Category Archives: Talent

How to get your child into modeling

How to get your child into modeling

December 05, 2019 by Admin Team Talent , , , ,

I know, you are probably wondering if you are a bit biased on thinking that your child, your niece, etc. has the potential to be the next Gap or Carter’s baby model.

Your phone is filled with a thousand pictures of their cute smile – and that’s just what you captured in the last week.

But considering that strangers in the grocery store and on your Instagram page are also cooing over how cute your little one is, you are starting to really consider the idea of your child or little family member becoming a model.

I am sure that you are completely lost on the process, hence the google search, so, let me break down a few key areas of the baby/child modeling industry for you.

DOES MY CHILD HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A MODEL?

In order to have your child get the attention of an agency, these are some of the basic qualities agencies look for when it comes to child modeling:

1) Does your baby/child have a look that is not the typical – the look that constantly get’s compliments from strangers?

  • Do they turn heads due to their big bright eyes?
  • Do they have the fullest curly, or cutest straight hair?
  • Do they instantly light up the room with the biggest smile?

2) Does your baby/child have the personality to be a model?

  • As a baby – are they often fussy or are they pretty calm and happy? Do they allow strangers to pick them or do they usually avoid this at all cost?
  • Is your child a little ham and full of personality? Are they good at making all different types of faces?
  • Do they tend to be camera shy or are they always trying to photo bomb a moment?

If you are a bit lost on determining if you child has the “right” look, feel free to contact me for further guidance on this.

If you feel that your little one’s looks and temperment/personality are well suited for modeling, the next step would be to find modeling agencies suited for your little one.

Not all modeling agencies represent babies or children, so it’s important to not waste your time submitting to agencies that are not suited for the age of your child.

While this is not a complete list of all the great child modeling agencies, below is a starter list of agencies that you can research.

Even if one of these agencies is not in your local market, it would behoove you to still peruse their website and browse through their catalog of models. This will give you an idea of the age ranges that they accept and the photos will be a clear indication of the types of looks that they tend to sign.

Keep in mind that some child modeling agencies do not allow the public access to their library of child images for the safety of the children that they represent.

However, the majority of the more well known, reputable child modeling agencies now have Instagram pages in which they post updates of their models.

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR CHILD TO A MODELING AGENCY:

While each agency may have their own requirement on how to contact them, here is a general outline.

  1. Visit the agency website and look for the “contact us” or similar “submission” tab. Read the overview of what they are looking for. If you feel your child qualifies, then proceed to contacting the agency.
  2. In most cases, the agency will have you submit the images directly through their website but sometimes they will direct you to which email address to use. Be sure to follow their submission directions as requested.
  3. Agencies will require simple “Digital” or “Polaroid” images of your baby/child. These are basic shots taken on your cell phone.
  4. Capture your little one in natural light. It is also best to capture them in an environment that is not super distracting. Avoid putting big hair bows on your child or dressing them up fancy. A simple, everyday solid or neutral color outfit works just fine. * Note that it can take some agencies up to 6 weeks to respond. Do not call the agency to find out if they received your submission. They typically directly contact those whom they wish to speak to further.

By now, I hope that you have a better idea of how to go about getting your child into the modeling industry. The process is generally the same for most agencies but some will vary.

Also, keep in mind that if an agency declines to work with your child, it is possible that while your child may be “cute”, the agency may already have another little one with a similar look and hence why you may not get signed with said agency.

If things do not work out for your little one, you can alway try again in 6 months or a year — or just wait until they are much older.

Overall, allow your child to be a child. Modeling should never feel like a forced activity so be mindful of how your child reacts to having to go to castings or model bookings.

If you wish to speak with me further on getting more in-depth coaching about the modeling industry, I would love to be your modeling coach. I coach aspiring models and their parents of all ages.

Details on my coaching can be found here. My in-depth coaching covers:

  1. The ins and outs of avoiding agency scams
  2. Developing your child’s modeling portfolio
  3. How to read modeling contracts
  4. Knowing which agency is best suited for your child
  5. Self-care/self-esteem tips for raising a child model etc. etc.

Peace & love,

Kamla-Kay @KAMLAKAY

How do Develop a Strong Modeling Portfolio

How do Develop a Strong Modeling Portfolio

December 05, 2019 by Admin Team Talent , , , , , , ,

The moment that you begin to develop strong images in your modeling portfolio is the moment when clients have an increased awareness of your ability to kick butt on set and capture images that sell their brand.

When a client has the desire to work with you, that is your opportunity to start making money as a model.

But do you need images to actually get started as a model with an agency?

First and foremost, when you are starting out as a model, especially if under the age of 25, agencies will not always require that you have a professional portfolio when you first begin your career.

In fact, when submitting to modeling agencies, many will 1st ask to see your digital or polaroid images before ever asking you if you have professional images.

Check out my other blog article on the overview of digitals/polaroids and how to capture them for agency submissions if you are unsure.

Now, in specifically speaking of developing a strong professional modeling portfolio, there are 2 key topics to pay attention to.

Quality images over high quantity

Do you remember being in school and the teacher told you that you had to write a 3, 5…or like when I was in college, a 50 page paper?

As a result of having what was considered too many pages to write, at some point you may have started to write “fluff” and over analyze, over describe each section just to have enough content to fill the pages.

Well, when it comes to your modeling portfolio, there is no need to “stuff” your portfolio with a million images just for the sake of looking as though you have a well established book.

By the way, a “book” in modeling is synonymous to saying your modeling “portfolio”.

Agencies would much prefer that you have 10 amazing, well-styled, high quality images than 20-30 mediocre images.

How to get quality modeling images

The 1st place to begin is to research the agencies that are of interest to you.

Keep in mind that if you are a commercial model, the agencies that will be best suited for your look are very different than the agencies who focus on working with fashion models.

If you are not 100% certain of the niche that an agency would consider you to fall under or not sure which agencies are reputable, before you go any further, check out my how to become a model article for a quick overview on this topic.

HINT: most people who want to be fashion models or runway models are not best suited for a fashion agency.

Once you have determined the best agencies for your look, begin to visit the agency websites and take screenshots of the images of models who have a similar look to you.

Then head over to the agency’s social media pages and repeat this process.

You will notice that many of the agencies tag the photographer who shot the images.

If their name is listed, bingo!

You will want to begin reaching out to these photographers by visiting their website and filling out their contact sheet or emailing them directly.

Ask them to provide you with their TEST SHOOT* rate and send them samples of the images that you screenshot to let them know what ideas you had in mind for your portfolio.

*A test shoot is a shoot that models do to gather quality images for their portfolio.

By contacting photographers who are already directly working with agency models, you increase your chances of also getting images that are of quality to meet agency standards.

Be mindful however, that part of getting quality images is how well you pose.

While a photographer can give you some direction on your angles while you are shooting, 80% of the posing skills will be up to the model to be able to move effortlessly.

If you need help with your posing skills, watch this YouTube posing tutorial that I created.

Keep it simple

You may have seen the editorial shoots with the models wearing purple eyeshadows that have the effect of looking wet as they posed in very contorted angles.

They are in an amazing studio set or outdoor location and you wish to emulate or recreate the same look.

However, here is a word of caution.

When you are 1st developing your modeling portfolio, agencies prefer that models keep their test shoots fairly simple.

Make-up should be natural and clothing should be stylish (always hire a professional make-up and wardrobe stylist) but be sure that wardrobe is not over the top.

Nice denim jeans and a white top can be an easy place to start and then build your book from there based on your look being commercial or fashion.

To recap

1) Reminder that it is not always required to have a professional portfolio PRIOR to getting signed.

Each agency will have their set preferences on this and you can find this information out on their website or by contacting them.

2) It is not necessary to have dozens of images in your portfolio when you FIRST start out. Begin by capturing quality images and naturally your portfolio will expand with time.

3) Find quality photographers that agency models have previously worked with by visiting the social media pages of the agency and seeing which names are tagged.

4) Keep your images clean and fresh. Avoid attempting to over style or over pose.

Hope that these tips that all professional models use will be helpful as you begin your modeling career and begin the journey of developing a portfolio.

As always, if you have any questions, feel free to contact me directly on my site or on my social media pages.

Peace & Love, Kamla-Kay

Be sure to follow Kamla-Kay on social media @KAMLAKAY & @PRIMEANGLES

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of Slate Model and Talent or it’s management.

How to Become a Model

How to Become a Model

December 05, 2019 by Admin Team Talent , , , , , , ,

Becoming a model can seem like a rather difficult task at times.

The internet can have you going in circles trying to figure out which modeling agencies are reputable and whether or not you are too short or too curvy to get signed.

As an agency signed model and a modeling coach to aspiring models, not a week goes by where I do not have inbox messages or wall posts on my social media pages from someone asking how they can be a Victoria’s Secret Model, how they can get modelings jobs or tips on how to find child modeling agencies for their little one.

Model and guest writer Kamla-KayOverall, the process to these answers and how to get signed to a modeling agency is often the same for everyone.

Words that paint a picture of pain, struggle and discouragement flood my inbox from aspiring models who feel utterly lost at how to gain the attention of an agency or how to even book jobs as a freelance model.

Life stories of how they were scammed, wasted money doing photo shoots that got them nowhere closer to their dream or simply just having no idea of where to start are all common themes among the outreach for my help.

So with that, I wanted to share a few quick tips.

What are the various or main types/categories of modeling?

FASHION MODELS

· Runway Model

· Fashion/Editorial Print model

· Catalogue Model

COMMERCIAL MODELS

· Commercial/Lifestyle Model

· Fitness Model (think workout ads)

· Parts Model (hands, feet, legs model)

Most people think of models as the girls/guys who walk the runways of the major fashion weeks but there are so many other types of modeling.

As you can see, there are more opportunities for individuals to find their niche based on look, height and body type.

How do I find reputable agencies?

First and foremost, visit the website model.com to see a list of some of the most respected and reputable modeling agencies in the world. While all reputable agents are not listed, this is a good starting point.

This site also gives you a wealth of information relative to the modeling industry in addition to tips on being a successful model. You can also network on this site with casting directors, stylists, make-up artists, photographers etc.

When reaching out to anyone, always remain professional and never be too pushy.

If you need more guidance on making sure you select the agency that will be your best option for booking paid modeling jobs, feel free to check out more details about my model coaching class.

How do I go about getting signed by an agency?

So you ask, “what are the actual steps that I can take to allow me to work towards my modeling goals?”

Attending an open call

The most common method of entry that leads to getting signed is by attending an agency’s open call.

Open call means that an agency has pre-selected day(s)/time(s) of the week or month in which they have an open door policy where any aspiring model can walk into their office and meet with an agent.

Please note that some agencies only represent one sex (male or female) so be sure to verify this information when deciding which open calls to attend.

In order to see when an agency has open calls, simply visit their website or call their office to gather this information.

Online Submissions

Aside from attending an open call, there is another course of action that you can take to try to get signed. Most agency websites have a tab along the lines of “submission” or “be discovered” in which you can submit your images for consideration.

If you are doing an online submission, the breakdown of required information is pretty standard. Some forms are very basic and others are more detailed.

Above are the 2 main methods to getting signed. Keep in mind that there will be specific requirements to body type, height, physical features etc. based on which specific agency or category you wish to work in and even based on your location.

Models will also need to take the proper digitals or polaroid images in order for an agency to consider their submission application.

Alright, my loves, I pray that this quick overview has given you a bit more clear insight into finding your way into the industry.

This is only a very small overview of what you need to know to successfully make it into the industry but this is a GREAT start.

More blog posts will be coming so be sure to subscribe to my site so that you get an email each time one goes live.

Looking forward to hearing from you with any of your questions and to educate you on how to go about trying to pursue your dream.

Leave a comment below and feel free to share thoughts on other blog posts you wish for me to create.

Ready to find a modeling agency in Miami or even a modeling agency in New York to explore city life with more opportunities, tips on avoiding agency scams etc?

If you wish to speed up the process of learning how to become an agency signed model that books paid jobs SPECIFIC TO YOUR LOOK, click here.

Peace & Love, Kamla-Kay

Be sure to follow Kamla-Kay on social media @KAMLAKAY & @PRIMEANGLES

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of Slate Model and Talent or it’s management.

Everything You Need to Know About Auditioning for a Commercial

Everything You Need to Know About Auditioning for a Commercial

November 13, 2019 by Admin Team Talent , , , , , , , ,

Everything You Need to Know About Auditioning for a Commercial

Everything You Need to Know About Auditioning for a Commercial

Have you ever auditioned for a commercial? If not, the thought of this can be somewhat intimidating. However, if you get the gig, the residuals (rewards) are great.

If you want the best chance possible to land a role in a commercial, use the tips and information found here.

Your Look Is Important

Approximately 70 percent of the entire audition is over before you say a word. While this may not seem fair, it’s the way it is. How you look plays a huge role in if you get the part in a commercial. When you are trying to tell a story in 30 seconds (or less) it’s important to establish the characters right away. If you don’t look like the intended character that the creative team has pictured, it won’t be possible for you to get the job (in most cases).

Consider How You Present Yourself

You also have to think about how you present yourself. How do you say your name? What does your voice sound like? What type of general attitude do you have? All this is going to tell the casting team a lot about you – long before you deliver a line.

Take some time to get to know the character you are auditioning for. By doing this, you can figure out how to present yourself, so you portray this character accordingly.

Only a Few People will Determine Your Fate for the Commercial Casting

When it comes to casting for a television commercial, there’s a small team of people in the room who are going to say if you get the job. The director is one, along with the creative team and ad agency.

During callbacks, it’s the director and the agency creatives who are going to decide who is selected. Those options are then presented to the creative director of the agency, who has veto power. After the creative director agrees, recommendations are given to the client. In some cases, there are several levels on the client’s side that must be gone through before the final casting decision is made.

You Can Make Yourself “Right” for the Role

Be sure that you read the casting spec before you go to the audition. Try to find clues in the write-up and make changes to your wardrobe and your performance based on this. If you get past the audition and get a callback, this is good news, and it is probably because you seemed “right” for the particular role.

Getting the Job

When you are auditioning for a role in a commercial, there are more than a few things that you need to consider. Be sure to keep the information here in mind to ensure that you have the best chance possible of getting the job.

You can also use the services of a professional agency to help you prepare for the audition. Just be sure they are reputable so that it will increase your odds of being hired.