New Model Guide

We here at UTC feel it important to help those who wish to get into any kind of modeling, so it’s only natural that we felt compelled to give information to anyone thinking about making modeling a career move. The following information is a comprehensive guide that will be of help to potential and amateur models who wish to take a more professional approach to their craft.

Begin With… The Essentials

Snapshots
Get a few pictures taken of yourself, that give and idea of what you look like posed. Taking them in a well lit area is best, but they do have to be well taken snapshots. These can be taken by a friend, etc. It is advised that you have at the very least a basic portfolio shoot to get the pictures you will need to begin looking for work. If you wish to be taken seriously on a professional level then it is advised that you have a photographer take your shots. Ask about our UTC portfolio packages. Pictures  should include a minimum: one(1) front head shot, one(1) side profile head shot, one(1) full body (back), one(1) full body (front), one(1) full body (side) and a few other poses that work for you. Experimentation oft times brings the best results!

Now that you have a good set of  images, you can begin your search for work. There are many places to look  in terms of modeling. There are millions of forums and model listing sites or you can simply do a search on google. One suggestion is to begin by posting your pictures on portfolio sites, and other networking sites.

Pictures & Portfolio
It is very important that when you are starting out that you get professional or semi-professional images done as soon as possible. Snapshots may get you started but professional pictures will get you more work and show you’re serious. Good photographers are offering TFP (time for prints). This is an exchange where you both put your time into a photo shoot and in turn you both receive rights to use the images for your portfolio.

Try to work with a variety of photographers under a TFP agreement at first, so that you have a wide range of images to choose from. These images will be used to sell your look and talent, so try to get different looks, poses, outfits, nudes, etc. Whatever you are interested in doing, the more versatile you are, the more work you will get. Once you have completed this, you can then re-post these professional images on your online portfolio. Images need to show the variety of styles you are comfortable shooting, as well as your appearance. Do not post a nude image, if you are not interested in shooting nudes, and so on. Stay away from home photos, change them as soon as you get better images.

Resume
A model should also have a resume detailing her experience to date and what other talents and skills she possesses that her portfolio can’t divulge. Models may seek work in many different areas of the following lists depending on what she wants to do or has experience in. Clients seeking glamour or adult models would be looking for someone capable and open who may have experience in the areas required by the shoot.

Glamour Models

Adult Models

Agencies
Agencies such as ourselves serve the purpose of shopping a model out and actively seeking work for a fee. They are needed to open some doors, so depending what your goals are, you should ask around for some information on the agency that could suit you. Do some research in this area, have a list of things you wish to check off the criteria in your search for the perfect agency for you. This checklist should include not only how much work they can get you but whether they treat you the way you want to be treated, will get you the work you have requested and is not a scam of any kind.

Rates
Rates are flexible, there is a certain limit to how low you should go, but by the same token there is a limit to how high you should expect depending on your experience. Getting a detailed outline of what a potential client has in mind will help no end to you being able to accurately quote the job. Or if they have a budget in mind, determine if it fits with what you are open to. If you have any questions, negotiations, or need further details, be certain to ask as it wont hurt to be informed.

Terms
It is a good idea to learn the terminology of the business and the specific types of jobs you will be seeking This will ensure you understand what is being asked of you and will be able to consider what kind of work you are looking for or willing to accept. Make sure when in the initial negotiation stages you are clear on your terms as a contracted model working for a client.

It’s a good idea to have a standard set of terms worked out to use as a starting point. You can choose to be rigid with your terms, which might cost you the gig and never be offered another by that client, or you can be as flexible as is needed to come to a happy medium mutual to both parties. Sure you don’t get everything you wanted, but you book the gig, have a satisfactory deal, and have that door now open for more work now that this client has experience with you. Doing a good job and be professional at all times is imperative here. The following are some things to consider when deciding what you will consider in your terms of service:

Results
Well, there are some pointers for those of you just starting out in the business and maybe for those who have already started but never thought about these things which are essential to a models survival in the game. Feel free to field any questions you have via our Contact us page. We would be happy to give you answers to your inquiries, you may also want to check out the FAQ page as well, as it does answer some of the basic and most frequently asked questions, this page will be revised as time goes along.

Good luck and whether you decide Ultimate Talent Canada is for you or not… We wish you all the best in your career.