Wednesday 18 May 2016

Naomi Campbell A Success Story


There are tonnes of models out there, but only a handful have been extremely successful.  Naomi Campbell is one of those enormously successful models that is known world wide as a supermodel.  She is an English model and began her career at the age of 15.  Her career is wide and varied, making her an all-around fantastic model that is instantly recognisable in the industry.  Early Life and Career

Campbell was born in South London, but much of her early years were spent in Rome, where her mother worked as a modern dancer.  Eventually, Campbell returned to London, where she was left under the care of relatives while her mother travelled across Europe with a dance troupe.  And at the age of three she began studying ballet and by the age of ten, she was accepted into the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts.

By the age of 7 in 1978, she was featured in Bob Marley’s music video for “Is This Love” and then at the age of 12 she tap-danced in the music video “I’ll Tumble 4 Ya.”  But her big break wasn’t until 1986 at the age of 15 when she was scouted while window shopping in Covent Garden.  In April of that same year just before her 16th birthday Campbell appeared on the cover of British Elle and from there her career skyrocketed.

International Success




From her humble beginnings with that first appeared on the cover of Elle Campbell went on to accomplish international success as a model.  For about a decade, Campbell enjoyed enormous success as a catwalk model and worked for famous fashion designers like Gianni Versace, Azzedine Alaia, and Isaac Mizrahi.  She also posed for well-known photographers such as Peter         Lindbergh, Herb Ritts, and Bruce Weber.  

Then in 1987 she appeared on the cover of British Vogue as magazine’s first black cover girl since 1966.  Less than a year later she made an appearance on the cover of French Vogue after her friend and mentor Yves St. Laurent threatened to withdraw his advertisement from the magazine if they continued to refuse to feature black models on the cover.  In fact, Campbell faced an inordinate amount of discrimination as a model, but lucky for her, she had friends such as Christy Turlington who supported her and often told designers that if Campbell wasn’t included then they wouldn’t get them at all.

She then went on to grace the cover of American Vogue.  From there on her, as well as a few other models like Cindy Crawford and Christy Turlington, were dubbed supermodels and Campbell was one of the most in-demand models in the industry.  Over the years, Campbell also starred in several music videos including Michael Jackson’s “In the Closet” and in 1991 she became the first black model to be featured on the cover of Time magazine.

Although she had great successes on the catwalk Campbell mostly retired from that line of work in 1998 and instead focused primarily on print modelling and to this day, she is still in high demand.  She has participated in a few catwalks since 1998, but only for special occasions such as Dior’s 60th-anniversary fashion show at Versailles.  She has also appeared with fellow black models on the gatefold cover of a landmark all-black issue of Italian Vogue in 2008 which was shot by Steven Meisel.  Campbell has also had great success in reuniting with some of her fellow supermodels Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, and Stephanie Seymour for a Vanity Fair special that discussed the supermodel legacy.

Since these successes, Campbell has also appeared on the cover of Time and pursued an acting and music career which was mostly successful in Japan.  She also has several of her own perfumes which were wildly popular.  But more recently she was on Fox’s Empire where she starred alongside Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson.

The Takeaways

It is difficult to become a model and it may even require a little luck, but no matter what happens whether you are discovered at 15 or simply seek to be a model all on your own hard work and determination are the two most important ingredients.  Persevere even if others tell you that you can’t or doubt you because of the way you look.  And most importantly make honest and real connections with others in the industry that will support you and that you enjoy working with or for.  It’s not easy, but few things in life worth having are, so remember that you can achieve your modelling goal as long as you are willing to work hard and persevere in the face of adversity.

Review About First Step Modelling


My name is Sarah, the girl from the heart of Gibraltar. my heart felt gratitude and give thanks to First Step modelling for hustle me to pursuit my dream. Just like every woman who pursued modelling as a career, had their phase own time of conflict. Women have a wonderful instinct about things, they can discover everything except the obvious. My platform career in modelling turns out to be a bliss of happiness after my photo shoot got done in First Step Modelling.
   
Since, I'm  5-foot-10, skinny with rack, and has the kind of big molly eyes and eagle nose with doll-like lips of a face combination that every people like to look at. This was my intuitive thought to become a model in the UK was my only dream since my childhood. Ever since I grow up with style as my sense and fashion as my sight. Starting a modelling career in London came true because of FSM, the models are uniformly thin and tall in a way that most resembles fashion croquet are among the most famous fashion models in the world, having a modelling portfolio in central London and walking the runways for labels is the uttermost success a model can have in this fashion industry. First Step Modelling thought me the adroit skills to survive this world of style and fashion.

Although FSM recommends me to have their “modelling schools” FSM thought me, how to act go with agencies and help me learn what exactly the clients do want models to have extensive experience in front of a camera. FSM did the best way to get this is to do a lot of shooting.  Ideally, this taught me to be interactive with the photographer who is skilled at working with models in commercial or fashion style shots. They proclaimed all kind of experience and tamed me helpful and made me handy to become the hotshot. I didn't have any bitter experience, just like I had in other agencies.



First Step Modelling has its notion is that they are very friendly and  can tame and turn,  anyone into a world-class model, do whatever they do is alluringly amusing, and make you glitter in spot of the crowd, pluck them out of life and suddenly they will be “discovered” and on their way to modelling success. Once in a very, very long while, something like that really happens. When it does it happens to fashion models, not commercial models, and it is a very rare event.  Models aren’t “discovered,” they work their way through the system very much like you do in any other job rather in the fashion industry the Models are made. I, strongly recommend FSM is one of the world-class platforms for amateur models to step into the career  with heart full of memories. FSM really do change my life.

Monday 9 May 2016

How to Get into Model and Fashion Photography


It can be difficult to break into the photography business, let alone the model and fashion sector.  But everyone has to start somewhere to become a model and if there is anything you need to remember when trying to get into this line of work is create a network and have your niche.  Know what you are good at.  You might be great with kids and have a penchant for photographing child models.  You may even find that to your surprise, you are better at close up shots for hand models or foot models.  But no matter where you find your photography niche remember that there is a very high chance that you’ll be turned down a lot before you get a big break.  This is not unlike other areas of the photography industry, but it is especially true to become a model in modelling and fashion photography.  Read on to find out some tips and tricks to help you become a breakout star in the model and fashion photography industry.

Practice, Practice, Practice



Whether you have an extensive portfolio or not, make sure you practice your craft.  You don’t even have to practice with professional models!  Just simply gather a few friends who are willing to become a model for you so you can hone your skills.  If your friends like your practice shots they may even share them on social media giving you more exposure. 

Even if you practice a lot and have some pretty good shots for your portfolio you’ll likely do shots for free in the beginning.  In these instances just remember to focus on getting in good work that will help you down the road with paid gigs.  Be professional and hopefully some of these pro Bono shoots will lead to recommendations from clients.




Work With Real Models

Once you feel that you have honed your craft with friends it is time to start working with real models and/ or designers.  One way you can do this is to sign up with a social networking site for models, photographers, make up artists, fashion designers, and agencies.  There are a few out there and all you need to do is find one that is the right fit for you and the work you want to do.  By joining such a site you’ll be able to see the profiles of everyone in your area as well as easily communicate and share your work.  Be on the look out for casting calls you can apply for and make sure to share only your best work in order to become a model! 

Be aware that on the social networking site there will be different skill levels, but don’t let it deter you.  In fact, it might be a good idea to partner with others that are new to the industry both photographers and models.  Also note that some models will charge you to photograph them and some may even be willing to strike up a trade so that both you and the model benefits from a shoot.  Find models you would like to work with and it is likely that they’ll find you as well.  Build a network of people from various areas of the industry.

If you want to break into fashion photography as well try reaching out to locally owned boutiques or apparel stores.  They may have custom clothing or merchandise from small suppliers  that might not have promotional photography.  This is a great way to break into the business.  You can start small and build up your portfolio and eventually work up to larger clients.

 Be Accessible

Once you have built up a portfolio with real models and designers people will eventually come to you as your past clients make recommendations.  Just make sure that it is easy for people to get in contact with you.  Choose a few social networking or online sites that you can manage and makes you the most accessible to the clientele.  And it is always a good idea to have a website where people can find your contact information and see some of your work as well.

Never Stop

This might seem daunting, but it really isn’t.  Just make sure you continually practice your craft and to build your portfolio.  Keep photographing because a stagnant portfolio won’t attract new clients, so make sure you keep building upon your previous work.  From here you have a number of options for work.  You can decide to be a freelancer and essentially run a business or submit a portfolio to agencies, designers, studios, or publications for consideration as their employee.  Either way you decide to go make sure that it is the right fit for how you want to work.

With a little hard work and perseverance you can become a successful model and fashion photographer! 

Child Modelling


Modelling isn’t just for adults. There are opportunities for children from babies to older teens to provide modelling services, from baby products to car commercials and everything in between. While there are many different types of opportunities available, there is also a lot of competition. This article looks at the types of modelling jobs available to children and at what it takes for a child to make it in the modelling world.

Baby Modelling

If people are constantly stopping you in the street to admire you baby, you may have may have a pint-sized supermodel. Becoming a baby model will take more than your loved one’s adorable face. Baby models must have an even temperament and must be comfortable in a room full of strangers. Modelling companies are looking for happy, enthusiastic babies that aren’t bothered by cameras and enjoy lots of attention. The pay for baby models is not as high as you may believe and you’ll have to be willing to pick up and get your baby to auditions on short notice. While baby modelling is not especially lucrative and it is a lot of work for the parents, it is also a fun activity between parents and their photogenic babies.

There’s no need to book a professional photographer for your baby, just take some nice, clear photos that include a head shot, a full body shot and a photo that captures your baby doing something that showcases his or her personality, such as playing with a favorite toy. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for each baby modelling agency that you wish to contact. Be prepared for rejection as the rejection rate at the better UK baby modelling agencies is around 95%. If an agency is interested, they may invite you to sign a contract and your baby may be on his or her merry little way!

Child Modelling

The global market for children’s wear is more than $10 billion, so it’s no wonder that demand for child models is huge. New York has seen a 50% increase in the demand for child models since 2004. Like baby modelling, shy, retiring children need not apply. Child model agencies are looking for outgoing, upbeat children who like to play dress up. They also like flexible parents who can accept the unpredictability of a model’s schedule and are committed to getting their model child to the shoot on time. Parent and child must be prepared for a lot of waiting around between shooting, so parents should bring plenty of snacks, drinks, and materials to keep their child fed, hydrated and entertained. Parents will also have to balance the needs of potential clients with their child’s educational needs. Most clients will not conveniently schedule shoots after school or on the weekends.

Choosing the right child model agency is the most important decision you will have to make for your child’s modelling career. Reputable child modelling agencies will book the best modelling jobs for your child and will reduce your stress by promptly answering your questions and helping to smooth the way.

Teenage Modelling

Teen modelling can be lucrative and glamorous, but very difficult to penetrate. If your teen is interested in becoming a teenage model, he or she must be prepared for tough competition, long and hard hours and working with adults who can be quite blunt and impersonal. Your teen will need to be focused, determined and possess a thick skin, because rejection is a part of a model’s life. As the parent of a teen model, you are your teen’s support network, transportation, and advocate. You must be as prepared as your teen for last minute gigs and long, stressful days where the photo shoot is interspersed with lots of waiting around.

If your teen has what it takes, then like baby and child modelling, you will need to take some great photos to share with potential modelling agencies. Teen modelling is where professional photographs become vital to your child capturing the attention of good teenage model agencies. You should look for professional photographers who specialise in shooting headshots or fashion editorial. Bring along multiple outfits and ask the photographer to take multiple versions of headshots and full body shots.

Create a portfolio based on the best photos from the photo shoot and create a "comp card," which is also known as a "zed” or “Z card.” The comp card will contain your teen’s photos and vital statistics and you will use it to attract the attention of teenage modelling agencies. When you get an offer from a reputable teenage modelling agency, you should read the contract thoroughly before signing. If you don’t understand some of the language, ask for clarification or hire an attorney to review it for you.

Modelling is an exciting career that can produce a lifetime’s worth of memories in a few, short years, but it is also one where there are plenty of scam artists looking to live off the hopes and

aspirations of young models and their parents so choose an agency wisely and make sure the agency has experience working with teens.

Reputable and Leading Modelling Platform in London

Modelling is a fast paced world and often new models are eager to sign with a Leading Modelling Platform, but as a word of caution, you should always investigate the modelling platform you are considering signing with.  Reputability is important so that you do not get taken advantage of.  There have been more than a few instances in which new models have been scammed by professional con men and women who falsely impersonate a model modelling platform or agent.  In fact, in most states it is required that modelling agencies are licensed.  This is a good place to begin your inquiries.  Read on to find out about more ways to detect whether or not a modelling platform is reputable.


Signs of a Reputable and Professional Modelling Platform

A reputable modelling platform will never ask for payment in advance.  If they do then it is likely they are scam artists trying to prey on professionals new to the industry.

Reputable modelling agencies will not ask that you pose nude for photographs.  Be aware that there have been many cases in which models, both male and female have been told that if they want to be famous they need to be photographed nude.  This is not the case and remembers that you do not need to pose nude in order to advance your career.  At the most a modelling platform may ask you to pose in a swim suit or lingerie so that they can see your body type.  This is a normal request and should not send up any alarm bells.

Professional agencies will also review your talent based on the kind of work you want to do.  For instance, if you are interested in doing high fashion modelling then the modelling platform will evaluate your catwalk skills.  And if you are looking to become a hair or face or body part model, then you should expect them to evaluate those skills pertinent to that type of work.  If a modelling platform asks you to pose in other types of photographs it is up to you whether you accept it or not.


Make sure that the modelling platform you are looking into having a talent modelling platform license that is valid.  Don’t just assume that because a modelling platform has the word “model,” or “talent” in its name that it is legitimate or has a valid license.  For more specifics investigate your state’s particular regulations or laws surrounding modelling and talent platform as the information can often help you determine the legitimacy of a company.

When you meet with a modelling platform to be aware of how they conduct their business.  Reputable modelling platform send casting calls or book modelling jobs for you.  Under no circumstances should you be asked to search for modelling jobs yourself.  Once you are signed on with a platform, you become their employee which means they need to take care of you in a business sense.  There shouldn’t be a point at which the platform asks you for money for the work they are doing.  Perhaps the most glaring sign of a reputable modelling platform is a work contract.  As a part of their duties, a modelling platform has to make sure that you sign and understand the contract.  A good contract should make it very apparent the requirements and expectations for you and for them.  Just double check to make sure it is a legitimate contract and that it is clear and straightforward.

Finding a Reputable and Professional Modelling Platform

As you can see it can be difficult to identify if a modelling platform is reputable, but if you are armed with these tips it helps you at least begin to weed out the scams.  So now that you know how to identify and evaluate whether or not a platform is reputable how do you go about finding them?  In this day and age, there is only so much you can do on your own to suss out whether a modelling platform is reputable and trustworthy, so turn to the modelling community.  This involves photographers, clients, former employees, etc.  Anyone who has been closely involved with the modelling platform you are interested in is good places to start.  However, you are most likely to contact clients and photographers.  You can ask them questions and get a feel for how the modelling platform runs their business and what their standards and successes are.



It is important to note that the reputable photographers in your area should know the reputable platform, especially if they have worked for them.  So long as a photographer is not in a kickback relationship with a modelling platform they will give you an unbiased recommendation.  Also, remember that getting second, third, and even fourth opinions always help in determining the reputability of modelling platform.