What are the different types of modeling?

There are basically five (5) different types of modeling. These are the broadest categories, with newer but smaller categories evolving all the time. Furthermore, these categories also overlap with each other at times.

1. Commercial Modeling (Television, Catalogs and Print-Ads):
Commercial models help promote products and services through ads in the electronic media such as Television and the Internet as well as through Print Advertising. They appear in commercials/ads, on product packaging, in magazines, on billboards, etc., and help promote all kinds of products and services ranging from computer equipment to medicines, apparel, shoes and cosmetics. This is by far the largest modeling category.

General Requirements for Commercial Modeling:
Contrary to popular belief, many successful commercial models look like normal, everyday people. If they walked past you on the street in normal everyday clothes and with little or no makeup, you would probably not look at them twice. However, what they do possess is the ability to express an emotion, and the ability to replicate that look time and again. For starters, you can start practicing your best looks and poses in front of a mirror. Many successful models do 15 minutes of "mirror work" every day. Practice evoking different types of emotions through your expressions.

The ability to show different expressions, to be able to hold that expression so that the photographer can take multiple shots at different camera exposure settings, and the ability to create that expression again "at will" are all very useful qualities. The good news is that these qualities and talents can be developed. Good commercial models are also usually photogenic, but exceptions abound. Having a unique or "different" look is good but often not required. Personality, likeability (that the advertisers' audience or target market can relate to), being internally happy (i.e., liking yourself - because it does show through in your images) and being able to work long hours while at the same time enjoying the process are other attributes that successful commercial models seem to possess.

Most pictures on magazine covers are touched up and air-brushed on the computer for hours (digital editing) to create the right look. If you have reasonably good features, a great photographer can make you look like a superstar! Remember, the glamorous superstars don't always look that way in real life. The real "magic" is in the camera, makeup and digital editing. Book your Free PhotoShoot now.

2. Promotional Modeling (Tradeshows, Retail, Car Shows, etc.):
Promotional modeling includes work at Tradeshows and Conventions, handing out Product Samples in Retail Stores, helping promote products or services at Car Shows, Boat Shows, etc. What differentiates Promotional Modeling from Commercial Modeling above is the fact that for Promotional Modeling you have to be there in person, because you yourself (not your photo or video) are doing the promoting. While it may not appear as glamorous as Commercial Modeling, it can provide good income opportunities, and the jobs are usually easier to get.

General Requirements for Promotional Modeling:
Promotional Modeling is about overall personality, interpersonal skills, being able to establish a quick rapport, and staying focused on the task at hand. You may meet a lot of different people, albeit each very briefly. If you thrive on meeting people and enjoy the hustle and bustle of a tradeshow environment, Promotional Modeling is usually easier to break into than Commercial Modeling - although exceptions are always there. Even though the job is not primarily about being photographed, you'll still want to look and act your best.

3. Fashion Modeling (includes Runway, Fashion Shows, etc.):
Fashion models help launch new apparel, accessory and/or shoe designs. The walk the runway in fashion shows. Many large fashion shows also get media coverage, and a good fashion model can get print exposure in leading fashion magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, etc. Similarly, if a fashion show is being covered by the broadcast media, there is a chance that you may appear on Television too.

General Requirements for Fashion Modeling:
Up until a few years ago, a height of at least 5 feet 9 inches was considered pretty much a requirement for Fashion Modeling. However, that is fast changing. Now, there are Fashion/Runway shows for pretty much all body types. If you feel good about your body, can walk confidently, and look reasonably good, chances are that you can find some opportunities in Fashion Modeling.

4. Internet Modeling (web-sites, live webcam, etc.):
Internet modeling, whether it is for static content on web-sites or for live webcam or streaming video is a fast growing segment. Generally, you have to be over 18 years of age.

5. Modeling for Photographers and Content/Stock-Photo Providers:
Photographers hire models all the time, either to build their own portfolios or to create content for Stock-Photo purposes. The PhotoShoot can be either a paid shoot (where the model gets paid either on an hourly basis or a flat fee) or TFP (trade Time for Prints), or TFCD (trade Time for CD-ROM images). In the TFP or TFCD arrangement no money changes hands. It is a trade - the photographer invests his/her time, expertise and equipment, and the model invests his/her time. Thus, they can create some content together that both parties can use to further their own professional goals, respectively. Stock Photo Agencies sometimes commission a photographer to take certain pictures that can then be sold to different companies for use in advertising and marketing materials.

As you can see, there are myriad opportunities in the modeling world. However, it is hard work. Like most other things in life, there is no guarantee of success. It depends on your looks, luck, demeanor, personality, hard work, perseverance, and a burning desire to succeed - among other things. Others before you have made it big in modeling, and so can you! The first step of course, is to create your Portfolio on www.JoyOfModeling.com, and on as many other websites as conveniently possible. Contact local modeling agencies. Have a Professional Photographer shoot a nice Portfolio. If you live near our studio in Davie, South Florida (near Ft. Lauderdale and Miami) or plan to travel here in the near future, book a Free PhotoShoot now. Attend modeling shows and seminars. Good luck and best wishes.

1. Before getting the tan, exfoliate the whole body with non-moisturizing soap (our Tanning Consultant says, "...don't use DOVE® for this purpose as it has moisturizer in it -- use SHIELD®, the men's soap -- it has little no moisturizer").
2. Take a shower before tanning. Do not use any cream or deodorant after the shower.
3. Get the Spray Tanning done. Tan the face and neck too to match the rest of the body unless advised otherwise, by our Photographer.
4. Avoid immediate rain or water. Wait 12 hours before showering. The tan will look smoother after you shower. It is a good idea to get the tanning done a day before the shoot, because the tan looks best after about 12 hours.
5. The tan will last for 9 days to 2-1/2 weeks (it will start looking lighter after 6-7 days).
6. You can put on Baby Oil, Moisturizer, etc., 12 hours after tanning.