5 Easy Steps to a Fashion Modeling Career

Do You Want To Become A Model?

Would you like to become a fashion model or commercial model, but you have no idea what this type of model does? Let me tell you a little about fashion models. Their photos appear in magazines and catalogues to promote clothing or other accessories to customers and fashion buyers.

If you are confident, aggressive, intelligent, resistant to peer pressure and willing to listen and learn, you have many of the traits that may help you to become a successful model.

But, before you get started in modeling, please consider reading the tips below.

1. Get Advice

Talk to someone you know that is already involved in the modeling world. Ask them about the following:

- How Do You Avoid Model Agency Scams?
- How Do You Choose The Right Photographer?
- Should You Go To Modeling School?
- How Important Is A Portfolio?
- What Is Open Call?

Knowing the answers to these few questions will hopefully help you a lot in making your decision about becoming a model.

2. Do Your Research

Look at fashion magazines to see what the latest styles are. Read and learn as much as you can about fashion designers. Research every aspect on the Internet about this industry.

3. Set Your Goals

Decide if you want this to be a full or part time career. Also, if you want in it just for fun or to make an income.

Be comfortable when you set these goals and be determined to reach them. You will face many rejections, so be very persistent and Never Quit.

4. Physical Attributes Of Models

If you plan to become a model, the following physical attributes are a necessity.

a) You need to be at least 5'8" tall or taller ( Especially for runway )
b) Your height should be flattered by your body weight(average for a model 108-125 lbs.) and proportions.
c) Your skin should always look radiant and without lots of pimples or blemishes
d) Your hair should always be clean, styled and vibrant. Avoid excessive over-dying and split-ends.
e) Your teeth should be well taken care of, straight and white. Stay away from coffee and cigarettes. Remember, agents love to see a model give a vibrant smile.
f) Your posture has a big affect on how people perceive you. Keep your chin up and shoulders back.

5. Modeling Agencies

Now that you have decided becoming a fashion model is definitely what you want, your next step is to find a legitimate model agency that will manage your new career for you and hopefully find you work.

You can find agencies in your area by checking your phone directory, searching on the web or asking people you know already in the industry if they have any suggestions.

Just always remember you should never have to pay an agency any money upfront. If they ask for any, call another one.

Hard Work Will Pay Off

Even though, this may sound like a lot of advice, just remember if you really want to get started as a fashion or commercial model, it will take a lot of time and hard work.

Modeling is a very competitive business and "Only The Strong Models Survive."



September 25, 2009
By Bob Pardue
Bob Pardue is a professional stock and female fashion model portfolio photographer located in the Southeastern USA. You can view some of his work and read other interesting model tips by visiting http://www.bobpardue.com

5 Secrets of Having Great Photos

With traditional photography and photo processing the idea of customizing your pictures after taking them seemed really far-fetched. You were basically stuck with the photo you took with your camera and there was almost nothing to do to change it. Even professional photographers often takes faulty pictures. For us amateurs, especially if we don't have ultra-performant camera, most pictures are far from perfect. Fortunately, digital photography and photo storage available online for free come in handy as they allow you to change a photo as much as you want, even until it has nothing to do with the original. If you would like to get more out of your photos, this article can help you do that. However, in order to follow this technique, you need to have a photo editing application installed on your computer. There are many free applications you can download online or you can purchase a higher-end one.

1. Basic editing

If you don't want anything sophisticated, you can easily learn to use some basic functions of your photo editing application to make some small changes to your photos. These include cropping, resizing or rotating the picture until you get what you want. They can be done in a few minutes and can help you be more satisfied with the image.

2. Add some special effects

If you want to go a little further, your photo editor has a lot of functions that add special effects to your photo, such as a windy background and a bunch of other interesting stuff. Each application has a different way of doing this so there are no standard steps to follow, but you can find many tutorials online for any particular software. It only takes a few minutes and can help you change the original image at a great extent.

3. Apply filters

Your image may look more interesting after applying a filter. Filters are generally add-ons that can be downloaded for free for any photo editing software. Just to give you an idea, you can use a certain filter to make your photo look like it's been oil painted. Again, each application has its own filters, but you can find step-by-step tutorials for any of them. This also takes no more than a few minutes if you have the right tools.

4. Play with colors

Some tools allow you to change the color of your photo. You can make it lighter or darker or even change a certain part of it to a different color. For example, you can customize a portrait to make the eyes of the person green. Playing with colors can help you express more with a common picture and even make some changes to improve an original that is really bad.

5. Put borders and clip-arts

If you want to make your picture more interesting or funnier you can add some fun clip-arts or borders. There tons of such elements available online. Make some experiments on an image to see what it looks like.



September 24, 2009
By Alex Don
Mr. D. has been writing about photo resizer applications for Reshade. http://Reshade.com targets online image applications and makes available a free to use online picture resizer software . Additionally it makes available a photo enlargement software.

How to select the right camera. Advices of the professional

Photographers have been asked very often the same question: “Which camera should I buy? And which camera is right for me?” And to my deepest regret, we do not have a single meaning answer to this simple question! For the beginning, you must clarify for yourself and answer these questions first:

1. Why do I want to buy a camera?

2. What do I want to make photos of?

3. What will I shoot in reality?

Only and only after answering these questions honestly, you may start selecting the camera in a meaningful way!

If you want only to upload “photos” into your computer and share with your friends via Internet – you will need one type of the camera, and it is very different thing, if you want to set this business up seriously, and make “photography”!

Algorithm of selection.

I suggest algorithm of selection the appropriate camera for your needs outlined below. These steps were tested many times by me and my friends and you may use it for every type of equipment. It is marketing investigation in essence.

1. The first step in this process and the most important one is – you think over thoroughly what the purpose of buying specific camera is and what kind of photos you want to shoot, what to shoot and – ATTENTION! – How often you will make photos!

Category of the camera you need to buy depends on the frequency of utilization!

Amateurs, who make photos from time to time, during holidays, for example, and making fewer than 400 shots per year, may easily find camera of their dream in the category of budget cameras.

2. The second step, and not less important. You have to determine what sum of money you are ready to spend for the camera, without making your family budget empty! And you need not exceed limits of this amount of money.

3. The third step, probably will take some of your precious time, but it will allow you to get irrefragable information and make the right decision. This step is all about gathering information. You may find tons of information on Internet these days about technical features of particular cameras you want. So, go to the websites and find camera, keep in mind amount of money you are allowed to spend. You need to pick up few cameras in approximately the same price range. You will need to compare them with one another. Some websites have the option of comparison – you definitely need to use this option! At the same time you need to find out more information about chosen cameras. So, go to the forum sites, chat sites and look for information that was left by people, who already used those cameras: you will find all comparable features, cameras PRO’S and CON’S, all capabilities. You may find not only opinions and judgments about cameras you chose, but also samples of photos, made, using those cameras.

Finally, we have got a clear idea and opted for two or three cameras from different company – manufacturers. But don’t run to the nearest shop or buy camera from Internet, yet! Here are few more questions you need to take under consideration. In my opinion, you have to make your priority to buy camera from:

- well-known manufacturer;

- with lenses with variable focal length (zoom);

- with variable angle LCD (for compact cameras);

- with flash, which has few shooting modes;

- with possibility of Spot AE Point mode;

- with handy and widely distributed power supplies.

Also, you must feel comfortable when you have camera in your hand.

4. The fourth step – it is actually making your decision and choice!

Just make a decision and opt certain model of the camera, being armed with all your knowledge and having deep understanding for what and why you have decided to buy exactly this model of the camera.

Another thing to consider is quality and uniqueness of your photos! It is true, that quality of your photos depends on quality of your camera, but the main thing is – it is you, who makes these photos. And you need to know how to shoot correctly. You need to know at least basics of composition, how to hold your camera and how to press shutter button! Your camera – it is only high - quality object, but it is you, who make those photos!

I hope after reading this article you have clearer understanding about which camera to buy! So, be involved in the world of wonders of creative photography!

(ArticlesBase ID #1131002)



September 23, 2009
By Sergey
Author - Sergey M, photographer, specializing in landscapes, nature and military photography, close-up shots, 3D modeling. If you want to learn more not only about techniques of selling your photos on-line, but also photography techniques, please visit from Basic to Mastership , where you will find all resources to master art of photography. You may visit My Photo Universe where you can read this article in full.

Do You Have What It Takes To Become A Model

When you think of the word "model", images of men and women with perfect complexions, incredible bodies and wonderful wardrobes are probably the first things to come to mind. But modeling is much more than that and the need for "non-traditional" models is probably more prevalent than you imagine. If you consider advertising, media and books that use photos of real people and places, you can see that you don't have to be a perfectly-proportioned person with a flawless look to find modeling opportunities. That gives rise to the question, "Do you have what it takes to be a model?"

If you're interested in modeling but you need experience, you should likely begin your search locally. Every city that has an advertising company probably needs ad models. In the larger cities where magazines and other media are produced and printed, you'll also find a need for people willing to model. Almost every catalog, flyer and circular that arrives in your mailbox includes photos of at least a few people who were willing to model for that publication. The opportunities are out there but you have to be willing to go after them.

Consider the local advertising agency. Especially if you're talking about an agency in a smaller city with limited financial resources, the search for quality models is continuous. They need people willing to model with and be spokesperson for area businesses that are intent on producing commercials with local faces.

Magazines are also a good source of modeling opportunities. For example, a magazine accepts a story from a freelance writer about mothers to be printed in the Mother's Day edition. Stories are always more appealing if there is art to catch the reader's eye and the magazine begins its search for appropriate models for this story. They don't need a cover girl - they need a mother (or at least a woman who can look like one).

Think you don't have the figure for modeling? Catalogs are another good source of modeling opportunities. Apparel companies don't just sell clothing for the men and women with perfect bodies. The fact that not every woman is a "perfect size six" means that not all clothing offered will be a size six. What better way to entice the smaller than normal woman (or those larger than normal) to choose a particular product than by showing how it looks on other small or large women? This creates an excellent opportunity for those who will never fit into a size six dress to give modeling a try.

If you are fortunate enough to have the perfect body, complexion and look for traditional modeling, you still might need to start with the less-traditional modeling jobs. No matter what kind of modeling you want to do, remember that it boils down to hard work in sometimes less-than-ideal conditions. Catalogs, magazines and advertisers will do photo shoots well ahead of the season. That means that you could find yourself modeling swimsuits on the beach while it's still too cold to be on the beach, or wrapped up in ski gear in front of a crackling fire in mid-summer. But if modeling truly appeals to you, you might just find that you do have what it takes to become a model.

Copyright 2005 by Lynn Walls. All rights reserved.



September 22, 2009
By Lynn Walls
Looking for information about modeling? Go to http://www.atozmodeling.com. A to Z Modeling is a Fashion Modeling Information Directory and Resource Site which provides a consolidated listing of the best Modeling and Fashion sites in one easy to navigate location.

The Benefits Of Digital Photo Printing

As technology improves, consumers now have access to services that make their lives easier. One of the best examples of this is digital photo printing. In the past, you would have to take your pictures with a regular camera, then have the film developed before finally being able to see your photos for the first time.

Now, this process has changed dramatically. Thanks to digital cameras, you can see your image right after you’ve snapped the picture. Consumers no longer have to risk having their pictures turn out badly, missing out on opportunities to capture a moment or a memory. Instead, you can immediately tell whether or not a photo turned out well and if it didn’t you can instantly take a better picture.

The processing stage has also improve drastically. Since you no longer have to wait days, or even an hour, you can access your pictures immediately and begin sharing them. Digital photos can be taken right off of your camera, uploaded to your computer and then you can decide how you want to keep them. If you’re interested in preserving the photos, it’s best to work out a solution where you keep a digital copy of the photo, as well as using digital photo printing. This is the best of both world. You no longer have to worry about having your photos damaged, since you’ll always have a digital back up.

There are many different benefits to digital photo printing that consumers are now enjoying on a regular basis. Thanks to these services, it is easier than ever to take, print and share high quality photos. In addition to the benefits mentioned above, there are a few others that consumer can enjoy.

1. The ability to change your photos before having them printed. If you don’t want your photos to have the dreaded “red eye” effect, or you need to be able to crop, resize or even add special effects to your images, this is possible with digital photos. Now, anyone can easily make any change they want to their photo before sending them in for digital photo printing.

2. More control over your options. When you’re using a digital photo printing service, you have a lot more control over all of your options. Since consumers are no longer constrained by traditional photo processing, they can choose to have some or all of their photos developed, have a back up copy for archival purposes, as well as easily enlarge or shrink photos and have the results turn out remarkably well.

If you haven’t tried digital photo printing before, now is the perfect time to take advantage of all of these benefits. Even if you don’t have a digital camera, you can still scan your images in, edit them, and send them off to be printed. This blending of technology and features makes digital photo printing the best option for those that want more control over their photographs.+



September 18, 2009
By CJ Thomas
CJ Thomas writes for a variety of websites, including Hoorray (http://www.hoorray.com), a photo sharing site that offers the quickest and easiest way to build a free online photo album, as well as free online photo storage.

Find a Nice Digital Camera

Where are you going today? Are you going alone or together with your friends or family? Don’t forget to bring your camera. Don’t leave home without your camera. A lot of unique thing happen in the street. You can capture anything with your camera.

What is your camera? Do you still have your grandfather’s camera? Many people still use SLR (single lens reflection) cameras. A SLR camera is great because you can create photography art. A professional photographer will use both digital and analog camera.

If you go to the city and enter the camera shops, there are not many conventional cameras available now. Most people are preferred to use a compact digital camera. A digital camera is slim, full with features and easy to use. You don’t have to bring a big size camera and film wherever you want to take some pictures.

When you need to buy a digital camera you must think about the price, brand, features, picture quality, mega pixel, services and guarantee, etc. You can choose many brands such as Kodak, Canon, Pentax, Panasonic Lumix, Leica, Casio, Nikon, Sanyo, Samsung, Sony, and other brand. A digital camera starts from 1.3 mega pixels and above 10 mega pixels. You can get a good quality picture from 4 or more mega pixel resolutions. Don’t buy a digital camera below the 4 mega pixels because the picture quality is not so good when you print your photo. Recently, Canon PowerShot, Casio Exilim, Sony Cyber-shot, Panasonic Lumix and other Chinese brand Mikona camera promote 12.1 Megapixel digital cameras. Wow...

The latest digital camera also equipped with face detection technology, high sensitive ISO, anti shake, anti blur, auto focus, internal editing, and other high tech features. Also you can connect your digital camera to view full HDTV 1080p for better images. You don’t have to buy a separate video camera if you are a traveler because a compact size digital camera also equipped with a capability to make a movie. It’s incredible.

Before you make a decision please consider the feature of the camera. Don’t forget to check the brochure and browse the information in the Internet. Make sure that the lenses size, zoom, and flash light, battery life, etc. fits your needs. Ask the shop owner about bonus if you choose a particular brand. Sometime they give some bonuses such as external memory or soft case. Most digital camera also include video capture capability, but make sure that you can make a video or movie with sound or audio. Video without audio is not complete. It’s a great idea if you purchase a digital camera in a promotion season. Digital cameras are now available for both professional photographers and amateur enthusiasts. A professional digital camera is expensive and the size it’s bigger than the compact size digital camera.

(ArticlesBase ID #227479)



September 17, 2009
By Komang Setiabudi
K Setiabudi http://realgadgets.info

A Few Quick Hints For Photography Techniques

Just aim and shoot, right? Anyone that's interested in photography knows better than to think that taking pictures is just that simple. Sure, pointing your camera at something and taking a picture will certainly record an event, but if you really want photographs that are worth looking at year after year, you may be interested in some more advanced photography techniques. Well, whether you're just taking pictures on vacation and of your friends when they come over, or if you are looking to actually start making money from your photos, we have some great but simple photography techniques you can try.

The Rule of Thirds

The Rule of Thirds is one of those basic photography that is typically applied to shots like landscapes or nature scenes, where it's easy to have a picture of just one element. If you've ever looked at that photo of a beautiful lake or sunset and thought that is just didn't quite capture the beauty of the scene the way you remember it, you may want to consider the Rule of Thirds. This is where there are three distinct layers or parts of your photo. For example, suppose you want to take a shot of that beautiful lake where you're staying on vacation. The blue water against the blue sky is going to make everything blend in. Applying professional photography techniques to this type of shot means waiting until sunset when the setting sun breaks up the lake against the sky. This is the Rule of Thirds - you have the sky, the sun, and the lake; three distinct parts.

This is also good for photographing something like autumn foliage. A jumble of color is not going to have much interest. Try to apply these photography techniques by adjusting your shot so that you have the sky above those trees and perhaps a field or hill below them. The Rule of Thirds gives you those three distinct parts, and makes those beautiful autumn leaves that much more outstanding.

Angles

Trying different angles is one of the most used photography techniques by professionals. Again, if you just point and shoot at your subject, then you have a photo of them that has not much interest or depth. You may document what you're shooting, but that's about it.

Applying photography techniques for angles means moving yourself and your camera around for unique and interesting shots. If you want to shoot a beautiful flower garden, try getting right down on the ground so they're in front of you, rather than just standing above them. To take a picture of your new motorcycle, try getting down on the ground and aiming above you so that it really captures the majesty of the bike. Play around a bit with angles when it comes to pictures of people as well; by being experimental and creative, you can come up with your own special photography techniques that are perfect for you, your subjects, and your photos.



September 16, 2009
By Tom Dugan
"Want to take your knack for casual photography to the Next Level and develop the expert eye and photo-shooting skills of a professional photographer? If so, then you'll want to check this out: http://www.photography-report.com