At Models Direct, we provide an ePortfolio account to all of our registered models – humans and animals. They can explore and experiment with images they’d like to showcase to our clients by directly uploading snaps either from their smartphone or device for ease, 24/7. 

The best thing of all is that they have the freedom to demonstrate their skills and personality their way and all under one roof. If they’d like to use a professional photographer to leverage their portfolio’s exposure, that’s perfectly fine but our team also agrees that they can take fabulous snaps themselves! 

Why does a model even need an ePortfolio? 

Ultimately, the ePortfolio’s purpose is to get clients sitting up, taking notice and moving onto the next all-important stage which is requesting to hire our models. 

• 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

Does this happen often?

It most definitely does – almost every time, in fact! Clients provide our team with a brief (sometimes it’s quite detailed and sometimes it’s not) but we’ll know what they want. Our team then deep dives into our modelling database, and zooms into the model’s ePortfolios to view their look (which should be current and reflect what they look like as of the moment) and see whether it matches what our clients are seeking. 

Clients want to see:

Clear images 
Uncluttered background
Simple snaps
Interesting poses and expressions 

Our MD team also drops regular blogs to gently remind our talent to keep their online collection fresh and current. So things like keeping up with the rhythm of the seasons and popular annual events are encouraged so that their portfolios reflect these time-sensitive moments which could capture clients’ attention and get heads turning. 

You can take a look at our models’ Feature Me section to see what kind of images our models have set up with us and are happy to share on our platform. Check it out here! 

And, as always, if you have any questions let us know and we’ll be happy to help!

Experiment with angles

Shifting some parts of yourself or your entire body can create the best angles to capture. Set up your camera and get experimenting. Try not to take it too seriously, as you may end up stressing yourself out and not achieving the striking images you’re after. You might not get it the first time, but keep trying. Relax, stay in the moment, and most of all, enjoy experimenting.

Check your posture

Good posture is very important for your overall well-being—and more than you think! It encourages the muscles around your spine to be balanced and carry the body equally. It’s a beneficial practice as it’s great for reducing lower back pain, headaches, and neck and shoulder tension, and increasing circulation, lung capacity, confidence, and digestion. It’s also a great foundation for that distinct pose. Shoulder back, open chest, chin up, spin straight and stand tall.

• 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

Your eyes can do the talking!

Our eyes are the windows to our souls, right? They can indicate how we feel without verbal expression. If you want to strike a pose, you can connect with the camera and demonstrate different emotions with your eyes! If you’re finding this tip tricky, try the next one.

Practice facial expressions

Researchers say there are over 20 expressions a human can pull whilst other says there are only 6 which are happiness, sadness, fear, anger, surprise and disgust. Some experts have even said that the latter can combine into just 4!

So, however many you can create, go for it. You can try it out in front of a mirror and then transfer it onto camera. Once you find something you like, you’ll be able to remember it through the magic of muscle memory (yes, this really exists!).

Be inspired by others

Study what other models, influencers and people in showbiz are getting up to with signature poses. Check out red carpet debuts such as the Met Gala, the Oscars and the Cannes Film Festival for fashion delights and of course, an oasis of poses.

As a roundup, experiment with angles, and expressions, stand tall and be engaged with your eye contact, and be inspired by others.

This might be challenging for baby models and pet models but for everyone else, practice, be patient, and be open. You’re always welcome to get our team’s feedback too.

There are plenty of opportunities for all kinds of pets. It’s obvious that dogs and cats make up the largest part of our pet model catalogue – there are the two most popular pets in the world. With that popularity comes a demand for them to help brands sell pet products. The brands come to us in the first instance, and after that we recommend them the best matched pets as per their brief. It’s the same selection process for human models and it works well.

But whilst dogs and cats make up the bulk of our pet models, there are opportunities for other pets. We’ve placed rabbits in health and beauty assignments for Superdrug, and we’re always interested in hearing from owners of any kind of pet. Our client list means we can always put recommend the right animals to the brands crying out for them.

Some marketing campaigns are just that little bit more effective with animal models; our furry friends have a certain cuteness that really shines on camera. The demand has never lessened for decades, so we’re confident that pet modelling will remain as popular as it’s always been.

• 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

This is great news for pet owners who think their pets have what it takes to join the ranks of pet models that have already been placed with the brands we work with. 

Pet foods and supplements are a mainstay of pet modelling. For instance, we’ve had a great relationship with Pet Lab for a few years, and they couldn’t appeal to pet owners without real pets on board.

As mentioned, several non-pet specific brands get in touch with us to help them supply the ideal pets for their campaigns. A great example is the end-end fashion brand Mulberry, who selected gorgeous rabbit Puddin to advertise their handbags as part of their summer collection.

Another example is the fast-growing G Tech brand, which regularly advertising on TV. You might recognise the black and white dog from the adverts, supplied by us. When their products sell as well as they do, Bella the dog can be credited with a part of its success.

We’ve also been honoured to supply dogs for the Richard & Judy Show and for plenty of Christmas photo shoots. In short, more and more brands are looking for the perfect pet to appeal to a larger customer base – and YOUR pet could well be the next one our clients select.

Have a read of our handy do’s and don’ts pet guide before you make your application. Though your pets can’t speak for themselves, they’ll definitely thank you for it.

So, if you’re interested in building a part-time modelling career or making it work around your current commitments, how can you make your application glow up and leave a lasting impression? After all, isn’t modelling meant to be a competitive industry? That it is, but here are a few tips to help you when you’re submitting your application to our agency!

Fill in all your details accurately

We know that this is a pretty obvious point but mistakes can easily happen when you’re filling stuff out online – it happens, and before you know it, you’ve hit the send button, and there’s no going back.

Our form looks like this:

For those over 18, you’ll see a drop-down list under, “Who’s applying.” Select which category applies best to you. Next, you’ll need to include:

Your name, contact details and gender. Your preferred gender can be stated later in the application process.

For under 18s, parents or guardians will need to fill in these details on behalf of the child or young person.

For pet owners, you’ll need to give your companion a helping hand with this too!

Insert a recent headshot

Your headshot is what will be turning heads so the following tips are essential if you want to make your application stand out from the crowd. We’ve made it easy for you to upload your image from most devices such as laptops and smartphones. Also, you don’t need a professional photographer to take this image as we know how costly that would be.  

All you have to do is look down the barrel of a lens or utilise your smartphone’s camera. Here’s a quick snapshot of advice we’ll offer for you to bear in mind:

Utilise your portrait configuration ideally with a height-width ratio of 5:4

Ensure good natural lighting, avoiding shadows

Background should be ideally plain. All attention on you!

Keep clothing neutral coloured

Keep makeup light with neutral tones, and avoid anything heavy

Maintain direct eye contact with the camera

Hair should be styled simply

If you wear a hijab, keep the colour neutral and avoid a busy print

Accessories aren’t necessary

Avoid for photoshopping

Avoid filters

These tips will apply to all models of all ages and where applicable including babies and children. As for potential animal models, we know it can be quite a tricky task to capture all the above-mentioned tips. However, try your best to achieve as many as you can and pick the best one out of the bunch!

We hope you find this blog useful and direct, much like our modelling agency’s name Models Direct. In case anything is unclear or you have a question [here’s our FAQs], feel free to let our specialist team know and we’ll be happy to help – always.

We always encourage our existing models to keep their e-portfolios looking fresh and up to date by uploading a selection of new images every so often.

And what better time is there than the present?

Models from Chelmsford who are thinking about dipping their toes into the worlds of male or female modelling – or mums and dads who are considering registering their little ones for baby or child modelling – will also need a picture or two.

When you join Models Direct, we ask you to fill in a form and upload an image too. 

Later, when you sign up with us we will give you access to your very own e-portfolio, where you can add and refresh pictures as time goes on.

So why is it important to update these images regularly?

Well, as we all know, babies, toddlers and children develop quickly – and it’s not unusual for the rest of us to change our hairstyle or our look or to lose or gain weight from time to time.

None of this matters at all – our clients are seeking a wide variety of different Chelmsford models to reflect the diverse people who make up the general public.

But it is essential that when you are selected for an assignment you still look the same as in your e-portfolio.

So where should models start when thinking about where to take pictures in and around Chelmsford?

Staging your photo shoot out in the fresh air can be a great way to overcome the challenges of indoor lighting, shadows and unimpressive backdrops.

Choose a nice bright day, therefore, and head out with your smartphone – and a friend who is happy to play photographer – to find some scenic natural locations.

Chelmsford and the surrounding Essex area have a wealth of options to consider…

Central Park – one of the oldest public parks in Chelmsford – could be a great choice. Here you will find more than 35 acres of parkland, as well as meadow and nature reserve areas.

Pose by colourful flowerbeds, leafy trees or the river…

Head out of Chelmsford to the Hylands Estate if you have the option. Free to the public, this features almost 580 acres of historic parkland, as well as woodland, gardens and a lake.

If you are going for chic and elegant in your pictures, this could be just perfect for you!

Those heading out of the city might also like to find a picturesque spot beside the River Chelmer, which runs from Debden to the Blackwater Estuary.

The Blackwater Estuary itself – and perhaps Mersea Island – might make for some more dramatic shots for anyone seeking a more coastal backdrop for their Essex shoot.

Have fun when you are about and about taking shots and follow our tips – and then choose the very best pictures when you get home afterwards.

For those who are still trying to decide whether to join Models Direct, fill in our form, send us a photo and someone will call you to discuss how it all works.

You can ask all the questions you like about what working with a Chelmsford modelling agency is like.

And, of course, you can also read the many reviews from our existing models to see what they have to say too!

We’ve always been keen to explain how bookings happen, from pre-booking to receiving feedback post-assignment. It’s our responsibility as an agency abiding by statutory government regulations to be as transparent as possible. This includes how our agency fees are processed to what models can expect on assignment.

 We’ve also reiterated a key point that still needs to be emphasised: Whilst we’re experts at knowing what kinds of models our clients are looking for, the clients has always – and will continue to – make the final decision. It could be one model, it may be a family, it could be a whole group for a particularly large booking. Whichever client approached with their briefs, it’s always their final decision.

Apologies if you already knew that, but we can’t repeat it often enough.  

Model bookings happen in the first instance with demand. As the largest and most trusted commercial modelling employment agency in Europe, we don’t really need to “peddle our wares”. Nor would we want to. Demand for real models hasn’t dwindled since we first started in 1990, and in fact has steadily increased. That’s why models registered with us should always keep the faith and find new ways of impressing and our thousands of clients by regularly keeping portfolio pictures and reels updated. The demand for you is there, and it always has been.

After we receive requests for models from our clients, our team kicks into gear. A request / brief could be for any model of any age, depending on the client’s needs. We have thousands of clients who all have different modelling needs – another reason why our rota of models needs to be diverse.

Then what? Our job is to take each brief and put ourselves in the client’s shoes. The question we ask ourselves is: What are they really looking for? Our team looks through the profiles of all relevant models and presents them to our clients. In this way, we present to them a kind of short-list from which they pick the models they’d like to offer the role.

Models need to know that if they are not selected, it’s often no reflection of themselves or their looks. We wouldn’t read a client’s brief for a “male 20-20 year old model for a photo shoot in the West Midlands” and ask our clients to choose from models in their late teens who live in Scotland. Competition is fierce, which reiterates that the commercial modelling industry is in good shape.   

Similarly, models should know we’re a nationwide agency. We don’t just represent models from a restricted catchment area. Whilst we appreciate that some models love travelling, we also understand that there are plenty of people who want to excel at modelling who live in all corners of the UK, but prefer to work more locally. Our clients are based all around the country, so this helps all models find their perfect jobs no matter where they live.  

Ultimately, a model can chose to accept a job if selected. They can decline a job offer, which won’t at all diminish their chances of being put forward again. If it’s not right for them, then it’s their decision.

It just means our team are even hungrier to find an opening that ticks all the right boxes!

One of the great appeals of modelling is that it can go hand in hand with the many other elements of life – work, family, school, college or university etc.

Many of our models enjoy being able to do something different every so often, while for others it can become much more of a regular pastime.

And there are, of course, a few who go on to make a full-time career of modelling.

When new models join us we always explain we can never 100% guarantee to be able to offer them work.

No genuine agency will ever do this.

This is because the process of choosing a model is ultimately down to our client and not us.

Our clients request models of particular ages and looks from us – and we supply them with a selection to match those demands.

They then choose who they would like from that selection.

Once a model has completed a booking and updated their e-portfolio, they are always back in the running to be offered work time and time again.

And many of our models do accept repeat bookings from us.

These include baby, child and teen models, as well as male and female models.

As they complete photoshoots or film projects, their e-portfolios become stronger and stronger and they prove to us and our clients that they are professional and reliable.

By browsing through the review section on our website you will come across many models who have worked for us over and over again.

For example, this is what Abi said after her last assignment with us:

“I had my third shoot with Models Direct and it was really fun and straight forward.

“Gemma did great once again with keeping me in the loop with everything on the lead up to the shoot and made sure to contact me after to make sure I’d had a great time.

“Thank you Models Direct for the opportunity.

Marcus has also accepted repeat bookings from us. He says:

“I’ve now been with them for almost two years now.

“They’re incredibly flexible, the shoots are fu and the brands are well-known which makes the modelling experience more enjoyable.

“It feels like an actual career-impacting experience because of that.

“I highly recommend models of all ages, styles, and disciplines, to sign-on with Models Direct.”

And Ricky is also a regular. He says:

“Another opportunity to work for Models Direct. Another experience with a great team, everyone was nice, I really had a good time.

“I have had several jobs with the agency and no bad experiences with them. It is really a good agency.

“Also the manager (Gemma) has been really nice and always checked up on us.

“Thank you Models Direct for your support.”

Got a bambino who likes playing peek-a-boo, patty-cake or eyes, nose, mouth? Or maybe all three and some more? We’re so sure that your little one’s face lights up with the brightest and cutest smile whenever you play their favourite games, sign their favourite tune and spend precious time with them.

If you’re thinking of getting your newborn or infant into baby modelling then we’ve rounded up some of the most important points to consider when entering this industry. Let’s take a look:

Choose a fully vetted and government-regulated agency (like Models Direct)

If you’d prefer your baby to be represented by a modelling agency instead of going solo and doing the hard graft yourself, then looking for a reputable one with a proven track record of actively finding babies’ modelling assignments coupled with positive reviews from models and clients alike is essential.

You’ll find help is at hand with Models Direct and even though we never guarantee that your baby will have a steady flow of work, we do guarantee that we will always put them forward whenever our clients call for their look.

Submit the required application details

When you’ve chosen your modelling agency, the next step is to submit your baby’s details and photos. If you choose Models Direct, our registering-a-model online application form is easy and can be completed any time of the day. All you need to do is fill in your baby’s full name, date of birth, gender, parent/guardian’s full name, country of residence, email address, and telephone number and upload a recent headshot (captured in natural light with a neutral, distraction-free backdrop which is highly recommended).

Create a portfolio

Compiling a selection of images of your baby showcasing their different looks and expressions in the form of a portfolio is an important component of being a baby model. We have an online ePortfolio portal which you can access at any time to upload your baby’s images. Our agency will drop gentle reminders for you too.

We know that our clients always want to see recent images, as babies develop and grow so fast, when they request for samples of baby’s work so having a portfolio is a must-have model’s essential document.

Be prepared for short-notice assignments

Being prepped for an assignment at any point is important. Get a bag packed with spares of everything your little one would need on an adventure so that if and when the time arises, you’ll at least have most of the things they’ll need to hand in one place. Sometimes last-minute bookings need to happen and if you agree to go ahead then that bag will come in handy.

Keep up to date with the baby modelling industry

Go online and join baby modelling communities for greater insight, advice and support. Connecting with professionals and other baby model parents or guardians is an excellent means of increasing awareness and knowledge about the industry. It’s always good to be in the know and educate yourself as much as possible with the latest trends and events.

Understand the contract

Sometimes reading the fine print before signing the dotted line can be overlooked, although it really ought not to. Parents and guardians should always understand their baby’s contract and if in doubt, liaise with their agency to demystify queries and have honest and open discussions.

Appreciate the experience

Baby modelling should be a positive experience for both you and your baby. You’ll know if they’re ready for something like this if they’re content and happy to be in the company of others. Of course, you can experience the odd hiccup here and there – babies are after all babies. They have natural demands that need tending to but if they’re generally happy then baby modelling could be perfect for them.

Modelling should be a fun activity for baby and you, but prioritising your babe’s well-being over the pursuit of modelling success should always be the most important thing of all.

Yes, our colourful pair stepped out in front of the camera at Morrisons in the city to help mark Mother’s Day and promote the fabulous British flowers the retailer sells.

This company’s campaign was also to highlight its pledge to sell only UK-grown tulips.

And, indeed, it predicted that some 1.2 million of the attractive blooms, which have tended to come from the Netherlands, would be snapped up by eager sons and daughters.

Young Storm really blossomed when he posed as a child giving flowers to his mother.

As one of our fabulous child models, he also enjoys family modelling with his mum!

And, of course, Kristina was also the pick of the bunch and revealed her natural beauty as she smiled at receiving such a gorgeous bouquet.

Models Direct is renowned for the work it does in supplying leading stores and supermarkets with models for advertisements and promotions.

And, of course, some of those include businesses that have a base right here in Cambridge.

Among our clients are the likes of Tesco, Boots, Sainsbury’s and John Lewis, as well as Next and Holland & Barrett.

They come to us with their requests for models of certain ages and looks and we sift through the e-portfolios of those on our books to find a selection of people who fit the bill.

We then send some of these to the client and they make the final choice.

From Mother’s Day to Father’s Day and Easter to Christmas, there is, of course, always an occasion to mark and we are always being approached for models to take part.

This time, it was the turn of our genuine mother-and-son modelling pair and as a result they earned a little extra money and had a fun day out together.

The final photos taken in Cambridge – showing Kristina with a member of staff from Morrisons, and Kristina and Storm together – have appeared in a range of publications and online.

After taking part, Kristina told us:

“It all went well – and it was great fun working with my son again.

“Thanks so much for the opportunity!”

If you are interested in becoming one of our Cambridge models and taking part in a shoot like this, why not read some of the reviews from our other models?

Then, fill in our form, send us a picture of yourself and we will be in touch to explain more about how Models Direct works.

Whether you are new to the industry or have modelled before, we would always recommend joining an agency.

And we would always stress that joining a fully vetted and government-regulated agency is the best and safest option.

Models Direct has been operating for over 30 years now and is an accredited employment agency.

Unlike many other individuals or companies claiming to be “agencies,” we actively seek work for our models.

We do not simply “showcase” our models – in other words, we do not just post our models’ photographs on line and wait for potential clients to come across them.

Will an agency guarantee to find me modelling work?

No. No genuine agency will ever guarantee to find you work. The system simply does not work like that.

If someone says they will definitely find work for you, then be very wary.

Our extensive list of clients and ever-increasing numbers of new clients come to us with their requirements for a modelling shoot or assignment.

We check these requests out thoroughly and, if we are happy to proceed, we go through our books to find a selection of our models who are suitable.

We give these to our client who makes their choice.

This is why we never guarantee to find anyone work – the final choice is always up to the client.

Will I be paid for modelling work?

Yes you should be paid for any modelling work you do – and if someone offers you work without payment, then you should be very cautious.

A good and trustworthy agency, such as Models Direct, will negotiate a fair fee for its models.

It will then ensure the model is paid promptly and in full soon after the assignment.

We have heard many horror stories of people replying to adverts for models and either undertaking work for free – on the promise of more work in the future, which never materialises – or never receiving payment for assignments they do.

Does working for an agency offer me security?

Yes. While we can never guarantee to find you work we always do our best to ensure we receive a steady stream of requests for models.

This involves working with existing clients we have strong relationships with and constantly reaching out to new clients.

Models who have worked with us before know just how well we look after our models.

We always ensure they are well informed about the work they undertake and we always make sure they are paid afterwards.

We carry out careful research into every assignment and we would never send any model along to a job we would not be happy to send one of our own family members along to.

If you are interested in joining us and would like more information about how Models Direct works, then fill in our form and we will contact you.