10 Tips For Models : Structuring your Profile on a Modeling Site

10 Tips For Models : Structuring your Profile on a Modeling Site
- By Bob Hubbard

Time and time again I come across model profiles on modeling sites like Model Mayhem, OMP, etc. and shake my head at them. Some are short, some are novels, yet more often they remove a model from consideration than solidify a desire to work together. My usual workflow for finding a model is to see who is close to me, who fits the look I’m seeking, who has favorable terms.

Remember, when a photographer views your portfolio it’s often images first, text next.

Tip #1: Put your best images up, archive the rest.

We realize that you have your favorites. Your mom loves this shot, your BF loves that shot. Well, unless they are the ones hiring you, those may not be your best shots. Only post your best. We don’t need to see 5 different shots from the same shoot, photos from your camera phone done at the mall, or self-shot photos done with a mirror.

Tip #2: Less is More. Quality over Quantity.

5 solid shots will sell you better than 20 mediocre ones.

Tip #3: Keep it Current.

You may love that shot you did 3 years ago, but does it represent you now, and the quality of your work, now? If all your shots are blond, and you’re now a red head, that changes things for a photographer. Used to do nudes but now don’t? Lose em. Got some ink but nothing shows it? Not good. Gain or lose weight? Again, images should show you as you are now, so be sure to incluse at least 1 recent shot, recent being the last month or so.

Tip #4: Keep it Relevant.

If you are a neon haired, super inked and pierced goddess, expecting someone to shoot you in a mainstream conservative style is unreasonable. If all your work is nude, asking for high-fashion might be a stretch. If every image has you doing straight fashion, you may not see many offers for creatively insane shoots.

If I like your look, and you seem to be someone who can fit my shoot needs, I’ll then look at your profile. Many model profiles are train wrecks.

Tip #5: Spell and Grammar Check!

I’ve lost track of how many profiles I’ve read that are in ‘leet’ speak, have run on sentences, poor punctuation, poor spelling and terrible grammar. I’m less likely to consider someone who simply put comes across as poorly educated. My experience has been that the less professional and poorer the profile, the greater chance I’ll have of a no show, or a poor shoot experience. Improve your chances, and proof read and fix those errors.

Tip #6: Keep it Professional.

When I read a profile, I’m looking for certain things. Measurements and Stats. Past Experience. References. Availability. Contact Information.

I’m not interested in your pets name, that your mom’s your escort, that you hate your day job, that you have gas, like Bud, or are now charging so you can save up for Spring Break. Consider your profile a resume, and treat it as such. Don’t put the “I’m not here for a pick up” comments on there. Would you put that on your job application elsewhere?

Tip #7: Skip the “Demands”.

You know what I’m talking about. “I only shoot with an escort.”, “I must have all raw images at the end of the shoot”, and so on. Each “Demand” you make is a deal breaker. The more you levy, the smaller your pool of photographers willing to work with you. Each shoot is a negotiation, bring these up as requests during such, don’t minimize your potential by being a “diva”.

Tip #8: Some Conditions are good.

Some conditions are a good thing however. If you are willing to travel, disclose it. Indicate if you have a travel limit or restrictions, can travel internationally, require a trip fee, or such. “Will travel if travel expenses are paid” is a great comment and will extend your available pool of photographers. Some terms are both good and bad. For example, “No Nudes”. There is a professional way to say this, and a dozen plus unprofessional ones. “Not considering offers for nude or implied work at this time.”, “Not available for work involving nudity at this time.” are two professional ways to reject nude work. “No Newds, Dont even ask, I’m not a slut” however is not.

Once you’ve posted your best current work, worded your profile in a professional manner that will attract photographers, you should see an increase in offers. Once you begin receiving them, you can then negotiate the best terms for you.

Tip #9: Include a few testimonials.

If you’ve had a great shoot and a photographer raves about working with you, get it in writing and list it. Be sure to include some way to contact the reference as “- Bob Hubbard – MM# 120736” looks better than “-BH”. Be sure that these are also professional testimonials.

Tip #10: Include a link to your -Professional- website.

Everyone today it seems has a Facebook or Myspace account. Unless you use it just for professional work, skip linking to it. Instead set up a separate site just for your modeling work, and limit your interactions there to a professional nature. Photographers looking for serious models don’t need to read about your trip to the mall, dwi, or booze up on spring break. Clients who take the time to research you should only find your professional face, not your party one. Having and maintaining a professional presence will set you apart from 85% of your competition for modeling jobs. If you’ve been modeling a long time, this site can hold an extended portfolio and work history with a greater number of images showcasing your growth and evolution over time as a professional model.

I hope these ten tips help you improve your net presence and gain more serious work offers. There are of course many more tips than these, and all can be expanded on, but this is a short article. Good luck, and lets shoot!