Aspiring models often ask us, How do I get into modeling? Or, How do I get started in modeling? This article discusses the various types of modeling, and what it takes to make it in this challenging yet fun profession. You will also find some useful tips an advice on how to get started in teen modeling.

What are the different types of modeling?

There are basically five (5) different types of modeling. These are the broadest categories, with newer but smaller categories evolving all the time. Furthermore, these categories also overlap with each other at times.

1. COMMERCIAL MODELING (Television, Catalogs and Print-Ads):

Commercial models help promote products and services through ads in the electronic media such as Television and the Internet as well as through Print Advertising. They appear in commercials/ads, on product packaging, in magazines, on billboards, etc., and help promote all kinds of products and services ranging from computer equipment to medicines, apparel, shoes and cosmetics. This is by far the largest modeling and teen modeling category.

General Requirements for Commercial Modeling:

Contrary to popular belief, many successful commercial models look like normal, everyday people. If they walked past you on the street in normal everyday clothes and with little or no makeup, you would probably not look at them twice. However, what they do possess is the ability to express an emotion, and the ability to replicate that same look time and again. For starters, you can start practicing your best looks and poses in front of a mirror. Many successful models do 15 minutes of mirror-work every day. Practice evoking different types of emotions through your expressions.

The ability to show different expressions, to be able to hold that expression so that the photographer can take multiple shots at different camera exposure settings, and the ability to create that expression again at will are all very useful qualities. The good news is that these qualities and talents can be developed. Good commercial models are also usually photogenic, but exceptions abound. Having a unique or different look is good but often not an absolute necessity. Personality, likeability (that the audience or target market can relate to), being internally happy (i.e., liking yourself - because it does show through in your images) and being able to work long hours while at the same time enjoying the process are other attributes that successful commercial models seem to possess.

Most pictures on magazine covers are touched up and air-brushed on the computer for hours (called digital editing) to create the right look. If you have reasonably good features, a great photographer can make you look like a superstar! Remember, the glamorous superstars don't always look that way in real life. The magic is in the camera, makeup and digital editing.

2. PROMOTIONAL MODELING (Tradeshows, Retail, Car Shows, Events, etc.):

Promotional modeling includes work at Tradeshows and Conventions, handing out Product Samples in Retail Stores, helping promote products or services at Car Shows, Boat Shows, Events, etc. What differentiates Promotional Modeling from Commercial Modeling above is the fact that for Promotional Modeling you have to be there in person, because you yourself (not your photo or video) are doing the promoting. While it may not appear as glamorous as Commercial Modeling, it can provide good income opportunities, and the jobs are usually easier to get. Creative forms of Promotional Marketing (often referred to as Buzz Marketing) and Event Marketing are gaining fast in popularity. It seems to be a high-growth area, and compensation seems to be improving too.

General Requirements for Promotional Modeling:

Promotional Modeling is about overall personality, interpersonal skills, being able to establish a quick rapport, and staying focused on the task at hand. You may meet a lot of different people, albeit each very briefly. If you thrive on meeting people and enjoy the hustle and bustle of a tradeshow environment, Promotional Modeling is usually easier to break into than Commercial Modeling, although exceptions are always there. Even though the job is not primarily about being photographed, you'll still want to look and act your best. Promotional/Event Modeling is a growing field.

3. FASHION MODELING (includes Runway, Fashion Shows, etc.):

Fashion models help launch new products and designs such as in apparel, accessories, shoes, jewelry, swimwear, beachwear, etc. The walk the runway in fashion shows. Many large fashion shows also get media coverage, and a good fashion model can get print exposure in leading fashion magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, etc. Similarly, if a fashion show is being covered by the broadcast media, there is a chance that you may appear on Television too. Many industry-specific fashion shows such as shows for apparel and swimwear can hire hundreds or thousands of models at a time.

General Requirements for Fashion Modeling:

Up until a few years ago, a height of at least 5 feet 9 inches was considered pretty much a requirement for Fashion Modeling – especially for the Runway (where you walk up and down a Runway, wearing clothes of a certain brand and/or designer). However, that is fast changing. Now, there are Fashion/Runway shows for pretty much all body types. If you feel good about your body, can walk confidently, and look reasonably good, chances are that you can find some opportunities in Fashion Modeling. For certain apparel and swimwear shows, a good well-proportioned body is more important than just height alone. Since, the shows can require hundreds of models per day (and there are just so many really tall good looking models around), you probably have a good chance of being selected as long as the overall body proportion is in line with what the manufacturer’s product line is. Then, of course, there are apparel and swimwear manufacturers who make clothes for petites and plus-sized customers as well.

4. INTERNET MODELING (web-sites, live webcam, etc.):

Internet modeling, whether it is for static content on web-sites or for live webcam or streaming video is a popular segment. Generally, you have to be over 18 years of age.

5. MODELING FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS, CONTENT CREATORS & STOCK PHOTO AGENCIES:

Photographers hire models all the time, either to build their own portfolios or to create content for Licensing to others and/or for Stock-Photo purposes. The PhotoShoot can be either a paid shoot (where the model gets paid either on an hourly basis or a flat fee) or TFP (trade Time for Prints), or TFCD (trade Time for CD-ROM images). In the TFP or TFCD arrangement no money changes hands. It is just a trade or swap. The photographer invests his/her time, expertise and equipment, and the model invests his/her time. Thus, they can create some content together that both parties can use to further their own professional goals, respectively. Stock Photo Agencies sometimes commission a photographer to take certain pictures that can then be sold or licensed to different companies for use in advertising and marketing materials.

As you can see, there are myriad opportunities in the modeling world. However, it is hard work. Like most other things in life, there is no guarantee of success. It depends on your looks, luck, demeanor, personality, hard work, perseverance, and a burning desire to succeed, among other things.

Others before you have made it big in modeling, and you probably can too! A good first step would be to create your free Portfolio on the Joy Of Modeling website (http://www.joyofmodeling.com/) and on as many other modeling websites as conveniently possible. Contact local modeling agencies. Have a Professional Photographer shoot a nice Portfolio. Attend modeling shows and seminars. Learn about the business. Notice what is working and what’s not, and take corrective action. Good luck and best wishes.

The fast-loading Joy Of Modeling website is a popular job searching and referral place for models, photographers, videographers, film makers, agencies, actors, actresses and reps. It is also a resource for talent scouts and recruiters looking to hire for television, film, theater, dancing and entertainment jobs. Aspiring models, actors and actresses looking for their big break have a free opportunity for worldwide exposure at the Joy Of Modeling website. It is a family-friendly site (no nudity, porn, profanity or violence), and has separate sections for grown-ups and kids. The site also offers Free Gifts and/or a Free Shopping spree to its Gold Level members.

Modeling for advertising photography can be a lot of hard work and if you are game for it and do have the right attitude towards it, then you can also expect a whole lot of fun in this profession. In this article, we will see what it takes to be a good model and how to go about starting your career as a model for advertising photography.

The first thing to do is see yourself in the mirror and emote. Smile, laugh, look sad, depressed, sexy, angry, pensive in short try to put forth as many emotions and expressions as you can. I know this sounds funny and you might find it amusing when you do it for the first time. But trust me, this would be a good insight into your modeling career.

Having done the self introspection, now it is time to take the opinion of someone else. You can ask a family member or take the opinion of a friend. Make different kinds of expressions and ask if you look natural enough. Remember, you don't have to have a 'ten on ten' figure for advertising photography. Rather, if you look just about average, it would be great, because it is all about showing real people.

What really matters is how well you express different emotions. And this is very critical for this for the same reason again - to look very natural, very real, just like everyday people. If you intend to appear in the advertisement of beauty care products, then of course a little good looks and sharp features always goes a long way to fetch those high profile campaigns.

Now is the time to contact a modeling agency or a photographer working in the line of advertising photography. Arrange a meeting, where you can ask some questions and get good answers and insight into this profession and what you can expect in the future.

OK, to quote Derek Zoolander, you're totally great-looking. So now what? Being a model means a lot more than just standing around looking beautiful. To be happy and successful in your chosen career, you need to find the specific type of modeling that's right for you.

If you are going to make it as a model, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the following types of modeling work:

Runway Modeling

Without a doubt, high fashion runway modeling is one the most glamorous (and rigorous) types of modeling. Runway models generally possess a very particular body type (long legs, fierce walk) and have developed their own signature style of "working the catwalk". While you're likely to see crossover with other types of modeling, the runway model is a truly unique animal. Runway models begin their careers at local fashion shows - with the best of the best moving on to international events such as Fashion Week in New York - where models can earn thousands of dollars per runway event.

Quick tip for success: Watch footage of the greats! Take some time every day to watch footage of top models walking the runway. Study how they carry themselves. Use their established styles to help craft a walk that is unique and your own.

Commercial Print Modeling

If you have ever seen a 600+ page issue of Vogue, you have a good idea of why there is a constant demand for fashion print models. Simply put, there's almost no limit to the number of apparel companies spending large amounts of money on their print advertising campaigns. Successful print models not only master a variety of looks, but also have a wide range of emotions and body positions that can call up on a moment's notice as the job dictates. Print models are able to evoke strong emotions in two dimensions because of these skills.

Quick tip for success: A great portfolio goes a long way in the commercial print realm. Models who have a selection of beautiful and unique photographs at the ready are most likely to wow the client and get the job. Be sure and fill your book with photos that go beyond the standard head shot. Show your creativity!

Commercial Catalog Modeling

Catalog marketing affords the greatest opportunities for models of different heights and sizes. Since every store or clothing line appeals to a different demographic, the standards set by the rest of the modeling world are a bit more relaxed here. You still need to look and feel great, but there is a little less emphasis on the concept of perfection.

Quick tip for success: When creating a portfolio, base your chosen shots on powerful, effective catalog photography. Grab a stack of the best catalogs available. Then cut out the shots that you would like to create. Your portfolio should represent a "best of" compilation of shots in a variety of clothing styles and poses.

Swimsuit Models

Female swimsuit models are less likely to be the small-sized types that generally have success on the runway. In the swimsuit modeling world there is a greater emphasis on a woman's curves - with physical fitness being of the utmost importance. Men's swimsuit models are also asked to be in prime physical condition. Toned muscles and tight stomachs are the order of the day for men hoping to get the best available work as a swimsuit model. Many swimsuit models employ a personal trainer to stay in top condition throughout the year.

Quick tip for success: Show your dedication to the swimsuit modeling category. If you REALLY want to book swimsuit work, then create a portfolio with only swimwear-related photographs. This will show the potential client that you are not simply "dabbling" in this end of the business - but truly want to "own" the category.

What do Aishwarya Rai, Juhi Chawla, Arjun Rampal ,Sushmita Sen, Diya Mirza, Lara Dutta, Bipasha Basu, Dino Morea, Shiny Ahuja, John Abraham, Celina Jailtley and Priyanka Chopra have in common apart from their killer looks and awesome bodies? Yes, they shared one platform namely, modeling. These model turned actors were highly successful in modeling before stepping into the world of bollywood. Many actors believe that modeling gives them a stable foundation to be recognized before getting their first break in bollywood. Most of these stars believed that modeling is a stepping stone to bollywood. Without entering into the world of modeling, their life would take a very different turn by making their entry into bollywood more difficult and inaccessible.

Most model turned actors stepped into modeling by catching our attention in beauty pageants. Who can forget Sushmita Sen and Aishwarya Rai sashay down the ramp after winning their titles? No one. These beauty queens inspired millions of Indians who watched them and wanted to be like them in every manner. Young girls desired to look like them and take part in these beauty pageants. Mothers of teenaged daughters would pester their kids to dress well and push them forward for beauty pageants. With the advent of these exotic beauties,

w:st="on">India was in for a beauty revolution. These strong willed beauty queens had no looking back . They reached their destination - Bollywood in no time.

With this instance, many young aspiring actors looked up to their role models to pursue their much sought after bollywood dream. Modeling is an arena more to do with beautiful personalities than fashion per say. No one is throwing dust one anyone's eyes here, as it is a well known fact that, clothes look good on a beautiful body rather than on someone ill-proportionate. Beauty is all over the place and looking uniquely gorgeous is the mantra for models. These stars surely had what it took to be a Hindi film star and yes, they did it with style.

It is well known preconceived notion that models can't act. There were many instances when models were criticized heavily and were shown the exit. However, over a period of failures, there were many of these same models who proved critics wrong. For instance, Aishwarya Rai was considered plasticky in her debut film Aur Pyar Ho Gaya but with time, she set by bollywood by storm in her stellar performances in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Devdas. John Abraham is another actor who has also won several accolades in his films like Jism, Dhoom and Taxi no.9211. Athough Shiny Ahuja is just 2 films old, his mind blowing performance in Hazaaron Khwaishye Aisi and Gangster has won him millions of fans.

Many young and upcoming actors like Samir Dattani believe that modeling provides them easy entry to Bollywood. Daisy Boppana of Garam Masala fame have been cast with extremely successful actors like Akshay Kumar and John Abraham. Katrina Kaif famous for ads campaigns like Seagram's, Lakme and Dyna have acted in films like Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya and Humko Deewana Kar Gaye cast opposite Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar. Models like Deepika Padukone and Shivani Kapur are the new entrants to Bollywood after a successful stint in modeling? What lies ahead, only time will tell. Watch this space for more.

Modeling for advertising photography can be a lot of hard work and if you are game for it and do have the right attitude towards it, then you can also expect a whole lot of fun in this profession. In this article, we will see what it takes to be a good model and how to go about starting your career as a model for advertising photography.

The first thing to do is see yourself in the mirror and emote. Smile, laugh, look sad, depressed, sexy, angry, pensive in short try to put forth as many emotions and expressions as you can. I know this sounds funny and you might find it amusing when you do it for the first time. But trust me, this would be a good insight into your modeling career.

Having done the self introspection, now it is time to take the opinion of someone else. You can ask a family member or take the opinion of a friend. Make different kinds of expressions and ask if you look natural enough. Remember, you don't have to have a 'ten on ten' figure for advertising photography. Rather, if you look just about average, it would be great, because it is all about showing real people.

What really matters is how well you express different emotions. And this is very critical for this for the same reason again - to look very natural, very real, just like everyday people. If you intend to appear in the advertisement of beauty care products, then of course a little good looks and sharp features always goes a long way to fetch those high profile campaigns.

Now is the time to contact a modeling agency or a photographer working in the line of advertising photography. Arrange a meeting, where you can ask some questions and get good answers and insight into this profession and what you can expect in the future.

Aspiring models often ask us, How do I get into modeling? Or, How do I get started in modeling? This article discusses the various types of modeling, and what it takes to make it in this challenging yet fun profession. You will also find some useful tips an advice on how to get started in teen modeling.

What are the different types of modeling?

There are basically five (5) different types of modeling. These are the broadest categories, with newer but smaller categories evolving all the time. Furthermore, these categories also overlap with each other at times.

1. COMMERCIAL MODELING (Television, Catalogs and Print-Ads):

Commercial models help promote products and services through ads in the electronic media such as Television and the Internet as well as through Print Advertising. They appear in commercials/ads, on product packaging, in magazines, on billboards, etc., and help promote all kinds of products and services ranging from computer equipment to medicines, apparel, shoes and cosmetics. This is by far the largest modeling and teen modeling category.

General Requirements for Commercial Modeling:

Contrary to popular belief, many successful commercial models look like normal, everyday people. If they walked past you on the street in normal everyday clothes and with little or no makeup, you would probably not look at them twice. However, what they do possess is the ability to express an emotion, and the ability to replicate that same look time and again. For starters, you can start practicing your best looks and poses in front of a mirror. Many successful models do 15 minutes of mirror-work every day. Practice evoking different types of emotions through your expressions.

The ability to show different expressions, to be able to hold that expression so that the photographer can take multiple shots at different camera exposure settings, and the ability to create that expression again at will are all very useful qualities. The good news is that these qualities and talents can be developed. Good commercial models are also usually photogenic, but exceptions abound. Having a unique or different look is good but often not an absolute necessity. Personality, likeability (that the audience or target market can relate to), being internally happy (i.e., liking yourself - because it does show through in your images) and being able to work long hours while at the same time enjoying the process are other attributes that successful commercial models seem to possess.

Most pictures on magazine covers are touched up and air-brushed on the computer for hours (called digital editing) to create the right look. If you have reasonably good features, a great photographer can make you look like a superstar! Remember, the glamorous superstars don't always look that way in real life. The magic is in the camera, makeup and digital editing.

2. PROMOTIONAL MODELING (Tradeshows, Retail, Car Shows, Events, etc.):

Promotional modeling includes work at Tradeshows and Conventions, handing out Product Samples in Retail Stores, helping promote products or services at Car Shows, Boat Shows, Events, etc. What differentiates Promotional Modeling from Commercial Modeling above is the fact that for Promotional Modeling you have to be there in person, because you yourself (not your photo or video) are doing the promoting. While it may not appear as glamorous as Commercial Modeling, it can provide good income opportunities, and the jobs are usually easier to get. Creative forms of Promotional Marketing (often referred to as Buzz Marketing) and Event Marketing are gaining fast in popularity. It seems to be a high-growth area, and compensation seems to be improving too.

General Requirements for Promotional Modeling:

Promotional Modeling is about overall personality, interpersonal skills, being able to establish a quick rapport, and staying focused on the task at hand. You may meet a lot of different people, albeit each very briefly. If you thrive on meeting people and enjoy the hustle and bustle of a tradeshow environment, Promotional Modeling is usually easier to break into than Commercial Modeling, although exceptions are always there. Even though the job is not primarily about being photographed, you'll still want to look and act your best. Promotional/Event Modeling is a growing field.

3. FASHION MODELING (includes Runway, Fashion Shows, etc.):

Fashion models help launch new products and designs such as in apparel, accessories, shoes, jewelry, swimwear, beachwear, etc. The walk the runway in fashion shows. Many large fashion shows also get media coverage, and a good fashion model can get print exposure in leading fashion magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, etc. Similarly, if a fashion show is being covered by the broadcast media, there is a chance that you may appear on Television too. Many industry-specific fashion shows such as shows for apparel and swimwear can hire hundreds or thousands of models at a time.

General Requirements for Fashion Modeling:

Up until a few years ago, a height of at least 5 feet 9 inches was considered pretty much a requirement for Fashion Modeling – especially for the Runway (where you walk up and down a Runway, wearing clothes of a certain brand and/or designer). However, that is fast changing. Now, there are Fashion/Runway shows for pretty much all body types. If you feel good about your body, can walk confidently, and look reasonably good, chances are that you can find some opportunities in Fashion Modeling. For certain apparel and swimwear shows, a good well-proportioned body is more important than just height alone. Since, the shows can require hundreds of models per day (and there are just so many really tall good looking models around), you probably have a good chance of being selected as long as the overall body proportion is in line with what the manufacturer’s product line is. Then, of course, there are apparel and swimwear manufacturers who make clothes for petites and plus-sized customers as well.

4. INTERNET MODELING (web-sites, live webcam, etc.):

Internet modeling, whether it is for static content on web-sites or for live webcam or streaming video is a popular segment. Generally, you have to be over 18 years of age.

5. MODELING FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS, CONTENT CREATORS & STOCK PHOTO AGENCIES:

Photographers hire models all the time, either to build their own portfolios or to create content for Licensing to others and/or for Stock-Photo purposes. The PhotoShoot can be either a paid shoot (where the model gets paid either on an hourly basis or a flat fee) or TFP (trade Time for Prints), or TFCD (trade Time for CD-ROM images). In the TFP or TFCD arrangement no money changes hands. It is just a trade or swap. The photographer invests his/her time, expertise and equipment, and the model invests his/her time. Thus, they can create some content together that both parties can use to further their own professional goals, respectively. Stock Photo Agencies sometimes commission a photographer to take certain pictures that can then be sold or licensed to different companies for use in advertising and marketing materials.

As you can see, there are myriad opportunities in the modeling world. However, it is hard work. Like most other things in life, there is no guarantee of success. It depends on your looks, luck, demeanor, personality, hard work, perseverance, and a burning desire to succeed, among other things.

Others before you have made it big in modeling, and you probably can too! A good first step would be to create your free Portfolio on the Joy Of Modeling and on as many other modeling websites as conveniently possible. Contact local modeling agencies. Have a Professional Photographer shoot a nice Portfolio. Attend modeling shows and seminars. Learn about the business. Notice what is working and what’s not, and take corrective action. Good luck and best wishes.

The fast-loading Joy Of Modeling website is a popular job searching and referral place for models, photographers, videographers, film makers, agencies, actors, actresses and reps. It is also a resource for talent scouts and recruiters looking to hire for television, film, theater, dancing and entertainment jobs. Aspiring models, actors and actresses looking for their big break have a free opportunity for worldwide exposure at the Joy Of Modeling website. It is a family-friendly site (no nudity, porn, profanity or violence), and has separate sections for grown-ups and kids. The site also offers Free Gifts and/or a Free Shopping spree to its Gold Level members.

Do you dream about a career in modeling? Don’t give up! Your dream can come true, and you too can become a professional fashion model. The lessons learned as a professional model are invaluable. Why is it, you may ask? “Being a model is not just something you do on the runway, but it is a personality that you carry throughout your life.”

No matter what age you enter into this career, you will be able to walk away learning something new that can help you for the rest of your life. If you are a young unmarried person looking for a mate, you will have a good idea of how the right person should treat you. If you are a married person, you will learn how to better take care of yourself and your mate. Someone once said, “You cannot make someone happy unless you are happy yourself.” People need to know that happiness starts from within and extends outward. If you are fulfilled in all areas of your life, you will be happy.

The charm and poise section of the modeling training will give you the confidence you need to make life complete. It will also help you to overcome low self-esteem, if you are struggling with this problem. You will be able to see yourself as a special person. More important, you will begin to feel good about yourself.

A career in modeling takes hard work, dedication and commitment to succeed in the business. The categories you have to choose from are in runway, print and catalog, commercial, petite or plus size. Let’s say, they did not choose you as one of the high fashion models for an assignment in Europe or for the cover of a top magazine, it does not mean that you failed. If this happens, you should move on to the next assignment in life because you are still successful in your own unique way. To build your career, you should start off small then move up to bigger and better things. Through a modeling career, you will learn many lessons that can help you in life.

In the world of high fashion the pay is high. It is usual for a single modeling campaign to pay a million dollars or more. There is a huge amount of money at stake in high fashion modeling and if someone has to get paid, then why not YOU.