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Modeling
Ever since I was little I've wanted to model. Being in front of a camera and having all the attention is what I love. The problem is, I have no idea how to get started. Does anyone know someone I could talk to or any website I could go to? Thanks a lot =]
P.S. I live in New York if that helps.
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Maybe give some free advice about: Random Weirdos?
You're living in exactly the right AND the wrong place. It's the right place because New York is Model Central - it's THE place to be for modeling, photography, and fashion. It's the wrong place because you will encounter fierce competition, scam artists, and the seedy side of modeling.
First, consider your age. If you're under 18, then no legitimate photographer will work with you without your parents' consent (anyone who does say they can work with you behind their back... turn around and run like hell).
You'll need a portfolio. This is expensive and this is where most of the scam artists hang out, because by definition you don't have much experience and you will be easier to fool than a seasoned model. Don't just pick someone at random out of the yellow pages; choose a photographer only after having done some research. Check his references and make sure his prices are comparable to other photographers. You can count on spending from $400 to well over $1000 for a quality portfolio.
You may or may not need classes, but at least visit the library and pick up some books on modeling. There are all kinds of things you need to know - how to walk, how to turn your head, how to smile. You'll also need to know some of the technical and artistic details of photography, so that you will be able to communicate intelligently with the photographer while on shoots. You may even find an aptitude for the other side of the camera, and it doesn't hurt to be flexible!
The key thing is that whatever you get involved in, check it thoroughly for legitimacy. Any honest photographer or agent will be pleased and proud to have you check out their references. Read contracts before you sign them and make sure you're getting paid the proper amount for your work. It might be best to start with a large modeling agency, just so you can learn these details without worrying too much about getting burned.
Don't pose nude (and if you're under 18 and someone asks you to do it, report them to the police). No matter what anyone tells you, you don't need to do that, and it may end your career instead of boosting it.
Finally, make sure you have a backup plan. Modeling is an extremely difficult way to make a living, and it's virtually guaranteed that you'll need a day job. You might consider work in photography or fashion, which will keep you close to the action where you want to be.
I can't answer the specifics of your question (someone to talk to or a website) because although I am a professional photographer, I'm not in the modeling field; my specialty is event photography, weddings, and portraits. I'm sure that you can find some promising things with just a little Googling, however.
Good luck - you're going to need it! But congratulations for daring to dream.
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Hey! =]
I'm an aspiring model, as well, and I live in New Jersey. Since you live in New York, you have it /SUPER EASY/: lots of modeling agencies are located in New York! You don't have to travel as far as I do :P
A good place to start off with is Elite Model Management. They're a reputable modeling agency. They have open calls every Monday at 3:00 pm (except for holidays). Their address is:
404 Park Avenue South, 9th Floor
New York, New York 10016
If you can't get there for whatever reason, they also have an online form for you to submit photos of yourself at [Link](Mouse over link to see full location). You can also find out more about their company there.
(To get to the online form, after the flash loads hover over "Be Discovered" and click "Submit Photos")
Another thing I do, is search popular clothes stores' websites, such as Mandee's, Delia's, Abercrombie, etc. Some stores hold contests every now and then to look for girls to model their products. Delia's had a big one last summer. The winners of those contests not only get to model for their fave clothes store, but also get a lot of positive attention from scouting modeling agencies. =]
If you need anymore help, I reccomend using a search engine to find sites that give advice on becoming a model. A good one I found was at soyouwanna.com. ([Link](Mouse over link to see full location))
For a small taste of what the business is like, I recommend watching Tyra Banks's show, "America's Next Top Model" :P
Good luck on your quest to become a top model, haha. And remember to eat healthy =]
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hey, well my friends does barbizon.
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
select new york and get started [=.
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I'm sure you'd be great at modeling! Definetly go for it! You should find an agent. You can find one by looking online. Also maybe try a modeling class. My sister is now a model and got started by going to Barbizon School Of Modeling. They help alot. Here's the site: [Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
^^Check it out. Make sure to have your parents help you too!
--Natalie
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