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Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/Modelling Industry and Types of Fashion Photography in New York

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Expert: - 3/16/2009


Question
I really want to be a model, but I don't have experience on modelling and I would want general tips on modelling.
      How,or where can you find modelling agency and modelling photography in New York. Where can you find modelling trainer, modelling coaches, and all about modelling?

Answer
Hi Veronica,

Finding a modeling school in New York? You're kidding, right?
They should be everywhere! It's "old school" but have you tried looking in the yellow pages under "Modeling Schools"?

I suggest you check out books on modeling or look in your neighborhood book stores. That should be a wealth of info. Also, look at the fashion magazines...many a future model has learned to copy the poses in a mirror from their starting place of dreams at home. You should definitely take classes if you can. But be prepared to pony up some money for the portfolio and starter wardrobe to take to the the shoot for it. You can cut costs by borrowing outfits, but they need to be current and clean and pressed -nothing that looks shabby unless you are taking shots of the casual ripped jeans kind. You know?

Best, Taylor

Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing

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Taylor Sheppard

Expertise

I can answer questions: on starting a career in acting, mistakes in acting, etiquette when dealing with industry contacts, finer points on how to act, and things to avoid in the field.

Experience

I have been a professional actor 21 years, with appearances in TV, Film and commercials. I have made good decisions and potentially damaging mistakes. I believe anyone who has a dream deserves to explore it, and I take their aspirations seriously. That being said, I do not pull punches. I try to be tactful, but I will not lie to someone, honesty is more effective. My last film role was in "Teeth" which was picked for Sundance in January 2007. It was sold to Lionsgate and Weinstein Co. for somewhere over 2.5 million. The role was "Mr. Griffith", a sex-ed teacher.

Organizations
Ciao Agency-Austin/Georgetown, Texas. (Formerly known as Donna Adams Agency. Matthew McConaughey was a good friend and fellow member. I also have belonged to agencies in three other Texas cities, but they have since closed.) TXMPA -Texas Motion Picture Alliance. Various other internet networking web rings as well as Actors Access. I was instrumental in advising actress Krista Allen on getting her career in acting started in Austin,Texas (we worked at the same Health Club in the early '90's).

Publications
Previously wrote on a now defunct website such as this one. I enjoyed helping new actors.

Education/Credentials
I have acted for 21 years. I studied under James Nelson Harrell as well as other talented actors at Southwest Texas State University. After college, I have taken classes with Julliard graduate Mona Lee, Bill Johnson, Van Brookes, Marco Perella and others in Austin Texas. I am constantly attending classes to maintain my edge and explore new directions. In addition to attending strictly acting classes, I have also taken business workshops with respected casting directors, such as Shari Rhodes ("Jaws","Close Encounters", "Raggedy Man".) Barbara Brinkley, Jo Edna Bolden and Donise Hardy, (Castingworks LA).

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