How to Make & Sell Modeling Posters

A modeling poster can depict a pin-up or beauty shot. It's your decision.

Modeling posters, large copies of an image that shows a physically appealing person, are often available for purchase in large retail stores and from many websites. You might want to make and sell modeling posters because you enjoy being creative, and setting up a photo shoot can provide a fun environment for turning ideas into moneymaking ventures. Maybe you want to advertise your own company or brand; a modeling poster allows you to grab the interest of a young crowd. You'll simply need the right balance of creativity and business sense.

Things You'll Need

• Camera or professional photographer
• Modeling agency
• Model
• Modeling props
• Fashion stylist
• Makeup artist
• Website

Instructions

Instructions

1. 

   Judge a model by her head shot and what she looks like in person. Evaluate her ability to be photogenic and her ability to dress the part on an audition.

   Find a model (see the References section for a directory of agencies). If you plan to do business in a smaller market, start by looking in the phone book for talent agents. Ask photographers and advertising agencies for the names of a few reputable modeling agencies in your city. You might be able to look at photos of the models on an agency website, and you may have to hold an audition. Choose a model who looks perfect for the image you want to capture.

2. 

   If you plan to take the photo yourself, practice on mannequins.

   Set up a photo shoot with a strong composition. Take into consideration the makeup, hair, clothing, props and background. If you hire a professional photographer, he will help with the composition. Have the photographer and the model sign releases to avoid miscommunication about payment.

3. 

   Take a full roll of film so you will have many options to choose from when you decide to print an image.

   Experiment on set. Try different outfits, and change the makeup or once or twice. Decide on a concept, or stick with an aesthetically pleasing shot. According to French author Roland Barthes in "Camera Lucida," an image should sting the audience with what he terms a "punctum"---a certain charisma a photo should have that makes an audience stop and stare at the image.

4. 

   Your website will brand your poster to generate an audience.

   Print and sell the image. Set up a website to gain professional credibility. A good website provides an important channel to retain an audience of people who can refer back to your work and hopefully purchase it. Approach coffee shops and galleries to do a showing of the work where you can sell the prints. Always include your website on business cards and in your social networking sites.

Tips & Warnings

• You may want to study famous photographers' work to understand what makes a good photograph. Current fashion photographs are available in magazines including "Harper's Bazaar" and "Vogue" (see links in the Resources section). Study American photographers Richard Avedon and Annie Leibovitz to learn what makes a photograph memorable (see links in the Resources section).

• Gear your images on the professional side to keep people from deciding that you only can generate a single type of image. For instance, keep the model classy and beautiful, not overly provocative.

References

• CosmoGirl: New York Modeling Agencies
• University of Chicago: Barthes' Camera Lucida, annotation by Kasia Houlihan

Resources

• Richard Avedon: Richard Avedon
• NPR: Annie Leibovitz: The View from Behind the Lens
• "Vogue"
• "Harper's Bazaar"