Top 10 Modeling Myths
1. Myth: A model needs to pay a photographer. Reality: There are a lot of scams out there. Modeling is a job you get paid to do; if you have to pay, you’re not modeling. You may have to pay to build your portfolio, but once you get going, you get paid. An actual project works like this: a client hires an art director, who hires a photographer. The photographer determines what he needs, buys materials he doesn’t have, and hires a grip and models. Then, he builds the image, takes the pictures, and shows them to the art director. If they like what they see, he sends the files to the client. Three months later, he gets a check. This is why photographers are often short of cash, they have to front all of the costs of the shoot.
2. Myth: Modeling is easy glamorous work. Reality: Modeling can be fun, but it is also challenging, and requires effort.
3. Myth: Anyone can be a model, it doesn’t may if you’re young or old, skinny or fat. Reality: Modeling is competitive — you need to look better than the competition or you won’t get the work. True, there are lifestyle models and plus sized models, but these fields are no less competitive. You can be young, old, skinny, fat… but look good doing it!
4. Myth: You have to look like a runway model to find work. Reality: Not all modeling is runway modeling; print models under 5’8″ appear all the time on posters, advertisements, etc.
5. Myth: Models have to be skinny. Reality: Models need to be healthy, if you’re doing glamour or pinup modeling, curves are helpful. Marilyn Monroe wasn’t skinny.
6. Myth: Models are dumb. Reality: Successful models are smart. It takes brains to successfully market yourself. Dumb models don’t get work — modeling is competitive and smart models know they have to exercise, eat right, and get as much practice as possible.
7. Myth: You need to take a class to learn to model. Reality: You can shell out a ton of money on modeling schools (or scams) and it won’t help you as much as getting real experience or advice from experts.
8. Myth: Models shouldn’t smile in photos, the expressions should always be blank. Reality: Sometimes a smile is called for, sometimes it’s not. Being able to show a range of expressions and moods is important.
9. Myth: Modeling is like what you see on reality TV. Reality: Get real!
10. Myth: Always look right at the camera. Reality: A variety of looks and poses is best.
