How to Become a Teen Model for Free

Imagine yourself launching a modeling career without spending a cent.

Heidi Klum, Camilla Alves, and up-and-comers like Kendall Kardashian once dreamed of modeling careers. Like you, these runway divas had more ambition than cash. You have choices. You can keep dreaming or take the steps necessary to get your face and figure before the camera. Determination can move mountains. Pursue your ambitions with as much energy as you display on the runway.

Things You'll Need

• Clothing ensembles
• Photographs
• Computer
• Software
• Modeling composites
• Paper and envelopes
• Portfolio

Instructions

1. Recruit friends or relatives to take fashion photographs of you. If you don't trust Aunt Susan's point-and-click, contact camera clubs, high school or community college photography classes. Trade your modeling services for a photo shoot. Get buy-in from your parents; if you land a career in modeling, you'll need them big time.

2. Cut out fashion shots of models in various ensembles from contemporary magazines. Isolate poses and "looks" you believe will best showcase your assets and then raid your friend's closets to assemble a mix of casual and couture outfits. Audition garments in the presence of friends -- particularly the brutally honest ones with great fashion sensibilities -- to choose a wardrobe for the photo session.

3. Set up a home photo studio if a friend or relative is taking your photos. Hang a clean, ironed, neutral-colored sheet or blanket on the wall to serve as a background. Apply cosmetics carefully for the shoot. Plan to change your hair to match each outfit. Play some music to get you in the mood, then start posing.

4. Request multiple versions of each clothing change -- the more the better. Overshooting will guarantee at least six great shots for your modeling composite. Ask your photographer to save the images to a disk. Review each of the images critically. Eliminate out-of-focus shots and photos that don't do justice to you or the outfit.

5. Make your own modeling composite to avoid paying for this service. Find examples of composites on agency websites. Pick the layout you like best. Open a new document in your software of choice. Import the photos. Enlarge the best one. Artfully arrange the others to showcase your versatility. Add text: your name, contact information, sizes, weight and height. If you're under 18, consider using a stage name to protect your privacy.

6. Make a list of local modeling agencies. Write a generic letter that explains your modeling ambitions. Mention the fact that your parents are on board. Ask for an appointment. Check spelling and sentence structure (consult your English teacher if you're worried). Personalize each letter and mail it with a copy of your modeling composite.

7. Call each agency in 10 days if you've had no response to your letter. Ask again for an appointment that won't conflict with your school schedule if you want to avoid alienating your parents. Show up at each appointment on time accompanied by a parent, a portfolio of your photographs and the biggest smile on the planet.

Tips & Warnings

• Be forewarned: There are many scam artists in this profession. Legitimate agents take a percentage of the fees earned by their clients. Never pay upfront fees or sign up for modeling classes as a condition of landing an agent.

References

• Barbizon Modeling Agency
• Commercial Kids
• Child-Modeling.net