Just like any business, education is the key to becoming more successful. And so it is that an informed model, is a better model. Think smart AND pretty! It is so easy to do your homework online and research the top players in the business today ... search for the iconic supermodels of the past, and even movies stars that influence the industry. Often a photographer, editor, designer, or advertising clients will have references that give a creative direction to a project.
Hypothetical situation: you arrive on set to shoot for a major international fashion magazine with a superstar photographer and editor, and the theme of the shoot references the movie “Roman Holiday” staring Audrey Hepburn, and you don’t know who these people are and have never even heard of that movie, then you will be lost on set and not be able to fall into the “story” or bring some imagination to the shoot – talk about a missed opportunity! Your booker will give you as much info ahead of time as they can, and it is up to you to do your homework online and arrive with more than a clue about the project. And if you haven’t been given any prior info, then by all means ask! It shows you are interested and invested in working with the team to create the best campaign they are creating.
Check in often with sites like www.vogue.com where you can view the latest designer collections. Follow all the top photographers, international editions of fashion magazines, and models on Instagram; Look up these same magazine’s fashion editorials online through Google, and stay on top of the business.
So, if someone says “we are shooting jeans and channeling Kate Moss and Markie Mark in the 90’s Calvin Klein ads, you will know to what they are referring, and be ready to participate in the project!
Starter Reference list:
Top Photographers:
Patrick Demarchelier, David Sims, Nick Knight, Mario Testino, Inez and Vinoodh, Arthur Elgort, Cass Bird, Ellen Von Unwerth, David Bellemere, and Hans Feuer, to name a few.Magazines:
Vogue Magazine and its various international editions, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Numero, The Face, Porter, Bon, Frenchie, Teen Vogue, Marie Claire, Jalouse, Nylon, W, and the list goes on.
Super models to know:
Kate Moss, Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell, Gisele Bundchen, Claudia Schiffer, Natalia Vodianova, Linda Evangelista, Chanel Iman, and so many more.
Everyone loves a model who arrives and is prepared, and that means having a good understanding of the industry and knowledge of the key players. If you are passionate about modeling, then do your homework and educate yourself – it will really help your career!
Photo Credits:
Vogue China, February 2015
Model: Lara Stone (IMG)
Photographer: Mario Testino (artpartner) internation
Styling: Tonne Goodman
Hair: Christiaan
Makeup: Yadim (artpartner)
