How To Become A Model | Be A Model

1. Improvising With Friends

This may seem like an obvious one but until you experience being at the other end of a camera you have no idea whether modelling is actually for you.

It’s good to start simple so get a parent, friend or trusted adult to take some basic images of you. If you enjoy the experience and feel confident on camera, then consider pursuing it further.

Through these test images you can see what you look like and build your confidence before organizing a shoot. If you’re a newbie in the modelling work, check out our article ‘Hiring A Portrait Photographer‘ to help you with your modelling journey.

2. Get Mum and Dad On Board

If you’re under 16 and just starting out in the industry, it’s likely that you’ll need accompanying or chauffeuring to castings and jobs. In fact, being the parent of a young model can require just as much work as being a model yourself. So go fetch a sponge and start washing Dads car!

Advice for parents: Modeling is an industry where a shoot day depends on the cooperation and coordination of every team member. There will be times where your child has to wait around and essentially do nothing. Providing snacks and activities to keep them occupied will prevent temper tantrums or unresolved boredom associated with modeling gigs.

Therefore, as long as your child is roaring and ready to go, let them bring a book to read, music to listen to or colouring pencils just in case there is a lull in production.

3. Keep Instagramming!

Sorry Mum! With the rise of social platforms in our media landscape, having a large following can significantly increase your chances of getting signed as a professional model. In fact, a whole new breed of agency has now emerged focusing purely on the movers and shakers, the ‘key influencers’ of social media.

Managing and maintaining a steady stream of content for your Instagram followers is no easy feat. Your Insta followers want to interact with you and familiarize themselves with your beauty and talent.

Your page should reflect your unique and remarkable personality through the means of fabulous selfies and fantastic photo shoots. An increase in followers could result in agencies interacting with your content.

In order to network and build a loyal fan-base, its vital to respond when you can. Potential casting agents will use your social media pages as a way of delving into the type of person you are! Having appropriate content that reflects who you are and what you represent will undoubtedly help you get your foot in the door.

4. There’s NO Restrictions

There are avenues for men and women of all shapes and sizes to find their footing within the modelling world. Fashion modelling is considered to be the most restrictive, yet is increasingly becoming more versatile. Editorial spreads for big names usually have models with similar figures but varying looks and ethnicities. However, remember rules are made to be broken! Plus size models such as Ashley Graham and Marquita Pring regularly grace the high fashion runway throwing pre-conceived expectations to the wind.

The restrictions tied to the world of fashion modeling are lifted within commercial modeling. There are avenues for men and women of all shapes and sizes to find their footing within the industry. Commercial models are required for a selection of jobs, including of catalogues, campaigns, trade shows and television gigs.  Beautiful and “real” looking people portraying and selling fundamental clothing, items and lifestyles.

Modelling includes everything from high-fashion campaigns to catalogs. There is opportunity for everyone of every shape and size!

5. Get Fresh DIGI’s

Although it’s important to have professional photos in a portfolio, agencies also want to see what you look like in your most natural, raw state. Digi’s should be taken either outside, in front of a white wall or by a window.

It’s best to wear clothing that shows off your figure. Skinny jeans with a tank top and high heels are recommended for girls, skinny jeans and a neutral coloured tee for guys.

Be sure to include a head shot looking straight at the camera, a photo of your profile at half-length and a full body shot.

In need of inspiration for some simple posing? Check out our article 10 Easy Model Poses for a How-To-Guide on some go-to poses.

6. Book A Model Shoot

There are thousands of photographers out there who can help you build a modelling portfolio. Here at The Photo Studio we’re fortunate to work with some of the best in the business. Our creative team have experience shooting everyone from top international models to total first-timers.

Modelling is harder than it looks. So having a photographer who can teach you how to stand and pose correctly is a must when starting out in the industry.

Getting your photos taken at a studio is the perfect way to find your passion and build on your experience.

Don’t believe us? Read What Really Happens In A Photo Shoot: An Unfiltered Review.

7. Apply For Agencies

Once you’ve got some professional shots and digi’s, the submission process begins. You can go about this in two ways – open calls or direct submission. Some of the larger agencies have open calls where they open their doors to meet with aspiring models during certain hours of a particular day.

Agencies that have this option will have it clearly stated on their website. Direct submissions are done via email which can be found on the agency websites. Remember to include the best images from your portfolio as well as digi’s and all your stats.

Casting agents have seen all types of agency applications — from the over confident to the tragically under prepared. When it comes to how to become a model in Australia, getting an agent may seem like the first stepping-stone to success, but there is plenty to be done prior. Research! Research! Research!

7. Australian Agencies

There are many reputable Australian modelling agencies. It’s important to decide where your passions lie and which agency is right for you. Once you sign with an agency you may be with them for the rest of your career. Delve into what and whom your desired agency represents and wants from their models. Learn about their history and successes in order to find the best potential partnership for you. Freelance modeling is also a possibility should you have difficulties finding an agent that fits you perfectly.

Agencies such as WINK Models and Brooklyn MGMT represent both plus-size and petite models. Where as Brats and Bettina is exclusively children.

Check out the following articles for more information to help you narrow down your choices:

Modelling Agencies in Melbourne | Modelling Agencies in Sydney | Modelling Agencies in Brisbane

8. Look After Yourself

Becoming a model can be very demanding on the body. With 5am call times, 12 hour location shoots and sometimes 6 castings in one day, it’s important to look and feel your absolute best. In order to do this, the way you treat your body and yourself is important. This includes diet, exercise and overall attitude to yourself and others.

When entering the modelling industry it’s so important to be aware that you can’t please everyone. It’s a plain fact that you’re not going to be the right fit for every client and a big part of modelling is being able to handle rejection. Remember to stay true to who you are and not compare yourself too much to other models. It’s also good to take a step back from the industry every once in a while and do something totally different.

9. What Next?

Nothing happens over night! Unless you’re lucky enough to be scouted at a shopping center by a legitimate model scout or through instagram modelling, modeling takes time, effort and practice. Know that your career goals may take longer to achieve than others in the industry but use their success as motivation and inspiration.

Your strong work ethic and natural beauty will be the foundation for an ultimately reputable career. For a little perspective on how to become a model, legendary Gisele Bündchen was rejected by 42 different agencies. Her determination eventually paid off when she walked for Alexander McQueen in 1998.

Or, work freelance! The brilliant thing about becoming a freelance model is the FREE-dom that comes with the job. Instead of depending entirely on an agency for your work, you are able to find your own outside your representative. The more agencies you work non-exclusively with, the more opportunities you will have. Being your own boss means you can also search for your own work, building your portfolio quicker than models isolated to one agency.

10. Success Stories

Here at The Photo Studio we celebrate all our clients successes. We’ve had some fabulous faces go on to get signed by some of Australia’s best agencies. The credit goes to their hard work, determination and passion for modelling.

Leonardo Snowden did nothing but impress with his charisma and cool persona. It was evident as soon as he joined us in the studio that Leonardo knew exactly what he was doing. His unique look got him signed by FiveTwenty Model Management. Since then he has been posing for high fashion photo shoots and making a name for himself within the industry.

Billie Smolsy came to our Melbourne studio back in 2017 for her first ever photo shoot. Right away we recognized huge modelling potential in the Ballarat-born beauty. She was a complete natural in front of the camera and took direction from her photographer Hana like she had been modelling for years. Billie Smolsy has since gone on to sign with IMG Models and is on her way to becoming a global superstar!