No, we’re not talking about meeting people outside for the first time in months instead of logging onto Zoom and pretending to listen to what is being said (come on, you’ve drifted off into Zoom dreamland at least once, right?). No, the change is that – at last – the mornings are becoming brighter earlier and the evenings lighter for longer. This means one thing – spring is here, with summer just around the corner!

This time of the year is perfect for dusting off your camera, ready to snap away at your heart’s content. Alternatively, asking a friend to assume the photographer’s role is just as ideal. Either way, April and its subsequent months usually provide just the right conditions to capture glorious, high-definition images. But can you utilise the improved weather in your quest to achieve brilliant snapshots?

Follow Models Direct’s quick guide and you could soon be on the right path to having the finest portfolios for all your modelling pictures.

1. What time is it? Choose the time of day wisely. Avoid taking photos under the midday sun – the sun is often too strong and the subjects tend to squint. Instead, opt for late afternoon or early evening or, even better, the last hour before sunset.  

2. Choose a short telephoto lens (one that is a minimum of 60mm) – and this doesn’t have to be a zoom lens!

3. Use a tripod to steady both your camera and concentration.

4. Using a reflector helps light reflect back into your subject’s face – the most important part of the photo (unless you’re not taking a portrait, of course…)

5. Select a focal point and stick to it!

6. Use shade to your advantage. Trees, buildings, roofs and even clouds can work wonders to eliminate silhouettes – including the dreaded “shadow under the chin” episode!

7. Experiment with flashes. They are not limited to indoor use, and are often overlooked in the great outdoors.

8. If available, take photos in RAW file – a digital negative that is taken directly from your camera’s sensor.

9. Pay particular attention to your eyes, and check which backgrounds suit your facial and body profiles. 

It’s sensible to ask some basic questions at your local camera outlet, and to experiment. Taking photographs should be fun, and outdoor photography is one of life’s pleasures!

It’s always a challenge for models to keep their photographic updates in pristine order. We appreciate that everyone doesn’t have a digital camera, so we by all means accept headshots using smartphones.

A quick checklist is:

• Avoid lots of make-up – you don’t need it, and it won’t show a true representation of your (undoubtedly beautiful) face.
• The perfect height-width ratio is 5:4.
• Don’t use Photoshop!
• Keep it simple, please.
• Got tattoos, scars, or piercings? Fab – show them all!

You’ve done your research, know the basics about being a model and your confidence is sky-high. You’ve used the Models Direct website as your oracle of knowledge, and you’re now ready to make the first move in your career (or part-time work) as a model. Then you panic about your portfolio…or rather, about not having one!

• Who can you ask to help with organising all your photos in a sensible order to attract the interests of an agency?
• How many photos should you include? Should they be black and white or colour?
• How much does a professional photographer charge?

So many questions!

Let Models Direct put your fears to rest. Though we’ve been in the modelling business for over 30 years, we’re a largely easy-going bunch and only ask for a couple of photos in your application to us. That’s right – no bulky portfolios!

When you’re ready to take a few photos (you’ll take quite a lot as you won’t capture the perfect photo straightaway), treat them as if submitting a CV to a potential employer. You’ve got one shot at the prize, so be certain that your photos are as faithful to your appearance as possible. Too much make-up is a dead giveaway to your natural beauty, and belittles what you’re all about. Going back to the CV concept, you wouldn’t cram your work experience with false statements and fabrication – the employer will straight through them. The same applies with modelling photos: this is your chance to shine, and to show us how camera-friendly you are in natural poses. 

Make sure your two photos sent to us represent what you look like in everyday circumstances. Don’t be tempted to wear additional clothes, hats or accessories that take the emphasis away from what we’re really looking for – that is, your natural face and pose. Also, refrain from experimenting with “arty” poses and subdued lighting – if we can’t see you in all your glory, it defeats the object of sending a photo in the first place!

Are application photos all about “you, you, you”?

Well, yes! Agencies don’t like other people in your photos. Why use up vital photo space by having your best friend posing alongside you? For your modelling application, other people are completely irrelevant. Remember – concentrate on your best features and focus on only you.  

Should you make submissions to more than one agency?

In general, no. When submitting to modelling agencies, stick with the one you’ve contacted initially, and take it from there when they’ve made a decision (the same procedure applies to submitting a book manuscript to potential publishers; writers know that submitting multiple manuscripts at the same time doesn’t bode well and only alienates them.) Agencies like to know that a model has chose them first and foremost, and they’ll be more inclined to treat your submission as a genuine, sincere application knowing the model has faith in them and no one else.  

See out tips about submitting your photos to use here

We wish you the best in your submission. in the meantime, don’t forget to contact us should you have any queries about your application or the types of work available through Models Direct. 

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!!

With the modelling industry evolving it’s refreshing to see that curvier models are featuring on the covers of International magazines and it seems the hour glass figure really sells – curves are being celebrated by big brands around the world!

The plus size clothing market is approximately worth £4.7 million and brands are extending their sizing range daily, it makes sense that big name brands are now including plus size models, (size 12 and above is considered plus size, so that’s the majority of women!), in their advertising campaigns. It is a sure sign that the industry is taking note that diversity is needed and Models Direct are delighted to be able to represent many of these models.

#Realgirl, #Honouryourcurves, #Bodypositive #Loveyourself………

Models Direct is a commercial modelling and talent agency, therefore we have a more varied demand from our clients for the types of models and talent we represent and have done since the agency was created, this is why ‘size’ is not a consideration for us!

For a long time, women (and men!) have been influenced by the stereotypical body type we have been exposed to in the media and in the fashion industry, but a very small percentage of us fit that mould – hardly any of us! Therefore you could argue it is not relateable to the consumer, creating a relateable marketing campaign is key when selling a product.

Models Direct have always represented plus size models, though ‘plus size’ is not a term we like to use, they are beautiful and often very talented. The average female in the UK is a size 16, so a plus size model can vary from a size 12 upwards, simply depends on the the type of modelling they are being considered for.

If you are interested in modelling, have a unique look and are 12 size or above then please visit www.modelsdirect.com.

The feedback below direct from the models, all about how they found this modelling experience:

“Another amazing and memorable shoot arranged by Models Direct for MTC Coventry!! Breath taking, relaxing venue with excellent modern surrounding infrastructure for the perfect photo shoot. Great and warm friendly staff from the start, and not to forget my amazing colleagues! The food was superb! Many thanks to Models direct for always delivering. Looking forward to the next one!!!” – Andrew

“I had my first assignment on Friday and it was great fun. A very relaxed atmosphere with plenty of food and drink available. I am now looking forward to my next.”- Catherine

“I did my first assignment today, a corporate shoot for MTC with 9 other Models Direct models.
Fantastic day, it was great to meet other models, the direction from MTC was excellent and we were so well looked after!
Thank you Charlie at Models Direct for all of your help! Can’t wait for my next assignment.”- Francesca

“Another great day arranged by Models Direct at a photo shoot for MTC in Coventry. Fully briefed by Charlie at Models Direct, lovely client and great company from the other models I’m really pleased with how the day went. Looking forward to more days in future. – Gavin

“Models Direct gave me a great first assignment sending me to a friendly and professional place that provided food and drink all included by the client, I am looking forward to the next assignment with you guys. Thankyou” – Jake

“Models Direct have some interesting assignments and they pay good money. THANK YOU” – Harjit “

To be considered for modelling click here