SUPPLIES
Overview
Thousands of girls, women, men and kids seek to become models every year. Unfortunately, only a very small percentage succeed and go on to model for a living. If you live in the Virginia area, it is even more of a challenge to become a model because Virginia is not full of large-scale modeling agencies as is the case in huge cities like New York, Miami and Los Angeles. If you want to become a model in Virginia, you may have to start off small (with free work and the like) and work your way up.
Step 1
Contact every modeling agency in your state with a photo, your stats (height, weight, age, chest, hips, waist, and eye and hair color) and a letter stating that you are interested in being represented. You can also go into the agency to get information if it allows walk-ins. You should never have to pay a modeling agent in order to be represented--a reputable modeling agency will sign you on and pay all of your expenses if the agency believes that you are marketable.
Step 2
Consider attending a modeling school very early in your career to get training on how to walk and pose. You will also get suggestions on what you need to do to become attractive to modeling agencies. They will help with your portfolio. All of this is for a fee, of course, so you really want to be sure that you pick a reputable modeling school that is well connected and upfront with you about your potential.
Step 3
Take free modeling jobs that come up in your local town. Major department stores in Virginia, like JCPenney and Macy's, sometimes have small fashion shows in their local stores to showcase new clothing.
Step 4
Contact a reputable photographer in Virginia with your best photos. Photographers might pay you to take photos of you for sale on stock photo sites, such as Dreamstime (see Resources below). They may also just offer you free images to use to build up your modeling portfolio.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : Consider a temporary move to New York to look for modeling work since it is fairly close to Virginia. New York is the model capital of the world.
Be realistic about your modeling goals. Listen to and digest feedback from all sources about your potential to become a model.
- WARNING : Avoid large public modeling "calls" at hotels and event centers that are advertised on radio stations and television. These are usually full of scammers who are looking to fool eager modeling wannabes into giving up thousands of dollars in hopes of becoming a model. They say that they will put you in front of agents and other industry connections, but really they cannot guarantee anyone that they will get modeling work from their efforts.
When visiting a photographer, do not allow him to compromise your morals in any way. Bring your parent or another close loved one along with you to the shoot for advice and guidance. If you are asked to take off your clothes, leave immediately.
Craigslist sometimes has listings that would be of interest to local Virginia models, but you need to be very aware of the numerous scams. Don't ever agree to meet someone in his home or apartment unless you have verified the photographer or contact as reputable and legitimate. There are many online scammers who prey on young girls who are desperate to become models. Always bring someone along with you to modeling casting calls.
Resources
