You may be surprised at how many people try their hand at modeling. I'm not trying to be rude or anything, but you have to wonder what some of them are thinking. When I was interested in that field of employment, I literally saw all sorts of people. It was actually rather confusing, considering there are general physical qualities you should possess if you want to be a fashion model. One that comes directly to mind is height. It didn't take long for me to learn that male models should generally be at least 5'11. Can they be 6'4"? Sure, but probably not 5'7". Get the picture. Regardless, I saw countless short men trying their hand at fashion modeling. It was bizarre. Anyway, when it comes to the modeling industry, you'll hear time and time again that a model portfolio is necessary. However, there is some elaborating that needs to be done on this notion.
When you think of a model portfolio, a vast array of photographs probably come to mind. A model or potential model striking all sorts of poses in different attire. Some of the photos are more on the sexy side and some are more full of life. The model attempts to express all aspects and diversity of their look via the picture spread. It can be more difficult than it sounds. Now, having said that, there is something every potential model should know about the model portfolio. When you're not with an agency yet, and you've not worked in the industry at all, you probably won't have a model portfolio of any sort. This is totally okay! No one expects you to. So should you run out and pay a few professional photographers to do shoots with you? Heck NO! So many aspiring models do this, and you don't need to. All you need is a few decent snap shots taken by a friend or acquaintance. Pull your hair up and leave the make-up OFF. Modeling agencies want to see the real you. Then take your snap shots with you to go-sees at different agencies when they offer them. If they are truly interested in you, they'll let you know by setting up a test shoot. That's how it works.
You should never be charged anything! If an agency is asking you for money for anything, it's bogus. Remember they hire you and pay you for your work, just like any other job. Would Burger King ask you for money at a job interview? NO!
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Black And White Picture
When I was growing up, I always thought that there was no points to a black and white picture. You see, I was a child of the Internet age. Newer, for me, was always better. Sure, in the past there was a time when a black and white print was the best that you could do. Black white photos were the cutting edge back then, so it made sense for them to be used. But nowadays, why would anyone bother. Color photography existed after all, so why use an outdated technology?
Looking back, my earlier reactions seem so naïve. I really knew nothing about art. I liked special effects in movies, I liked computer animation, but I didn't understand art. I didn't understand what a black-and-white picture offers that a color one never can. As a kid, I just didn't have the patience to look carefully. I was intoxicated by color. I was intoxicated by bright sounds and flashing images. I had to grow up a little bit to see the beauty of the black and white picture.
Nowadays, I developed my own photographs. I have at least one black and white poster on every wall. You see, in some ways color gives you a lot of information. It gives you a whole new dimension to explore. In other ways, however, color photography is a drawback. When using color, you can miss out on the richness and depth of light and shadow. In a black and white picture, you can see light and shadow clearly. It seems like a strange paradox, but there is actually a lot more depth to black and white pictures than to color ones. You can look at a flat photograph and still feel space. It really is incredible.
So many people never spend time in art galleries and never get to explore the beauty of images. They will have a few of their favorite images decorating the walls, but they will never open their eyes to all the beauty that is around them. For me, looking at a black and white picture is a way to do this. I'm always amazed at how it works. If you look at a scene through your eyes, you might only see ordinary everyday things. When it is captured in the right black and white picture, however, it becomes luminous. You see all of the beauty that you missed otherwise. I don't know how I failed to see it for so long!
Looking back, my earlier reactions seem so naïve. I really knew nothing about art. I liked special effects in movies, I liked computer animation, but I didn't understand art. I didn't understand what a black-and-white picture offers that a color one never can. As a kid, I just didn't have the patience to look carefully. I was intoxicated by color. I was intoxicated by bright sounds and flashing images. I had to grow up a little bit to see the beauty of the black and white picture.
Nowadays, I developed my own photographs. I have at least one black and white poster on every wall. You see, in some ways color gives you a lot of information. It gives you a whole new dimension to explore. In other ways, however, color photography is a drawback. When using color, you can miss out on the richness and depth of light and shadow. In a black and white picture, you can see light and shadow clearly. It seems like a strange paradox, but there is actually a lot more depth to black and white pictures than to color ones. You can look at a flat photograph and still feel space. It really is incredible.
So many people never spend time in art galleries and never get to explore the beauty of images. They will have a few of their favorite images decorating the walls, but they will never open their eyes to all the beauty that is around them. For me, looking at a black and white picture is a way to do this. I'm always amazed at how it works. If you look at a scene through your eyes, you might only see ordinary everyday things. When it is captured in the right black and white picture, however, it becomes luminous. You see all of the beauty that you missed otherwise. I don't know how I failed to see it for so long!
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