Expert: Taylor Sheppard - 2/6/2008

Question
Hi there, i wonder if you can help. I am a 16 year old male, living in the uk, looking to do some modelling for some extra cash. I've been told by a few people that i would be good for it, but I'm not so sure. I'm not particularly confident of my looks. I am about 5'9 and weigh 150 pounds. I would want to know what i would need to put in a good folio, and exactly what agencies are looking for. Many thanks, Conor

Answer
Hi Conor,

To answer your question, each market seems to have it's own requirements for your portfolio. There are also poses that will show you at your best over others. If you have a great chest or abs, you want to accentuate that. Great hair is a plus. The good part is an experienced portfolio photographer in your market will know what is appropriate standards for your area.

Now, you said you are looking for some extra cash. Well, like they say: "It takes money to make money". It will cost a bit for the photos and reproduction of them for a "comp" or composite card.
You will also need to buy or borrow some really good clothes to take the shots in. They would range from say, ripped blue jeans to dressier outfits. Perhaps sportswear and even formal evening wear.

I have to admit, for acting, when I was especially poor, I would buy shirts and slacks and carefully remove the tags so I could return them after the photo shoot or audition. I got really good at melting the plastic tag ends back on with the price tags! I figured it wasn't much different than trying them on, as I wouldn't wear them to the destination, but just change when I got there. I would also gently touch up iron them if there were wrinkles. I would often get the job and go back and buy the clothes again later...

As to being confident, that will come with time and practice. Sometimes in life you have to "prime the pump". That means you have to go about your task as if you have the ability, and eventually it catches up to you. The best advice I can give you is to always, always, REMEMBER TO BREATHE! When you see people looking bad in pictures, it is usually because they are holding their breath in anticipation and secondly, they aren't thinking "happy thoughts".
When you pose, you should block out everything else except the photographer's voice. That way you can concentrate on thinking thoughts appropriate to the shoot. You may be thinking of something you love, someone that turns you on and what you want to do with them, maybe even how you'd feel if you were seeing a spaceship landing...

Don't worry about if you are marketable. The agencies will let you know. If the people telling you you should do this aren't your mum or your grandmother, then you should take them seriously. Relatives often are seeing the inside person as well and have a hard time being objective. Someone who knows you less are looking at the cover of the book instead.
I was told a number of times that "When you are older, you are going to be in demand!" It is true. I am busier now than in my younger days. So, even if they don't snap you up on the spot, that doesn't mean they won't in 2 years, five years...or later!

Hope you do well!

Taylor