Model Royal

Many male or female’s are considered "models" by the social media world, taken over by what we call "followers." Instagram has become a household name for many users all across the world. Companies use a new form of advertising and marketing techniques, where companies recruit male or female models with large enough followings to promote their products such as tummy tea's, faja waist, clothing, and protein powders. The mastermind plan behind this is: if a male or female with the "ideal" body, teeth, skin, etc. Promotes the products it can help consumers achieve the same goal.

If we see a Male with huge muscles and greate skin or a female with amazing curves and radiant teeth the more insecure consumer will be inclined to buy the product he or she uses (or do they?). These people that advertise these products are what we call "Instagram models." Agency models are your classic models that do runway shows for big companies such as Givenchy, Gucci, Versace, and Prada. For you to understand the difference I came across a chart, that will help compare the two.

In some cases, an Instagram model is very attractive and has a huge social media presence online. These models usually have a mass number of followers on Instagram.

Fashion models and supermodels can be referred to as well as a well-paid-high-fashion model that has worked for international companies and has an impressive portfolio working with leading world fashion designers. Supermodels tend to have multi-million dollar modeling contracts with many agencies around the world. Granted their agencies and booker are receiving a high percentage of the profits they make in each job.

Likes make cents and Comments turns into dollars

Kendall Jenner (model) with 108 million followers reported got paid $250,000 to share a social media post announcing a festival lineup, which was supposed to include artist from Kayne West's G.O.O.D. Music label. However, Kendall is not considered to be an Instagram model as she is signed with many agencies such as The Society Management, Elite Paris, Milan, etc.

Heidi Klum (model) earned $9 million and $8 million per year, respectively. Most high fashion models earn between $25 and $300 per hour. This equates to $52,000 to $624,000 per year, based on 40-hour work weeks. Granted

Kylie Jenner ( instagram model) reportedly makes 1million per paid Instagram post.

2018: $1,000,000 (to $400,000 in 2017)

Chantel Zales (Instagram model) - Earns her dollar bills advertising hair removal. Reportedly: $3.6 million

It ultimately comes down to whether you want to become a brand, versus working for one.

Fitting in

“ Why try to fit in when you are a standout” A quote from whom I consider to be only one of the best rappers of all time, none other than Joe Budden. Beginning your journey on how to stand out in a saturated market thanks to Instagram, of photographers you are probably curious to know how you can stand out.That’s a good question and it is an important question. Let's say a client is looking for some people to help them go through some photographic process. They are looking through hundreds or maybe even thousands of Instagram accounts. How do you stand out? How do you become the person that they hire? Welp, that's what this section is all about.

First pieces of advice, explore your own unique vision. You see the world differently from anyone else so don't be afraid to show that. That's what makes you unique, that's what's going to make you stand out from the crowd. I'm a little bit weird, I post anime, things I find funny, music, inspirational quotes and investing templates on my Instagram story to kind of show people I am more than a photographer. I also like to shoot fashion and editorial which totally goes against the grain living in Miami where their market is swimwear and commercial market. That's what makes me stand out of the crowd. If you are into shooting weddings, babies, blood and gore, guts, and death metal stuff. Go for it there is a market for that as well. It's your own unique vision, thats what is going to make you stand out as a photographer.

Produce as much work as you possibly can. Have a good idea of what you would want to do someday. Let's say in 5 to 10 years you want to shoot for Nike. That doesn't mean if you can't shoot for Nike tomorrow that you shouldn't shoot at all. You should be shooting all the time. You should get out there and try to shoot the work that you one day want to be paid for. So if you are not doing the work then you are not meeting those clients, well how do they know that you can do the job? They don't, so they will probably go with someone else whos doing those things.

Don't follow trends but be aware of what's going on in your industry. Always be on the lookout for new work that's out but that doesn't mean you have to try to replicate trends that are already happening because that actually puts you behind. What you should be doing is putting in your energy and passion into something you are into and focus on moving foward. Trends happen when someone is doing something really cool and everyone tries to copy it. You should ultimately try to do something that you really enjoy and if people copy it and it becomes a trend then sure thats awesome, but don't focus on trying to start a new trend. Push to be great and there will be people that would want to be just like you.

Definition of Definition

Image is powerful but it can also be superficial. Image can change within a matter of seconds. We have been taught that beauty is health, wealth and symmetry, and this has provided a legacy for models to capitalize on. Your looks probably will get you into the door of new adventures and networking with huge brands like Nike and urban outfitters but what got you here won’t keep you here. Your looks are probably 10% of what defines a model. Everyone has their own definition so I’ll take this time to share others response of what defines a model, who inspired them to become a model and what has modeling done for them so far. So that it may continue to inspire others to chase their dreams. 

@thegermaniamartinez - There are so many definitions to this that is hard to just pin point to one. But the main is making a vision come alive. Been able to transform yourself into anything. That’s a lot of people that say, it’s easy going from model to acting. You are given a role that most be to come alive in camera. Those OG from the 90s they were able to model anything with out loosing themselves. It has allowed me to be way more comfortable in my skin. And all those things that make me, are things that people always bring out in the pictures. Also to appreciate every aspect of the process. From getting make up done to hair to wardrobe to the photographer and the assistant. Everything is so crucial.

@iamadrianclarke - Modeling defines me as the ability to promote a story, concept, product, service or mood. I am inspired by Sean O'pry, Kit Butler, Nikola Jovanovic etc. Modeling has allowed me to tap into a network of brands and high end clients that allow me to make their idea come to life through different mediums.

@gavielaramirez - I feel like to have a model is the best form of advertisement. To be a model is have a large platform of expressionPeople Alton mason alanna Arrington and dilone. The new age of young urban models who can model any style. So far modeling has introduced me to so many great people like photographers make up artists and so forth. I’m not far but I’m trying to be.

@loveearas - What defines a model? 

-work ethic. How much work are you willing to put in to get to where you need to go. Including practicing, learning your angles and what type of shoots best fits you.

Who inspires you as a model?

-the legends like Naomi and Tyra were all I looked at when I was younger because I related to Tyra’s big forehead and I aimed to be fierce like Naomi. And the new like Tami Williams who dominating right now.

What has modeling done for you so far?

-in the beginning modeling helped me grow my self esteem. Most of us were picked on for being the skinniest and tallest. I have been published in magazines throughout the country and the world, featured on t.v. Including commercials, networked and met the most amazing, creative and loving people, develop my self...who and what I want to be. Turned me into a business women because yes this is a whole business for us too. I’ve always been humbled and modeling is definitely one industry that will do that to someone.

I’ve learned that you don’t have to be THE model meaning not to aim to be like such and such because there is a market for everyone and just because one person gets booked out in (for example) the Miami market does not mean that I can’t or that I have to. Maybe my market is oversees like back home in Jamaica. 

@mathieu_mayo - I look good in everything I wear . Plus I’m damn confident 😎.I’m doing it for team darkskin  (inspire the youngins to love the skin they’re in ) Allow me to walk New York like I’m a bout to own it (Haitian papi sh!t )

@jessimelani - A person that models for brands to sell their products. My purpose in it inspires me - Tabria and Ashley G do as well. Modeling has allowed me to move across the country and make a living for myself and soon for my family - it’s made me and my family proud of me and is making my dreams come true

So you want to be a Model?

So you want to be a model? As an aspiring model you only see the world of positive things; exciting international adventures and of course magazine publications. The life of a model, is the best job in the world…or is it? Well, that question can only be answered in a few ways. Do you want to model or Do you want to be a Model?

The first step is to ask yourself what type of model would I like to be. Would you like to do commercial, fashion "editorial" print or runway? let's see if I can provide you with some helpful tips to sort of guide you on your journey to becoming The Next Top Model.

High fashion

Let's say you decide to become a High fashion or editorial model. Agencies in the High fashion industries are located in Paris, New York, London Milan, and Tokyo. These agencies are usually looking for models that are 5'9 and over for women and 6'0 and over for men. However, there can be exceptions to every rule some editorial agencies have been known to represent models under the usual height requirements but that's only if you have really unique features a personality and work ethic that the agencies would love. To name a few short models that made it big, Devon Aoki ( 5'5), Eva Pigford (5'5)

shoot by: shawl

shoot by: elite Paris

Commercial

The commercial agency represents commercial models by mostly fashion or talent agencies. Wilhelmina Model is a perfect example of a strong commercial division. Commercial modeling agencies represent pretty much all types of models from mature, plus size, petite and models of diverse ethnic groups.

Whichever type of model you choose to be more than likely there will be an agency that represents your type. Remember the first step is to know what type of model you are and or would like to be, then you'll need to get noticed by taking some basic snapshots of your self. You don't need to invest in a professional photo shoot or modeling classes at first.

There are lots of ways to get agencies to see your images by submitting them online or by using the app “Mode Management”. Mode Management is an app used for modeling agencies to scout for new talent and for inspiring models to connect to the right people to help build their portfolio.

Few things I also would like for you to be mindful of is that having an agency representation doesn’t mean you’ll end up becoming the next top model or on your way to riches. Agencies see hundreds of faces in their books and only a small percentage of those receive regular work. Freelance jobs will fill up most of your time and many models that appear to be living the high life actually work a part-time job as a waitress or at a retail store.

Models can also be super self-conscious, after all, your appearance is always in the forefront its part of the job. Lots of models get into modeling by accident and Never really considered themselves to be attracting some of the best models are ones you wouldn’t even look twice at in normal public or social gatherings.

Shoots can appear from any time before sunrise to sunset. you would have to start your alarm clock as early as 3-4am just to start hair and makeup on a dark beach or in some exotic cave. The term 'TGIF’ does not exist if you are a freelancer. Weekends start to look like Weekdays.

Your skin is regularly caked in thick makeup and your hair is often backcombed and bleached without care – as long as it looks good for that day on set, the long term effects are regularly ignored. There is nothing worse than the fear of disease when an MUA is coming at you with brushes she’s just used on the girl before you, waving a mascara wand pulled straight out of the bottle. Of course, most will find a way to sterilize them, but who’s to know if they’re clean.

Now I don’t want you to read this article and walk away with second thoughts about being a model. This article is to inform you, not to scare you. In the beginning, I asked “ Do you want to model or Be a model” there is a difference. At this point, it is up to you to decide.

The Difference in Modes

Auto Mode

So lets start off with Full Auto Mode, Basically this is the mode where your camera’s going to decide all your settings for you. If you are a beginner its a wonderful mode to start off with. There is absolutely nothing wrong with shooting in full auto, especially when you are unsure of what mode to be in. if you are in a situation where you are getting frustrated or confused auto mode helps decide everything from the aperture and focus to light metering and white balance. Think of it as a safe haven!

Now a lot of people think auto mode is just for beginners entry-level Digital SLRs. Now in my case I have a Canon 5D Mark 3 with a 24-70mm Lens and it has a big green “A”. Now does that mean i’m going to take bad pictures because I put it in auto mode? No because I still have access to the every feature on my Mark 3. So if you ever find your self with a high tech camera and you are getting overwhelmed and you don’t feel confident using all these modes. Especially in a session, ima need you to pop that thing in auto mode.

Full auto mode lets you concentrate on your subject and composition. You can still shoot in Raw an take advantage of exposure and color grading in post production. On the negative side it does take that control of specific aspects of your photo shoot if you want to have more control of your shoot.

Manual Mode

Manual mode, as I like to call it, Master mode because you get to control everything. If you are a control freak like I am then manual mode is going to be great for you. Now manual mode, you have control over everything. ISO, shutter speed and aperture. Used in conditions where proper image exposure requires accurate manual adjustments. Your camera is not going to figure anything out for you. Sometimes you going to want your camera to help you out in Mastering mode… I mean Manual mode isn’t something you have to use all of the time. But its amazing to use manual mode. so lets talk about those situations.

Manual Mode is necessary in studio settings with off-camera lighting but we are not going to go in depth into off camera lighting in strobes, in shooting in a studio and all that stuff. Manual Mode can keep the right exposure settings for the brief moment when your off-camera lighting flashes. Manual Mode keeps your exposure consistent in a sequence of images.

So for in studio photographers using off camera flash, like a product photographers and beauty photographers and a lot of portrait photographers can really only use manual mode. Manual mode is great when you don’t want your exposure to change at all image to image. If you need perfect consistency from one shot to another and you don’t want your shutter speed to change, aperture or ISO to change from one to image to another, then you should also be shooting in a manual mode because none of those values will change unless you physically change them on your camera.

Passion Vs Bussiness

Photography as a passion and as a Business, First thing you need to know is that there is a difference. So lets start by talking about photography as a passion.

Photography as a passion would probably have to be one of the greatest times to be in. You are learning, trying new things, pushing your self, taking risk. As a passion you don’t have to please anyone, you are doing this for your self. Its the most illest stage to be in.

And so many people rush this stage. They come from a stage of passion and Immediately want to turn it into a business. My advice to you is, stay in the passion side of photography as long as you can before turning it into a business because thats where you will find most of your enjoyment, thats where you will truly develop your self.

As you can see I did not start off as a photographer. I Started off being a Photographers assistant, holding reflectors, fighting against winds while holding a Westcott sun bounce, grabbing water for the clients and models. I focused on what made me so passionate about photography then I took my time to learn it.

Now let’s talk about photography as a business. And I don’t want to make it sound like the worst thing ever. Photography as a business can be fun. It can be what ever you put into it, it could suck and you hate your life everyday but thats up to you. I have lots of fun being a professional photographer like engaging and networking with new clients , getting new insights on how I can market by business better, get free merchandise!

Keep in mind when you enter photography as a business you are entering the service industry. So your helping hand as to be next level. Ask your self this, why do I love and shop at Amazon? Its because of their Amazing customer service they are winning amongst their competitors.

Other people are going to be paying you to take pictures for or of them. That person is going to be your client. So they come first, and what they want out of an image will not be what you want. So maybe the artist side of you cringes at that. Keep in mind you decide to turn it into a business you agreed to be in the business of helping others. As long as you remember that you will be a great photographer because you were great to work with.

Be prepared to do all the work no matter how menial a photoshoot may seem at the time of doing it. Start of shooting family, friends, and events. Do a lot of collaborative shoots . Most people want to skip the process not knowing when you skip steps you miss the lessons. The road to Turning into a full time photographer is paved with long hours and years of struggling. You are always unemployed until your next job.