This is extremely important in the selection process at Models Direct. All images and reels must be up-to-date and current, which means they’ll be relevant.

The best example we can use is that of a top brand looking for everyday models for their latest campaign. This scenario applies for most of our jobs. When a client comes to us with a job brief, it’s our responsibility to give them a shortlist of suitable models that fits their brief. We do this based on information included in a model’s ePortfolio: images, reels, geographical location, age etc. All information must be accurate, and all pictures must be current. If a model meets the briefs requirements but their ePortfolio hasn’t been updated for a few months, this can only minimise the changes of models being chosen.

Think of relevance / accurate information as a CV. Employers make choices based largely on three criteria: CVs, covering letters, and how candidates conduct themselves at interviews. Not all three need to “click” for the candidate to land the job, but it stands to reason that at least the information submitted by the candidate needs to be updated and accurate.

Your pictures are no different to a CV, in that they are an essential tool in gaining work. It’s a model’s responsibility to make sure they dip into their portfolios, updating personal information if required, and to refresh portfolios with different poses. If a model changes their looks, it must be reflected in their portfolio.

• 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

Keep the word “relevant” securely in mind. If a client looks at your portfolio images and decides to pick you, then your portfolio has done its job. However, if that selection has been done based on outdated photos, the client will be disappointed when you arrive on set. And it may hinder your chances of securing other jobs.

We cannot emphasise how important updating your pictures is. Try to update every month or so. Even if you think you look exactly as you did six months ago, ask someone to take fresh pictures of yourself and upload them to your portfolio (we don’t recommend taking “selfies”, as sometimes the angles are inconsistent, and the imagery can be blurred).

Clients need to see what they’re getting. We not suggesting commercial models are commodities; they are human beings with aspirations of achieving great thigs in the industry. But what use is a genuinely enthusiastic model to a client when they haven’t presented themselves in the truest light?

Plan ahead and decide which week you’ll start to add new pictures, and then continue this trend every month. The pictures don’t need to be taken by a professional, and it may only take half an hour every month.

Just show us and our clients that you can follow sensible industry advice. It’ll be your passport to more modelling jobs, so that alone should be all the motivation models need. 

Good luck!

Our clients like to know that models are proactive. Not updating photos on your portfolio could be a major disadvantage, so we urge every registered model to keep their looks and talents current.

Most industries change; it might not be from year-to-year, but all companies progress at some point. This could be a re-branding campaign, a change in personnel, a move to a new headquarters…whatever the reason for change, you can be sure that it’s for the company’s benefit. And so, models, too, should explore new avenues and seek ways to elevate them from the others that are competing for the same successes. The best way to do that is to keep portfolios fresh and tell us if you’ve changed your looks or gained new experiences that will help you get noticed by our clients.

• 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

A lot of models ask how often they should update their details and photos on portfolios. Every model is different, but a simple answer is as often as is necessary. The worst thing any model can do is to leave photos in their portfolios, forgetting to add fresh images and assume that clients will be attracted to models who haven’t bothered to tell them how their looks have changed or what new skills they have acquired since the last time they visited their portfolio.

Broadly speaking, models should update their photos every few months. This gives us and our clients the confidence to models are taking their careers seriously, as negligence is a tell-tale sign that models expect to be offered jobs purely because of initially completing portfolios.

This is a common mistake. We have responded to some models who mention that they haven’t been offered as many jobs as they’d like. Whilst we understand their frustration, looking at their portfolio history usually suggests they haven’t kept their portfolios fresh, current and, most importantly, relevant.

Every few months is a reasonable timescale to update photos, even if you have the same look as you did when you registered with us. We want to see varied photos in different fashions. It should be apparent that if models change hairstyles or have added some new tattoos, then this must be reflected in portfolios.

In short, think of your portfolios as the first thing our clients see – much like a CV or cover letter. Clients are not mind readers, after all.

Check your contact details are still valid – if we can’t get in touch with you with the good news, it could jeopardise a fabulous Models Direct booking.

We understand the strength of having modelling talent to leverage new campaigns which is why we’re always about getting new models to sign up with us and request that our existing ones continually update their ePortfolios, reels and measurements/skills so that brands have a holistic overview of what they have to offer.

Our team has seen that brands have a knack for curating innovative products and services that aim to captivate and inspire their target audience, and they do it incredibly well. Shaping their brand’s visual identity is an exciting process and a long-term opportunity to collaborate with agencies like us as we value creativity, innovation and authenticity.

What brands may look into investing  when building their campaigns could include:

Product shoots – they will plan, style and request for high-quality product photography which may include models who will appeal to their target audience. This will mean recruiting models of all ages and even pets!

Lifestyle shots – brands will want to create beautiful lifestyle imagery that reflects the personality and vibe of their brand, weaving products and services seamlessly into real-world scenarios.

Content creation – they may intend to produce a steady flow of on-brand, engaging content for use across social media, websites, and marketing campaigns.

• 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

Video content – brands may create video content, long and short-form for reels, TikToks, and ads, blending campaign-forward style with eye-catching storytelling.

Building a brand will take time. Whether you’re a new or established brand seeking models for your next campaign, Models Direct can help. We’ve got diverse models – baby models, junior models, teenage models, adult male and female models, mature models and pet models.

We really did think this through and understood how brands will need models of all ages and from all backgrounds. So here we are, over thirty years on, still recruiting and providing models fit for different scenarios our brands suggest.

Here is a snippet of some of our client’s reviews. There’s more of this which you can take a look at here:

Focal Point Digital

“Everything went fine, and the models were great. Very happy with the service provided.”

Marc Cain

“Just to say that Terry was lovely! I’m very pleased with the service – quick, efficient,and everything was sorted very fast. If I need something similar again in the area, I wouldn’t hesitate to contact you guys again. Best Sarah”

The Avid Seamstress

How was your talent booker – friendly, efficient, quick? Yes, great responses and very thorough.

How did the assignment go on the day? Very well, model was on time and fantastic to work with, great energy and very flexible.

How did our talent(s) perform – did they do a great job? See above.

Are there any changes you would like to see? None.

Would you use us again, if so, why? Yes, cost effective.

Are you a brand looking to hire? Let our MD team know and we’ll be happy to help – always! We look forward to hearing from you.

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!!!
 

As you know, we at Models Direct have a glorious array of models of all types on our books, from babies and toddlers, to children, teenagers, men and women.

Our clients come to us asking for people to play the parts of members of the general public in their advertisements, campaigns and promotions.

Therefore, we need models of all ages, looks, backgrounds and types to be able to offer them.

Once a model has joined us, they create an e-portfolio – and this is what we and our clients look at when trying to find just the right model for every booking.

Our process is simple: clients make specific requests to us, explaining who they would like; we offer them a selection of models that fit the bill and then they make the final choice.

And so, in order for a model to stand out from the others who also match requirements, they should ensure they have fresh, up-to-date photos on their e-portfolio  – images that really show them as they look now and that reflect their personality.

Spring, summer, autumn, winter…at Models Direct, we always suggest updating modelling e-portfolio shots with the arrival of a new season.

That way a model’s latest pictures will always look current and of the moment.

So, although the weather is not yet sizzling summer-hot, why not try to get out and about on a sunny day to take some pictures that suggest it is?

Rummage through your wardrobe, flick through the secondhand apps you sometimes buy through and put together one or fabulous new summer looks.

Think cool and collected, bright and beautiful, and try to bring in items of clothing and accessories that will bring a unique summer glow to your pictures.

Then, wait for a lovely sunny day, ask a friend or relative to help you out and head off to somewhere with a lush, green, summery backdrop to start taking your pictures.

Keep snapping away, trying out different poses in different locations, making sure we can see your face at all times.

Then head home, choose the best one or two and upload them to your e-portfolio ready for the arrival of summer.

That way, if you get put forward for a job in the next few months, our clients will see photos that look as fresh as a summer day!

Catch good lighting
Without a shadow of a doubt (no pun intended here!), good lighting is key to making your outfit selfie pop up. You want to be the centre of attention in your images minus any distractions such as shadows, dark, blurry areas and objects that aren’t a necessary addition to your pic. All eyes should be on you.
If you’ve got the almost perfect pic but need to make some edits then go ahead and crop out what you don’t need or switch up the contrasting colours to help it stand out. Whether you’re a female model or a senior one, these points will be sure to help!

Take a full image of your outfit

If you’re taking an outfit selfie it only makes sense to go for an image that encompasses the outfit in its full glory. Your choice of ensemble for your outfit should be showcased and added to your ePortfolio collection, after all that’s what a selfie outfit is for.

Glow up with accessories

To accessorise or not to accessorise, that is the question. Well, it really shouldn’t be if you’re out to light up your Instagram feeds and of course your ePortfolio. Models Direct has been seeing clutch bags (mini and oversized), silver jewellery and cute tights on the fashion scene so whether or not you have these accessories in your drawer or jewellery box, get some extras out that you could team up with your look and get snapping.

Bring along your friends

Friends, besties, to all the people you have in your friend’s circle, invite them over. They’ll cheer you on and support you (because that’s what true friends do!) and chances are, you’ll slay your pics! Have some of them join you too and these to your feeds.

Polish up like a profesh photographer

What we mean is, to use editing apps to refine your images if you need to. We know we say not to use filters, but editing is fine especially if you have to get things like the colour balance right if you’ve snapped a spectacular piece. Our suggestions? Try out Adobe Photoshop Camera, Snapseed and Lightroom Photo and Video Editor if you already haven’t.

We hope these five tips take your top spot for outfit selfie ideas for your Insta feed and other socials, not to forget your modelling ePortfolio!

When modelling, standing in front of cameras or filming gear is the done deal which means that posing is one of the top skills you’ll be giving a try and cementing into your profession. Some work a treat whilst others…. hmmm, not so much! So in this blog, Models Direct want to work through this and help our soon-to-be and current talent learn and master top-notch poses whilst unlearning some others that don’t get heads turning for the right reason. Whether you’ve got a child model, teen model, or you yourself are a female or male model, or perhaps you’re in your senior years, this blog will help with ideas you can try out at home. Let’s go!

Modelling poses that we swear by

Natural standing pose

Sometimes the most natural-looking poses are the most eye-catching. That can certainly be said for this simple and effective look. Stand tall, relax those shoulders and put a small bend in your knees as you look on in confidence. This pose is a sure-fire winner.

Handing over a good pose

You can illustrate another great pose with one or two of your hands. They could either rest on your hips, or you could fold them, or pop them into your pockets, or have them touching your face, neck or hair. It’s up to you!

Tilt your body

Positioning your body so that there is a slight angle is another great pose to master. You can have one leg in front of the other, tilt your hips forward or move your head to one side to draw attention to different angles.

Crossed legs

A winning pose is the standing and sitting crossed legs. Typically, if you start by standing and then placing one leg in front of the other, you can give the illusion of having a taller height.

Walking or movement

When you’re on the move, either walking or within your space to pose, you can capture the light to create wonderful poses. Swift movements or you can keep your pace steady and really concentrate on your facial expressions too.

Poses to avoid

Forced poses and smiles

It’s not great to be forced to pose or smile. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to mask so it can become quite an obvious task. You’ll want to avoid this one though if it can be helped. Naturally, you’ll be asked on cue to pose but appearing forced won’t be appealing or convincing.

Stiff poses

Rigid looks are a big no-no. Why? Because they’ll make you look uncomfortable. We don’t mean to sound harsh but chances are, the stiff look will make viewers feel uncomfy too so avoid it unless instructed by the filming director or photographer.

Double chin

Some of us have a double chin and there’s nothing wrong with that! It happens for many reasons. But if you’re posing, tilt your head slightly higher to lengthen your neck, and if you don’t have a double chin, still keep that neck long.

Avoid exaggerated looks

Again, unless otherwise instructed, steer clear of exaggerated looks because some poses don’t need to be dramatic and fake.

Round up

Modelling means creating poses. Some are flattering whilst others don’t create the desired look. If you’re on an assignment but are unsure of which poses to do, don’t be afraid to ask the director or photographer for guidance and support. Keep it real, keep it simple. Above all, enjoy your time.

And would-be models, those who are considering joining us, you will need to have a selection of pictures when you create your on-line portfolio and this could be a great time of year to take them.

Most of us are very busy in December: there are all sorts of work and family events and outings – and many occasions to dress up and look our best!

But, given the time of year, many of these are likely to be indoors and so it is worth reading through these top tips for taking pictures inside on your phone before getting started:

1 If your phone has a reasonable camera there is no reason why you shouldn’t take your modelling shots on it. Just be careful to save, send and upload them at their original size so they don’t become pixelated or blurred when we see them.

2 Clean the camera lens on your phone before starting.

3 Always suggest that the friend or relative taking the pictures uses a phone tripod. This will make for much sharper images and will give you a chance to position yourself and frame the image well.

4 If your phone has a setting for indoor photography then use it.

5 Try to avoid using flash photography if possible as this can cause the pictures to be washed out or flat. Experiment with the flash on and off, take some pictures with natural light sources from windows lighting your face and also try shots with artificial lights on and off. You will soon see what works well within your particular indoor setting.

6 Try using the portrait mode on your phone to see how some close-up of head and shoulders images turn out.

7 Think about the composition of your photograph – make sure you sit well within the overall shot.

8 Consider your background – quite apart from indoor settings often being busy, they are prime for ending up with pictures where house plants look like they are coming out of your head or there are distracting shadows and reflections on walls behind you!

9 Finally, take lots of pictures in different locations, poses and positions, as well as various lights, then discard anything that doesn’t work. One of the great beauties of digital photography is that you can snap away, taking hundreds of pictures to end up with that one perfect shot that you love!

Ooooo choices, choices!

Holiday snaps are the best, even the blurry ones with your forearm half taking up the frame or the top of your head covering a glorious to-die-for background. Memorable tropical beaches, tranquil oases, volcanic landscapes – wherever your destination is, even if it’s a staycation with a laid-back seaside charm or breath-taking national parks, your holiday pics are your personalised journey.

No wonder it’s difficult to choose some of your best pics for your modelling portfolio. There are exceptions to the image submission rules for portfolios because – well – you’re on holiday (woo hoo!) Models Direct will help take the conundrum out of picking your snaps so do read on!

Clear, well-lit, uncluttered images

Capturing a clear holiday image is one thing but when we ask for an uncluttered background, this might prove slightly challenging. Who wants to go on holiday and take their best snaps against a plain backdrop? Well, it doesn’t have to be a hard and fast rule when you’re enjoying your time away.
Having a focused image with great natural light accompanied by a clear backdrop, (no extra hands and feet, unless you’re a parts model and they belong to you!), is the best way forward.
As for the nature of your background, if it doesn’t include anyone that shouldn’t be in it (family models are included, of course), any objects or attractions that are distracting and take the focus away, then it’ll pass as a good addition to your portfolio.

When problems arise and how to solve them

If, however, you have an amazing snap but an unwanted object is gnawing away at the focus, you can use a background remover tool to erase it. This handy editing feature will help you keep your image untouched but remove the undesired bits and bobs.

Likewise, if you want to revive a photo because its colour and lighting are not doing it the justice it deserves then you can apply an AI image editing tool to achieve a sharper look; balancing lighting and defining colours. This will help to pop up your pic and get it more noticed.

Keep the filters at bay

We love snapping and adding our personal touch with filters that can make our image stand out. Why not be creative when we have all the tools that can help us achieve that? Nothing is stopping you but keep images neat and minus add-ons for your portfolio. Why? They’ll stand out perfectly as they are, so no need for flamboyant or edited images to get spotted. Agencies and clients just want to see you as you are – no touch-ups, collage templates, or AI image editing on your face or body, please!

Crop and resize images

You’re more than welcome to edit and adjust the size of your image and zoom in or out, as long as the main image hasn’t been tampered with. It might be tempting but if the urge is too strong, then the best solution is to choose another pic you’re completely happy with.
Models Direct hope that this blog has helped get you ready to take your holiday snaps. Summer’s only around the corner so we hope this mini guide has been useful for you ahead of your holiday!

Ps don’t forget to smile!

Because of this, many of us are now eagerly anticipating taking part in big occasions this summer and are looking forward to dressing up and having a fantastic day out.

Watching someone we know or love tie the knot is always a special (and often emotional!) occasion.

And here at Models Direct we also love a good wedding!

This isn’t just because we like having fun (which of course we do!), it’s also because we know what a great opportunity weddings can be to grab some great modelling shots.

We always encourage our models to update the photography on their e-portfolios every so often and we often suggest taking seasonal pictures.

And, of course, anyone thinking of joining us will need a selection of photos to upload when they start working with Models Direct.

Summer is a brilliant time to take pictures anyway because of the good weather and lovely potential backdrops.

And weddings at this time of year certainly tick all those boxes…

But, in addition, you are likely to be dressed to the nines in an outfit that is truly stunning and you will probably be somewhere beautiful.

If the bells are about to chime for someone you know, then ask a friend or family member to take some pictures of you in your outfit before you leave.

Pose for a few different shots and if you are wearing a hat or fascinator make sure that you take it off for some of the photos.

This is because headwear can cast shadows and obscure the face.

Then make the most of the opportunity to ask someone to take a few more pictures after the wedding ceremony itself.

No, we don’t want to see you dancing with Cousin Charlie or helping yourself to a plateful from the buffet!

These are the moments to enjoy yourself, and certainly not be thinking about posing for pictures for us!

The time to ask a friend to take some shots is after the ceremony, when you are still looking your best, and when everyone is milling around while the official pictures are being taken.

In all likelihood, you will be somewhere truly picturesque at this point – in a gorgeous garden, by a beautiful building or in a park with blooming flowers and leafy trees.

So make the most of this pause in proceedings and make the most of the setting.

Then, afterwards, let you hair down and enjoy the day, knowing that when you get home tomorrow you can flick through the photos and choose one or two that are truly amazing.