What Does It Take To Be A Model?

To be a professional model basically comes down to three things:

1) Having the look and talent that someone needs (generally the client) bad enough for the project they are working on at that time that they will pay you for your time.

2) Making life easier for the art director and the photographer so they will want to work with you, and not throw you out of their studio.

3) Making sure the client, photographer, and art director know you exist and want to work.

Professional modeling starts with the client's need and their willingness to pay. Modeling with out paying clients is just a hobby or someone trying to rip you off.

Having the right look and talent is what you inherited genetically and there is not much you can do to change that. The rest is where being a professional model comes in - knowing what to do and how to market yourself.

When a project calls for someone attractive to stand next to a new product, the person who can constantly look good in front of the camera, show the emotional expression that is needed on cue, show up on time and leave on time and in so many other ways make the shoot go quickly, efficiently, and successfully, is the person who will get the job.

That is also the person who gets asked back the next time. The part after the genetics is what makes a professional model and leads to a career in modeling. This is also the person who will deliver what the client needs and is why we use them and not just pull someone off the street.

Source: http://www.modelingadvice.com