> Do I really need a portfolio, what will it cost and who should pay for it?
Your portfolio is the best marketing tool that you have, and the responsibility to put it together is in the hands of the model. Whether you are working with a modelling agency or working freelance you will need photos - photos for your comp card, portfolio, and web presence. The good news is, that there are many opportunities to get in on a "test shoot". This is when a photographer wants to try out a new creative idea: test some new equipment or film; wants to build the photographer's portfolio; or just wants to practice and figure out how to take pictures, he sets up a photo session. The photographer does not want to pay for a model and the model does not want to pay for a photographer, so by trading services you each get images for your portfolio and gain experience. You will also be expected to pay for your own travel expences. These are also refered to as "Time for Prints" (TFP) shoot. As a subscriber you can check the photographers in our database to see who are currently doing tfp shoots. This is the most cost effective way for you to build your portfolio but have your portfolio made in the style/type of modelling that you want to do. If you do want to get better quality photographs, find a photographer who tests for agencies such as those you wish to approach, rather than your local high street wedding and portrait photographer or a hobby photographer who offers TFP to an ongoing stream of aspiring models of pay to have it made.

The cost of making a portfolio varies throughout the UK. If you decide to hire a photographer to make your portfolio, in London you may have to pay up to £600 for twenty to thirty photos, or £30 per photo printed and £100 for the actual shoot/photographers time. Outside London you could pay £50 for the photographers time and £15 per print.

> How can I gain experience if I have never worked as a model before?
Like any job you want to do, practice is very important to improve your abilities in front of the camera. The experience in front of the camera is how you truly learn to be a model. During your first few photo shoots you may be just trying to get comfortable in front of the camera. As you do more shoots you will pickup how to move, how to work in the light, how to hit your mark, and the routine of a studio. After you have 30 to 50 shoots you will have a handle on working in front of a camera. Getting into "test shoots" as mentioned above is one way to gain experience. You should also agree before the shoot that you will receive a copy of the prints. Photographers will never part with the originals so don't even ask. You should also decide early on what sort of modelling you want to do.

> What are the different types of modelling?
The various modelling categories are:

FASHION/CATWALK(RUNWAY)/PHOTOGRAPHIC:
The normal minimum height requirement is 5' 9" and dress size 6 to 8 and sometimes 10. Photo shoots could be formal or casual clothes, swimwear or underwear or shoes, or any of the categories below.

HAIR/FACE/HAND:
In theory you can be any size or shape so long as you have the "look" for a particular assignment. Good hair and hands are essential. Photo shoots could be of hair styles, make up, jewellery or nails.

GLAMOUR/TOPLESS/ARTISTIC/EROTIC:
Although you could be any height or size, this category is best suited to shorter models who have fuller and more curvaceous figures. It is more acceptable nowadays to not have breast implants and to be natural.

PROMOTIONAL:
Usually sales work at exhibitions, but you may be demonstrating make up application at Boots, or distributing leaflets.

All of the above could involve TV advertising, photo shoots for posters or magazines or test shooting for a photographer.

> What does a model agency do?
The model agency will give you advice on getting your book (portfolio) together, and, if you don't already have a couple of suitable test shots, may send you to a trusted photographer to get your first pictures done. You may have to pay for both the shoot and the prints in this case, or alternatively the agency may know of a photographer looking for new faces to test with for their own books, who will only charge you a nominal fee for your prints. Make sure you know whether you will be paying for the shoot before you go and if you have to pay for any prints made.

The main task of the agency is to market you to potential clients. They will make the booking, collect the fee and pay you less their commission (15% - 20% of assignment fee). You are generally not employed by the agency but working on a freelance basis. Subscribers can access further advice on the consequences (tax, PAYE etc.) of freelance work.

> Your First Photoshoot? - important tips
If you are about to start doing some modelling, here's how to make a success of your first test photoshoot:

NEVER GO ANYWHERE ALONE
A good agency or photographer will allow you to be accompanied by a member of your family or a friend. Some agencies may provide a chaperone.

Be on time
Leave plenty of time to get to the studio or location. If for any reason you have to cancel the session you should give as much notice as possible.

Be well groomed
This shouldn't need saying but whether you are paying for photos or whether someone is doing them for free, your hair, teeth and fingernails should look as good as they possibly can. Wear neutral or clear nail varnish. Don't wear too much makeup and don't put too much styling product on your hair.

Take your makeup and accessories
You will probably be doing your own makeup for your first photosessions, so don't forget to take it with you. Makeup should be light and natural for your first photos. If you have long hair, take clips and bobbles so you can pose with your hair up and down for variety.

Think about poses
Look through magazines to see what models actually do; if you see some poses you like, take those pages along to the photo-session. Try out some poses in front of the mirror at home in private.

Check your clothing
Check in advance that the clothes you will be wearing are clean and in good condition.

Don't wear personal jewellery
Take off your watch and any bracelets or chains; if you wear earrings wear just one small pair (not big “modelly” hoops).

Don't scowl at the camera
It's amazing how many pretty girls spoil their photos by scowling at the camera. On the other hand you don't have to wear a cheesy grin — you should strive for a pleasant, friendly, interested expression at first. Save the attitude for when you are more experienced.

Avoid strap-marks
If you are going to be modelling topless or with a low-cut backless top, don't wear a bra for a couple of hours before you go to the shoot. Bras mark your skin and these marks take ages to go away.

> What if the Photographer wants to manage me?
If you are offered the opportunity to be "managed" by a photographer, take a look at who else they are managing and how much success they are having. Most appear to be interested only in booking their models out to amateur photographers through their own studios in order to sell studio time. Photographers take photographs and agencies represent models, what more can I say. If you do decide to let your career be managed by a photographer we would highly recommend under no circumstances whatsoever sign an "exclusive contract".

> Jargon
Chaperone
Normally a model will bring a chaperone along to the shoot, to ensure that her interests are protected and she does not feel under undue pressure. Typically a member of the family or a friend. Sometimes the chaperone is a boyfriend, though these often prove distracting or get a little too involved in the shoot.

Model Release
A model release is a signed agreement through which a model gives the photographer the right to use the photographs taken. Model releases can vary dramtically in what they might or might not allow. So always check them carefully. Typically they are supplied by the photographer and depending on the circumstances a model may, or may not charge for signing one.

TFP - Time For Print.
This term is used to describe the common arrangement where a model and a photographer will work together without money changing hands. The benefit is that both the model and the photographer get to benefit from the results of the shoot in the form of photos / images for use in their portfolio. Like all forms of modelling, the exact nature of the deal needs to be negogiated and agreed before a shoot.

As photography moves more and more into the digital arena it is becomming more common for photographers to offer models digital copies of photos taken during a TFP shoot. Typically this means that the model will get a CD or DVD containing the entire set of photos from the shoot instead of receiving a few select prints of the better shots.

TFCD Time For CD.
This is the same as the digital version of TFP, but states clearly that the arrangement is for digital media rather than for any prints.