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It is vital that you understand the types of modelling and the one(s) to which
you are most suited. Why is this such an important decision? A modelling
career needs direction and most models are unable to target all areas
of work, purely because their body type / look is only suitable for certain
areas of modelling. You will be in danger of wasting time and money pursuing
an area of the market that is totally unsuitable. At best you will get
no work, at worst agencies will reject you because your portfolio portrays
you in the wrong way.
Fashion Modelling
As a fashion model could be working in two distinct but related areas.
Photographic, being photographed in clothing products in the studio or
on location for catalogues or magazine advertising and, if you have the
ability to "perform on a catwalk", fashion show modelling.
Photographic
Regarded by seasoned models and aspiring models alike as the most desirable
type of modelling. If you have the looks and aptitude it is extremely
rewarding both professionally and financially. The obvious requirement
for this type of modelling is for the model to be photogenic.
What is photogenic? A photogenic person is
someone that usually appears physically attractive, striking or appealing
in photographs, regardless of their physical appearance in real life.
As with all types of careers, modelling is a technique that has to be
learnt and applied. Photographic modelling requires a particular set of
skills: How to pose, in other words how to arrange yourself in front of
the camera i.e., your limbs, features, expressions, even your fingers,
to produce attractive images.
Catwalk
Catwalk or runway modelling requires a different set of skills. The ability
to "walk", turn and sometimes dance, although for complicated routines,
dancers are usually booked to "pad out" the models. Models who have a
dance background can find catwalk modelling quite easy. Obviously the
physical requirements for catwalk modelling is fairly specific - tall,
slim with striking looks.
Lingerie
One exception can be lingerie runway modelling at trade shows - these
models tend to be around 5' 8" and will usually be more shapely than their
high fashion contemporaries - Why? because a figure that looks most attractive
in an evening dress will look less attractive in a lingerie set.
Leg or Hosiery
Girls who do this are often runway and photographic models with shapely,
attractive, long legs, with a good leg to body ratio. There are many good
fashion models who cannot do leg modelling due to not having one of those
attributes. Leg models are always tall and slim.
Plus Size
This a term used in modelling for models who are a dress size 14 or above,
(in London it can be a dress size 12 and above). The requirements for
this type of model are the same as for fashion models, both photographic
and runway, but obviously with a larger body size.
Commercial Modelling
This is purely a photographic area of modelling which encompasses lifestyle,
product advertising, images to illustrate magazine articles, stories,
book covers and to illustrate a concept or theme. It is commercial modelling
whenever you read "posed by models", images that depict a feeling such
as happiness to be with a building society, insurance company etc. It
is a style of modelling often used to create a visual image of feelings.
It can also demonstrate a product such as a car or a sofa. Being photogenic
is essential, with the ability to portray emotions, assume a character
and generally perform in front of the camera. Commercial models tend not
to model in the fashion modelling category due to lacking some of the
specific requirements - Height, figure, look.
Glamour Modelling
This branch of modelling is generally considered to be a type of photographic
modelling, however many glamour models are also promotion models. Glamour
models tend to have a particular body shape - shorter and more shapely
than the fashion model.
The style of make-up and hair are very different and the photographic
poses are very specific. Instead of posing to model the clothes, the poses
are to attract the eye to the model. Analyse a collection of photographs
of a glamour model in a lad mag such as Maxim or FHM and then analyse
a set of images of a model in a fashion magazine such as Vogue or Vanity
Fayre and you will see the difference immediately.
A point worth noting - if you do analyse the
images in the lad mags, do not feel disillusioned, and feel that you could
never look like that. The images of glamour girls are always digitally
improved almost beyond recognition!
Many girls aspire to be published in glamour magazines for the self publicity.
There is an abundance of this work available for the girls with the right
looks.
Promotion Modelling
Viewed by some as the poor relation, first rung of the ladder type of
modelling. It is, never the less, a thriving, buoyant area which affords
plentiful opportunities for work even to the novice model. It rewards
the hardworking, vivacious, eager, reliable model with recommendations
and many repeat bookings.
This type of work opens doors to more prestigious areas. Often regarded
by more experienced models as their apprenticeship, who even when established
may use promotion work as additional income between assignments. As a
promotion model you are a hired representative of the client. Requirements
range from handing out leaflets, nightclub promotions, assisting on a
stand at a trade / public show and looking glamorous at a variety of sporting
events such as motor racing.
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