Become a Teen Model: Practical, Proven Advice
By Dave Stabley
Photo Courtesy of Cosmopolitan Magazine
Dreams start at an early age,
and you’ll be surprised at how
many youngsters are inclined
to get into modeling as they
envision themselves on the front
of magazines and wearing all the
beautiful clothes on the catwalk.
But how possible is it to actually
achieve this dream? Even at
that early stage in life, dreams
can become reality — the road
is tough, but it’s not impossible.
Many models, after all, start
their careers in their teens.
Breaking into the industry and making it big can be quite
difficult for teenagers, so it’s important to realize early on
that this career involves a lot of effort and hard work. Still, if
you’ve got the confidence, the physical assets, and that special
x-factor that agencies and companies look for, you are most
certainly welcome to try.
Reality vs. Fantasy
As with any other career choice, it is important to employ at
least a modicum of reality in your decision-making process.
For instance, if you are 5’ 7” tall, and weigh in at 140 lbs., you
probably are NOT going to become a star pro basketball or pro
football player. Admittedly, it “could” happen, but the odds are
definitely not in your favor. The same kind of rational thinking
has to be used when deciding to make professional modeling
your career choice.
In modeling, size matters. Although models have traditionally
been thought of as very tall and very skinny, it is not always
a requirement, and agencies are now looking for people of
different shapes and sizes more and more often. A good “rule
of thumb” regarding measurements for catalog and runway
models - girls should be around 5’8” to 5’11” and boys should
be between 5’10” and 6’2”. Weight can be variable, as long as it
is proportionate to their frame. However, models are often still
expected to be able to fit into sample size clothing (off the rack)
that is generally no bigger than a size 6 for women.
If you do not have a naturally small body type, there is still work
out there for you, but maintaining a healthy diet and exercise
regime is a must for any model, teenage or otherwise. Fad
diets and eating less are unhealthy at any age, but it is an
especially bad habit to get into when your body is still changing
and developing.
Getting Started
Getting started involves the same steps aspiring adult models
go through — getting a portfolio ready, signing with an agent,
auditioning for gigs and agencies, and learning the ropes of
this particular line of work. It is a lot of hard work, and requires
tremendous dedication, persistence, and patience. If you are
not ready to give it your all, save your time and do something
else. If you are, you need some quality photos.
12
NM CliQ Magazine | July 2015
Your First Test Photo Shoot: Are You Ready?
If you have any chance at all to be successful, you NEED an
agency to represent you. If you’re looking to gain experience,
or to improve your game so to speak, signing up with an agency
that offers training is a great step. Of course, you can also
sign up for modeling training of your own accord so you can
establish and hone your skills before you even try to get signed.
In order to get signed by a good agency, you should go to them
with as varied a selection of photos as possible. There are some
key points to remember when doing a test shoot, in order to get
great photos to take to an agency.
You should have at least one head shot, one shot of the
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top half of your body, and one shot of your whole body.
•
Although not required, there is a definite advantage
to have photos taken by a professional photographer. They
will know how to make you look as good as possible, and it
will show to an agency that you are willing to spend time and
money on yourself.
•
When booking a test shoot, you will usually have to
provide your own clothing, as well as hair and make-up.
Practice the looks that you are going to create the night
before so that you do not waste time on the day.
Try and do as many different looks as possible. Take
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several different outfits and discuss with the photographer
ways that you can change the setting.
It is a good idea that you take a chaperon with you if
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going to a studio. No matter how reputable a studio can seem
online or over the phone, you can never be sure until you get
there. If nothing else, having the extra support on your first
shoot is very helpful.
Try not to make the photos look too sexy or provocative.
•
This is more relevant if you are under the age of 18. Although
teen models will sometimes be asked to do raunchier
shoots, it is best initially to present yourself in a fresher,
more wholesome-looking way.
Now, finally, it’s time to get in front of the camera! This is
where the real hard work begins. During the actual shoot,
communication is key. It is vitally important that you listen to
everything that the photographer tells you. Even if it feels silly
to begin with, they will know how to get a good photo and you
have to trust them. Even if a pose doesn’t work out, it is better
to have tried it than not to have bothered at all. Also, many
photographers may physically move you around in order to get
the pose they want. If you are uncomfortable with this handson approach, that’s fine, but you must make that clear from the
start to avoid any awkwardness.
At the end of the shoot, you will be very tired and probably a
little stressed, but that will all melt away as soon as you can
see the end result. The photo shoot is not what will make you
feel like a model, it’s the end result that will.
What jobs are available for a teen model?
There are a lot of niche markets when it comes to teen
modeling, so a successful teen can expect to have quite a lot
of regular work. On top of the usual catalogue and television
advertising jobs, there is now also a higher demand for younger