It’s About Location, Location, Location

It’s About Location, Location, Location

I have seen many model portfolios that were put together in probably one session. These people actually believe that stardom is in their midst. There are modeling agencies that lure models into their offices where in reality they are actually photography mills rather than representing models for actual advertising campaigns or have actual clients (i.e. corporations, advertising agencies, production companies, etc.). In other words, they make their money by having someone part of their staff take pictures essentially around the block from their office in one afternoon for the model’s portfolio and composite card for a sheer $800. Obviously, the more time and effort you put into, will determine what you will gain out of the experience. Minimum time will produce minimum results. This is a constant behavior in South Florida. This transcends to other areas as well. I have been approached by people to get involved in some 70 multi level marketing opportunities which is a get rich quick type scheme.

It is common sense that before working with a photographer, just like any type of engagement of business activity, that certain things should be verified. The photographer’s portfolio should be reviewed for example. Does the photographer have any tear sheets (published work) or his/her work been featured in the news? Has the photographer ever worked with models part of large model management companies? Obviously, the photographer should have in his possession composite cards, agency books, and head sheets proving this.

An On-Location shoot should be well thought out in bringing together the model, the environment of which the shoot will be done as well as the clothes. Obviously, a swimwear shoot, the place may be a beach, a pool, streams and waterfalls in the mountains, for certain type of swimwear such as the jungle type look, a tropical rainforest may be a good idea. I have seen too many shoots that were thrown together and looked too ordinary. A model is looked at either as serious or serious depending on the time and effort spent on their calling card (composite card) or portfolio. From my experiences in New England as compared to Florida, I met far more models that became successful in New England than in Florida. From models like Susan Gallagher, Nancy Donahoe, Lisa Hale, Sheila Benson, Donna Mills, Heather Black,  Martha Longley, Nancy Travis, Martha Gehman, Rhonda Niles, Pamela Gidley, Tracy Pollan, Isabella, Linda Joyce, Mia Sara, Paige Hall, Andi Waugh, Debra Gilbert, Adriana, Julie Shay, Lori Jeanne, Tom Bergeron (Broadcasting and now on Dancing with the Stars) are all people out of the surrounding New England area that I have met from 1982-1997.  This is a short list off the top of my head. The only one I have met from Florida that has been successful is Nikki Taylor and she became successful because of Jean Renard, a photographer out of Boston. There are a couple of other Florida models that have strong potential such as Amy Vitale and Isobella Jade; and that is it. It is more than just having the look. It requires thought, effort, intelligence, and hard work to become successful in whatever one does.

On Location Image site