SUPPLIES
- Polaroid or digital camera
Overview
You may not have what it takes physically to become a professional model, but your hands could be your redeeming quality. You may have heard time and time again from family members that you should look into hand modeling, but you simply didn't know where to start. Hand modeling is a lucrative field, and if you take good care of your hands and follow a few steps, you may be on your way to a successful career centered around your hands.
Step 1
Evaluate your hands realistically. Look at your hands as objectively as you can and determine if you have what it takes to be a hand model. Do you have a unique and attractive skin tone? Is the skin on your hand smooth? Even the smallest scars on your hands could keep you from being a hand model because the makeup used to cover it could be picked up by the camera. Also, make sure your nails are nicely shaped and uniform. Your fingers need to be nice and uniform as well. If you have a slightly crooked finger, you won't get a shot at being a hand model. Also, a very important feature to have is a nice thumb. Thumbs are focused in on more often than not because it's the first thing that shows up if you are holding a product.
Step 2
Take pictures of your hands and create a portfolio. Instead of taking head shots, you'll be taking hand shots. Look through magazines, books and television ads that feature hands similar to your hands. Use similar props or grab some of your own like a coffee cup or jar, toothpaste, mouthwash or detergent, and pose in the similar fashion as the various ads. Have a friend take Polaroid or digital pictures of your hands in various poses and lights.
Step 3
Find a modeling agency. According to some experts (see Resources below), finding the right hand modeling agency is much like finding the right modeling agency. Just find an agency near you that is reputable and has a good track record. Many modeling agencies do not have a separate department for hand models. Once you've found a few agencies that look attractive to you, call and make an appointment with each one to show them your portfolio. If they do not have any openings, ask when they may have an opening or when a convenient time is for you to contact them again.
Step 4
Go to your interview. Even though you are selling your hands, you should still dress appropriately and attractively. You may be sent out to businesses and you will be judged on your entire appearance, not just your hands. Dress simply, like slacks and a top or a skirt and blouse, but don't overdo it by showing up in jeans and a T-shirt, either. Show them your portfolio and do your best to impress them with your charm and beautiful hand shots.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : When calling modeling agencies, make sure you tell them that although your pictures are not professionally taken, they mimic current ads.
Try taking pictures of poses that show your imagination and creative side.
Resources
