Get some good snapshots

To present yourself to agencies you need at least two snapshots—one headshot clearly showing your face, teeth, and hair and one full-length shot that shows your shape and legs. If you feel comfortable, show your legs and arms. Remember, you are selling yourself to the agency. Make sure your pictures reflect what they want to see.

Naturally, an agent is going to want to know the color and texture of your skin. They can tell by looking at a snapshot what you will look like after the hours of hair and make-up therefore, keep it simple for your pictures. Wear your hair down and your make-up in a light style or none at all. They want to see your skin and bone structure, not your great make-up job.

Now that they have seen your face they are going to want to see the rest of you and that calls for form fitting clothing. Nothing skin tight, too revealing, or TRASHY! If you look like a call girl, you will be passed over. They want to see your shape and proportions. Keep your clothing classic, but fashionable. Avoid anything too trendy. If you don't feel confident in what you are wearing, it will show. Wearing all black will make you look like you are trying to hide something, so mix it up a bit.

Please be sure your snapshots are clear, in focus, and in color. If the wind is blowing the hair across your face, you have your dog Bo-Bo smashed up against your cheek, you have printed out a Web Cam shot, are in costume, or are surrounded by friends, an agent is NOT going to know what you look like. Look at your photos objectively and determine if they really represent you.

Do you need professional shots? The simple answer: no, not until you are signed. However, some aspiring models like to get as much camera time as possible before entering the real world of modeling. It really is your call, but just remember that photos you think are fabulous might not be what agents want to see. You really should avoid photography studios like Glamour Shots for submitting to agencies. Generally, this type of photography is so altered that it won't give agencies a good idea of what you look like.

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