What qualifies you to be a fashion model ?

Recently I was approached by Gina and her mom in regards to her portfolio, As a rule I do not shoot a portfolio before a personal or Skype consultation with the model so my studio manger scheduled them in. Gina and her mom came in for the consultation and we went over every thing. As I like to give as much information as possible to make sure that if you are new model you understand how the business of modeling works. I like to analyze  what would work best for the model, not every one can walk the ramp but when you watch commercials how often you see just fashion models there. You will see more and more people of different walks of life, so it is very important for me to understand what category you would fit as a model. To be able to work as a professional female fashion model you should  be at least 5'7" or taller some agencies prefer to start at 5'8" or taller. Miss universe qualifies you if you are 5'7" or taller.  As a male fashion model you should be 6 feet or taller, certain agencies would qualify you if you are 5'11" also.  it is very important for you as a model know what you are getting into. I tell all the new models that you have to take it as if you are starting a business. After all modeling is a huge business globally. As a fashion model you have to practice your walk. Walking the ramp is one of your main jobs. You also have to know your body and your posing is very important. If you are hired for a shoot the photographer or the director would give you briefing about the shoot and then expect you to perform. In my initial meeting I tell the new models the best ways to practice there posing and what to watch when they are in front of the camera. How they can look irresistibly attractive to the agents and scouts. I love to direct and help them pose during the shoot since all my career I have worked helping new and existing models with there  portfolios it has just become a second nature to me. At the initial meeting we decided the number of looks we would be shooting and i developed the mood board for the shoot, I got my make up artist, hair stylist and wardrobe stylist filled in about the mood board. It is very important to plan the portfolio shoot and I give the models a 2 weeks preparation work sheet. Gina did great and worked hard on all the guidance. Her shoot date came and we started the shoot at 10:00 am and wrapped it around 5:00pm. my portfolio shoots also give the new model an experience of working on a high end commercial shoot.

               Before picture