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Types of Modeling

Fashion Modeling

The clothing and Beauty product industries hire many models. These products are much easier to promote when the right people are using them Your designer-label clothing usually calls for the "ideal woman." This is someone who is tall and slender, somewhat leggy, with a swan like neck and usually younger. In major markets this is someone who is 5'9" to 6' tall and from a size 8 to a size 0 depending on the clothing and styles.  Male models are usually at least 6 foot tall and a 40 regular. In smaller markets you can still have modeling opportunities even if you do not have the “ideal” measurements. It is more important you just have a look of being tall and slender and that the products fit your look.  That "look" can run from classic beauty to some trendy extremes.
If you are going to work in front of the camera you need to be photogenic.  Your early photo sessions will tell you if you have what is needed in this area. The photogenic face is usually oval and symmetrical. Your cheekbones should be strong and nose straight and proportioned.

Types of Fashion Modeling:

FASHION RUNWAY MODELING - Clothing designers traditionally show their new collections twice a year (Fall and Spring) to wholesale buyers. How well a model makes the clothes look will determine how well they sell. Designers want models who fit the intent of their design and who have the physical attributes and personality traits that accent their clothing designs.

FASHION CATALOG MODELING - There are a lot of clothing catalogs produced in print and online. Catalog models are often picked for a project because they represent the ideal of the target market segment. Often times this is the classic beauty - tall, slender, healthy, and beautiful. The marketing goal is something called transference.  In other words the model needs to help people believe that they will look as good in the clothing as the model.
 
FASHION EDITORIAL MODELING - Many magazines today focus on fashion and have editorial pages.  Editorial pages often feature models wearing what the magazine thinks will be the next trend in fashion. Editorial work does not pay as well as other types of high fashion modeling but it is great for building a model's reputation and experience.

FASHION PRINT MODELING - This is demanding work and it pays well. These ads can make or break a designer's visual reputation. With these ads it is very important that the concept, photo, and model work perfectly to convey the 'image' that is wanted.
LINGERIE, FITNESS AND SWIMSUIT MODELING - This type of modeling requires a great body and personality.  Self confidence is important as well as the ability to project a strong personality.

Where you live will play an important role in your chances.  However, even if you are not in a major market do not be dis-heartened.  There are many opportunities in smaller markets.

 
Body Part Modeling
Body part modeling is a special category that belongs in several types of modeling. Both fashion and commercial jobs will use body part modeling.   Body part models can be hand, ear, eye, or any body part.  For hand models long slender graceful hand and fingers are a plus.  However, it all depends upon the job. The ability to pose the hand in a relaxed graceful fashion is very important.
 
Commercial Modeling
Commercial modeling generally considered a catch all for assignments that do not fit the other categories.  What is needed by the agency or photography can vary widely. The 'look' can be mom, business executive, gruff old person, glamorous beauty, etc.
Some Sub-Categories of Commercial Modeling are:

• PRODUCT MODELING - Generally a photo to sell a product. The needs will vary based upon the goal and the product. 
  
• LIFESTYLE MODELING - Models are used in photos showing a common life point in time or activity. This can be an older couple or a young couple playing with their children. The physical requirements, age, size, etc. can vary greatly. But most often they use the "beautiful people" in these photos rather then real folks off the street.
  
• CORPORATE MODELING - Corporate modeling is like Lifestyle with a business theme.
  
• PRODUCT DEMO - This seems to be a favorite area to start models and help them build confidence as their skills grow.
  
• TRADE SHOW MODELING - Attractive people are attention getters. Trade shows often hire models to hand out literature.
  
• SPORTS/ATHETICALLY PROFICIENT/FITNESS - This has been a growing area in modeling. Americans are becoming more health conscious.
  
• ALTERNATIVE MODELING - This term has been coined for the whole gothic/punk and non-mainstream modeling needs.
  
• WARM BODIES - This is where you just need someone to put in a photo to add realism.

Glamour Modeling: Glamour modeling is modeling for photos with a sexual or mature theme.  Some call this body modeling (like you have a hot body). The term glamour conjures up everything from hot car calendars to adult images.  When looking at a shoot for glamour modeling you will want to ask questions to make sure that the final product is something that fits your comfort level and career goals.  The height and size requirements are not as stringent and personality and the ability to project your personality may help overcome other weaknesses. Where fashion modeling wants you to look like a beanstalk, glamour modeling wants you to have curves.  Where fashion may want a 'special beauty look', glamour modeling wants traditional drop dead gorgeous.