Themed Photo Shoots...Yes or No?

Themed Photo Shoots....Yes or No?
In the spirit of the holiday, todays article is about themed photo shoots. Do they add value to your portfolio or not? Do they serve any real purpose in the legitimate (not ModelMayhem) modeling world?

Yes and No. There are two main questions you should consider before taking the time and energy to plan out a themed photo shoot.

First of all...... Is this a paid job?

Yes? Ok, proceed.

No? If you are shooting TF for the sake of attempting to add some value to your current portfolio, then consider the following:

Is the theme CLEAR?

Without the theme of the shoot being completely clear, you will be wasting your time. If you or anyone else looks at an image and cannot tell what the theme is within 3 seconds, the shot should NOT be included in your professional portfolio. To make sure the theme is clear, all of the following need to be considered and in harmony with your idea: Hair, Make Up, Wardrobe, Background, Photography Style/Lighting. If any of these don't seem to make sense in relation to one another, you're already on your way to a bad image.

WHAT is the theme?

There are as many ideas as there are people on earth so for the sake of time I will only include a few examples of themes that would be productive and non-productive to a models portfolio. Keep in mind, in this article I am NOT referring to glamour models or models who ONLY work off of ModelMayhem. I am referring to models who are represented by agencies or are seeking representation. I'm giving advice for a portfolio that will book jobs in the "real" world if you will...so if you are a hobbyist model who doesn't have specific industry goals, please do not take offense to this information.

BAD (sample)

It is never good to have a mask covering your face or too much going on in the image that is distracting the viewer from YOU. YOU should always be the main point of every image because after all, the goal of your portfolio is to "sell yourself to clients." Unless you are being casted for a project that has a theme closely related to one in your portfolio, it won't be super helpful.

GOOD (sample)

Different time periods are a useful theme. There are several marketing campaigns that draw on looks from the past and it is good to be able to portray yourself as fitting in within that time period. Anything that shows your face and body clearly will always be a win. Make sure YOU LOOK GOOD in the image, that should be your primary concern. A themed image adds nothing to your portfolio if you don't have a good facial expression or pose, or if there is poor lighting or a poor quality of photography.

The moral of the story is: Don't let the theme take over the shoot. You, the model, and/or the product that is being advertised/promoted will always be the main point of the photograph. If in doubt, go for simpler themes, ones that need no explanation beyond the image itself.

So for all of you doing Halloween themed shoots this year, my advice is focus on great, professional quality makeup and good wardrobe, match the background to your theme, and try to make your images as versatile as possible, so that if you were to add them to your working portfolio, they could fit right in.... even in June or July!

Good Luck everyone and get to work!

Do you have questions about the modeling or acting business?

Email: M2ATALENTMANAGEMENT@GMAIL.COM

SUBJECT: BLOG QUESTION

　
　

Pros and Cons of HAIR MODELING

Pros and Cons of HAIR MODELING

For those of you who don't know HAIR MODELS are models who have their hair styled, colored and/or cut either in front of a live audience, as part of a runway show or for a web or commercial project....or even for a live on-air demo like you might see on QVC.

The hair modeling work out there is increasing! There are new agencies and castings popping up all over the place and that's great news...if you choose to take advantage of the opportunity.

Hair models can make anywhere from $100 (or even just a trade for services) to $2000 and up. The average is usually somewhere around $250-$500 per booking. This may sound like a great way to make extra money but ALL MODELS AND ACTORS SHOULD STOP AND THINK BEFORE THEY ACCEPT A HAIR MODELING JOB. There are a few pro's and con's to run through before you decide if this kind of work is for you!

First: Are you currently a working model/actor?

NO? Great, feel free to proceed.

YES? -------------------->>>>>>

Pros:

Extra Money, Pretty Easy Work, Free Hair Services, New Cut/Color, Can be booked with little to no modeling experience.

Cons:

Style/Color change means you'll need new head shots/portfolio, If you are in the middle of a production a change of hair style could mean termination, If you are with an exclusive agency as a model change of color style could mean termination

Keep in mind NOT all hair modeling jobs require a cut or color. Some are styling only. The degree of change will ALWAYS be discussed with the stylist BEFORE you accept the booking/are considred for the booking. Be honest with what you are willing to do and not do. While the higher degree of change you are willing to endure will most likely increase your odds of booking, keep in mind the long term pro's and con's for yourself. What's the point of making $500 if you have to turn around and spend it the next day to dye your hair back and get extensions?

#MePersonally

I like taking hair modeling jobs. I am never afraid to get my hair colored because my natural color is dark, so if need be I can dye it back with box dye the next day, also I already own high quality hair extensions so I never have an issue with any cut either. My last hair modeling job was about two years ago and it was a very short cut, but in two years my hair has grown back to the original length and I did love the cut while I had it.

So as you can see, it's a decision you have to make for yourself.  It's easy $$$, but it's not for everyone. Whatever you decide, good luck and get to work!

Do you have a question about the modeling and/or acting industry?
Email: M2ATALENTMANAGEMENT@GMAIL.COM
Subject: Blog Question 

#Selfie

#IndustryAdvice.

Why you might want to keep a current selfie on your phone/lap top:

Yes the #selfie does in fact have a legitimate purpose as far as booking modeling/acting work, but you're probably using it wrong lol.
While most aspiring models will send selfies as submissions for castings when the client in fact wants professional images, there ARE jobs you can book with ONLY clear, current selfies and there are also castings that request both professional images AND a selfie.

Most HAIR MODELING casting calls will ask for a selfie or non-pro image so they can see what your hair and skin CURRENTLY look like. Hair Modeling work can pay anywhere from $100-$2,000 and up.

Casting directors for TV, Film and print work may also ask for a selfie or non-pro image in order to see what you ACTUALLY look like..right now.  They want to know what your face and body looks like without lighting and photo shop.

So at least once a month weather you have a casting to submit to or not, take a minute and take a clear, well lit head shot selfie and a full body/mirror selfie so that when the casting call comes along that requests it, you're ahead of the game.

#ThisIsTheIndustry #M2ATalentManagement

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Subject: BlogQuestion