tips from a professional photographer

A few weeks ago, I blogged some tips on how to get your baby into modeling.

How about teens?

If you’re teen has been asking about submitting to agencies, here is some information that may help.

IT ALL STARTS WITH FUN

What are the odds that someone will break into the modeling or entertainment industry? I don’t really know … but most agencies report receiving THOUSANDS of submissions a day. So, that gives you an idea of how many people want to model! So, while you and your teen are going about having pictures taken, pounding the pavement, and trying to get noticed … are you having fun? If not, then my advice to you is to move on. It could take a long time to get noticed … if ever … and frankly, life is way too short to waste time on something that isn’t fun!

PEOPLE WHO “SUDDENLY” BECOME MEGA FAMOUS USUALLY WORKED HARD FOR YEARS

Sometimes a musician, actor, or model seems to appear over night. Suddenly they’re everywhere!! And people think that because he or she wasn’t seen before, that the person literally woke up one day and became famous. Usually, though, that “overnight” success story worked hard for years. It’s all about networking, consistently trying, and … chance. The harder you try and get your photos out there, the higher your chances of getting spotted. 

REJECTION IS PART OF THE RIDE

Modeling isn’t for people with thin skin. Agencies will decline to work with people who don’t have the look they need at that moment. Some of the biggest super models out there were rejected for looking a certain way. They persevered and eventually found someone who needed their exact look. So, always remember that when you’re not getting selected, you can’t let it get you down. It’s not personal. And it doesn’t mean you’re not beautiful!

SOCIAL MEDIA IS A BIG PART OF THE EQUATION TODAY

Instagram is a huge part of the equation these days. Scouts are scouring social media to look for undiscovered talent. So start hash tagging your photos with the agencies and companies you’re hoping to work with. Go on their instagram accounts and comment on photos. Remember, they see THOUSANDS of potential models a day … so persistence is needed with your social media efforts, too.

POUND THE PAVEMENT!

Check with an agency’s web site to see if they have open casting call days or if they allow walk ins. Most people today stick with emailing, mailing, or social media for contacting agencies. So actually walking into the buildings and asking if it it’s possible to see a scout *could* just be a way to get noticed. Plus … it can be a fun adventure!

READ AGENCY WEB SITES CAREFULLY

Each and every agency out there has a different way they’d like you to submit your images. Pay attention to what they want! If you email them a submission and they only accept headshots via snail mail, you’re submission will probably never be seen.

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