Tag: modeling

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Test Shoot Wardrobe for Models

If you are providing your own wardrobe for a photoshoot… Know that something that looks good in person, may not translate as well in photos. As a rule of thumb, simpler is better.

Test shoots are easiest to provide wardrobe for. This is just a simple portfolio shoot with not specific concept. There may be some play on lighting/androgyny and some basic conceptual ideas, but if you stray too far out of this area, the shoot becomes more complicated and the wardrobe will need to be styled. It is best to either have a designer on board, a wardrobe stylist, or, if you need, you can “shop and return.”

For the simpler shoots, you’ll want a variety of clothing from your own wardrobe. Generally, it is a good idea to provide wardrobe similar to the clothes you’d wear for Polaroids. Here are some lists to help you choose what clothes to bring and get some ideas flowing!

Each category includes some items you can bring if you’re going to play up on that specific theme/look. Some may work better for you than others. Knowing your assets and how you photograph is key.

Sexy:

  • Any cute lingerie you have is a must
  • Black, white, nude, and colored bras and underwear
  • High waisted pieces and boy shorts
  • Bodysuits (lacey, interesting pieces with cool cuts)
  • Swimsuits
  • Sheer pieces
  • Tights
  • Leggings
  • Just-out-of-bed-T-shirts
  • Think American Apparel
  • Heels and/or cute/sexy socks
  • Pasties (as needed)

*Tip: know your boundaries. If you’re not comfortable with a certain style or showing more than you want, say so beforehand. Also, consider if this is the route you want to go.


Androgynous:

  • Button up shirts
  • Collared shirts/tops
  • Ties/bows
  • Men’s baggy pants/boyfriend jeans
  • Suspenders
  • Oversized t-shirts
  • Gender-ambiguous clothing items (non form-fitting)
  • Jean jackets
  • Vests
  • Muscle shirts/tanktops
  • Oxford shoes
  • Men’s shoes

*Tip: the key here is to hide your feminine side and make people wonder. Lighting plays a role here.


Commercial:

  • Everyday wear
  • Jeans
  • Skirts
  • Dresses
  • Cute outfits
  • Heels
  • Go with the seasons if you’re outside (cute scarves and jacket or light summery pieces)

*Tip: This area has a ton of options. Go with whatever you have. Go light and airy, or slightly darker and dense.


Edgy:

  • Go for rocker/out of the norm pieces
  • Look for black dresses, cool cuts, hard silhouettes
  • Bring your toughest/coolest jackets
  • Interesting tops
  • Jeans/ripped jeans
  • Pieces with spikes/leather/plastic
  • Sheer pieces
  • Bustiers
  • Boots


Simple:

  • Jeans/ripped
  • Shorts/high waisted
  • Form fitting tanks
  • Crop tops
  • T-shirts (form fitting or baggy but it must show off your body somehow)
  • Bras
  • Leggings

This is just a general outline to help guide you in the right direction for your shoot. You are most likely pulling from your own wardrobe, so use your best style judgement! Questions/additons/comments? Please write me below! I’d like for all of my blog posts to one day become an open dialogue!

Be Fierce!!

Briauna Mariah (:

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Do Modeling Agencies like Natural Photos?

Do Modeling Agencies like Natural Photos?

Someone asked this question, and, though the question yields similar answers that are contained in my model polaroid post, it can be approached in a slightly different manner.

This question can be answered in two parts. Polaroids, and portfolio. If you’re looking to be signed, these are some good things to keep in mind whether you have a portfolio or not.


Polaroids. 
Polaroids are solely for showing off what you look like without all the smoke and mirrors (aka photoshop and makeup). Clients and agents want to know what you look like and how you photograph. My Polaroid post goes into more specific depth. However, one thing that can be added to the conversation is the definition of “natural” in the fashion world these days.

When taking and submitting Polaroids to an agency, keep in mind that there is a such thing as too natural. You want good polaroids. If you’ve ever heard that your submissions don’t need to be professional, that would be wrong. There’s a clause to that statement. They don’t need to be taken by a professional, but they should look clean and somewhat professional. Because bad lighting, blemishes, and bad photos in general will not look good. I definitely went through this phase myself, early on in my modeling career. To the left is an example of a poor Polaroid on my part. It should be obvious but to someone new to the industry, as I was at the time, I thought that all the agencies wanted was to see a picture of me. This is incorrect, they wanted to see me looking fresh, in a quality photo that enhanced my assets. Poor (especially indoor, like my example) lighting and low quality images are definitely a no! Compare the lighting of the two photos in this post (see above). See the difference in quality?

For examples of a good Polaroid, visit the Polaroid post.


Portfolio.
In regards to your portfolio, natural, raw photos in should usually be the main component, unless you have very high quality images that are more styled/editorial/avante garde/etc. Things you would see in a magazine with the photography quality of a tear sheet. If it doesn’t attain that impeccable high quality, you could probably do without.

The photos in your portfolio should showcase your modeling and your look, if they’re not showcasing an advertisement or clothing. Consider them Polaroids 2.0. A little more makeup, a specific clothing style style, and high quality photography are great to have. Your photos should show emotion, mood, and your raw beauty. Naturally.

Now, consider a different definition of natural. Natural movement, and a sense of ease. Agencies look at this as well. Though, if you don’t have this, but you have the right look, agencies could still take you in for polishing.

Having high quality “natural” photos in your repertoire of images will help brand you and attract clients who are interested in your look. I think it’s safe to say that the more natural your professional images look, the cleaner the slate you become, and the easier it is for a client to see you  in their project.


What about conceptual photos?
Lastly, if you need to decide what to do with your edgy, cool pictures, that don’t really have the word “natural” attached to them, don’t fret! Supplement your portfolio with only the best of the best and aim to get really good tear sheets. While natural photos showcase you, tear sheets showcase your experience and look insanely good in your portfolio.

When in doubt, read up on Polaroids or on how to put a portfolio together.

Be Fierce!!

Briauna Mariah (:

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Agency Qualities to Look For

When you are seeking representation and meeting with modeling agencies, you should get to know the people at the agency and get a feel for the place. I won’t get into too many specifics on how to become a model, as it has been previously discussed, but I will say that choosing an agency that will best fit your needs, if you do choose not to freelance, is very important. You do not want to get signed, and then get buried in the agency’s “New Faces” department. This could easily happen with any big agency.

You want to look for a very “quality over quantity” vibe. However, even if they are really excited about your look, there are no guarantees of a successful relationship. An agency that pays attention, with an open line of communication, are generally good signs. Continue reading “Agency Qualities to Look For”

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Promotional Modeling Experience

So today was the in-store promotional modeling event for the FACE charity fashion show (Fashion, Auction, Compassion, Event). *hurray and much applauding!* I arrived five minutes early and headed up to the second floor as I had been told and then promptly had to wait to get my designer Barney’s New York wardrobe on. Unfortunately I forgot to get pictures of the outfits I got to wear today, but I did get a picture of the awesome shoes (and many compliments on my cute summer hat and dress)! The shoes were very fun to walk in and walking up and down stairs in them became progressively easier. I think they were maybe five or six inch heels.

Before I was dressed up, I was given the rundown: the FACE event is on April 29th, 2010 at 6:30pm and there will be a fashion show for Barney’s NY clothing. It is in SODO park, Seattle. There will be wine tasting and an auction and of course the fashion show and its for charity. A great event to attend and support. Tickets are available for purchase online at http://www.faceseattle.com. Be there or be square! Continue reading “Promotional Modeling Experience”