Your Introduction As A Model To The World
Many Models begin their steps by building portfolio shots of the styles that they wish to hopefully move their Modeling future into. Setting up online portfolios and printing a few 8x10 photos, typically to generate interest in the process. At some point, the Model will have to select samples of each style and package them into what is called a "Comp Card" or "Sedcard". This card will be the handout which you will mail or hand to an Agency/Client to hold for future callbacks. A good description of the accepted format can be seen on : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comp_card . Online portfolios will get you noticed, but the card in a client's hand should help the client sell YOU as the person for "Their Backers" to agree on.
If the Model does not have an Agency that will also be making this Comp Card for distribution, He/She will have to locate a computer person to scan/crop/print the shots in a format which will suit their needs. As many Photographers are working with digital cameras, computers, and software to do this, you can discuss your needs with the Photographer before any work is done. If your photographer can not make a Comp Card of your shots, make sure that you obtain digital copies of the work, as you intend to have them placed on a Comp Card later and will need large files for making clear prints.
How much do I spend/invest in the printing of the Comp Cards? You will have to balance the number which you intend to distribute, with the amount of time that your current "Look" will match the Comp Cards. Keeping the number ordered the first time as low may be the best way to test the waters. You may decide to change your direction of styles once you start to hand them out.
If the Model does not have an Agency that will also be making this Comp Card for distribution, He/She will have to locate a computer person to scan/crop/print the shots in a format which will suit their needs. As many Photographers are working with digital cameras, computers, and software to do this, you can discuss your needs with the Photographer before any work is done. If your photographer can not make a Comp Card of your shots, make sure that you obtain digital copies of the work, as you intend to have them placed on a Comp Card later and will need large files for making clear prints.
How much do I spend/invest in the printing of the Comp Cards? You will have to balance the number which you intend to distribute, with the amount of time that your current "Look" will match the Comp Cards. Keeping the number ordered the first time as low may be the best way to test the waters. You may decide to change your direction of styles once you start to hand them out.
Sample Comp Card
Here is a sample which I have created. If you look online, you will get ideas of groupings, backgrounds, and themes which may be more to your taste.
Below is a sample video comp-card in a couple of different formats. The FLV will work if you have a FLV player and the DivX should work in your DivX or Windows Media Player.
Below is a sample video comp-card in a couple of different formats. The FLV will work if you have a FLV player and the DivX should work in your DivX or Windows Media Player.
kat-vidcomp.flv | |
File Size: | 1506 kb |
File Type: | flv |
katherine-vidcomp.divx | |
File Size: | 2132 kb |
File Type: | divx |
KNOW YOURSELF
Before you can make up a Comp-Card or Portfolio, you will have to record the dimensions of your figure and date the record. You may not publish all the numbers, but you should keep track of the measurements incase a modeling job should arise where you need the numbers handy. For example, you are asked to model a dress which was made as a prototype of a certain size, and the client has a concern of the fit, they need your "wrist" dimension for the cuff, or the length of your arm.
How To Take Female Modeling Measurements
One major thing that all models should know by heart is their most commonly asked for female measurements, which are bust, waist and hip. Knowing how to give exact female modeling measurements is a critical issue for anyone who wants to pursue a career in modeling.
Things Needed to Help You Give Accurate Modeling Measurements
- Cloth Tape Measure
A measuring tape that is specifically used for sewing and that you can wrap around yourself is required for taking female measurements. In order to get accurate measurements, it's best to have someone to do the measuring for you.
Your friend would probably be glad to do this for you or a professional seamstress usually will do this at no extra cost.
Do I Wear Clothes When Taking Body Measurements?
Don't get all stressed out about someone else taking your model measurements, because you do not have to be naked.
By wearing a regular bra and underwear, you will be able to get more accurate measurements.
Body Measurements For Model Agencies
Most of the time a modeling agency will want your full measurements taken by one of their staff. So if you would like, you can take along a bathing suit to wear during this time.
Remember, it is important to always stand when taking your measurements.
Female Model Measurements Required By Modeling Job Types
- What Size Is A Female Model?
The ideal body measurements wanted in the modeling industry are, of course, 34-24-34, but everyone can't be that lucky. Here are a few measurements required for a successful model.
A. Female Body Type For Catalogue Modeling
Bust 32"-34"
Waist 24"-26"
Hips 33"-35"
B. Body Measurement For A Catwalk Model ( Or Runway Modeling )
Bust 32"-36"
Waist 22"-26"
Hips 33"-35"
C. Bust, Waist And Hip Sizes Of Lingerie Models
Bust 32"-35" C cup
Waist 22"-26"
Hips 33"-35"
Now Tell The Truth - What Size Are You?
Just remember to always be truthful about your measurements. You may find yourself looking for another career if you show up for a photo shoot and you aren't the size the agency is expecting.
Modeling Measurements
In order to get your correct bust measurement, keep your arms down. Measure across the fullest part of your bust, under your arms and across shoulder blades. Be sure to keep the measuring tape straight across back without pulling it tight.
Cup: Use the cup size you use to buy your bras.
Cup: Use the cup size you use to buy your bras.
Take your correct waist measurement by wrapping the tape naturally loose around the smallest circumference of the abdomen.
To get your hip measurements, stand with your feet together. Wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your hips. Keep tape straight and snug, but not too tight.
Inseam: Measure the inside of your leg from just below your crotch to your ankle.
Additional measurements are good to know i advance as different modeling types have more detailed requirements. "Leg Models" will need to present their Inseam, Calf, Thigh, Ankle, and Shoe Size.
"POLAROIDS" or "BASELINE PORTRAITS"
Polaroids are specific photographs used mainly in modeling industry. When Polaroid photographs are made, models must wear swimsuits (standard modeling), have no makeup, hair must be clean and there must be no posing. The main thing of these photos – models must be natural. Polaroids are usually required when a model wants to make contracts with agencies, photographers or other industry professionals who need to see natural model’s look. These photos can be made with digital or Polaroid camera.
Models intending to also do semi-nude or full nude modeling, should have a second set of Polaroids to present. The standard is the same as above but full body from head to toe and no clothing.
Also note that having a Polaroid of some Tattoos or Body Piercings in enlargement may help if asked.
If you are planning to be a "Hand Model", your Polaroids will be that of your hands. If you are doing multible fields, then you would have other types in your files. For starter Modeling, it would be better if a model were to have two types of Polaroid photos - in full height and only in upper body part with a closer zoom. For my taste, a facial closeup from the shoulders up is also good to have.
Models intending to also do semi-nude or full nude modeling, should have a second set of Polaroids to present. The standard is the same as above but full body from head to toe and no clothing.
Also note that having a Polaroid of some Tattoos or Body Piercings in enlargement may help if asked.
If you are planning to be a "Hand Model", your Polaroids will be that of your hands. If you are doing multible fields, then you would have other types in your files. For starter Modeling, it would be better if a model were to have two types of Polaroid photos - in full height and only in upper body part with a closer zoom. For my taste, a facial closeup from the shoulders up is also good to have.
Model's Portfolio
If you are reading this, then you are at a stage where you are building your Portfolio and you will be consulting Photographers and Agencies for filling out the range of styles which you want to present. Now it is up to you to make the next contact. As you are building your Portfolio, select a Photographer, network with experienced professionals, & begin learning