Teenage Modeling Tips
Teenage models are usually at the beginning of their careers and have a lot to learn about the business of fashion and modeling. In addition, this may be the first job that a teen has where she can earn a significant amount of money. While many of the adults in the modeling industry will understand that a teen model is inexperienced, approaching modeling in a mature and informed way can mean being chosen for work over other teenage models.
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Niche Modeling Options
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Not every working model spends her days posing in couture fashions or slinking down a runway. Fitness models are valued for their prominent and toned muscles, and often pose in magazines to demonstrate exercise poses. Plus-size models do photo shoots and runway shows, but are not expected to be as thin as traditional models. If you are shorter than 5'10" and do not have a naturally lithe figure, that does not exclude you from work as a model. Seek out an agency that can find work to suit you, rather than trying to change your body type to suit high fashion.
Ask the Agency Questions
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When you are applying to an agency for representation, call them to ask what kinds of pictures they prefer and what information they would like to have in your application. Each agency operates differently, and you do not have to guess at what would make them happy. By calling ahead, you may be able to save the money that you would have spent on professional headshots. An agency you are interested in working with may consider Polaroids or snapshots to be acceptable.
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Be Professional at Work
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When you are assigned work, build a good reputation for yourself by arriving on time, being polite and working cooperatively with the other people there. Don't accept personal calls during work and don't ask to leave early. Many people who work in the modeling industry have lost jobs, not because they looked bad or posed in the wrong way, but because of their behavior while they were working. On the other hand, if the people who hired you are left with a good impression of your personality and work ethic, they will be much more likely to hire you again.
Involve Your Parents
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Even if you are able to arrange your own transportation to work, your parents will have to sign photo releases and work documents for you when you are younger than 18. They also have more work experience than you, which they can use to help you negotiate pay rates or evaluate whether a job offer is a good opportunity for you. When you have questions, ask your parents for their opinion and support in your new career.
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References
- Photo Credit Leonard Mc Lane/Digital Vision/Getty Images
