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Commercial modeling is sort of the catch all for everything that isn’t fashion and isn’t glamour. It is vast and diverse. The physical requirements can vary greatly. The ‘look’ can be mom, business executive, scientist, glamorous beauty, etc. The pay can be good but not to the level of the top fashion model and commercial models tend to find work less often. It can be an area one can work part time at their whole life.

Commercial Product

A photo is created to sell a product and the model is used to show how the product is used. The model may also be used to convey an image about a product. There is a lot of work for both men and women who look like medical professionals for example to sell every thing from pharmaceuticals to medial equipment.

There is also the old Madison Avenue technique of selling a product by putting someone attractive by it. People stop to look at a pretty face, not at another vanilla computer box. The physical requirements and look for commercial product modeling can vary a great deal. It all depends on the image or story you are trying to tell. This is where character models are used.

Commercial Lifestyle

Models are used in photos showing a period of life or doing something in life. The photo might be an older couple walking on the beach and the photo is used in the advertising materials for a new retirement resort. Or a photo of a young couple playing in a park with their children and the photo is used in an ad for a life insurance company. The models are used to act out some concept or idea of life. The physical requirements, age, size, etc. can vary greatly. But most often they use the “beautiful people” in these photos rather then real folks off the street.

Commercial Corporate

Corporate modeling is like lifestyle only it always has a business theme. Physical requirements can vary greatly, however, usually attractive people are used, although sometimes character models are used.

Product Demonstration

In smaller markets this is a great way to start new models. Models stand in front of, or in a store or mall, and hand out free samples of something. The idea is they want someone attractive that people will be drawn to and will work for just a few hours or a few days. If you are young and starting out this pays better then any regular job and it can really build your confidence around people.

Trade Show

Attractive people attract attention, which is highly desired on a trade show floor. Some exhibitors hire models to hand out literature at their booths, or perform other social tasks, such as greeting, or serving appetizers. It can provide some income and gets the model in front of the public.

Sports/Fitness

This is a growing area in modeling. With major international sports attire companies, i.e. Nike, Reebok, etc., and an increase in publications in this field the need for models that look like they actually know what they are doing has grown. The idea is to look good and actually be proficient at the activity being photographed. This is one category that can provide a long-term career with ample opportunities for high paying jobs.

Glamour

Glamour modeling is modeling for photos with a sexual theme. Some are now calling this body modeling (like you have a hot body). These could be simple cheesecake or beefcake photos. They can include bikini, sexy outfits, and lingerie modeling. On the cheesecake level, photos can be used for calendars, posters, and other pin-up girl products. You can’t pick up a car magazine without seeing a babe by the car or truck.

There are no height or size requirements as in fashion modeling. Where fashion modeling wants you to look like a beanstalk, glamour modeling wants you to have curves like Pamela Anderson. Where fashion may want a special beauty look, glamour modeling wants traditional drop dead gorgeous; where fashion really only happens in the fashion capitals of the world, glamour happen anywhere.

Alternative

There is a small market for what is called either gothic or punk modeling. It is a very specialized niche.

Just a Body

This is where a photographer just needs someone in the shot. Most often this type of modeling occurs in outdoor tourist photography, i.e. a couple looking at the lake, a man walking a trail etc. There are no requirements at all, except maybe for the willingness of the model.