ASK JOEY: Make Sure To Sign A Release

We often get caught up in the excitement of a photo shoot that we forget about the logistics.  Folks, please remember to sign some sort of contract or waiver.  With every photo shoot, models are usually asked to sign releases in order to use those images.  If you forget to sign something, please be advised that photographers are allowed to use your images because you agreed to do the shoot.  Be careful!  Although the glitz and glamor of modeling can be great, it is still a business.  Good luck!

NIGEL LEE
I currently get some work and everyone I meet tells me I have a great high fashion look, but I haven't been able to land any big jobs yet.  Based on my look, is there anything that you would recommend? 

 You do have a high fashion look but you don't have any high fashion photos.  I would suggest doing some more test shoots.  Use ModelWire Network to contact a photographer (there are plenty in New York).  Don't go overboard - take some suit shots and some with an elegant female model.  You shouldn't have any trouble getting representation.  And an agent would surely help you land that big gig.

TRAVIS CHAMBERS
I am really trying to figure out where my modeling career is going.  I've done mostly fashion - I even did a photo shoot with Ralph Lauren that was published in the GQ September issue.  But I want to take my career into full speed.  I get tons of compliments on my look and am very confident in myself.  I know I can do it.  Please help me out!

 

If you worked for Ralph Lauren then you should have the tear sheets.  They should be in your portfolio.  You should also take more photos .  You have way too many pictures with the same white suit.  Get an agent to take you to the next level.  But first things first - perfect your portfolio.  I don't see anything special right now based on it.  Once you get new photos, you'll be able to get more work!

CAM DILLARD
I'm a commercial/fashion model trying to get to the next level.  I'm 6'0" and also work as a personal trainer so I stay in pretty good shape.  I don't have an agency as of right now but want to get signed.  Any advice or criticism from you would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you!

 

You are a commercial model but you need more photos.  Commercial models need to be able to show off all types of looks, so get those photos.  You need a lot of "real people" shots with different situations.  I can't stress enough to add more photos to your port.  You have a good look though!

ED CASTRO
The industry is tough and I'm currently signed to a small agency (KSR Management) but I have met with Paul Nelson from Wilhemina and another agent for Ford.  They both were interested in me but ultimately I was still out of shape back then.  I was 250 lbs and now I'm 185 and hitting the gym on a regular basis. 

 

You have one photo in your portfolio.  If you are serious about this, get more photos.  Once you have more photos, you can show more agencies. But right now - one photo and look isn't going to cut it.  

BRIAN GARDNER
I was wondering what you thought of my portfolio on this site and how I can improve my chances at getting an agent.

 

You're a commercial model - smile more.  You're so intense in your photos, have more fun in your photos.  I would suggest also taking acting classes because you're going to have to compete with actors for the commercial modeling jobs.  Make sure you revamp your portfolio before you go out for any jobs.  Again, you only have look and you're going to need a lot more in order to land those gigs! 

In the meantime,

Have a successful day!

JOEY

Follow me @TheJoeyHunter.

*Have a question for me?  Ask away at my ModelWire Network Profile!

Justin Bieber Wore What?

 Justin Bieber is getting a lot of flack for the outfit he wore while meeting the Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper.  Why?  Because he wore overalls.  Justin defended his fashion faux pas by saying he met with the Prime Minister right after rehearsals and didn't have a suit to put on right away.  Oh JB, it's not what you didn't wear - it's what you wore!

 

What's the big deal?

Anna Nicole Smith's Daughter Follows In Her Footsteps

 

Dannielynn Birkhead, the 6 year old daughter of the late Anna Nicole Smith is the new face of Guess Kids.  If you don't remember, Smith was the face of Guess during the 90's.  What do you think of Dannielynn's photos?  We're very excited for her - these look great!  

 

Do you recognize this high profile model?

We barely recognized her - but it's Tyra Banks!  She landed the cover of WestEast Magazine.  It's good to see her modeling again!

Beyonce's Fashionable Instagram

It's no secret that Beyonce is a fashion icon - but have you seen her Instagram lately?  Although there are only 9 photos up, we have a feeling she will be sharing her fashion inspirations often.  Beyonce - it's time to start a fashion blog!  Follow her on Instagram:  BaddieBey

A Kate Moss Documentary In The Works?

 The usually secretive Kate Moss has never enjoyed being in the limelight, but it seems she is ready to share her personal life.  She is currently preparing to release her book Kate:  The Kate Moss Book and it looks like there is also going to be a Kate Moss documentary.  This is huge for Kate Moss fans who have always been interested in the mega model's personal life!  The film will feature her promoting her new book as well as a glimpse into her personal life.  We don't know about you, but we're actually quite excited for this documentary!

 

 

AskJoey: Most of You Are Commercial Models

Most models fit into the commercial modeling category - this can be for a number of reasons but mostly because high fashion ask for specific measurements and looks.  Not everyone is a Kate Moss - don't give your hopes up just yet - commercial modeling is quite lucrative and you can definitely become a successful model that way.  But be aware that the competition for commercial modeling is really high!  You are going against actors, other models and even high fashion models.  Work hard and go for commercial jobs - they're out there, you just need to go after it!  Next week I will be taking a break for the Thanksgiving holiday.  Hope you have a good holiday!


HANNAH L
I am an experienced and professional international model having worked in Asia and USA markets.  I'm currently in LA and looking for work/representation.  I am not 18 anymore but still look in person, am in shape and I think I have a strong book but I'm not sure if I should go the open call route or not.

 

I really like your look - you definitely do have a strong look.  But unfortunately you aren't 5'9".  You're going to need to look for agents that are more commercial and test for commercial photos.  If you don't anyone that can set you up with appointments with agencies, then the only way to go is the open call route.  But remember you are a commercial model - not high fashion.

RIKA
I would like to hear your advice and opinion about the "alternative" market.  As you can see, I'm not the classic model.  I'm full of tattoos and I'm definitely not a runway model but more of a print model.  In fact, I was looking for something in that direction. 

 

I like your look but tattoos just don't work in our commercial world.  You would most likely have to cover them up.  But the alternative market is very hard to succeed as far as making a steady living - it's very rare.  It's doable, but again, very challenging.  Your best bet is to do more commercial things, but just know that it will be hard.  

STEPHANIE FRICK
I definitely need some pointers on building my portfolio.  I'm looking to join an agency but I'm pretty clueless as how to go about it.  Any help would be appreciated!

 

You have a great commercial look but your pictures are too sexy.  You need a variety of photos to get into commercial modeling.  Before you start visiting agencies make sure you have a plethora of looks.  Keep a couple of your bathing suit photos and put the rest in a scrapbook - you need photos of you in business suits, sporty outfits and casual clothes.  You don't want to typecast yourself as a bikini model - you have a great commercial look - just work more on your portfolio.

RACHEL ENGLEHART
Like every model on here, I'm looking for feedback if you're willing.  I modeled for 9 years in Denver and want to get back into it, but outside of the agencies I have worked with in the past.  Based on my pictures, am I chasing something that is over or can you point me in a direction?  

 

If you worked in Denver for 9 years (which to me is a very commercial market), there is no reason why you can't go back there and give it another go.  Visit your old agent and get his opinion on the market and how you would fit in.  You do need a few more photos though - mix it up more.  If you've never worked in a big market, I would say it's not worth it, but because you've worked in Denver, you have a pretty good shot.

ERIN BARTEK
I'd like to ask your advice with the direction of my interest in modeling.  I am 29 years old so I'm probably not the new "up and coming young fashionista" but I'd like to think I've got potential.  Would you mind taking some time to look at my portfolio?  I'd be very appreciative of any advice you'd feel would help me.  I'm currently expanding my portfolio to include less "posed" photos and will keep you updated as they are uploaded into the account.

 

Commercial, commercial - that's the way to go!  Even though you have the height, you still fall in the commercial category.  You have a great look and I like your photos - but you definitely need more types of photos.  You need to be able to fit into any situation.  You have a good commercial look - go for it!

In the meantime,

Have a successful day!

JOEY HUNTER

Follow me @TheJoeyHunter

*Have a question for me? Ask away at my ModelWire Network Profile!

 

The Chanel Hula Hoop Purse

No, we're not talking about the one you've probably seen pictures of.  We're talking about the one you can actually purchase - it measures 24 centimeters in diameter and retails for $2,400.  Hmm...

 

Model is Human Barbie

 Valeria Lukyonova, who is originally from the Ukraine has had several surgery procedures to resemble a real life Barbie doll.  She is currently featured in V Magazine after they got wind of her radical transformation.  What do you think of her?  Did she take things too far?  Take a look at her photos - they are kind of mind blowing!

 

 

 

 

ASK JOEY: Photographers - constantly change up your portfolio!

Sorry for the brief hiatus - I've been doing a lot of traveling and meeting with models and agents all over the world.  But I'm back now and am answering questions from some photographers on MWN!  This week, I suggest that photographers constantly change up your portfolio.  Why?  Because you should always more than the same 10 photos.  Some of the profiles on MWN I notice are the same from a year ago - we all know you've taken more recent photos.  Keep everything up-to-date and make sure you choose a specialty - are you high fashion, commercial or fitness?  Stick to one category - otherwise, your portfolio will come off as too much.  Plus, when agents look at your photos, they want to know that you are an expert in the area you are needed and that your focus is right in tact.   

GREGG COBARR
If I have a paid job for one or more models, how do I let the ModelWire Network community find out about it without having to send out individual messages to everyone?  By the way, you are developing an awesome site with high quality people on it.  I really appreciate the level of models you have on here!

 

It's very easy to get models for your shoots on our site.  You simply have to post a project in your PROJECTS page.  Be very specific of what you're looking for.  Once it is approved, it will show up on the universal PROJECTS page and people can submit from there.  You won't be able to see it on your projects page because it's your project, but trust me - everyone else can see it.  Once people start submitting, you can find them on that same projects page.  If you ever need assistance you can contact support at support@modelwirenetwork.com.  They can also help you blast it on MWN's Facebook and Twitter if you want to get more submissions.  

B.A.S. EXPERIENCE
Please take a look at my work and tell me what I can improve on.  Feel free to be brutally honest! 

I like your photos because you have a certain style which is well defined.  My question is what type of work are you looking for?  Your pictures can get you work as a photographer on a video shoot and lead to directing.  Start working in video if it's commercial.  If you're trying to do fashion photography, you need to change your style a bit.  Your photos look a little too mainstream, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.  You just need to decide if you want to do commercial or fashion.

VIN MARSO
It would be an honor to receive advice from you as I feel sometimes I am doing something wrong.  In the end, I hope to be alongside legends like Mario Testino, Bruce Weber and Terry Richardson.  With that being said, any help would be greatly appreciated.  Do you have any advice?

 

You take really nice pictures, but it looks like you wear too many hats.  Your photos are all over the place.  You should have a portfolio for fashion, one for commercial and one for fitness.  Organizing a portfolio is also really important - it will draw more people in, specific people.  Change up your portfolio every month to show off your latest work!

MELIS DAINON
We are relatively new photographers - we have a few publications under our belt and have started shooting for some agencies in Dallas.  We would like to know - what is the best way to approach agencies in the larger markets like New York and LA?  We would be happy to shoot their models free of charge and would hope to deliver quality photos for their use.  Additionally, what style of photo would be most useful for them?  Are they typically looking for editorial style photos with heavily styled hair, makeup and wardrobe?  Or do they tend to prefer a more subtle look to show off the natural features of their models? We would also love an honest critique of our portfolio from an agent's perspective.  Thanks for the opportunity to pick your brain for a bit!

 

That's a very good question.  First, I will say that I love your photos.  They are definitely good quality and could be used for a lot of things.  I would suggest you market your skills to larger markets the same way you did in smaller ones - make face-to-face appointments with agencies in their new face or development divisions and find out what they want.  Be willing to work with them but still keep your personality and way of working (don't get caught up).  ModelWire has a good directory that you can check out and start making some calls.  Just go out there and keep putting yourself out there!

MARC ROSEBECK PHOTOGRAPHY
I would love your opinion.  I believe my style is defined and am wondering where I can bring it.  I welcome any direction you point me toward! 

 

You're right, your style is definitely defined and it works.  The only thing is that you live in the wrong city.  Your type of client is in New York City so you have to reach out to them through ModelWire Network or move there and start working with modeling agencies.  I would also suggest introducing yourself to ad agencies and magazines.  I see you getting a lot of work that route.  It's a big move though!  Make sure you really want to do this.  The ball is in your court.

In the meantime,

Have a successful day!

JOEY

Follow me @TheJoeyHunter

*Have a question for me?  Ask away at my ModelWire Network Profile!

Robert Pattinson for L'Uomo Vogue

 The Twilight star channels his true vampire in these new images for L'Uomo Vogue.  Although his Twilight alter ego Edward Cullen dresses a little more casual, this is definitely how we picture him as a true vampire!  The Twilight Saga:  Breaking Dawn Part 2 officially hits theaters next week where you can catch him and the rest of the Twilight gang in their final installment of the series.

 

 

Vogue Hommes Japan to Shut Doors

 Remember the infamous Lady Gaga meat dress?  Remember her magazine cover?  Vogue Hommes Japan has decided to shut its doors by the end of the year.  The Conde Nast publication will make its switch to a men's GQ Style.  The magazine was originally launched in 2008 as a counterpart to L'Uomo Vogue (the men's edition of Vogue Italia). 

 

 

Nasty Gal's Latest Lookbook

Nasty Gal's latest lookbook is quite fierce!  The LA based company which was started as an ebay account has blown up into one of the hottest fashion e-tail empires.  Check out the latest inspired looks modeled by Naomi Preizler.  We love everything!