Can I Make Money Being a Model?
When you think about being a model, you might think of high fashion, beauty pageants, and shows like “America’s Next Top Model.” You’ve probably heard that you need to be extremely tall and exceptionally thin…and beautiful. If you want to be a high fashion model that’s true.
There is another side to modeling that maybe you hadn’t thought about. Models for advertising come in all shapes and sizes, all ages, all body types, and all colors! You’ve seen them – the cute freckle-faced girl drinking grape juice, the chubby dad mowing the lawn, or the feisty grandma. You don’t need to be perfect looking to be a model.
Even if you are fashion-model beautiful, modeling can be a tough career to break into. Search for information on becoming a model and you’ll surely be overwhelmed by the thousands of websites you can choose to visit. Click Here to check out an informative ebook on breaking into Child Modeling.
Be careful – there are tons of scams out there. You may have seen ads in the paper looking for models – they announce a free open-call. Modeling agencies will claim “train you” and shady photo studios will convince you that you need to spend thousands of dollars on professional photos. Do NOT pay an agency anything. If you hook up with a reputable agency, they will take a cut or commission on photo shoots they book for you, but will not charge to represent you.
If you are a kid with an interest in modeling, the first thing you are going to need is a willing and
supportive parent. Your parent is going to be the one scheduling and driving you to auditions. Your parent also needs to be able to get along well with other people and not overwhelm the people who might eventually hire you. You also need to have someone sign a permission form to use your photos. If you plan to get into modeling, you will eventually need a portfolio and professional photographs, but you can hire a photographer that meets your budget.
There is another option that is rarely talked about, but I’ll let you in on a secret. Commercial photographers often don’t have the budget to hire professional models. For photo shoots, they often rely on family and friends to step in. My daughters have been in ads, textbooks, and brochures because their dad is the photographer. They have also asked a number of friends to model as well. The budgets are not huge, but you can often make $25 to $100 for a few hours work.
Contact photographers in your area and let them know that you are available for work. Put a package together with some decent photos of yourself, and a business card or flyer with your contact information. Most photographers will not have anything the day that you call, but if they get that kind of work, they can keep you on file.
Call the photographer (or email) and introduce yourself.
“Hi, my name is Jennifer Smith and I’m interested in doing some modeling. I’m wondering if you ever use non-professional models in your studio. If so, I’d like to send you some information in case anything comes your way.” Chances are, if the photographer does occasionally use non-pros, he or she would be happy to keep you on file.
Keep in mind that modeling is hard work and can even be somewhat boring. You may have to do a lot of waiting around, and may be on a set for hours at a time.
