love you for it.

ARRIVE EARLY, BE PREPARED & READY TO GO

Because common sense is a superpower, I have to do my due diligence and state the following because I continue to hear ridiculous stories about models showing up to shoots not prepared in the most basic of ways:

– Early is on time and on time is late. Arriving 10-15 minutes early should be the approach all models have towards business.

– Have good hygiene: take a shower, shave (stubble is a major no-no, ladies!). Bottom line: don’t be gross. This includes cleaning under your fingernails.

– Have your wardrobe organized, including accessories and footwear.

– Have some idea of what types of poses you’ll be doing. Practicing in the mirror and studying reference images before the shoot are all ways to prepare yourself and take most of the guesswork out of the situation once you arrive.

GIVE & TAKE

As stated before, not all photographers are the same. Their shooting styles, personality and work ethic are going to vary across the board. Work with each one accordingly and you’ll quickly get a sense for how to get photos you’ll both be happy with and a working relationship you’ll want to continue in the future.

New models, don’t expect all photographers to tell you what to do and how to pose. Some are more than willing and even enjoy guiding new models with posing, while others will expect you to figure it out along the way with a bit of help from them when necessary.

A lot of shoots when it comes to posing simply requires going with the flow, experimenting with poses and understanding that not all of the images are going to look perfect. The photographer knows this, too, so it’s not like they’re expecting you to knock it out of the park each time they snap a photo.

Photoshoots are a give and take process. When you work together to create that dynamic, you’ll know–namely, when you see the photos that come of it.

BE APPRECIATIVE & GIVE CREDIT PROPERLY

After the shoot is done, send the photographer an email/message to thank them for their time and that you’re looking forward to seeing the final images. It’s the little things that count, no matter what industry you work in. And don’t wait a week to say thank you. Do it the same day or the following day.

When you receive your pictures and start posting them online, practice common courtesy and give credit to the photographer in the caption. Tag them, including their social media handle, link to the website, etc. The way we give credit these days has changed because of social media, so make sure you’re giving credit where credit is due and in the correct ways.

Just as you want your images to give you exposure, open up networking channels and modeling opportunities, the photographer also wants the chance to have their work catch the eye of others.

It’s a two-way street and if you take the time and consideration to do your part and make the tips listed above part of your business routine, photographers will be more than happy to do the same (if they are legitimate and professional, of course).

Choosing a Modeling Agency

March 1, 2019 By CastVegas

What is the first concern when it comes to planning your modeling career? Of course, choosing a modeling agency immediately comes to mind. A modeling agency; one who will advise you, believe in you, treat you as a family, and who will ultimately be just right for YOU- an important decision indeed! But how do you choose from such a large variety of modeling agencies, when so many of them look promising? And what are the important questions to ask a modeling agency once you meet with them?

Where and What:

First and foremost, decide where to look based on the modeling market where you are geographically located. Next, decide which division(s) of modeling you are the best suited for. Are you a classic beauty, have minimal acting skills (commercial, lifestyle modeling)? Or you are tall, edgy-looking with unusual features (fashion, runway, and editorial modeling)? Or maybe you’ve been told you have gorgeous hands or hair or are a sample 6 shoe size (parts modeling, shoe modeling)? Either way, it’s easier to find your market if you are being objective and honest with yourself. As you don’t want to waste your time, you can apply firstly to the agencies who have a relevant division.

All agencies have their division sections on their websites. Modeling agency’s websites are also good to look through to get an idea of which modeling profiles this agency is seeking to work with. Check their Instagram accounts for client names, see what kind of models those clients used for their latest campaigns. If you are unable to distinguish your modeling type on your own, you might need to ask a couple of agents and your model friends who have more experience. Just try to get an appointment with those particular modeling agencies that you feel may like you/be interested in your look; once you have them face-to-face, ask their opinion and go from there. Professional advice from the pros will go a long way, even if they won’t take you on board.

Full-Time or Hobby:

Ask yourself, are you planning a full-time career or do you want to engage in modeling as a hobby? In the case of the second option, it might make better sense to consider smaller agencies where full commitment isn’t that serious, and models just work on occasion. When it comes to the top modeling agencies (ie Ford Wilhelmina, etc), an aspiring model is risking to “get lost” among the “stars”, so at the first stages of your career, it’s wiser to choose a smaller agency that is particularly interested in YOU. As your professionalism, experience, and modeling portfolio grows, you will be able to switch agencies in favor of a bigger one.

Famous agency names can’t guarantee you a successful career. Many of the best/top modeling agencies are even harder to track down because they don’t advertise. They already have an established client base, and models pass the information about the modeling agency by word of mouth. That very same reason is why the best way to gather truthful information about any particular modeling agency is to ask models who work with this agency for their honest opinion and review. You will likely get real and candid information about the quantity and frequency of work they receive, the types of castings, who their clients are, etc. The most effective way to compare the agencies is to compare the looks of the models who work with these agencies.

Submissions:

Be aware that most agencies don’t accept walk-ins; many of them arrange open calls (days when the agency wants to see new models). But almost every agency has a “become a model” section on their website where you can easily submit your photos.

What Feels Right:

Choose a few modeling agencies, which you feel might be right for you, and arrange to meet with their representatives. Pay attention to detail, to the atmosphere, to how friendly their staff is, just to name a few. Don’t be shy to ask questions (how long has the modeling agency been on market, who are their regular clients, how busy their models normally are, etc.) A trustworthy modeling agency won’t ask you for any sort of payment before you even book your first job, nor will they push you to do modeling courses or finance an expensive portfolio.

You must feel that the agency is interested in you as a prospective model, not as a source of short-term income. You must feel supported. Try to visit all of the modeling agencies from your list. After considering all of the pros and cons, then make your decision. Choosing the right modeling agency is just an initial step in your modeling career. How successful you will become from there entirely depends on you.