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Have you always wanted to model?  Interested in the possibility of a new career, or maybe just play the part for the afternoon in a comfortable, encouraging environment?  If you live near Dayton, Ohio and your dream is to be a model, whether for fun or for a job,  I can help you to create a portfolio of killer photos which will get you started.   I offer special sessions to aspiring models tailored to their needs. 

I welcome models with little or no experience.  Even if all you've ever done is make faces in the mirror, I’ll help you with poses and expressions and give you plenty of opportunity to create photos which will get you noticed!  Models I've worked with have gone on to do promotional modeling work as well as being signed with agencies.

If you're interested and over 18, call or send me an email to get more information and set up your session.  Be sure to read my Tips for Models page and Featured Model Interviews.

Here's the question I get asked 3-4 times a week:

I want to be a model.  How do I get a job as a model?  How do I get started?

Here's the straight answer:

I don't know of ANY models in the Dayton area who can support themselves solely from modeling.  In our area, most of the modeling jobs are for commercial models and promotional models, and these jobs are usually temporary.  DON'T QUIT YOUR DAY JOB AND DON'T DROP OUT OF COLLEGE!  (I hope that doesn't burst any bubbles!)

If you want to get started in modeling, you need to be self-reliant and a hard worker.  You have to do this for yourself!  The first task is to create a group of 10-15 fantastic images (my job!).  After that comes the hard part!  Have the photos printed as a portfolio.  You then have to put up these images on a web page or site which you can send potential clients to.  You then need to market yourself to the people you want to work with (advertising, graphic design, boutique fashion shops, clothing manufacturers, night clubs, people who put on conventions, etc.).  You need to have the drive to keep putting yourself in front of these people, even after they've said "no thanks" 2 or 3 times.  You need to keep pushing.  Talk to other models, find out what's working for them.  It's hard work to get noticed, but you might get a few jobs out of it.  If you're really successful, you could move to a bigger market where there's more companies creating more advertising and try your skills there. 

Here's the question I get asked once a week:

I was just approached by XYZ Modeling Agency (or sometimes it's XYZ Modeling School) and they want me to sign a contract with them.  What should I do?

Here's my straight answer:

Most model/talent agencies/schools are in business NOT because tons of companies need models, but because lots of young people want to be models.  If the agency contract states that they'll get a percentage of your income from jobs they book for you, that's fair.  If the agency contract says that you'll also pay them several thousand dollars for "modeling school", then you should be highly suspicious.  These schools exist because they make money off the models, not because they make money off companies that need models.  Learning to model is a lot like learning to play guitar.  Lots of places will take your money to teach you skills, but very few will teach you skills and then help you get a job using those skills.

Here's my bottom line:

If you want to get in front of the camera and model, don't do it because you hope to make money from it (you might, but it might not be much).  Do it because it's fun, do it because it's cool and creative.  Do it because you make insanely beautiful images. Do it to express yourself and show the world how you would like to be seen.  Do it for YOU!  It's fun to be the diva, to be striking those poses and being glamorous.  You don't have to be 6' tall and 110 lbs.  You don't have to be 19 years old.  You don't have to be "perfect".  Do it because it's exploring a dream.  Do it for yourself.

If you're willing to dream, contact me and we'll set up a session.  I offer models a special rate, which is very reasonable.  I know most of you don't have a ton of money, so I'm not going to be like the schools/agencies and fill your head with unreal expectations and take all your money from you.  It's safe to work with me. Live the dream.  Be a model.

 

 

 

 

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