NB for newbie models

I have seen many new models join modelbase and then load pages and pages of cellphone or point-and-click images.




THIS ladies is why we have photographers. Your cousin with his awesome iPhone (unless he is Mark Freebs) cannot give you a portfolio that a client or agency will take seriously. A photographer will.

If you want to load pretty pics of youserlf pulling faces, facebook will do nicely.

Very nicely said....
:-)

Yes, first impressions make a huge difference when marketing yourself.

Good illustration, Christo.

I think part of the difficulty for new models is the need to feel out the market, and try new looks and poses. It can seem like quite an investment when you are starting out, especially when you are unsure what will work best.

I have seen many people wanting to try modelling out, and coming to me for a professional portfolio. The greatest challenge for them at that stage is usually inexperience with posing and facial expression, and coming up with outfits that flatter their looks while making an interesting statement.

I suspect people who post cell phone pics on ModelBase are trying to get the experience without having to pay for professional pics that they feel may betray their inexperience, and not be that usable.

For models in that situation, my suggestion is hold back on posting pics initially. Watch what is going on. Identify the successful models, and see what looks are impressive, what outfits and styling you could get access to, and then practice posing and expression in a mirror, or get a friend to photograph you purely for feedback and learning purposes. Don't post the pics at this stage.

When you have a couple of looks reasonably well practised, get hold of a good photographer who has a portfolio and experience in working with that particular style you are looking to show. Find a good makeup artist and hair stylist, and make sure your first pics you post anywhere are strong enough to show the industry you should be taken seriously.

A very small number of good images carries far more impact than pages and pages of mediocre or poor quality images.

Then build it up from there.

Very good advice Peter.

Now now, Derek. No need to bash the guys with the expensive toys ;)

(Besides, my profile pic has cellphone footage in it) (ducks)

Sorry my web torrets got the better of me, "I will not pick on cellographers..."

No Peter, for shame! why would you admit something like that?

"No Peter, for shame! why would you admit something like that?" because it's true? LOL