We understand the world is made up of all sorts of beautiful, unique individuals and that is what makes it such a wonderful place to live.

The world of modelling is all about reflecting the world around us and, as such, you are now far more likely to see people of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds and ethnicities within it.

Flick through your social media at breakfast, look out of the bus window on your way to work and switch on your TV in the evening and you should see a glorious array of individuals.

But those who want to become successful models need to highlight their differences and show us what makes them stand out from the crowd.

They need to contact us and tell us what makes them special, so we in turn can promote them to all our many major clients who are looking for diverse models for their range of assignments.

Here are our top tips for those hoping to break into the business or who are already involved but hope to see greater success:

1. Send us your application and support it with some great photographs

2. Tell us what makes you different, highlight any unique features, tell us about your abilities and really sell yourself to us

3. Once you have uploaded images to your e-portfolio remember to update them regularly

4. The portfolios of children and babies must be updated every two to four months (the younger the child, the more important it is to do this)

5. Always follow our top tips on how to take great photographs

6. Keep abreast of fashion and ensure that whatever you are wearing in your shots is up-to-date or timeless (ie that it doesn’t age you)

7. Be friendly, patient and undemanding – we are highly experienced at our business and we will do our very best for you

For more information spend time browsing on our website and reading what our other models say about working with us.

We stand out from others in the industry – and we love working with models who do too!

Models Direct has clients of all types who require a steady stream of junior models – youngsters of all ages, backgrounds and looks to take part in a wide range of jobs.

Your smiling Sam might be ideal for a clothing catalogue shoot, for example, or your happy Harriet might be the perfect person for a holiday advertisement.

Becoming a child model can not only generate an income but it can also represent the first gentle steps towards an exciting career.

Here are some of the other reasons why your little one might like to become a child model:

1. To increase confidence

There is no doubt that those children who become models benefit from increased levels of confidence. Taking part in a shoot, learning to be natural in front of a camera and understanding how and when to respond to instructions will stand them in good stead in other areas of life. Whether they decide to stay in modelling or go on to develop another sensational career, having been a child model will give them poise and self-assurance.

2. To showcase talent

If your youngster enjoys singing, dancing, drama or sport then he or she is likely to do especially well as a junior model. Not only do our clients like it when children are involved in these pastimes, but the modelling will also bring benefits to their performance in these various fields. Many of the skills they learn as a model will be transferrable and the broadening their experience will help them to develop as individuals.

3. To join another family member

Perhaps, mum, dad or a brother or sister is already in the modelling business? If so, why not see if the youngest member of the family wants to have a go too? During these unusual times of pandemic, clients are often looking for models who are part of the same social bubble. It makes organising the assignment easier while also providing very natural family groups.

4. It’s simple to apply

In many ways, there is no reason not to sign up and see where it takes you and your little one. Our application process is very easy; you could then wait to see if you are offered any assignments, whether they suit you and your child; then how you get on while you are there. If you find out it is not for you, then at the very least you have earned some money and tried something different. If everyone enjoys it, however, it could be the start of something new….

5. It’s fun

It really is! Our child models and their parents really enjoy the whole experience. But, don’t take our word for it! Read what some of them have to say and then decide for yourself:

David:

“David was asked to do a photo shoot and video for Wilton Bradley at Bovey Castle. What can I say, it was an awesome day: the place was stunning and the atmosphere was relaxed, with lots of hot chocolate! David had so much fun even though it was raining and cold. The crew were fabulous, patient and very, very professional. Models Direct were also fab and we can’t wait for our next booking!”

“What a brilliant day. The weather gods were on our side for yesterday’s video and photo shoot at Mansell Raceway. Wilton Bradley’s team were superb, taking their time ensuring they got what they needed, and David was only too happy to oblige. The equipment David had to show was varied, and he was raving about the motorbike he got to ride! Models Direct have done a great job again on keeping us informed and being very supportive. Again, a great day was had by all!”

Alyssa:

“Models Direct have always been supportive and considerate of our requirements and availability; always prompt with information and informing us of any updated details. I would definitely recommend them. I took Alyssa to her second shoot (the first time for me) and it was quite daunting for her at first but the staff for Wilton Bradley were patient and considerate with Alyssa and made her feel at ease. Thank you everyone.”

Models Direct’s junior models have worked on so many exciting asdsignments with well known brands over the years, click here to read how they got on and what it’s like as a child model!

Backpacks have been an essential item for a while now. Many people enjoy wearing one as they’re a helpful accessory for keeping those arms free whilst carrying a load of necessary supplies on the back. From school children through to teens at secondary, college and onto university, backpacks have been filling our educational world and essentials for years now and plenty more to come. They’ve become ingrained in student’s checklist of important school supplies.

Now that we’re all easing back to “normality” as best as we can given the current situation, children, teens and adults will be seen sporting the handy shoulder strapped no-nonsense bag on the back that’ll be conveniently carrying their everything.

The student backpack still quite young though – aged around 44 years old. It has gone through some aesthetic changes over the course of its time meeting the ever-evolving demands of its users. What was once a bulky sack of material on the back with leather straps has now morphed into super sleek bags that boast a minimalistic look catering for not just book supplies but electronic devices. Being able to pop in a laptop or gadget is now integral to the designs of backpacks churned out nowadays and even with everything screaming less is more, backpacks certainly don’t appear to be a bag that’ll become obsolete any time soon.

Now that most of the nation’s youngsters are slowly heading back into education, backpacks will be making it into the top ten of crucial supplies and equipment for students, no doubt.

If you haven’t already grabbed yourself one ready to fill every corner with textbooks, stationery, food and water supplies, we’re wondering why! You’ll never look back once you’ve bagged one – we’re certain.

Read on to find out why Models Direct believe you should have one hanging on your over the door hook or lounging on your bedroom floor if you’re still in two minds.  

Maximum comfort 

Backpacks are so practical. The fact that they sit on your back, leaving your arms to move freely and not having to worry about anything sliding off your arms or waist – we’re thinking about shoulder bags and bum bags right now – is what makes them so magnetic. The weight of your belongings sits nicely on you in the most convenient way, not pulling you forward, back or sideways and helping the weight become more manageable than carrying in your arms.

Place your trust in it 

Place your trust in a bag?

Huh?

Okay, so by this we mean, place all your essential items in your backpack and trust us – you’ll fill it up with a lot more stuff than you expected! Most backpacks come designed with lots of neat compartments for mobile storage to side water bottle compartments. You’ll find nifty pouches that you never knew existed if you look hard enough (okay, we might be exaggerating a little here because it depends on the manufacturer, but it is possible). Hands up if anyone wants to let us know if they’ve found a handy compartment they never knew about before.

Great for trekking and going away

The genius idea behind the design of a backpack extends to it being superb for a trek or a going away weekend too. Models who’ve been booked for assignments will definitely enjoy using one to pop in everything they need for walking trips, days out, staycations and going away.

Whichever style of backpack you choose for your return to school or uni we know you’re going to wear it with style!

For more tips and advice for aspiring teen models click here

With the longer days and a glimmer of sunshine, now is the perfect time to get outside with a friend or family member and start snapping some up to date pictures of yourself.

The quality of your images on your portfolio plays a huge part in your success as a model, client’s will be looking for someone who stands out, is confident infront of the camera and is versatile – all of these factors can be seen from the images you choose to upload on your portfolio. This is something the Models Direct team talk to models about often, it’s so important and can make all the difference to the success of your modelling career!

It’s not essential for the pictures to be done by a professional photographer as this can be costly, but they do need to be of a high quality to represent you in the best possible way. By updating your images you are making sure that the client will be selecting you from your current look and are seasonal too.

Top Tips to the best portfolio pics:

• Make sure there is lots of natural light! Ideally take the pictures outside, but if this is not possible then ensure you have lots of natural light around you. Artificial light can create different tones, so try to avoid yellow tinted lighting or low lit areas. When taking photographs outside make sure there are no shadows across your face and that you are not squinting if looking into the sun. If it’s a particularly sunny day it may be best to take the the pics early morning or late afternoon when the sun is lower and the light is softer.
• Keep your backgrounds simple, busy backgrounds can detract from you and therefore you will not stand out so much to a client. Look for plain walls, or clear scenes where the focus of the image is you!
• Think about what you wear for your shoot, make sure the clothes reflect you and you feel confident in them, if possible change a couple of times to show other looks, ie, a casual look, smart look, sporty, etc..
• The quality of the photograph is important too, make sure you have the best possible equipment and the images are saved as large files, this will ensure the picture is sharp and avoid it being pixelated.
• Try to relax infront of the camera, this is not always easy, but the more pictures you have taken the easier it gets and the more natural the shot will be. Ideally show your personality and style in the shot, this will appeal to the right client and hopefully secure you the type of work you want to do.

Our looks change, we may not think they have much, but for a client it is so important they are viewing models pictures that are current and are an accurate and true reflection of that model.

So what are you waiting for?? The sun is shining…..grab your camera and go and have some fun!! The Models Direct team can’t wait to see the results!!

Learning how to smile sounds ridiculous – surely everyone can do it? Models Direct gives you some helpful tips to smile on demand!

In almost every modelling assignment, photographers need their models to convey some kind of emotion through their facial expression or body position.

You can work on facial expressions by practising them in a mirror. Everything you feel is reflected in your face, and models need to be adept at projecting all the major emotions.

Make a list of key emotions (love, hate, sorrow, joy etc.) and practice expressing each emotion in front of a mirror. After you have practiced for a while, try out your skills on a friend and see if they can tell what emotion you are conveying.

How to smile

Learning how to smile sounds ridiculous – surely everyone can do it? In fact, smiling ‘to order’ is a real skill, and one that professional models need to master.

To improve your smiling skills, position yourself in front of a mirror and practise the following steps.

• Put your lips together without moving them. Look at your face in the mirror, concentrating on the eyes. At first, they’re lifeless. Now lift up the corners of your mouth and watch your eyes come alive.
• To create a smile, say “MMM” without opening your mouth. No teeth should be showing. Don’t forget to turn the corners of your mouth up.
• To create a broader smile, say “MMM” again with your mouth still closed and again, don’t forget to turn up the corners of the mouth.
• This time say “ME”, whilst opening your mouth and showing your teeth but keeping it soft. Next say “ME” again, this time with a big smile showing all your teeth.
• When you say “HEY,” you produce a very natural facial expression. Say “HEY” and hold it – you will notice your tongue is coming forward and your lips are apart. Now try it again, saying “HEY” with a smiling expression.
• Create a gaunt look by saying the word “POOR”, keeping the lips very soft and sultry and holding for a few seconds.
• To achieve an open and happy laugh try saying “HAA”, remembering to focus your gaze on someone or something to avoid a “lifeless” look.

Posing

You can practise posing in front of a full-length mirror. Check out some fashion catalogues to find the most popular poses. Pay attention to the tilt of the head, the position of the hands and the turn of the ankle. These little things can make a big difference – just as with facial expressions, your body posture can convey a variety of emotions. Consider taking up activities that teach you how to move your body gracefully. Dancers and gymnasts move well in front of the camera because they know how to create long sweeping lines with their bodies.

Both facial expressions and poses can be improved by practising with props, products and wardrobe. Examples of props could be a floppy hat, a long shawl or a beach ball. The idea is to practise using and reacting to the prop.

Since one of the key areas of modelling is promotional and marketing work, it is a good idea to practise with a product that might be sold – a perfume, household product or foodstuff, for example. Practise holding the product so it may be clearly seen and you don’t cover the label.

In fashion shoots, you’ll be selling clothes, so practise showing the important features of each item. Show off the pockets, collar and belt or how the garment moves. You need to bring attention to whatever makes the garment interesting.

Click here for more modelling advice

Models Direct has been successfully representing and promoting models for 26 years! Every day our team of dedicated Assignment Coordinators are providing our clients with the ideal model(s) for their next commercial, campaign, promotion or photoshoot – check out Model Direct’s top tips to help make this happen for you!