EMPIRE WEST STUDIOS

Get It Right From The Start! "Start with you! You are the product and you can't go to market until the product is right, tried and tested and ready for sale...you could potentially save thousands and thousands of dollars by making sure you are "ready to go to market" before you even walk in the door of an agency...Nothing is worse than meeting someone who is unprepared..." ~ Marcia Rothschild Moellers, Model Agent and Author, "So, You Want To Be A Fashion Model?" Marcia's absolutely correct!

In today's competitive climate of model conventions, portfolio websites, over solicited model agencies and American Idol reality talent shows it is more important than ever to give yourself the winner's edge before ever approaching an agency or attending a convention for representation.

First do a self-assessment. Do I physically have what it takes: For men and women you must be in good, toned shape. For couture fashion models a starting point is 5'9" (barefoot), 125 pounds (size 2-6), clear skin and good bone structure. Petites 5'4" to 5'8". For female catalogue models it's sizes 4-8. For plus models it's size 10 and up but the model must be toned and in good shape! Men 5'10" to 6'4", jacket size 38 to 42. A talent need not worry about physical requirements except for the fact that a good look certainly helps. However, a talent must have proven professional level ability in the performing arts!

Secondly, have or develop an outgoing, intelligent and inquisitive personality. Be polite to all you meet and learn how to probe and converse with people.

Thirdly, have the best photographs made of you by an established photo studio that specializes in Model & Talent Photography. The photos should show closeups of your face and full lengths of your body in action not just standing still. We call this Performance Photography at Empire West Studios and that's all that we do. Combine your self-assessment with a portfolio that looks like it came right out of a fashion magazine and you'll be far ahead of the pack when you walk into that agency or convention. Their only question to you will be..."Wow...where have you been?!"

What is the Difference between Model & Talent Photography and Fashion Photography?

Model & Talent Photography is actually a sub-specialty of the Fashion & Beauty discipline in that all the same photographic techniques are used for both, however, the difference lies in the focus of attention and the end use.

When making fashion or beauty photographs the photographer is ultimately trying to sell clothes or beauty products for a client or to highlight new fashion designs in a magazine spread using professional models. Sometimes a client is after an overall mood using well known or controversial talent but most of the time the clothes come first to the point that, sometimes, the model's face is not even visible in the picture.

On the other hand, Model & Talent Photography is strictly focused on showing off the abilities of aspiring models or talent for the purpose of securing representation and work for them in the Fashion or Entertainment Industries. This approach requires, outfits or "looks" to be current, however not overstated or too trendy in order to shift the attention to the performance of the model or talent.

Model a& Talent photographs are packaged in a portfolio book for in-person presentations and a portfolio website for promotion to agents, clients and magazines via the Internet.

Fashion's Notorious Physical Requirements and How to Get Around Them!...

Fashion designers love tall, thin models simply because they make the clothes look great. A tall, thin gal can take yards of heavy fabric or a huge puffy balloon dress with incredible volume and turn it into this season's latest fantasy. Additionally, the tall runway girls actually come across as "larger than life" on the catwalk as the vast majority of women are so much smaller. Since the clothes are designed for their taller figures, these girls make the fashions "stand out" in person as well as look great for the camera...not at all bothered by the camera's extra ten pounds. The average haute couture (high fashion) model is 5' 9" tall and falls between a women's size 2-6, preferably size 4. Runway models tend to be slightly taller at 5' 10" +. A strong jawline and bone structure are impressive but great skin and social skills are mandatory.

However, if you don't quite fit these rigid physical requirements all is not lost. Commercial print modeling and acting are available for "real people" who fit a "type." The good looking type, the rugged type, the character type...get the idea? Physical height and size are not that critical.

However, great skin, grooming and social skills are musts! You should also be a "talent." Most commercial models need to be actors as agencies usually require that they do film and TV as well as print.

As a rule...whether you are a high fashion or commercial type it is a good idea to invest in quality acting lessons with a respected acting coach...Indeed, just about every fashion magazine today shows an actor not a model on its' cover and the opportunities for a seriously packaged talent with the best photographs and the best training have never been better.

Why is "Styling" so important to your Photo Shoot?...

Simply because the application of both Hair & Make-Up and the choice and the fitting of the clothes (Fashion Styling) used in your photo shoot create the fantasy or "The Look" that you as a model are trying to achieve in order to appeal to your target markets. The better the Hair & Make-Up and the Fashion Styling the more believable "The Look" is to the viewer.

However, each model has a professional range of looks that will suit her and some that do not. It is imperative that your photographer, make-up artist and stylist choose looks that are within your range and not too over-the-top, otherwise prospective clients and agents will not find your photographs impressive and will consider you an amateur.

Styling sessions are absolutely critical prior to any Fashion, Commercial, Model or Talent shoot!

PERFORMANCE PHOTOGRAPHY...

As a prospective model and/or talent, you must separate yourself from the crowd in order to secure representation and to book work and the first place to start is with a stunning portfolio of photographs. Your book will need...what I like to call...the WOW FACTOR! This is achieved primarily through a discipline called "Performance Photography" which is the exact opposite of posing like a statue. It is, in essence, a performance by the model or talent for the photographer.

It is non stop action which can be either slow or fast, on or off the floor or ground that makes for a spontaneous and electric non-contrived photo. Since few would-be or even professional models have been taught how to do this, it is really a breath of fresh air when industry pros see a portfolio of pictures that literally jump right off the page at them. This shows that you reeeeeally have talent and can work free and loose in a professional environment in front of cast and crew.

There are also different levels of Performance Photography. Anyone can lean on a tree, sit on a couch, skip down the sidewalk or jump over the net on the tennis court, but how many can be captured perfectly flying through the air, clothes and hair defying gravity, gorgeous make-up punctuated by a beautiful smile all on a piece of seamless studio paper about 9ft. wide in about a five foot working space? Not many...and veteran agents and clients realize this immediately when looking at your book. Performance Photography done on a piece of background paper in a studio setting is the ultimate test of a model and talent and, if "performed" correctly, will capture the attention every time over all other types of photography.

With a clientele ranging from New York to Los Angeles, Empire West Studios in Tempe, AZ is regarded as one of the best Model & Talent Photography studios in the nation. Contact us regarding outstanding MODEL & TALENT PHOTOGRAPHY for CHILDREN, TEENS and ADULTS. We provide you with the WOW FACTOR edge that will separate you from the pack, get you noticed and kick start your career in the Fashion and Entertainment Industries. 28 years Experience...12 Years in Tempe...Work is 100% guaranteed...Referrals Valleywide. Please visit our website, www.EmpireWestStudios.com, then call today at 480-303-9359 for your FREE consultation.

Why are Great Photos so important?

Simply because Great Photos are the keys that open the door for you! Usually they are the first thing decision makers see before calling you in for an interview or audition and they must have the ability to immediately separate you from the hundreds of other photos that they're sifting through. And, if your photos aren't impressive, you won't get called in and you won't have the opportunity to sell yourself with your talent or unique abilities.

At Empire West, we make sure that you have everything you need to achieve success!

Even if you're signed with an agency, you've got to continually market yourself!

Use your agency's logo on your zed cards and mailers along with a short cover letter and send them directly to clients the agency is marketing to as well as to clients who, you believe, would love your look.

"You've got to take your future in your own hands." Heidi Klum, Model...from Heidi Klum's Body of Knowledge

No matter what you've read or have been told, don't send in snapshots to prospective agents!

You may end your career before you even start. Marketing 101 dictates that you need to separate yourself from the snapshot pack to get real results...not just get lost in the shuffle. Even if you do get an agent with a snapshot you'll still need to spend up to a year or more "testing" with photographers who are just learning themselves and if you don't pull your book together in a timely manner the agency may lose interest and drop you.

The best approach, if you meet the physical and/or talent qualifications, is to get professional photos of yourself made in a candid and natural style from an accomplished Model & Talent Photography studio and then approach the agencies "client ready." You'll save yourself time, money and stress and have that WOW factor edge that will make the agents ask "Where've you been all this time!"

I'll just walk in and see if they like me!

Walking into an agency cold is similar to just sending in a snapshot in that the odds for success are definitely not in your favor and most likely this move will end your career attempt before you even get started. Sure, every agent has their success stories about the girl who just walked in the door and swept them off their feet but I can assure you this situation is few and far between. Let's look closer...

Let's say you're a 15 year old, brunette model type and walk into an agency without an appointment and without pictures. The receptionist sees you walk in and stops you in your tracks with "...sorry we're only looking for blondes." Or, "...the agent is not in now please leave a picture and we'll call you if we're interested. You say, "..but I don't have a picture to leave..." and then the receptionist responds curtly..."oh well, sorry," or some other dismissal rhetoric that they may come up with. In reality, the receptionist is not the decision maker but was told that the agent is not to be bothered because she is busy booking talent or swamped going through those dreadful snapshots. Of course no return calls are ever made to our model type simply because the right person didn't get the information. A potential career is dashed before it got started. Of course, this is rather simplistic but it gives you the idea. Now let's turn things around...

Our brunette model type has her portfolio shot at Empire West Studios (EWS). She is trained on how to make exciting, energy driven photographs and is also counseled on industry protocol with over 47 years of combined Empire West experience. We then produce and design her portfolio and prepare her magazine layout for the EmpireWestStudios.com website. Her magazine layout is then emailed by EWS to prospective agents. At the same time she sends a photo mailer to the same agents. Cross-marketing, so to speak. Once interest has been established, appointments are then arranged with the agents to see our talent. At this point, our young ingenue has proven that she can model better than most before she even walks through the door and she has an appointment to see the interested agents. She'll need to sell herself in person but her EWS portfolio will do most of the talking! Which way would you rather do it?

Only go into a prospective agent's office professionally prepared with a great portfolio and with an appointment if you really want results!

What is Testing?

If you are ever fortunate enough to actually send in a snapshot, have an agent call you up for an interview and sign you, guess what the first thing they're going to tell you is? "YOU NEED PICTURES!"

If you are the type of person that figures..."if they like me that much...they should pay for my pictures"...I highly recommend you keep your day job! This is your career...your business...the agents job is just to help you market and book yourself. It is the model's or talent's responsibility to get the best professional sales and marketing tools possible and when you're starting your career a great portfolio book and an impressive portfolio website should be considered serious investments.

Once you've signed with an agent, they're going to hand you a list with their "approved" testing photographers. "Testing photographers" are traditionally photographers who are just learning and starting out themselves and looking to build their own portfolios. The "approved" part means their photos are "usable" by the agency but the cost factor will still be in the hundreds of dollars for a session. The problem is that since these are new photographers you may be lucky to get one or two "usable" pictures out of a session...sometimes none. There are some generalist pros that shoot for agencies on the side for extra money, but they still don't specialize in Model & Talent Photography so there's no guarantee of outstanding work and the cost will be, most likely, higher.

Even after you've secured representation, you'll need to prove that you can do the job before a client will book you for serious money. You prove yourself by showing outstanding photographs in your portfolio and you'll need at least ten to fifteen great shots. With "testing" photographers, it could take you more than a year to put just a "usable" book together let alone a great book, with the cost factor now spiraling beyond your means. The other side of the coin is if you take too long putting an impressive book together, the agency itself will lose interest in working with you and eventually drop you. Getting an outstanding selection of photographs pulled together in a timely manner is of utmost importance if you're serious about a career as a model or talent.

At Empire West Studios with the completion of your portfolio book and magazine layouts, you will not only be ready to get an agent within weeks but you will be ready for client bookings...what we call "client ready"...and we have the success stories and references to back that up!

Is Your Child Right for TV/Film? Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

1. Is your child at least five years old?
2. Is your child (not you) motivated to be in the entertainment industry?
3. Does he or she have an outgoing personality?
4. Does he or she attract attention from strangers?
5. Do people mention to you that your child should be on TV or in films? Is your child friendly to people when you're not around?
6. Can your child take direction from another adult?
7. Can your child read and/or memorize lines?

If you've answered yes to these questions your child may very well be suited for a career in TV/Film. Give us a call at 480-303-9359 to find out more on how to get started.

Personality is a Plus! Let's Face it...all models LOOK GREAT!

That's the Beauty business. So how do you go about standing out above the competition? Simple...by making yourself the most pleasant as well as the most professional person in the business to work with...period!

No one in this business will put up with young models who think they're prima donnas or divas...self centered loud mouths that think of no one but themselves, show up late and are unprepared. Or shy types that always answer questions with a yes or a no and lack the curiosity or interest to ask cast, crew and clients sincere questions about themselves. If you're not the greatest people person, don't panic, you're not alone. Most people have difficulty communicating effectively in order to make others like them and being able to converse in a meaningful manner with people older and younger than yourself as well as your peers takes some practice.

Try starting by developing a sincere curiosity about what another person is doing or what makes that other person interesting to you. Then initiate a conversation by asking questions to find out the answers. Ask three questions about the same subject to this person and you've created a relationship. Three questions about the same subject is the magic number of course because it shows the other person that you're really interested in them and that you are sincere.

Then...BE A GOOD LISTENER...because they will probably do the rest of the talking for you. It's that simple! And , of course, make it your business to remember everyone's NAME and use it to draw them into a conversation! There is no sweeter sound to any person than the sound of their name. And by all means let your beauty shine...a great SMILE has opened many a door. Great social and interpersonal skills are absolutely critical to success in this business as are showing up on time and being prepared for the shoot.

Why do Agents want Model Hopefuls to start out so young?

Most young teen girls under 16 dream about being models and agents love to start girls at around 14 that they think show potential. The reason is not necessarily the amount of work available but mainly to gain valuable experience. The Fashion & Cosmetics Industry is highly focused on the group that buys the most products ...that is adults. The young teen market is very small compared to the adult market and clients are very wary about hiring girls that look too young in order to sell adult products. But Agents get very excited about the potential of young teen models and like to start them at 14 or 15 so that by the time they're 17 they've gained experience and are ready for their careers to begin taking off.

Parents should understand that their gorgeous 14 or 15 year old daughter will need to spend a few years being groomed until she is at least 17 before things really start to happen as many 17 year olds can photograph like their in their early twenties...the beginning of the young adult market. Of course the right girl can easily start in her early twenties especially if she's received the best photographs and training from a top Model & Talent Photography studio such as Empire West Studios. Getting the right photos and training in a timely manner is what it's all about. A young woman starting in her early twenties can be just as pulled together as the 14 year old that's been groomed for three years if she has the right photos and training right out of the gate.

Industry Tips Modeling Jobs/Talent Search

When considering a career in modeling or talent, you should be on the look out for companies that attempt to make money by cashing in on your dream. The Better Business Bureau warns prospective models, or parents who feel their child has this potential, about the following business practices.

Be wary of companies advertising that they are searching for models with "no experience necessary". In most cases, you will be asked to attend an interview and "screening" process. Upon completion of the interview, you may learn that there are many costs involved in the company's program, and they are not actually seeking to represent or hire people.

When considering becoming involved with a company, find out exactly what it is they are going to do for you. Is the company an agency, similar to an employment agency where they actually represent you and send you to jobs? Or is the company only offering specific services that you are asked to pay for, such as inclusion of your picture in a directory to be distributed to agencies; attendance at a convention where you may meet representatives of agencies; portfolios done by the company's own photographer; classes in acting, makeup,clothing, etc.

Be sure you understand exactly what you are getting for your money if you decide to pay for the company's services. Read and understand the terms of any agreement before signing.

Teeth & Skin. Many young teen girls want to be models. However, many teens are hampered with braces and acne at this age. It is possible for a teen to model with braces but her booking options will be severely limited. It is much better to wait until her braces come off thus revealing the glowing smile that was once a mass of metal and plastic. Not only will she have beautiful teeth and smile to show the world but after a couple of years of holding back she'll be ready to unleash a new positive attitude as well as her beauty from within.

Healthy, beautiful skin is an absolute must for a model. A model's skin must especially be acne free. Sure Photoshop can work wonders in this department, but the fact of the matter is that clients usually make their final model selections for a booking in person. There are simply too many models with great skin for the client to book a model with acne and great skin is a perfect canvas for the make-up artist as well. A model should analyze her diet first. She should make sure she takes a good Health-Food Store multi-vitamin daily as these take longer to absorb in the body. She should stay away fried foods and dairy as these two foods are the main culprits that models cite as causing acne breakouts and allergic skin reactions. She should always maintain a healthy well rounded diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.

When cleaning your face, experiment with facial cleansers that help your skin to look its best. Some work way better than others. Make sure you rinse your face thoroughly by splashing lukewarm water on it at least twenty times as a rule of thumb. Change your facial towel often so as not to rub the dirt and bacteria back into your pores after cleansing. Lightly exfoliate your skin. Dead skin cell can build up in your pores and cause irritation. Experiment with good over-the-counter acne remedies. Keep your hands off your face!!! They are loaded with dirt and grease that can be pushed back into your pores. Wear your hair away from your face at night and change your pillowcase often. Oils from your hair can get on your face and pillow while you sleep. If you smoke, tan and drink more than very moderately stop!!! These three activities literally suck the life and moisture right out of your skin and age you prematurely. In this business, acne problems range from a single pimple to daily or weekly breakouts. If you've tried the above and still have problems you should consider professional help with a recommended dermatologist. You can read more in Marcia Rothschild Moellers book "So, You Want to be a Fashion Model? found in our Portfolios & Marketing section.

You've Gotta Sell it!!!

Meaning you...not the photographer...have got to take responsibility for making your photographs believable to the viewer. A loose, spontaneous movement or expression that is being physically performed by you in a photograph is always believable to the viewer because it is really happening!. It is not fake, set up, posed or contrived...it is real. This is what we call "selling the photo." Let's face it, these days the average person is bombarded by hundreds of images on a daily basis. Most people can easily spot a fake, posed image that is contrived and lacks soul. But everyone can relate to a real expression or movement because everyone does it, has done it or can imagine themselves doing it at some point in their lives. The best way to achieve this is by first being confident in yourself. You can do or be anything that you want to do or be.

Next get totally into character. If it's a beauty or glamour shot...you've got to believe that you are the most beautiful, sexiest girl on the planet bar none! If it's an upbeat action shot...your glowing smile will light up the room and your full length action will fill the viewer with positive energy. In order to achieve this...do your homework. Ask the photographer prior to the shoot what kind of shots he or she is planning for the shoot and then practice close up expressions or full length movements at home that you think would work for the shoot.

Never stop in the middle of a movement...always complete it and follow through. If you've had dance or gymnastic training this should be easy for you. If not use your imagination or look through magazines for ideas and then practice, practice, practice until you can do these movements naturally...and within a four foot space for a full length shot. (That's usually all the space you'll have in a studio setting). Think of things that have happened to you that make you smile and use them in your shoot. Remember, your goal should not be to rely on the photographer to tell you what to do but to have him just shoot what you're doing.

We at Empire West Studios call this "Performance Photography." It separates the pros from the amateurs instantly and connects you to the viewer 100% of the time.

It's up to You!

If you knew exactly what your options were and the type of role you could play in the fashion and entertainment industries...then packaged yourself with the necessary tools and skills (the best photographs and training) and, finally, found out who to contact...success would only be limited by the extent of your motivation to market yourself. At Empire West Studios we have everything you need to achieve success...but the motivation to succeed is up to you.

Red Flag Alert! Legitimate model agencies never advertise for models or talent in the classifieds and they never take a fee for photography or require you to use their photographer.

Appearance. Models should keep their appearance as natural looking as possible to appeal to the widest range of clientele…a blank canvas upon which artists can create. Any alteration of a models appearance should be discussed with the models agent beforehand.

Minimize your risk!

By packaging yourself with the best professional Model & Talent Photography and professional training if you’re a talent… prior to approaching model agencies for representation… you minimize your risk of rejection and maximize your chances for success. Never send in snapshots or stop in unprepared without an appointment! The numbers are legion of those qualified model and talent hopefuls who just sent in snapshots and never made it past the agency’s trash cans.

“Does An Actor only need a good Headshot!”

Like every other actor under the sun you’d better have a good one just to be in the game but the first rule of Marketing 101 states that…If you follow the pack chances are you’ll stay in the pack. The bottom line is that just like in any business you need to stand out from the competition to be a success! That means you need extra ammo of the spectacular kind in order to impress casting directors, talent agents and clients.