Do you find yourself staring at the images in glossy magazines like Vogue and Glamour in awe? When you enter a room do you turn heads and strut into the room like you are walking down your own personal catwalk? Do you have the “Look”? If you found that you have answered yes to any if not all of these questions, you may find that modeling is the rewarding career of your dreams in Washington D.C. and you will find that opportunity is just literally knocking in Washington D.C. for you if you have the passion for modeling.
In Washington D.C. you find that there is a flavor of modeling out there for everyone. There is so much to modeling that the many niches and specializations may not even cover it, however with much variety you can find the type of modeling that fits you. You just have to decide if you have the dedication needed and the drive to take the modeling path that works best for you and you have to understand going in that there is more skill needed than to just look beautiful or cute; just good looking in general.
All beginning models should already have some body awareness and know what their best features are so they can maximize their best assets already in Washington D.C. If you really are not sure about what your best features may be; inspect your face, no makeup and have your hair pulled back. You won’t see the same strict restrictions on beauty any more in the industry and a favor going to the more Eurocentric looking models. Beauty has evolved and the process that is used in scouting models has changed twice over; over the years in Washington D.C. Is your face unique or interesting in any way? Do you have full, robust lips? Naturally enticing eyes? These features amongst many others can be a huge advantage when people remember you as a model in Washington D.C.
It may seem like a strange thing to do, but make faces in the mirror. Try practicing things like over the top emoting, laughing and bending your own body into positions that still look comfortable and natural. It is also a good thing to start getting comfortable in heels or even other shoes that you don’t wear every day. There is always the possibility of being asked by a director in Washington D.C. to run, jump or even maybe skip in heels. You should learn how to move seamlessly with very little movement between photos rather than having a completely different pose in between snaps. The best way to think of this is like you are creating a stop-motion flip book and that the character you are playing should reflect the personality of the brand you are modeling for, this makes the photographer's job easier and will help them make great quality photos.
Two types of Modeling Portfolios in Washington D.C.
Do not hire a photographer until you have an understanding of angles and poses. Communicate with your photographer and ask them questions until you have a clear understanding of the process and how they intend on shooting your photos. To get your face out in Washington D.C. will take more than just a few selfies and party photos. You have to have a proper modeling portfolio to start off on the right foot as a model in Washington D.C. The idea of what makes a good modeling portfolio has been steadily evolving over the years and you should strive to make sure that your portfolio is up with the trends, professional and polished when you are presenting yourself for modeling work in Washington D.C.
Fortunately for aspiring models, there are many different types of modeling that one can get into. The first step in building your portfolio is to determine which specific type of modeling you prefer and are best suited for, as many of them have their own preferred model specifications. For example, a live model working at trade shows will have to look positive and approachable, aside from being physically attractive. Your photos should reflect the type of modeling you’re hoping to get into, whether it’s commercial modeling, fashion modeling, live modeling, catwalk/runway modeling, or even stock photo modeling. Specifying it early on will not only help you focus on marketing yourself for the part but will also make it easier for recruiters and agencies to place you in a particular category in Washington D.C.
There are two types of portfolios you’ll need to curate to help yourself get started as a model in Washington D.C. The first is a traditional, hard copy portfolio. This is like your resume but will still need to include an actual resume as well, listing your credentials and work experience. You’ll bring this with you to all in-person casting calls. It should feature your best 8 to 12 images, and be presented in a portfolio case with a brief catalog of your modeling experience.
The second is your online portfolio that will reach out further than Washington D.C. and will open up many more opportunities for you as you begin your modeling career. This technique is where you can really show the breadth of your experience and versatility. Building a strong portfolio can be a time-consuming process, but shows casting agents just what you bring to the table and what you can do for them. It should be ever-evolving as you gain more experience in Washington D.C.
