Modeling 101 Tips & Tricks

Pointing Your Toes: If you are posing for full length images barefoot, you will want to be sure your toes are pointed for all poses. It creates a seamless, and feminine line for your legs, making them appear longer. Flat feet look masculine and aren't pleasing to the eye in a photograph!

High Heels: Wearing heels tightens the leg and butt muscles as well as elongate the legs. You can also make a fashion statement of course with High Heels as they are the perfect accessory and completion to any wardrobe as there are SO many styles and colors!

Remove Hair Ties From Wrist: I'm guilty of it myself on a rare occasion, but no one wants to see a hair tie on your wrist in images. It doesn't look like an accessory, it looks like a hair tie, especially the ones with the metal pieces. They also create wrist lines. 

Stretch Your Neck: By stretching your neck, you elongate it as well. You don't want to lose your neck in images, as it makes it appear as your head is sitting on your shoulders. 

Practice Posing: Practice makes perfect! Become more comfortable posing by sitting or standing while posing in front of a full length mirror. This gives you an idea of the poses you like, what looks good, as well as help you learn great angles for your body and face! You can even try mimicking poses from magazine photographs! The more you do this, the more comfortable and versatile you will be on camera!

C-Curve and S-Curves: These are 2 different categories of feminine posing, that are meant to accentuate the curves on the body in images (as well as real life). The S-Curve is simply posing your body from head to toe forming a slight curve that resembles an S. The C-Curve is the same; forming the shape of a C with your body, typically by arching your back. Examples of both below!

Example of an S-Curve
Model: Teresa Myers
Photographer: Kelvin Leung
MUA/Hair: Cindy Wong

Another Example of The S-Curve
Photographer: David Dwyer

An Exaggerated Example of a C-Curve
Photographer: Wiz Of Oz Photography

Here is One interpretation of a C-Curve
Photographer, Hair, MUA: Briana Robertson
Designer Dress: Natalie

This could be a combination of both S-Curve and C-curve!
Photographer: Michael Luna

Modeling Freelance 101

There are many ways to begin your journey as a freelance model. I'm not saying my way is the only way, because everyone does things differently, but I would like to share how this anyway!

 As a beginning model, you will immediately want to start building a portfolio. Having a portfolio will help you book work, as well as show potential clients and even agencies what you can do! Everyone has to start somewhere! You can either build a portfolio by hiring one or more professional photographers for outstanding images, or you can find some photographers that will work with you on a TRADE basis, or TFP/TFCD (Time For Print, or Time For CD of Images). It becomes easier and easier to book shoots, once you have a rock solid portfolio.

A good way to find photographers, MUA's and Hairstylists, along with many other types of artists, is through social netoworking sites such as Model Mayhem, OneModelPlace, or even Facebook. Do a search for photographers in your area that will work on a trade basis, and ask them to set up a shoot, they will either say yes, decline, or send their rates. Sometimes it gets things moving faster if you start off by hiring a quality photographer, that will put fantastic starting images in your portfolio for you to showcase, and book more work from,

Generally in freelance modeling, unless there is a team involved, you will be providing your own wardrobe, hair, and makeup. This is also a plus for any photographer that wants to book you. The more you can offer or bring to a shoot the better. I find that my BEST wardrobe actually has come from thrift stores such as Goodwill, Buffalo Exchange, ETSY, and other places. Being a freelance model and having to provide your own warrdrobe can get pricey, so second hand shops are a great way to avoid emptying your wallet, not to mention you may find some vintage or unique treasures!

Being a freelance model has it's benefits and it's downfalls. You will likely book higher paying work from local agencies, but often you will find you can book more of your own work! Some models are both freelance and signed with an agency, if you can find an agency that doesn't mind not having exclusivity.

Model Citizen

Hello everyone! My name is Teresa and I want to share my passion for modeling with you! I have been modeling for the past 5 years, and recently started modeling as a FT job! I am equal parts artistic and vain, with a creative streak…!!

Image by Kelvin Leung
MUA/Hair: Cindy Wong

Please visit my Facebook Fan Page and LIKE it! As some of you may know I am a professional model in Phoenix, Arizona! I range from fashion modeling, editorial, glamour, lingerie all theway to artistic, lifestyle and fashion nudes.

I can travel anywhere in the Country, provided that airfare, and food is covered, in addition to my regular rates.

Take the time to LIKE my FB page, check out my website, and add me on Model Mayhem!

Photographer: Michael Luna MLP