Those families who are already signed up with Models Direct and have perhaps taken on assignments for us will already have e-portfolios.

Those who have been mulling over whether or not to join us may be aware that if they do, they will need to complete this on-line portal which has images and information on it.

E-portfolios are absolutely essential tools for us and our clients – we open them up to find out more about our families and other models whenever someone similar has been requested for a booking.

We ask all our models to keep their e-portfolios up to date, with both photography and information, but we also stress this is an easy process and great fun can be had while doing it.

Taking new pictures for an e-portfolio can be a lovely family activity and we often suggest that you try to combine it with other occasions, changes in the season, days out or holidays.

So what family photo opportunities are coming up?

*Well, Halloween is almost upon us. Perhaps you and your family will engage in some fun Halloween arts and crafts or baking activities together – or perhaps you are going to a party. We love to see photos of models having a good time, just remember those disguises mustn’t be too good because we need to be able to see everyone’s faces properly!

*Bonfire Night is nearly here too and again you might be having family fun. Let’s see you out in your garden with your woolly hats on, all enjoying a special November 5th barbecue or perhaps at the kitchen table making fireworks’ cupcakes together. Just remember to think very carefully about lighting if you are taking pictures in the evening or at night and, of course, ensure everyone stays safe if you are in an environment with a bonfire or fireworks.

*Autumn walks can also provide great opportunities for family photos. Ask a friend or family member to take some pictures with the wonderful colours of autumn behind you on the trees in the park or wood as you stroll along or play games together.

*Then, of course, before you know it, Christmas will be upon us. This always provides a magnitude of opportunities, with parties, school plays, fetes and then the big day itself. It may seem very early, but why not start circling those dates as they appear in your diary if you think they might provide good photo opportunities? Once again, think carefully about ensuring we can see everyone clearly and keep your backdrops as uncluttered as possible. But do remember to give us a good idea of where you are and when – and let’s see everyone having a wonderful time together!

What if we told you that there’s a way you can be together and get paid for it?

Intrigued? Want to learn more? Please keep scrolling and reading to find out about families and modelling, and how a typical day might look for them if they’ve been booked for a campaign. 

We begin with a scenario (this is a close reflection of a family modelling team signed up with our agency – no names will be included): adult models’ mum, dad, and two child models (both genders) who are under 10 booked for a supermarket giant photoshoot.

It’s Saturday and the family need to arrive at their booking which is roughly 30 miles from their home. They were informed 2 weeks prior by telephone from a designated coordinator about the company, what their project was about, the amount the family will be paid, and the brief. They delightfully accepted and MD sent an email to congratulate them and confirmed all the details of the brief in detail. We then called the family to make sure they were happy to still go ahead and if they had any questions, we were always a phone call away.

So here we are right now, everyone’s ready in neutral summer clothes, light hairstyles and make-up, getting ready for an already fuelled ride to meet the production team, and photographers and get to work. With a couple of sleepyheads that know need to be woken up, they arrive around 20 minutes before schedule giving them all enough time to freshen up.

After more or less than an hour’s car journey (plus anticipated traffic according to a handy app) the family find a spot to park, pay for their parking ticket, and meet the team who have their set already set up for the photoshoot. The family know where to go as their brief stated to meet in the superstore’s cafe. 

There the team introduce themselves to the family, the kids are super excited, and the team talk through what the day will look like (even time for a tea break and lunch which will be paid for!), and what sort of photos will be taken.

The lights are on, cameras rolling and the family are role-playing around a café table with some of the food and drinks provided for the photoshoot. It’s a fun time – mum, dad and children are really happy to be doing something completely different, and they’re enjoying it too! The kids are really excited to see what the final stills will look like in print so the team kindly switch a camera around to show them some of the images that were captured. Some were of giggles and conversation whilst others were of them eating and drinking the products to promote the supermarket’s café brand.

A few hours in, plus those free refreshments and lunch, the children are feeling pretty exhausted. Mum and Dad are too!

The team call it a day and thank the family for their time. Everyone feels pleased and positive with how it went and the family are ready for another modelling gig!

Our coordinator calls a day after work to check in on how it went with the family. The children are back to school but model mum and dad are working from home and can fill in with all the highlights and their overall experience of the day. Our happiness check confirms that they are very satisfied and look forward to more work. They are happy to leave feedback about their experience which they can email to our coordinator.

A few days done the line, as promised, they receive that lovely cheque through the post for their hard work and time (their parking ticket charge is also included!). They’re so glad they applied to Models Direct, and as a family modelling team, the experience is even better! They’re making wonderful memories, trying something completely new and being paid for it! You couldn’t ask for more!

If you like the sound of this and what a day tends to look like for a family model, do contact our MD team as we’d love to hear from you and secure work for you and your family.

Kristina Karlsen is a perfect example – not only has she taken on lots of solo assignments for Models Direct, she has also worked alongside her family on several occasions.

So, what is the secret to her success? What makes a great model and puts someone in high demand?

• A great commercial look

Female model Kristina is attractive and well-presented, but she also has that friendly, easy-going look that advertisers are looking for. She has that open, relaxed, smiley face that clients want from a commercial model because everyday consumers warm to her and can relate to her.

• Clear portfolio images

The photos that Kristina has on her portfolio are not only regularly updated but they truly reflect who she is. They are clear images that highlight her personality and show the breadth of work she is suitable for. The more work she does for us, the more she is able to add, and the more we are able to reflect the extent of her experience.

• Reliability

We know we can trust Kristina. Not only is she well-prepared for every assignment, but she arrives in plenty of time, follows instructions well and does a great job each and every time. Those models who prove to us they can be relied upon are the ones we trust to take on more work for us – as we cannot let our clients down.

• Professionalism

A successful model is someone who behaves professionally at each and every booking. He or she treats it as a serious job; relates and responds well to photographers, camera people, crew members and other models and understands the importance of the assignment. Kristina has been nothing but professional for us. She enjoys being able to earn extra income and understands it is essential to take each job seriously.

• Communication

We need models who answer their phones when we call them and who contact us immediately if something is not clear or they need more information. Kristina is very easy to communicate with – and she answers her phone when we ring her and responds to messages immediately.

• Flexibility

Sometimes we require models to be flexible with dates, either because the client has other team members or location restrictions to coordinate or sometimes because of issues such as the weather. Kristina’s ability to be very flexible has always stood her in good stead.

• Enjoyment of the work

Successful models enjoy their work! Kristina takes great pleasure in working for us and loves being able to work with her family from time to time as well. Read what she has to say about her various jobs – and have a look at feedback from other successful female models too – then consider whether you might like to follow in Kristina’s footsteps and contact us.

What Kristina has to say about some of her assignments:

Client: Heathrow Airport

“Such a great time when you can work with your whole family. Thank you so much to Models Direct and to the client who was brilliant.”

Client: Hive

“Thanks for putting me forward for the casting leading to this job today. Had a great few hours of work.”

Client: Electrolux

“Yesterday’s family job for a Swedish vacuum company was great fun. It was a long day, but the crew were funny, and it was totally relaxing. We love doing jobs together as a family and the kids are getting so used to it now. Thank you Models Direct for this booking.”

Client: Sanctuary Housing

“Yesterday’s job for Sanctuary Housing was a breeze. The photographer was super-efficient, and my co-workers were a delight. Hope our paths will cross again. Thanks Models Direct!”

Client: Just You

“Thank you, Charlie at Models Direct for assigning me for one of my best jobs so far for Just You on location in Mallorca. Great team to work with from the amazing stylist @nickidonohoe and the photo/videographer and all the other models who were such a joy to be with every hour of the long working days.”

Client: KwikFit

“Thank you Models Direct for my last assignment. My first KwikFit commercial with the friendliest team! I love my jobs .”