It’s not just about looks…

Attending portfolio shoots is a great idea for more than just the obvious final outcome of a professional portfolio that you can market yourself with. Once you know you are photogenic and have what it takes look-wise, you have to make sure that you have the personality to withstand what the industry can throw at you and this is where the experience of a professional shoot is it’s most important.

No one knows how they will react to the pressure until they’re put under it.

It’s also why you have to do your research and go to a company that has the marketable skills to give you exactly the kind of experience everyone needs to get a feel of this business.

Diesel model agency is my portfolio agency of choice when making a recommendation for the simple fact that they can provide the professional atmosphere that can sometimes be lacking with other agencies. It helps that they are based in the fashion capital, but their main draw for me is that they work with only high-end fashion studios that boast an impressive team of stylists, photographers and make-up artists, all of which have professional industry experience with the biggest and best names in fashion.

They know exactly what is expected of you in the big bad world and so they give you this experience in a completely safe setting, where neither your casting nor reputation is on the line and as diesel model agency is specifically geared up for the aspiring young model, new to the business and has been for 10 years now, they are a name that you can trust to give you the best possible start. The fact that they also provide such high quality, industry standard portfolios and have a reported 200 contacts in the industry just adds to them being such a great starting point for any new face to the industry.

So what does that mean for me?

All models must be outgoing and of good nature, patient and have common sense. You must have the ability to apply that common sense as well as have a strong personality that will withstand the demands of the job.

Resilience, good health and fitness plus the mental ability to cope with rejection is essential no matter your age.

Another important thing all models must have is the ability to say no if or when they do not want to do something they are asked to do, no matter the reason. You must have integrity, otherwise you can find yourself in morally objectionable or dangerous situations. Stick to your guns, even when under pressure and also resist the pressure and temptation to indulge in drink or drugs.

Those that do make it have to realize that it is hard work and a very competitive business. Models are expected by their agency to attend castings, on time and with good manners and it can be upsetting to see and hear of other models getting paid work when either you or your child has not.