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PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
For high fashion modeling there are size and “look” requirements. Model size is currently a controversy. It seems that there is considerable disagreement in the industry right now. Different fashion designers and modeling agencies have varying standards that can change with each season depending on the look of the line.
In general, mainstream female high fashion models are tall, thin, young, and beautiful. The average is 5’9” to 5’11” with some stretching it from 5’8” to 6’. There are the atypical exceptions to 5’5” and 6’1”. Weight requirements are “thin”. Weights are generally from 108 lbs. to 130 lbs. This can expand or contract some, however, waist maximum of 25” and maximum hips of 35 1/2”.
For men muscles should not be an overbearing body feature. After all clothes don’t look good with bulging muscles changing the design of the clothes.
Breast size is very important for women. The vast majority of successful international fashion models are no larger than a “B” cup. If the shot requires larger breasts the photographer can fake that easily. They cannot reduce the models breast size however. Tyra Banks is an exception to this rule with her naturally larger breasts. For women who are larger there are other opportunities in modeling rather than fashion. Incidentally it is extremely rare for an agency or photographer to ask a model to enhance their natural bust line. Pornography and some glamour work can be an exception.
While there is no age requirement, most fashion models begin between ages thirteen and nineteen and if you have not made it by twenty it is over. This is not true with other types of modeling.
And then there’s the model look. The industry generally seeks women who are small to medium boned, women who are fit and not buff, women with long graceful necks, square jaws, and high strong cheekbones. Eyes should be wide set, almond shaped and even, with thick eyelashes. The skin should be clear, small pored, even tones with no scars, tattoos or piercing. Lips should be medium to full and the teeth straight and white. Shoulders should be broad and squared. The long legged look is preferred. This means more legs than torso. Good posture is critical and grace is a necessity. And last but not least hair should be healthy and in good condition.
Look at the current magazines to see what is popular right now. Don’t assume the same will be true next season, or even next month for that matter.
MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Fashion models and aspiring fashion models don’t have to take written tests to work. The work can be very testing however. Models who work in television often have to pass speaking tests if they have “lines” to say in a commercial.
Understanding the goals of the people who hire models is essential to the success of any prospective model. Why? Team players get ahead. Prima donnas get work – for a while. Keep in mind that for every successful model there are literally thousands waiting for a turn. You can’t afford to be a prima donna unless and until you deserve it. Given equal physical attributes and knowledge, clients will choose those who are pleasant to work with versus those with an unjustified attitude.
Until you have been in front of the camera you cannot judge what work goes into the photographs or what the model has endured to get that great shot. Models must be strong enough to endure tough conditions, repulsive environments and less than dignified surroundings at times in their careers. Just ask a swimsuit model how many times those beach shots were taken in bitter cold temperatures!
A model must know and understand that being a model is very hard work! And a model must understand that there are many types of modeling besides fashion modeling.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
A model only looks good when they are in good health and take care of their bodies. This means always getting a good nights sleep before a shoot. No one looks good with bags under their eyes (no matter how good the make up is), and no one looks good suffering from a hangover either.
Drugs are a definite no no as well. The stories of wild parties and high drug use in the modeling industry are usually just rumors. No successful model would jeopardize a career just to get high. No one can look healthy when they are addicted or are a heavy user of any illegal drug.
INTANGIBLE FACTORS
These factors are far more subtle and subjective that those above. Some of these are more important than others and those that are important change with the individual. It is important that a prospective model recognizes and understands that they exist.
Are you photogenic? The most beautiful woman in the world, whoever she is, may not look good on camera. Likewise the camera might love some one who has less beauty quality. Obviously success as a model of any type depends on how you photograph. If you are photogenic you should already know it from the snapshots of you taken over the years.
Are you a chameleon? The truth is the models that have the quality to change their look for the circumstance will generally have longer careers than those models that look the same in every photo.
Are you patient? Some agents will tell you that if you don’t have patience you’ll never survive as a model. Why? If you’re good you’ll be working a lot and in that work you will have to spend a lot of time waiting. Getting ready for the shoot can by trying. Patience is definite a virtue in modeling.
Are you graceful? Grace of movement comes from within. You are either born with it or not. It can be coached and honed. Whether you have grace or not will show up in your photographs.
Are you inhibited? Fact is you can’t be too modest and succeed in modeling. In runway modeling models rarely have enough time to change outfits and worry about covering up at the same time. In fashion magazine shoots the model is going to be handled by make up people, clothing fitters armed with straight pins, and the photographer or an assistant may physically move the model into the desired pose.
Are you confident? A feeling of well being or confidence is an elusive quality. It is also paramount for a successful model. If you feel fat, shy, or clumsy, or if you are just worried about a pimple that insecurity will show on camera.
Are you open minded? You have to be able to work with people of every culture, religion, race, and sexual orientation.
Can you grasp the big picture? If you are swept up in the moment or you tend to think that you are the center of the universe, you could be in big trouble. The model is just one part of the creative process that involves art directors, photographers, stylists, make up artists, and other crew personnel. The lack of grasp of the big picture will show up very fast and if the model tries to impose their view, it won’t be conducive to a long career in the industry.