Since most aspiring models do not live in major modeling markets such as New York, Los Angeles, Paris, London, Milan, or Tokyo – places where they can participate in go-views or open calls – they are required to submit their photos by mail. as required, via email, or an online model scouting company. Whether you're a new model just starting out, or even a model with experience looking to expand your representation in larger markets, these twelve tips will help you get your photos right the first time. and improve your chances of getting signed. Being booked for agency and modeling jobs.

01

If you're just starting out as a model, simple snapshots are fine. Agencies do not expect you to have professional photographs from a well-developed portfolio. In fact, it might actually be better if you don't have professional photos because they want to see the real you.

Good agents and scouts will see you as a blank canvas and think about how they can adapt your look to something they and their customers are looking for. If you submit professional photos or photos where you're more or less posing as a character, you risk getting yourself pigeonholed into a special look.

02

Agents and scouts want to see the real you, so it's important to keep makeup to a minimum. Think of your face as a template. All you need is a little foundation, concealer, blush, mascara and lip gloss. Male models generally shouldn't wear makeup, but a small amount of bronzer is fine as long as it's not noticeable. If your face tends to be oily, it's okay to wear some translucent powder to get rid of any shine.

03

A simple pair of well-fitting jeans and a T-shirt is perfect for your photos.

Agents and scouts are looking at you and your body proportions, not the clothes you wear. Never dress up for an evening or in a black-tie dress, prom dress, or wedding dress. Never wear clothes that are too sexist or provocative, including shirts with extremely low cuts and jeans that sit too low at the hip.

04

You must submit at least one headshot and one body shot. The rule of thumb is to choose your best photos that highlight your best features. Preferably, include a few shots of you smiling and a few shots of you in a neutral mood.

Be sure to include the left and right sides of your face, as everyone has a "good side" that captures better photos. Also, you'll need to send in a body profile where you can't hide from surrounding objects, even furniture or landscaping, such as trees or boulders.

05

Agents and scouts want to see the length and condition of your hair, so it's important to keep your hairstyle simple and well-groomed.

Make sure your hair is in good condition. If you need a haircut, color job or trim, see your hairstylist and colorist before taking your photo.

If you have long hair, pull your hair down and pull it back.

06

If you're comfortable wearing a swimsuit it's always a good idea to include some of your shots wearing either a one-piece or a bikini. Keep posing to a minimum while wearing a swimsuit as your shots can quickly tackle elegant with some unfortunate poses.

07

In short, agents and scouts never want to see you naked. Even photos suggesting nudity are off the table. If you have a great photo of yourself but are looking too midriff (and lower), don't send that photo.

08

Make sure you are the only person in the photo you submit. Agents and Scouts want to see you and only you. You need to have a clean slate that they can draw and portray, ready to tell a story and sell the product or service.

You don't want your photos to tell a story. Never submit photos of yourself and your friends drinking, playing pool, or partying at a bar in Las Vegas. Save those photos for your social media platforms.

09

Please do not wear fur of any kind, anywhere in your photos. And that includes fake fur, which can be hard to distinguish from the real thing. Many agents find the use of fur in the fashion industry objectionable. Plus, there's nothing about a fur coat that says "young and fresh," which is what agents want in new models. Even mature models need to look young and fresh for their age group.

10

Fashion and commercial agencies in big markets like New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Milan and Tokyo want to see real kids. bar them

You can use your smartphone to get a shot of your child at the local playground or a backyard barbeque. As a matter of fact, you probably already have a model-worthy photo in your smartphone. 

11

There have been many times that I've been interested in a model and had no way to contact them because they forgot to include their contact information.

If you're mailing your photos, be sure to include your full name, the city you live in, your email address, and day and evening phone numbers on the back of each and every photo. Photos can get separated from the envelopes they came in, so just attaching a note to your photos is not enough.

To save time and ensure scouts have all of your information, print up some stickers at home with your contact information and apply one to each photo. There are many online stationery stores where you can have inexpensive stickers made if you don't feel comfortable making them yourself. Just don't get too fancy with your stickers—the idea is to be visible to scouts.  Stick to a white background and an easy-to-read black font.

12

Your statistics are your key measurements and data. Women should always include their age, height, bust, waist, and hip measurements. Men should include their age, height, chest and waist size, jacket size, and pant length. Also note any distinguishing features, such as freckles, moles, or visible tattoos.

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