Celebrating our hands

For a more practical outlook, our hands tend to bash at our keyboards, answer calls, post messages on social media or carry out more mundane tasks like washing the dishes, taking the bags out and doing the ironing! Well, we think you catch our drift now.

Our hands are responsible for millions of jobs and this blog, unfortunately, won’t be able to cover all the miraculous things they do for us. Whether we realise it or not, the wondrous gifts we have to help us do so many tasks should be celebrated! Well… they definitely are in the modelling world. Here’s how!

Hand-fuelled marketing

Now, you see, when you see a pair of hands in a TV ad, in print or on a digital platform (particularly being showcased in the beauty industry) pause for a moment and contemplate. Those beautiful hands that you see applying eyeliner, creating loose curls or applying cream, didn’t happen to be there by chance. Nuh-uh! They didn’t appear out of nowhere and without purpose. There’s a reason why you’ve seen them and why that particular pair were featured.

Models Direct will explain: their owner is a hand model. Their hands picture well, in images and film – it’s that simple! We usually tend to see them being showcased in the beauty industry, as hinted earlier, but we’re also seeing them unboxing goodies and wowing us with the latest product reveals on social too. The scale of their demand is high and potential exposure is huge so you can imagine how much attention this modelling division is getting.

A handy thought

If you’re a proud owner of gorgeous, slender, blemish-free, well cared for hands, take a few snaps because you might be destined for hand modelling stardom. (If you’re in doubt, please do contact our dream team. We’ll discuss any queries you may have before applying).

In the meantime, set up a manageable routine to take care of your hands by following some simple steps:

· Wear gloves when washing up, or using any chemicals that may come into contact with your hands.

· Cover them up when gardening or cooking with skin dying ingredients such as turmeric or food colouring.

· Moisturise them regularly, paying attention after hand washing and before going to bed, with nourishing hand cream.

· Wear sunscreen (even in these colder months) when going outside. Skin is thin so susceptible to ageing, skin spots and pigmentation due to the sun’s rays so layer up with a high SPF of 50+.

· For nail biters, try and quit the habit to maintain healthy nails and skin. Nail-biting solutions are available to help.

Next up, begin building a portfolio of your hands from different angles, holding different objects, in front (or behind) different backgrounds and settings. If you’re lost for ideas, our Models Direct team can help inspire you with recommendations.

After you’ve done this, simply jump on your phone or laptop, and get your hands working by filling in our modelling application form. Upload a few images so that our team can see your hands and we’ll take it from there. Remember: it’s all in your hands! We’re looking forward to greeting your hands and welcoming them to this busy modelling category.

Statuesque, majestic, poised – there are many reasons why those who are above average height should stand tall and feel proud of their size!

Here are five reasons for making the most of a great stature:

• Standing out

It is well known that tall models can do well in the fashion industry – just look at Jerry Hall and Elle Macpherson – but tall people can stand out in real life too.

Female models above 5ft 9ins and male models over 6ft 3ins can find themselves in high demand for all sorts of catwalk, advertising and promotional work.

But tall individuals can do well in business life too, with research from Sweden, for example, revealing that many CEOs are above average in height.

These successful businesspeople have been shown to display confidence in their own abilities, as well as good leadership skills, and many are thought to be above average in their productivity levels too

• Health

There are those who believe that tall people may also enjoy certain health benefits.

Research has suggested, for example, that taller women may be at lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes and that both men and women of above average height are less likely to suffer heart failure and coronary artery disease.

Furthermore, a study from the University of Edinburgh revealed those who were taller had a lower risk of dying with dementia

• Wealth

Believe it or not, height might also have an impact on your bank balance.

Various studies have shown that on average taller men and women earn slightly more than shorter employees and are more likely to enjoy increases in their annual pay.

• Intelligence

Maybe taller people have every right to look down on the rest of us from the lofty heights – another Scottish study has shown a correlation between height and intelligence…

• Happiness

This is, perhaps, the most important quality of all.

Taller individuals were on average found to be happier than shorter people, according to an American Gallup study.

The research revealed they were more satisfied with their daily lives, felt more enjoyment and happiness with life and generally felt less angry and stressed than the rest of us.

Add to that, the great view at concerts, the comfort of not feeling the need to wear high heels and the pleasure of being able to reach things from high shelves, it isn’t hard to see why most of those who are tall relish their dizzying heights!

For more information about the benefits of being tall in the modelling industry click here

TV and social media channels are used all the time to deliver important messages and advice to the general public on a whole range of subjects. To do this in the most effective way commercial models are selected to reenact a role or demonstrate how a product or service works to create a relatable message to the viewer.

Recently Models Direct worked with the Scottish Government to film a Corona virus Health & Safety video, filming took place in Edinburgh following all safety guidelines and the assignment was a great success. Models Bruno, Andrew and Catherine tell us about the experience and what it was like working on such an important campaign…

Model Feedback:

“I find Models Direct a great company to work with, they are professional, kind and really helpful, even in short notice shoots they are excellent and always there to make sure that we have the support and anything else we need to make it easy for us, I am really happy working with Models Direct.” – Bruno

“My first modelling job was very last minute, to feature in a Corona virus advert by the Scottish Government. Even though it was short notice, the member of staff at Models Direct (Charlie) was really friendly and helped me through everything” – Andrew

“Although the assignment was with short notice, I’m glad I did it, I had a great experience . It was my first assignment and I was a bit nervous, but the people I worked with were lovely and made me feel comfortable” – Catherine

If you would like to be considered for modelling campaigns, the Models Direct team would love to hear from you….click here to speak to us today.

The beginning of a new year is almost like a ‘reset’ button for many of us, we feel a pressure to better ourselves, make changes to our lifestyle which we don’t seem to have been able to do at any other point of the year, what it is this all about and is it not OK to just stay the same?

Making beneficial changes to your health and lifestyle can only be a good thing, the Models Direct Head office seems to be chocolate free at the minute which is unusual and many of us have new exercise regimes in place, all good, realistic? possibly not!

Research suggests that 80% of new year resolutions fail by mid February, you may think you are one of the 20% who will stick to a new regime and that’s great, but the majority of us are expected to feel a wave of guilt and failure of giving up on our new found motivation within the next few weeks – that can’t be good for anyone!

In an attempt to avoid this vicious cycle, ask yourself a few questions:

• Am I happy as I am – do I want to change in anyway?
• What small changes could I make to reach my end goal?
• How can I motivate myself to stay on track? What is my incentive for this change?
• How will I measure my success of making this change?

The Models Direct team are talking with models everyday, many of them discussing their goals, what assignments they would like to win and focusing heavily on how they want to change or improve their appearance to further their modelling career. This is all great and shows huge determination and dedication, but long lasting change starts with baby steps. For example, no crash diet is going to help you lose weight long term, the same as one mad sesh in the gym will not give you the toned bod you’re longing for! Long term change comes from perseverance and small daily changes, you have to really want it and ensure your expectations are realistic and achievable.

If you have made the decision you would like to make a change then understand we all have the freedom and the power to do this at any time – you don’y need to wait until 1st January!

The team at Models Direct wish you a very happy new year and remember how incredible and capable you really are!

Let’s do this 2020!!

Photo-shoots consist of a creative team, the size and experience of the team can vary depending on budget, location, brand, etc. Larger budgets will afford a stylist, make-up artist, hair stylist and assistants, however this is not always the case! We do know it will always include a model and a photographer.

A photographer’s role is complex, often they are the glue that keeps the creative team together and more often than not the person who leads the shoot. Being a successful photographer is of course about technical ability, but more importantly being able to make a model feel comfortable infront of the camera and in your company by giving them the encouragement they need to believe in themselves – if you master this you will be a busy photographer!

Making a name for yourself as a photographer is not easy, it’s competitive and to get bookings you need to stand out.

Here are some tips to make the best name for yourself as a professional photographer and how to work with models and get the best from them:

Shoot Preparation

• Make sure your kit is complete – Shoot days can be stressful, with lots going on, locations to find, new people to meet, schedules to keep to along with many other factors, so it’s important to make sure your kit is complete, clean and batteries charged. A day or two before the shoot do a kit check, you may not have put it away properly from your last shoot, so make sure you have the lens’s you need, your camera batteries are charged, you have enough memory cards and any backup equipment you may need. You can’t predict technical issues, but you can prepare for them, so having all the right equipment gives you peace of mind and allows you to simply focus creating incredible images.
• Locations – Whatever type of shoot you are doing there will be shoot locations involved. It may just be one, but make sure you know where it is and how you can access it. If you have numerous locations for one shoot it’s a good idea to scout them out prior to the shoot so you are familiar to them and know what you’re going to be working with.
• Timings – It’s a cliche, but time is money and your time is valuable! However you have quoted for this job it will come down to time and the client will still be expecting amazing images within the time frame you have set, so be aware of it and stay focused. You may only have your creative team for a certain time frame, be sure to know the schedule of the day and find ways to make sure you can get the shots you want with in it.
• Vision – To ensure you or your client will get the images they want you need to have fully understood their vision. Whether you are photographing a product, model or scene, sometimes all three, by asking the right questions beforehand, researching your client and talking with your client you will both be on the same wavelength, which is essential to guarantee your client is satisfied with the final images.

Shoot Day

• Models – Sourcing the right model for the shoot is very important. The Models Direct booking team spend lots of time speaking with photographers to fully understand what they are looking for to ensure they source the ideal model(s) for the right price too.

Click here to speak to one of our helpful booking agents

• Model Experience – This will depend on your budget really as more experienced models requests higher model fees, however you may not need a model with lots of experience, it all depends on the nature of the shoot and the shoot budget, something your booking agent will discuss with you. Some models work well with little direction and others need more specific directions, either way a good photographer will be able to click with the model quickly and make be able to make them feel relaxed and comfortable infront of the camera.
• Remain Professional at all times – As a photographer you may be required to work closely with a model, you may have given direction to a model but adjustments still need to be made to get the best image. It helps to have a stylist with you or even an assistant who can make adjustments to the models clothes, hair or make up, but be sure to have permission from the model before doing this.
• Happy Model – Modelling is tiring and shoots can be long and not always comfortable for the model, make sure your model is well looked after and is as comfortable and happy as they can be. Offer regular breaks and by make sure there are refreshments on set for them, this will help the model keep their energy levels up and stay focused. If you are shooting outside make sure the model isn’t too hot or too cold, you may need to make sure you have an extra coat to hand or even a fan if it’s a particularly hot environment. Try and meet your models demands, you want to get the best from them and to do this they need to feel at their best, so be patient, professional and listen to them, it’s important to keep them on side and work as a team to create the stunning, eye-catching images you envisaged.

The Models Direct website has a clear query request form for you to complete when looking to book models, by submitting this a member of the team will be in contact straight away to discuss your requirements in more detail:

Have Fun!

It’s important to have fun while shooting, by creating a positive, upbeat and fun environment will benefit you, your model and therefore the images! A photographer who is confident, capable and relaxed will instantly make a model feel at ease and you are then set for a very successful shoot!

With two small children and busy working lives, Stephen & Liz jumped at the chance of a little get away, even though that meant doing a bit of modelling work too! Over the two day shoot the couple along with the production team battled floods, remote shoot locations and bad weather, but with both models and client being over the moon with the end results the Models Direct team couldn’t be happier.

The accommodation provided for our model couple was beautiful, the perfect little rural retreat; https://www.holidaycottages.co.uk/cottage/51731-sett-cottage

Here is Stephen’s feedback from the shoot:

“We had an amazing experience with Models Direct, from the first phone call about putting us forward for the shoot, to the follow up calls to see how things went…. it was faultless.
Charlie was massively helpful and friendly, communication all the time and would recommend them to anyone. Can’t wait to do my next job with them.”
Steve and Liz Campbell

‘Real Couples’ are a regular request from clients in the commercial modelling industry. When shooting scenes which involve a couple the chemistry and dynamics need to be right and look natural on camera, often this is much easier to achieve with a real couple rather than two models who don’t know one another.

If you and your partner are interested in being put forward to clients for work like this and other commercial modelling opportunities please click here and speak to one of the Models Direct team today.

Gary was selected to feature in the latest online commercial for Kwikfit Motability – as an experienced model with a disability, Gary was the perfect choice to work with such a well known client and a professional film crew to produce their latest mobility campaign.

Gary gives his feedback on his filming experience:

As ever the day went very well and was quite seamless despite the very early start!
The crew were very well organised and very welcoming, it was once again a great insight into just how much effort and planning goes into such a short presentation.
My short acting role was great fun, I’d like to say it was a high octane stunt scene but in reality I just had to pull up in my car, get out, shake hands with the Kwik Fit engineer and ask for a new tyre! 
 This all said, it didn’t matter, it was a great experience and I enjoyed it. Let’s just hope I did ok! – Gary

Models Direct are very excited to see the final version of the commercial featuring Gary – click the link below to view:

https://www.weareiris.co.uk/kwikfit

To be considered for modelling and filming work, get in contact today – click here

Model Fee: £440

“Yesterday and today went equally well, I really enjoyed modelling for Luxury Student Homes in Liverpool. The photographers were great and made me feel at ease.The client, Jess, was lovely to work with and made sure we all had plenty of refreshments and food between sets. The other models were very friendly and easy-going, it was a pleasure to work with them too. Overall I loved my two days working with them and it was such a fun experience.
My agent, Molly, made sure I kept updated with information prior to the job via emails, and reassured me I could contact her if needed.” – Tegan

“It was a great experience, got to take some beautiful pictures with very nice and warm people. The staff there was also kind and friendly which made the experience even more fun and unforgettable. I really do hope to get another opportunity at this kind of work. Due to such a positive environment, it made taking those pictures and portraying such emotions even easier. Thank you for such an amazing opportunity.” – Dariah

“I successfully completed my photo shoot with Luxury Student Homes yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Jess from the housing company made us all feel very welcome and treated us all well throughout. The photographers were also friendly and made the photo shoot a comfortable and efficient process.

I would also like to thank Molly from Models Direct for organising this fantastic opportunity. She was very helpful and was always quick to respond to questions related to the photo shoot. This has been a great experience and am hoping it will lead to more opportunities in the future. ” – Jamie

Clare has been represented by Models Direct for 6 months, she has a condition called Dystonia, a movement disorder in which a person’s muscles contract uncontrollably, she therefore often uses a wheelchair and can use her crutches also. 

Models Direct represent a variety of models with different abilities, adults and children of all ages and are proud to have been able to promote them successfully to large and small clients and brands across the UK.

Last week the Models Direct team were delighted to be able to tell Clare she had successfully been selected to feature in the latest online campaign for Hive – the UK’s Leading Smart Home Provider – as you can image she was delighted too!

Here is what Clare had to say about her Assignment experience:

“Yesterday I had my first assignment with a company called Hive and I had a fantastic first shoot. They sent me a taxi to get to the location and I arrived in good time.

Everyone was so friendly and reassured me as I was slightly nervous with it being my first assignment.

I had to try on some different outfits to play wheelchair tennis. When they chose the outfit that they liked the best I then had to do action shots with a tennis racquet as if I was leaving my house.

Everyone from the wardrobe stylist, photographer and producer were amazing and put me at ease. They also arranged for a taxi to take me home.

They were all very helpful and accommodating towards my disability.

I can honestly say that I really enjoyed my first shoot and I look forward to more in the future!

Thank you so much Models Direct for all of your help in getting me my first assignment and keeping in touch regularly and giving me all of the information that I needed for the assignment! ”

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Get Safe Online have recently created an amazing campaign to help raise awareness of online scammers and how users can avoid getting caught up  with it and how to spot it – basically for us all to become more  internet safety savvy!!

Two of Models Direct’s model ‘Nana’s ‘ were selected to   be trained up to become a ‘scammer Nana’ for the day – Pat and Debbie did such an amazing job and Models Direct were delighted to be able to offer them this exciting opportunity.

There is no age limit to being a  commercial model, the team at Models Direct often get enquiries from clients looking for mature model for campaign’s, promotions, photo-shoots and fittings.

Pat who was selected for this  particular campaign has done several different assignments for  Models Direct and is now one of our more experienced models.

It was a first for Models Direct’s Debbie, but she now has some fab experience and pics for her portfolio and amazing feedback from the client.

Huge Congratulations to you both!!

Check out the final video below: