Types of Modeling

HIGH FASHION MODELING
High Fashion Modeling is the modeling of designer clothes, either at fashion shows or in publications. Sometimes, the modeling of jewelry and cosmetics falls into this category. The models are hired through agencies, and the pay rate is the highest among all modeling jobs. Of course, the advertisers' expectations also run high. The agencies choose models with a proven track record for this type of modeling.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR HIGH FASHION MODELING
Usually, modeling agencies have the following requirements for new models:

• Age under 26.
• Height 5' 7" to 6’ 0" for women, 5' 11" to 6' 2" for men.
• Weight proportional to height.
• Long legs, especially from floor to knee.
• Women with a long neck preferred.
• A good complexion

EDITORIAL MODELING
Editorial Modeling is similar to High Fashion Modeling, except that the model works for a particular publication. The readers of that publication make up a target audience for the photographs taken. Images in the non-advertisement sections of the fashion magazines, such as Glamour, Vogue, or Seventeen, are good examples of this type of modeling. The physical requirements are less stringent than for High Fashion Modeling, but the pay rate is considerably less. Many more models are needed for Editorial Modeling, and Editorial experience opens the door to High Fashion Modeling.

GLAMOUR MODELING
Attractive women have always been featured by manufacturers in their advertisements in order to draw attention to their products. Such advertisements often contain photographs seen in magazines, newspapers, posters, billboards, calendars, or TV commercials. More books are written about glamour photography than any other type of photography, and many models are used in these books as well, to demonstrate different photographic techniques. There are no established physical requirements for Glamour Models, other than the model must be beautiful and/or sexy in the photographs. An elegant lady in an evening dress, the eye-catching face of a beautiful girl, a shapely woman in casual dress, swim-wear, or lingerie can all become subjects for glamour photography. Most of the nude photography also falls into this category. In Fashion Modeling, the beautiful woman is used to make the clothes look good. In Glamour Modeling, the clothes (or lack of) are what makes the model look good. Pay rates can be very good for Glamour Modeling. Usually, the pay rate doubles for posing in lingerie or in the nude. Some Figure and Art Modeling, typically artistic nude photography, is also included in the Glamour Modeling category.

CATALOG MODELING
While some Catalog Modeling involves posing with products, most is done wearing store-brand clothes. Even though pay rates are considerably lower than for High Fashion Modeling, it is desirable to get booked as a Catalog Model, because hours are consistent and repeat-modeling opportunities are high. Look through some mail-order catalogs to get an idea of what is involved. Physical requirements are not stringent. Usually, the side of the clothing not shown on the photograph will have many alteration pins attached, and some models find this inconvenient.

RUNWAY MODELING
Runway Models must have measurements that fit an actual standard clothing size. There are many different kinds of Runway Modeling. Many modeling agencies specialize in Runway Modeling bookings. Two of the opportunities for Runway Models are:

• Designer Fashion Shows, where clothes designers present their upcoming designs.
• Fashion Shows, run by a store or by a designer in a store, mall, hotel, or club.

Runway Modeling pays less than photographic modeling. Pay is on a show-by-show basis, ranging from $100 to $400 per show.

SPECIALTY MODELING
Models with long fingers and well-manicured nails have opportunities to display their hands demonstrating domestic products. For men, a demand exists for the husky, masculine hand, or alternatively the more elegant, long-fingered hand. Women with well-proportioned feet are needed for shoe advertisements. Advertisements of stockings, pantyhose, and razors require women with nicely-shaped legs. Hair products call for female and male models with good hair. There are numerous other Specialty Modeling opportunities. However, you should not start by concentrating solely on Specialty Modeling. Just prepare a standard portfolio, including a few photographs that emphasize areas of your body you might use for Specialty Modeling. Most agencies pick models for Specialty work from their regular modeling pool.

CHARACTER MODELING
Some jobs require models with an everyday look, such as a truck driver, mechanic, grocery clerk, schoolteacher, cleaning person, appliance repair person, and so on. All models in television commercials (such as Rosie the cleaning lady) are character models.

CONVENTION AND TRADE SHOW MODELING
These shows use many female models to demonstrate products, hand out leaflets or brochures, and answer questions.

MODELING IN TV COMMERCIALS
TV Commercials offer a growing area of opportunities to models with some acting background. Many modeling agencies now include a TV Commercial Department.

MODELING FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
Like models, photographers need a portfolio, which they must constantly update as they develop new skills or keep up with fashion trends. Occasionally, professional photographers agree to do test shoots of established models with good portfolios. Even though there is no pay involved, these test shoots can lead to well-paying opportunities for the model. Advanced amateur photographers are usually willing to pay an experienced model, for helping them to improve their skills.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES FOR MODELS
There are opportunities for the oversized or undersized model. The demand for ordinary-looking models with whom a majority of the audience can identify continues to increase. Many other opportunities exist that might fall into one of the modeling categories mentioned above.