Modeling Types and Success Factors

Requirements for today’s model

  •  Physical requirements

Different agencies have varying standards that can change with each season depending upon the client’s requirements. In general, high fashion models are tall, thin, young and beautiful. Average is 5’8 to 6 but there is exception to 5’5 to 6’1. Their maximum waist and hip measurement is 25 and 36.

  •  Mental requirements

Mentally strong to endure tough conditions.

  • Health requirements

The models should take care of their bodies & maintaining the health. They should sleep well before the day of shoot and intake healthy food, drinks. They should avoid using drugs.

  • Intangible factors

It doesn’t matter how you look in real. It only matters how you look through the eyes of camera lens. Being Photogenic is more important in modeling field. They should have quality to change their looks for different circumstances. Patience is most important and should be never tired of waiting. Models should be graceful, inhibited, open minded and confident.

Modeling Types


It is significant for a forthcoming model to understand two ineluctable facts. First the requirements of the market determine what models are wanted and second, the prospective model should recognize the type of model that they want to become. There are three types of Modeling 1) Fashion modeling 2) Bodypart Modeling 3) Commercial Modeling 4) Glamour Modeling.

Types of Fashion Modeling

  • Fashion Editorial

Vogue, Elle, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, etc.., and other fashion magazines that focus on fashion have editorial pages they must fill each month. Editorial pages feature models wearing what the magazine thinks will be the next trend in Fashion.

  • Fashion Runway

Designers showcase their collections to a gathering of buyers by sending models down a runway.

  • Fashion Catalog

There are a set of fashion catalogs produced. These catalogs, whether business-to-business, store, or direct promotion, require models to pose in the attire they are trying to put up for sale. Catalog modeling usually pays well because of the quantity of photos that must be taken.

  • Fashion Print

This is fashion and beauty for print promotion. This is the most challenging work to get but pays the best because of usage and exclusives. The model should work perfectly to convey the ‘image’ that is wanted.

  •  Fashion Show Room

This is the Modeling for buyers in the designer’s show room.

  • Fashion Lingerie

This type of modeling may be more revealing it requires very good body tone and size. The pay given for Fashion Lingerie modeling is usually high when compared to other modeling type.

  • Fashion Bathing Suit

Again, more revealing requires admirable body tone and a healthy look.

  • Fashion Fitness

Fitness, health, and outdoors lifestyle magazines that are on the newsstands and have a fast budding grouping for modeling.

  • Fashion Fit

Fit models have the perfect proportions for a given garments size. Garment manufactures and designers hire fit models to use to piece together new creations, see how they move, and develop their patterns. The key for a fit model is to never gain or lose weight.

  • Fashion Tea Room

This type of model was very fashionable in the 1980’s. It still exists today. Models walk between tables in bars/restaurants wearing designer clothes from local fashion boutiques. The models explain the outfit they are wearing and where to get it.

Body Part Modeling

This is the use of just part of the body in a photograph. Body part models will specialize in just one part of the body like hands, feet, legs, ears, or neck.

Types of Commercial Modeling

Commercial modeling is class of the catch all for the whole thing that isn’t fashion and isn’t glamour. It is huge and varied. The physical requirements can diverge significantly. The ‘look’ can be mom, business executive, scientist, glamorous beauty, etc. The pay can be good but not to the altitude of the fashion model.

 

  • Commercial Product

The model is used to show how the product is used and a photo is created to sell the merchandise. The model may be used to express a picture about a product.

  • Commercial Lifestyle

Models are used in photos showing a moment of life to advertise a business or idea rather than a physical product. The models are used to act out some concept or idea of life. Depending upon the concept the requirement of models varies.

  • Product Demonstration & trade shows

The idea is that stores or trade show exhibitors want someone good-looking that people will be drawn to. When you are starting out this pays good than any regular job and it can build your confidence around people.
Glamour Modeling

Glamour modeling is modeling for photos with a sexual theme. It includes club wear, swimwear and lingerie as well as nudity – implied or actual, top or full.

Characteristics of successful modeling

  • Appearance: Both look and talent have one thing in general; they are mainly God-given.
  • Personality: Warm and outgoing personality can create or break a career.
  • Intelligence: show up on time, be prepared, and get along with your employers.
  • Family Support: Your family should be care enough to understand the business with you. If you are a teen, parent or guardian should travel with you to out-of-town interviews and jobs.
  • Desire: Determination to keep trying and never give up unless you make it.

“The secret to modeling is not being perfect. What one needs is a face that people can identify in a second. You have to be given what’s needed by nature, and what’s needed is to bring something new.”
― Karl Lagerfeld

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