How to Become a Hand and Foot Model
People who can perform or create strong images with their hands and feet can also model them, according to hand and foot supermodel Ellen Seirot. Hand and foot models are often featured in print ads. You can make as much as $10,000 a day for hand displays and between $500 and a few thousand dollars an hour for foot displays.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Cuticle nipper
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Band-Aid
- Socks
- Cocoa butter
- Lemon juice
- Polaroid camera
- Nail polish
- Props
- Latex gloves
- Skin creams and moisturizer
- Nail cuticle treatment
- Computer with internet access
Instructions
-
-
1
Carefully assess your feet to see whether you are a good candidate for foot modeling. High arches often necessary for foot models, as well as even toe positioning. Excess veins on your ankles could disqualify you.
-
2
Carefully assess your hands for even skin tone, nail structure and finger positioning. Consider the shapeliness of your thumb, which according to hand model Linda Rose can take up a significant amount of the screen.
-
-
3
Take excellent care of your feet. Clean them frequently. Pay attention to the type of shoes you wear to avoid blisters and callouses. Get regular pedicures. If you get a blister, you should pop it with a cuticle nipper, then apply hydrogen peroxide and a bandage, according to HowtoBecomeaModel.com. Scrape dead skin cells away daily. Wear socks as much as possible to protect your feet.
-
4
Clean your hands often. Pay particular attention to the kind of work you do with your hands. If possible, avoid activities that can damage or alter your hands, such as gardening. Wear latex glove when working with your hands. Get manicures regularly. Leading hand model, Ellen Sirot, recommends moisturizing your hands often with skin creams and cleansers, using nail and cuticle treatments to maintain and repair your nails, and keeping your hands out of water as much as possible.
-
5
Have a friend take pictures of your hands and feet with a Polaroid or digital camera. Take pictures of your feet in different poses. Consider poses you see in magazines. Try a variety of toenail polishes that make your feet look good and stand out. For hand photos, take pictures with props. For example, take pictures that show your hand holding an object, such as a book, comb or slice of cake. According to Linda Rose, because of the industry's focus on new "shots," consider taking photos that are creative, such as a photo of you holding a globe of the world.
-
6
Peruse agency listings such as BackStage magazine's Call Sheet or modeling photographer Joel Edelman's listings (see Resources) to find reputable modeling agencies, keeping in mind that many modeling agencies do not have "hand and foot" divisions. Stick with agencies listed in industry resources or by industry representatives to avoid modeling scams. Avoid agencies that ask for money up front to represent you.
-
7
Contact the agencies and ask for permission to send in your photos.
-
8
Mail your photos with a brief cover letter introducing yourself and noting any experience, even if not professional experience. Mention your desire to be interviewed.
-
9
Follow up after a few weeks with a phone call.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Daytime availability is important, as is a flexible job. Most photo sessions and casting sessions are scheduled during the daytime. If you are not available during the day, you could lose work and agency representation.
Do not spend money hiring a professional modeling photographer. Unlike traditional models, hand and foot models only need basic photography---from a polaroid camera for instance---to show how their hands and feet photograph.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images
