We like to make our processes as easy as possible, which is why applying to join us takes a couple of minutes, complete with two clear photos models may take with a Smartphone. Any registered model has access to their ePortfolio, which our vetted clients have access to, helping them choose the right models for the right job.

We cannot emphasise how important portfolios are. As we do not (and have never) pick models for jobs, models must regularly log into their portfolio accounts to upload current photos. Our clients want to see that a model is being proactive, the evidence being a full range of accurate, up-to-date images from which they can choose their preferred model. Simply uploading a few photos when you start with us isn’t going to be beneficial in the long term. We need to see that models have understood what is required from them; we’ll do all we can to recommend the right models to big brands, but models must also help themselves.    

And even a small tweak in a model’s appearance can make a big difference. Haircuts, hair colour, tattoos, piercings, new background scenery, adapting with the seasons, current fashions…they can all change, and our clients must know about them. It’s futile for clients to see what a model looked like months ago – assignments are built and created on true representations, so models need to visit their portfolios every month or so to keep them stocked up with the latest images.  

• Do I need professional photographs to be a model?
• From Blossoms to Big Smiles – Spring Photography Tips for Child Models
• How do I find modelling work?
• Our Guide to Modelling with Models Direct
• The Ultimate Models Direct Guide to Getting Your Child Into Modelling

When we recommend models to our clients, they rely on a model’s portfolio. A name, age and location alone aren’t that much use to them; most modelling jobs require posing / acting on film or in photoshoots, so portfolios are the primary source for clients to see what a model looks like. And this is where keeping your looks up to date is crucial in whether a models will be picked. Please don’t let your portfolio photos become stagnant and outdated! You won’t be helping yourself.

Additionally, please keep your contact details current in portfolios. Often we’ll need to contact our models, especially if it’s a last minute booking, or if there has been a delay with clients. Communication is key to bookings; if your details are not accurate, it could affect present and future jobs. Likewise, if you have to cancel a job at short notice, please get in touch with us immediately. Common sense and courtesy go a long way!

How? 

Models Direct will lend you some top tips in this new blog! Enjoy the reading, models.
Your ePortfolio is a perfect display of your modelling skills and in this holiday season you can capture the magic of this special time of year by trying out the following:

Enjoy the festive colours

Implement popular Christmas colours such as red and green in your images. It could be in your clothing, your make-up, nails, or your surroundings, to give out festive vibes. This tip is achievable and you can make it weave into your collection of images quite smoothly.

Reflect the Xmas vibes with your dress code

Straight up, we’re thinking velvet, wool and chunky knitwear. We’re pretty certain you’ll have something tucked away in your closet which is your winter-ready apparel. Whip it out and get snapped in it to capture that Christmas feeling.

Use props

Christmas isn’t Christmas without the crackers, mince pies and presents under the tree. Well, there are lots of other things that help the festivities come to life like wreaths, cookies ready for Santa and decorating your home. How about taking a snap of yourself or whoever else is the star model in your home?

Babies? Children? Pets?

Whichever one it is, or maybe all, grab your camera or smartphone and get snapping amongst all the festive decor!

Capture movement and genuine expressions

Photos don’t need to be orchestrated or set up, and it’s probably best to avoid such methods for picture taking. Just being natural and in the moment will help create perfect snaps for your ePortfolio. You could be midsentence, ready to chuckle, or you’re getting the house Christmas-ready – putting up the baubles or wrapping up the gifts.

Quality over quantity

Your ePortfolio deserves your gorgeous pics but quality always trumps quantity. You want to select the best pics from your camera roll as opposed to adding everything into your ePortfolio just for the sake of it! Please avoid this and upload the images that showcase best your diversity as a model. As for your pet or child, follow the same principle and stick to selecting the best images that will draw attention and create interest in their portfolio.

The festive takeaway

This time of the year is merry, heart-warming and simply wonderful. Capturing festive snaps of yourself, your little one or your pet for your Models Direct ePortfolio can make this special season even more delightful and memorable. Follow the simple tips above to get this started but most of all, have fun!!!
 

And summer is a distant memory.

But don’t let the winter blues stand in your way. The winter months are a phenomenal time to update your portfolio. Stunning backdrops and clear, unblemished skies are just two reasons to get outdoors and start snapping away. Plus – and this always needs reinforcing – clients always look for models who have taken the time to regularly enhance their portfolios with contemporary and updated reels and photos. It means that models care about being selected and don’t rest on their laurels. As our clients always choose which of our models they want for their assignments, winter is another perfect opportunity to let them see what you have to offer them.

We always look at a model’s portfolio if they tell us they haven’t been picked since applying with us after a few weeks. The modelling industry is competitive, so always looking for new ways to stand out is imperative. It’s not surprising that some models don’t get selected because they haven’t been keeping their portfolio fresh – just uploading a handful of shots won’t cut it. Models must keep their portfolios ticking over with a variety of snaps and poses. Persistence often pays off.

And wintery shots can spark a revival in a model’s stagnant portfolio. Just as we pray for sunshine in summer, many of us cross fingers for a blast of pure, powdery snow.

Snow needn’t been the definitive theme for spectacular and effective portfolio images. Winter is an atmospheric season. There are wonderful photos to be taken and reels to made by using dramatic winter scenery not often seen throughout the year. Use the wintery setting to your advantage.

Frozen lakes and snow-capped hills will give your shoots a feeling of magnitude. Sure, you should always be the focus of the photo or reel, but an impressive backdrop can improve the wow factor.

We have plenty of Christmas assignments – well, it is the busiest time of the year for most of our clients. Retailers will be looking for new modelling talent to help them sell more products to customers. Some will be on the hunt for models who look perfect in woolly jumpers and hats; others will favour more cheeky models posing in Santa hats and boots. Some want household pets to be featured in their Christmas campaigns. Whatever angle you want to go with, there’s no point staying indoors. Get out there and see how the winter months can assist your portfolio pictures.

Remember, too, that many of our clients come to us well in advance of Christmas. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to update portfolio photos a few weeks before the festive period. That’s not to say that January and February is a quite period for us; the two months aren’t as busy as December, but we’re a 365 day-a-year agency, so we have a lot more jobs than you might think in the New Year.

Winter, we salute you!

As you know, at Models Direct we love nothing more than seeing superb new photos uploaded on to your e-portfolio.

And we always suggest taking great new pictures that tie in with the season so they look fresh and up to date.

Summer, of course, is a fabulous time to do this because (on the whole!) the weather is better, the colours are more vivid and there are lots of great outdoor locations to choose from.

Female and male models should ask a friend or relative to help them out by stepping in to act as their photographer for a couple of hours. Then follow our top tips…

Mums and dads of baby and child models can, of course, take snaps of their little ones themselves.

So where could you go to get some stunning outdoor modelling shots this summer?

Well, you don’t have to venture too far unless you want to!

If you have a garden or outside space with some lovely greens and seasonal colour, then start there.

Otherwise, head off to your nearest park or public garden, where you could take some great photos in front of leafy trees and vibrant flowerbeds.

Think about whether you have a pretty woodland, lovely lake or picturesque river close by.

You could get some fantastic new pictures and perhaps have a picnic or a fun afternoon out at the same time.

Days out to the beach, countryside or other beauty spots can, of course, also make fabulous locations for summer photography.

Just try to ensure that no-one else is in the background and that you and whatever you are wearing stands out clearly against your scenic background.

Be wary of taking your pictures in bright, glaring sunlight – stand in the shade if the sunlight is too bright and always ensure the sun is behind the photographer.

Existing models can then head home afterwards, select the best pictures and upload them to their e-portfolio.

Those who have not yet joined us can upload a few of their new summer modelling shots with their application form.

So plan a date, check the weather on the day and then get out and about!

We can’t wait to see your sizzling new summer shots  – and some of the beautiful places you have visited!

And our clients also love to see seasonal images of the models we put forward that match their requirements.

Not only does it make the images seem relevant and appealing, but it also shows just how dedicated those particular models are when it comes to updating their e-portfolios.

So what kind of modelling shots should you take in summer?

Well, firstly we do love blue skies and sunshine here at Models Direct – they really do lift any image, don’t they?

But if you are taking pictures on hot days, remember to ask your photographer not to shoot straight into the sun as all we will see of you will be shadow!

Keep the sun behind the camera and try to avoid having the sun shining right in your eyes, as we also don’t want to see you squinting in any of your pictures!

With summer shots, think summer clothes. We’d love to see you wearing something light in both colour and fabric.

Hold you sunglasses in your hand or push them up on to your head – sunglasses on means we can’t see your eyes!

Likewise, try to avoid wearing any kind of sun hat or scarf that obscures any part of your face.

We don’t mind one photo where an item of clothing covers the top of your head but we will need to see other photos of you where we can clearly see your hair colour and style.

Finally, when updating your e-portfolio this summer, remember to let us know if there have been any changes.

If your phone number or email address is different to when you last gave us your details then take the opportunity to update them now.

If we can’t get in touch with you then we won’t know if you are interested in a particular job or not!

And, of course, do also tell us about any recent experience you might have had that could be relevant to your modelling work.

The changing seasons are a great time to remember to refresh your e-portfolio in every way and summer is no exception.

After all, believe it or not, the sun may be out but we are already busy selecting models right now for our clients’ autumn and Christmas campaigns!

Current and versatile images

Models are encouraged to compile images that are kept real-time and up to date with their current look as this will be their visual representation for us as well as those all-important clients that will be seeking models for bookings. Clients will want to see how you look as you are right now, not a dated appearance from a few years back as this can sometimes be a real letdown when it comes to the selection crunch. Your portfolio is a true reflection of how you look. 

You can add a splash of individuality by putting forward images that demonstrate your creative side and tailor it to your likes and interests. This could entail striking classic model poses, revealing any hidden talents or original settings donning the latest on-trend fashion and makeup looks. It’s really up to you how you want to best present yourself but ensure your images are only about you and exhibit your best and professional self.   

List experience 

If you can fill us in on any relevant experience you may have had in the past or present then keep us in the loop. Agencies want to know your experience just like any employer would when you are applying for a job. Share your successes so that if you are put forward for an assignment and the client asks for previous experience, we can fill them in.

Communicate with your agency

It’s a good idea to touch base with your agency, so keep in touch. Inform your agent about any important announcements that could impact your chances of work or even increase it. Whatever the message is, your agent is your point of contact so having good communication is key. Also, the lovely thing about being a Models Direct model is that our team is really friendly and down to earth. We appreciate the value of all of our wonderful talent so it’s great when we hear from our models directly about what is going on in their lives and ways we can help increase their exposure to the modelling world. 

Models Direct is NOT a showcase agency

We touch upon this factor quite often (it’s important for our readers to know this!) but our modelling agency is not like some of the others that are situated high up on search engines. Models Direct is not a showcase agency where we place our models’ images online and create a proactive image of consistent workflow in the pipeline for all of them. This is practically an impossible task to achieve, let alone misleading. No agency can guarantee work; it’s up to clients to make the ultimate selection from the models an agency puts forward to them. Our agency has always explained this concept and will continue to push out gentle reminders for our readers. We DO help our models increase their chances of being booked and put you forward whenever we can to big name brands around the world. For more useful advice head over to our FAQs page to find out more.

So, why not show us what you can do?

Choose six different styles for your e-portfolio and present them to us to really highlight your versatility.

Remember, the looks need to be appropriate to your age and what you think we and our clients might be looking for.

They also need to be right for you – so, while we are suggesting six different styles here, you may well wish to adapt, refine or completely change these to suit you and your unique attributes.

1. Casual

This is the “Saturday morning” look. We would love to see you wearing something casual and fun but not too outlandish – the kind of outfit you might wear to meet up with friends for a day out or lunch, perhaps. Jeans or a casual shirt could be perfect. Try dressing them up with a pair of attractive shoes, a colourful shirt or t-shirt and perhaps a jacket. Avoid the temptation to over accessorize.

2. Formal

This is your chance to be a bit dressy, but keep it smart, stylish and elegant. Guys, this is your opportunity to wear a suit, but let’s not go for a full-on job interview or wedding style. Try a suit with a nice cut and perhaps a t-shirt underneath. Girls, again, we don’t want to see you looking prim and stuffy, a trouser suit or well-fitting dress or skirt, with a jacket, could look great but think celebratory meal out in a nice restaurant rather than daily commute – and let’s have a relaxed pose, with a nice smile, to offset the formality a little.

3. Sports

Are you a sporty type? Then show us what you look like in your sportswear. Let’s have you in something neat and stylish, however, rather than your baggy old jogging bottoms and favourite weight-lifting vest. Surf the net for inspiration, decide what suits you and then team it up with a pair of trainers. Think about a suitable sporty pose for your pictures – but don’t overdo it.

4. Summer

Seasonal photographs are essential, so why not think balmy spring or holiday abroad for one of your images? Wear something light and summery that suggests happy times on a warm day. You do have some licence here to take your outfit a little shorter and to reveal some flesh, but keep it tasteful, seasonal and appropriate.

5. Winter

Balance your summer shot out with something more wintery and autumnal. Think long trousers, jeans or a skirt or dress with tights. Top off your look with a warm or earthy top, a piece of elegant knitwear and even a winter coat or jacket. Just make sure we can see you and your body shape. We don’t want you so wrapped up against the cold that we can’t get a sense of who you are underneath all the layers!

6. Party

This is your chance to have a little fun! But try not to go overboard – and keep it smart and stylish. Choose something elegant yet playful. Ladies, you can bring in a little shimmer and shine, but don’t overdo it. A nice little black dress, with a pair of party shoes and perhaps a sparkly cardy or jacket could look fab. Some nice jewellery and a party hairstyle could really complement the look. But remember less is more. Blokes, smart jeans, with a t-shirt and jacket could be just the ticket for you here.

At Models Direct we always stress you don’t necessarily need professional photographs.

Most people can take good enough shots at home, with a friend of family member behind the camera.

These days, with the ever-improving photography facilities within a smartphone – this is truer than ever.

So, here are our top tips and modelling advice for taking great portfolio shots with a smartphone:

1. Use a tripod

Investing in a special smartphone tripod is not a huge outlay and will make all the difference when it comes to a steady shot. Set it up, take some practice shots and then conduct your own photo shoot safe in the knowledge your images will be clear and crisp.

2. Try a remote shutter button

If you want control of your photo shoot yourself, you might want to try a remote shutter button. These are available for some smartphones and will allow you to click from your pocket when you are ready. Remember, however, that a friend or family member taking pictures for you can be objective and offer you advice while shooting. This could be invaluable.

3. Avoid the temptation to zoom

You need to be well framed and well positioned within the shot. Our clients want to see you clearly and in focus, they are not interested in your garden or other background. Achieve this by taking a clear shot, where you almost fill the frame. Don’t take a long shot and then zoom in digitally from the smartphone. This process simply involves cropping the original shot and is likely to give you a grainy photo.

4. Experiment with a lens

Some people, however, do have good telephoto lenses for their smartphones. If you have one of these, you are likely to be able to achieve a much crisper image than with the phone’s own digital zoom. But do remember practice makes perfect and don’t send us anything that is not clear. Mostly, the quality of image required can be achieved with a standard smartphone.

5. Frame with a grid

Many smartphones have a grid facility within the camera function. Use this to help you or your photographer friend to ensure you are well framed within the shot.

6. Use natural light

Good lighting is essential in any photography would-be models might supply and where possible use natural daylight. The LED light thrown out by a smartphone’s flash can be harsh, unnatural and unflattering. Yet, without it, photos taken inside might be gloomy and unclear. The best thing is to take your smartphone outside on a nice clear day and to work the natural light to give you the best pictures. Make sure the photographer has his or her back to the sun and that the light is shining on to you rather than the camera.

7. Avoid filters

There are so many wonderful smartphone filters out there to play with, but while they are great fun, these are not the photos we or our clients want to see. Resist the urge to send us your beautiful modelling shots with sepia tints or colour washes across them.

8. Take lots of pictures

The beauty of the smartphone is that you can shoot and keep shooting. Take as many pictures as you like in all sorts of location, positions and outfits. Then be ruthless with the delete button and choose only the very best to submit.

9. Don’t edit your photos

If your smartphones pictures have been taken properly there should be no need to edit them. Be careful when using the editing functions on your phone as we can end up with pictures that look unnatural, grainy and distorted.

10.  Don’t compress your images

When retrieving your images from your phone always try to retain them at their original size. If they are compressed when sent, saved or uploaded into the cloud, they can end up pixelated when resized, uploaded or printed put in the future. Again, this means they won’t be clear.

The winter is well and truly over, despite occasional blips in the British weather. Barbecue sales increase, demonstrating an optimism not seen for weeks. Holidays are booked. Sun cream is on our shop’s shelves! May is a wonderful time of the year, with everyone in a buoyant mood, the general cheerfulness sweeping across the country. Summer is just around the corner!

Oh, and it happens to be the perfect month for models! May should be the time when models update their looks and their portfolios. It’s good practice for models to regularly revise portfolios at any time, and to acquire new photos simply as back-up – but now more than ever models need to be looking at how they can best present themselves to potential clients.

Check out handy tips for sending us your updated snaps by clicking here!

Consider this time of the year as a spring-clean – literally. It’s a modelling revival – a rebirth where opportunities increase. It is, in fact, our busiest time of the year, and models should be ready! Seasonal fashions appear frequently throughout the year, but perhaps this season could be the most action-packed yet. On what do we base this prediction? Read on…

·       Lockdown (Ahh! That word again!) is slowly unwinding, with companies emerging from a commercial slumber dictated by the pandemic. Companies need growth, both in revenue and promotion. This is great news for models, and they all should be itching for worthwhile assignments up and down the country!

·       National optimism! Everyone’s moods have shifted in the right direction. A lot of people will be keen to start something new, and that’s why modelling is expected to be even more popular (if that’s possible!)

·       Summer is a particularly important season for models and clients. Whether the assignments are holiday promotions, beachwear or for the food / drink industry, there’s something about the summer that seems to bring out the extrovert in all of us. Maybe it’s the sunshine, increasing vitamin D levels; maybe it’s the longer days. Summer is a favourite season for many, and we’re expecting the 2021 summer to be the most hectic and fulfilling Models Direct have had.

Are you ready? Well, you should be. When you’re updating your portfolio, try not to exclude any information – even if you think it’s irrelevant.

Parents – photos of babies, toddlers and children should be updated more often than those of adults, simply because a youngster’s appearance and growth change far more quickly. The key word here is “accuracy”: clients need to see a truthful and correct image of child models.

On the subject of accuracy, summer photos are a great opportunity to represent yourself in the best possible light (well, you wouldn’t take a photo in the dark, right?). Make sure the sun is behind and to one side of the photographer, and avoid wearing a lot of make-up. Be confident!

Photoshop? No thanks! We require two realistic photos  – and there’s no need to use a professional photographer. Phew! A digital camera or Smartphone are perfectly suitable. There are some great tips in the links below:

Embrace the summer, and think of it as a launch pad for your modelling career. Equally, for experienced models, use summer as the season to gain more work and to add to your modelling CV. Optimism is in the air – and modelling work goes hand-in-hand with summer!

Ideally, a modelling agency like Models Direct will ask you to update your photos once every three months to ensure we have your latest look, as well as suitably seasonal images.

It really is not essential to have professionally taken photographs, but there are a few guidelines we suggest you follow when taking them yourself.

Your pictures need to help you to stand out from the crowd and it is therefore vital you take and supply them as we need them to be.

Ensuring you have a suitable backdrop to each image is a key part of creating the perfect picture.

Influencers and celebrities with a heavy social media presence spend time creating their sets and backdrops, often with astounding results.

You don’t have to do this but being creative while also ensuring you follow our guidelines can often yield fantastic results.

Here are Models Direct’s top tips for achieving a great backdrop:

Every portfolio picture you supply us with must have an uncluttered backdrop to ensure you stand out well. Clear anything behind you that detracts from the focal point – you!

Try not to stand in front of heavily patterned wallpaper or in a room with too many vibrant colours around you.

When in doubt have your photos taken against a plain background – for some shots you can’t go wrong with white.

All your shots need to be well lit and taking them outside in the natural light can really help with this.

Try to choose a picturesque outside location as your backdrop, but again ensure that whatever is behind you does not draw the eye away from you as the centrepiece.

Now spring is here, and the weather is warming up, you could perhaps find yourself some beautiful, green locations in which to take your photographs.

Perhaps also look for outdoor locations that might work as a backdrop with some edge – natural wood, concrete even corrugated iron could work well if you want an urban feel.

Try making your own indoor and outdoor backdrops to add interest to your shot without overwhelming the picture.

You can start with a large piece of board or plastic and then cover it.

These might range from velvet or another textured fabric in a colour to complement your clothing to something like strips of natural wood.

If your backdrop is solid, you can always experiment with different colours by repainting it as necessary.

Don’t be afraid to have fun with your backdrops but also be ruthless when it comes to editing your images down and discarding anything that doesn’t work.

The most important thing is to make sure your ePortfolio is looking it’s best, why you would be ideal for a particular modelling job, how confident and versitile you are infront of the camera and please update them regularly!!