You're Fit Campaign from the Institute of Modeling

You're Fit Campaign

Do I want to be a model Although this may seem a ridiculous question to ask yourself, be aware that despite the glamour and hype you have seen about the modeling industry, it's a demanding and sometimes boring industry. Prepared to be rejected, get ready for some major highs and lows. Modelling is a lifestyle that you have to live 24/7 not just 9-5. In the early part of your career you will not get paid for some work, even when you do the rates will not be excellent. Unless you are seriously committed to modeling, living a healthy lifestyle (not just eating right, but sleeping right, not drinking too much, staying away from drugs), you will not succeed as a model. You have to understand that there are lots of people who want to be model. It's a very competitive business (and can be extremely bitchy). You can however, make some very good life long friends and excellent contacts. Where do I start You'll need a model portfolio, I'm sure you'll all know what one of those is but for those that don't it's basically a selection of pictures showing yourself in different outfits and poses. The standard size for the photos is 9 by 12 inches and you'll need around 10 - 12 photos. Make sure you focus on quality rather than quantity, remember, you're only as good as your worst photo. Make sure your portfolio has a selection of both head shots and full body shots. Make sure you get a variety of different looks such as swimwear, catalogue and lingerie, you get the idea, also get a couple of black and white shots in there. Avoid using pictures of the same shot. It can be very advantageous to have photographs from different photographers in a portfolio. This will show the versatility in terms of styles and it will prove that a model can work with a variety of different people. Obviously, the cost of hiring different photographers for a portfolio is prohibitive, but there are many excellent photographers out there who will do prints for time, however be warned there are also many more that will produce awful amateur style photos. If you research what's on offer, it can be an excellent alternative. Before going ahead with a photo session ask to look at the photographers portfolio to see if you like his style of photography. No doubt if you go to the photographers studio to book the appointment he will have examples of his work on display anyway. If you've never done modelling before this will also be an excellent practice run for you. Avoid photographers wanting to take nude shots, if possible take a friend with you to the shoot. The Comp Card You'll definitely need one of these. A comp card is what your modelling agency will use to market you. What is a comp card? A composite card (sometimes called a ZED) is a model's business card. In most cases, your comp card is your one and only opportunity to make a good first impression. With that in mind it is important that the images on your card are your absolute best and nothing less. Additionally, the printing and reproduction quality is extremely important. Poor reproduction makes your images look bad and as a result - makes you look bad. Besides a great head-shot, the comp card will have other photos that show your experience, your versatility, range, and what type of work you are seeking. For best results all of the photos should be the highest quality you can obtain at your stage in your modeling career. Make sure that you have them printed on rigid card that will withstand a bit of wear and tear. Be careful! Do NOT have a modeling agency print your comp card. If you do - they will put their logo on it. You are going to want to sign with as many agencies as possible if you are serious about getting work. Comp card printing can get expensive - print them yourself and give each agency copies - they have stickers that they can put on them with their contact information and you will save money. The Agency An agency or co-ordinator should represent models. The model must have a portfolio, and comp cards. The agency/coordinator provides you with work (That is their main purpose. It is safe to say that they work for you!) They make a commission on your fee. GOLDEN RULE - Don't go with an agency who asks for money up front! You'll probably never hear from them again and I certainly doubt you'll ever get any work from them. Also check to see if they are reputable and genuine. The agency/coordinator provides you with a safe working environment and looks after legalities of the paper work for the job. They provide their clients with "Professional" models. Keep copies of all-important papers, such as contracts etc. You may need these if you have a dispute with the agency/coordinator. It is wise to choose the agency/coordinator carefully. How do I approach an agency? The oldest way to go about it is to visit them. Book an appointment ahead of time by phone. Bring at least 2 pictures. They don't have to be professional pictures. A head shot, natural and clear. Also a full length shot that somewhat reveals your figure, a clingy dress , swimsuit, figure flattering clothes or other tight fittings garments should be worn. Forget about baggy clothes! It will tip off viewers that you have something to hide. Ask lots of questions. Ask to see what work their models are currently doing? Ask for names and phone number of clients and call them to verify the information, be concerned if they promise you work right away or promise you high salaries. If they don't allow you time to think about it or if they use pressure techniques to sign the contract, be concerned. They should not ask for money up-front for classes or training. Be concerned if they claim to be looking for ordinary people. Reputed agencies/coordinators might have open interviews during the week, give them a call and find out.

Becoming a Model - essential reading for new models

The fashion modeling world as it stands today may be dominated by female models, but more and more men are entering the profession. Led by such names as Marcus Schenkenberg, Tyson Beckford, Massimiliano Neri, Michael Gandolfi, Andrew Stetson, and many others, men are slowly but surely making their mark in the fashion modeling industry. But just because there are more female models than male ones doesn’t mean becoming a male model is easy. In fact, male models are just as sought out as females, so that means competition in the field is pretty tough. So to get at least a fighting chance of making it in modeling, here are some tips that might help you look your best. Get in shape. Not just getting in shape, but getting into the best possible shape. Now you don’t need to have rippling muscles. For male models, being toned and fit is more the norm. If and when you land a modeling job, say, a photo shoot, there are a few things you should remember before going in front of the cameras. Firstly you should be clean from head to foot. If you’ve got dark circles or bags under your eyes, make sure you avoid any caffeinated drinks, get eight hours sleep and drink water before the day of the photo shoot. Also eating less than three hours before a photo shoot is a no-no. These physical preparations, however, are worthless if there’s something wrong about your attitude towards the job. Confidence is always essential not only for male models, but also for anyone in any given field. As a male model, you must be secure in how you look and your modeling ability. Anything less than unwavering self-confidence will result in a half-hearted performance of your job that will be apparent in pictures or on the runway. Now when we say be confident, we don’t mean that you should be too confident. Remember that there are designers, choreographers and coaches who will tell you what they need from you during photo shoots and shows, so you should be flexible and open to suggestions from these people. And it would be of great importance if you show up for these gigs in a good mood, because a good mood shines through in the results. If you’re nervous about the job, bringing favorite CDs or any other stuff that could make you feel comfortable while on the job is a great idea. Tip provided by http://newvirusfilms.com

Male Model Tips

Here are some general tips on posing for the camera. During a photo shoot, the photographer will usually direct the model for any specific poses that the photographer is trying to capture, but it helps if the model knows what to do without a lot of direction. Some General Posing Tips: Don't hold your breath for a pose. The concentration usually shows in the picture. Hold in your stomach to give a more toned appearance to the abdomen (even if you are in great shape). Most people, including models, do not have very good posture. Unless you're going for a casual look, keep your back straight and your shoulders up. Don't keep both arms entirely straight unless directed to do so for a specific pose. Bend one or both arms, even if only a little, to make the pose look less artificial. Likewise, don't keep both legs entirely straight. Don't always look straight at the camera. Instead, use a variety of head and eye positions: Try turning your head, tilting your neck to one side or the other, or looking off to the side for some poses. Don't use a big smile for every pose. Sometimes try a small smile, a pout, a laugh, a scowl, or even a frown, to give some variety to your facial expressions. Listen to what the photographer tells you. He can see you through the camera. You can't. Additional Posing Tips for Plus-Size Models: Rest most of your weight on one foot or the other instead of evenly on both feet. Doing so makes poses look less artificial and gives a slight slimming effect in most positions. When sitting or reclining, roll one hip up slightly from the resting surface so that most of your weight is on the back of one thigh or the other instead of evenly on both thighs. This gives a slight slimming effect and makes the pose look less artificial. Avoid having your arms hanging flat against your sides. Instead, bend your arms slightly, place your hands on your hips, or try other poses that involve alternate placements of the arms. Keep your chin up to avoid chin wrinkles or double chins. Posing Tips For Emphasizing Cleavage: Lean forward. Bring arms together at the waist. Clasp hands together below the waist, keeping arms straight at the elbows. Cross arms. Posing Tips for Minimizing Cleavage: Lean backward. Slouch. Keep arms apart. Raise arms above shoulders or above head. Tip provided by www.atlantafashionphotos.com

Posing Tips

Antioxidants are very smart chemicals that protect our cells from both external threats, such as the sun, wind and temperature, and internal threats, such as excess oxygen and hormonal imbalances. strawberry beauty tips So what are antioxidants? They include Vitamins A, C and E and beta carotene. Their specific role is to combat free radicals, unstable cells that become loose and wreak havoc with your skin and cellular structure. Good sources of antioxidants include cereals, fruits and vegetables. There are, however, certain foods that are particularly rich in these life-saving chemicals. These include berries (blueberry, blackcurrant, cherry), walnuts, sunflower seeds, pomegranate and ginger. Protein Protein is a hugely important substance for the body, but not one that we are usually short of. Today's diets, heavy on meat, tend to provide all that we need. One group who have to be careful though is vegetarians, who should supplement their diet with nuts, beans and other sources of protein. A protein deficiency can reduce the elasticity of your skin. An important protein named Collagen plays a key role in cellular structure, giving it its strength and elasticity. Without it, our skin becomes saggy, wrinkled and aged. Probiotics As so often happens, what goes on inside your body is reflected on the outside. Probiotics are a great way to correct the chemical imbalances that can sometimes occur in your gut after events like stress or a course of antibiotics. Probiotics and beauty One source of antibiotics, a cultured milk named Kefir, has been in the news recently as a 'superfood'. It contains more probiotics than yogurt, as well as having a healthy dose of calcium. Its a great option for those of you who may be lactose-intolerant, as it contains lactase, the enzyme that you are missing. That's not all though. The latest word is that probiotics applied directly to your skin can reduce sun damage and slow the effects of aging. Although this would certainly not be harmful, we think probiotics are far for effective taken internally. Omega 3 You may have heard of "good fats" and "bad fats" - well Omega 3 fatty acids are the "good fats". As well as a host of other health benefits, Omega 3 oils strengthen the cell membrane and enable the healthy passage of nutrients and waste products through your skin. It also influences the skin's ability to hold water. There are some great supplements containing Omega 3 fish oil, you can find them in any health store. The best natural sources include walnuts, canola oil and flax seed. Water Water is a natural body cleanser and can do wonders for your complexion, but it is also an important element in keeping your skin young and beautiful. Be one of the few people to drink the recommended 8 glasses of water per day and you will notice your skin looking rejuvenated and younger. When your skin dries out it becomes less elastic and more prone to wrinkles. It also makes it more susceptible to damage from the sun or from smoke. All this means that it is extremely important to keep your skin hydrated all the time, so that it can protect itself against the world. The best way is to drink lots of water but, failing that, moisturisers are very helpful too. The night moisturisers are an excellent choice as they can work for hours without being rubbed or sweated off. Foods that can Harm your Skin Free Radicals So what exactly are Free Radicals? They are unstable cells that become loose and wreak havoc with your skin and cellular structure, aging you and causing wrinkles in the long term. These free radicals become loose due to a number of reasons - external threats, such as the sun, wind and pollution, and internal threats, such as the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes. Foods to be careful of are those that are high in fat and sugar. Beauty and alcohol Alcohol We all know that alcohol can dehydrate your skin, leaving it red or blotchy both during drinking and in the morning. But drinking also has longer term effects on your skin. Drinking alcohol tends to permanently enlarge the blood vessels near the skin's surface, causing itchiness, uneven tone and red spots. If you've ever seen the skin of a long-term alcoholic, you'll recognise exactly this redness. Tip provided by:  http://www.modelbeautytip.com

Foods to Improve your Skin

Yoga/Pilates Yoga and Pilates are great for losing weight - they don't just burn calories, they also improve your muscle tone and increase your metabolism in the long term! Model exercise tips and yoga I have used Yoga and Pilates for years, as I like the way it tones my body and keeps me slim. It also feels like less of a workout that other exercises! Yoga and Pilates are actually used regularly by many models, who love the increased muscle tone and better posture they can bring to their photo shoots. Lifestyle It doesn't need to be much - just a few small lifestyle changes and you'll be doing more exercise without even knowing it! During my career I have burned hundreds of calories each day crossing town to go to castings and jobs. Here are some other ideas: - Walk up the stairs at work rather than catch the elevator. - Walk to the local shops rather than drive. - Park your car further away from your workplace. - Take the dog for a walk, rather than leaving him in the yard. Another great idea is to increase your water intake. As well as prolonging your life and keeping your internal organs (liver, kidney etc) clean and healthy, water also speeds up your metabolism and aids weight loss! Lastly, every model knows the importance of a good night's sleep. Muscle is regenerated during the final hours of sleep. The longer that you sleep, the easier you will find it to add muscle mass and increase your metabolism. Those extra hours are the most crucial ones. Those who sleep more produce less of a hormone named Cortisone, a nasty substance that contributes to belly fat.   - Aerobic Dance   - Boxercise   - Body Sculpt Other exercises that are great for weight loss, but low-impact on your joints, are rollerblading, the elliptical machine, skiing and biking. Try to exercise with a friend if you can, make it a social event rather than a chore. Weights Model exercise tips An often-neglected part of weight-loss programs is weight training. Its a great way to build your body's metabolism so you can stay slim long after you finish your diet! An intensive weight training session also elevates your metabolism in the immediate aftermath of the session - sometimes for as long as 36 hours afterwards! Cardio You can't stay in model shape without putting in those hours at the gym or pounding the pavement. Nothing will keep your body toned and fit like proper cardio exercise, so it should be a part of any weight loss plan you undertake. They're not for everybody, but if you don't mind gym classes then they really are the best way. Use a professional to get you into shape! Tips thanks to http://www.modelbeautytip.com

Exercise Tips

In a recent survey undertaken by the Institute of Modeling, we discovered that 82% of all model based scams were carried out against young people (aged between 14 – 22 years old).

September 2010 sees the launch of our “You’re fit and they know IT” campaign, aimed at colleges and universities across the UK, the campaign is aimed at educating young people towards the scams they may face.

During 2009/2010 we saw 2 new scam agencies set-up for every 1 that was closed down. Educating people towards the types of scams is the only way we can start to reduce the level of fraud within the industry, these scams include;

Portfolio Scams
The most common fraud, many companies usually based in large cities (often around universities) “scout” for girls by offering them the promise of a contract. The aim is not to provide a contract, or a path to a contract, but to get you to purchase a portfolio at between £600 - £2,500.

Model Advice
Many ex-models, agents and studios are setting themselves up as expert model advice and charging anywhere between £50-£100 to tell you about the industry. Whereas some of these advice days are genuine, be careful not to be pressurised into purchase portfolios, websites or any other service.

Webcam Castings
Increasing number of online predators are seeking models as young as 14 to strip on cam in order to offer them model work / contracts. No professional agency will ever ask for a webcam casting; this is the purpose of a portfolio.

Financial Frauds / Stolen Cheques
A worrying number of models are receiving stolen / fraud cheques in payment of some of their personal photos (upto £5,000 for 10 pictures). Upon receipt of the cheque, the “booking agent” asks you to pay their commission, by the time your bank contacts you to tell you the cheque is a fake; the “booking agent” has received your money and won’t return calls / emails etc.

This is a list of the most common scams, if you are concerned that someone may be trying to scam you, remember you can contact the Institute of Modeling for free impartial advice on 0870 495 8923.

Would you like to help?

Why not get involved and help to bring a greater awareness to the industry, whilst advertising your product or service. We have advertising space available on leaflets and posters, to enquire further email yfit@instituteofmodeling.org

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