Get outside 

Making the most of the natural light and multitude of outdoor options makes spring the perfect time of year to get those glorious images in. We’re thinking dreamy flower gardens, fields, and the rays of the sun can make for enchanting images. 

Capture the perfect light

We’ve mentioned the “golden hour” in previous blogs but as a gentle reminder, here it is again, in this blog, where we’re reminding you to perhaps utilise it if you can. The time to capture this is just after sunrise and before sunset, so grab this bonus and make your child model‘s collection of snaps illuminate.

Think angles and perspectives 

Amplify the images you’re creating by changing how you’re taking the shots rather than where and when. Think close-up, eye-level snaps or images with some greenery poking from a corner or two to compliment the season.

• 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

Important moments

When your child flashes the biggest grin, or swoops in and runs through a local park, you’ll know that these are the special moments you need to grab. 

Dress the part (but keep it simple!) 

It can be tempting to put on elaborate clothes in a bid to zhuzh up your child model’s portfolio collection but we’d recommend going for pastel or floral prints to go well with the season’s kaleidoscope of colours. 

If you’re ready and happy for your child to register, (aged 2-12) then you’re at the right place. Apply here and see which campaigns our modelling agency is getting ready to showcase your little one for.

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!

Yup, we were not kidding when we said we’d answer it like that. No one has time to read through lots of content and we appreciate that because everything is whizzing past super quick, we’ll get straight to the crunch here.

Modelling isn’t as rigid as it used to be. If a model’s height is below what one would think was average, or equally above, it isn’t scrutinised and then made into an issue whereby perhaps the prospect of withdrawing an application is hinted or considered.

However, there might be some height guidelines depending on which modelling category you’re looking to work in. If the matter of height does concern you, please read on:

Catwalk modelling

Those models you see donning the runway do have more height and body measurement expectations than other areas of modelling. You will generally expect to see super slim and super tall models walking the length of the runway and back, although the catwalk landscape is pushing for more diversity and inclusivity with models such as hijab-wearing Halima Aden, Naadirah Qazi and Megumi Soyer-Shima who are making waves.

Height requirement:

Women – between 5’8” and 5’11” with a 6-8 dress size and a 34″-24″-34″ bust, waist and hip measurement.

Men – around 6’0” to 6’2”.

• 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

Commercial modelling

This modelling division looks for relatable models who will appeal to a target audience which means that the height requirement is much more relaxed than for runway models. It’s all about everyday people connecting with models they can relate to and see their reflection in including models’ appearance as well as their height.

Height requirements:

Depends on what a company desires but it varies from one brand to the next.

Petite modelling

Many females, for example, fall under 5’7” making them the ideal height for petite modelling. Whether it’s for catalogue modelling, commercial modelling or promotional work, petite models are being included in the modelling industry and not being scrutinised for their height. On the contrary, they’re celebrated and embraced for their petite stature and will appeal to everyday people who are also petite.

Height requirement:

Women – under 5’7”

Plus-size modelling

The dress size which best represents this modelling niche varies from one brand to the next but generally speaking, it’s over size 16. Any model which fits in a dress size above this is plus-size although a lot of people are calling for this category to be scrapped so that body size is a more encompassing topic rather than labelling everyone. Hey, some people might not want to be put into a plus-size box and are most certainly entitled to that.

Height on the other hand for plus-size models does not follow a strict guideline.

Height requirement:

Depends on what a company desires but it varies from one brand to the next.

Other modelling niches include fitness/sports modelling, body parts modelling, and disabled modelling. Each brings its own magic and doesn’t meet typical modelling standard requirements so height diversity can enjoy the limelight without the pressure.

Diversity, inclusion and belonging are valued at our core, sparking and enabling us to do good for our models, clients and communities. In today’s reading we’re celebrating models with disabilities and how their game-changing perspective towards taking on new experiences and challenges with professionalism, ‘yes first’ mentality and ‘can do’ attitude is winning them the recognition they deserve in the modelling industry.

Let’s shine the spotlight on our male and female models who have been hired for modelling assignments through our team, and how they felt about their experience.

Darren was booked for the Business Disability Forum, and his wife had a lot of positive feedback to share:

“Respectful and Amazing…
My husband went on a shoot with Models Direct today. He had the time of his life!! Bearing in mind, he has a disability that makes it hard to walk, he met his liaison this morning and it was plain sailing from there!! All (disabled) models were treated with the utmost respect, all needs were met and a fun but exhausting time was had by all. Communication has been brilliant throughout and even though the shoot was at an airport, everything was organised so well, there was no time for nerves. Would TOTALLY recommend Models Direct to all ages/abilities! Thank you!!”

This experience took place back in June 2024, and it’s not the first time Business Disability Forum has been in contact with us for our talent. Our models have worked with them in the summer of 2023 too!

Leanne was there, amongst some of our other female and male models on the previous project. This is what she filled us in with about her day on set:

“Rated 5 out of 5 stars.
I had the best experience on set this week, I absolutely loved every minute of it and I couldn’t stop smiling! Thank you so much Models Direct for this amazing opportunity, for believing in me and trusting me to professionally represent you. I was made to feel so welcome, by all the production team and I instantly felt really comfortable and at ease.

• 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

As a wheelchair model, I can face many barriers and obstacles, I can honestly say that I was treated with the utmost dignity and respect at all times and they were really accommodating and understanding towards all my needs!

I participated in a number of different scenes and scenarios, all based around disability inclusion in the workplace. I was the first model on set, so the initial tasks were individually completed by myself…
It was great to meet and work alongside the other models. Everyone was so lovely, making this a really memorable experience! Thank you again Models Direct, I can’t wait to see the final cuts from this shoot and I look forward to working with you again soon..”

We’ve got a lot more reviews from all modelling categories where our models get hired by our illustrious clients and share their experience with us and you. If you want to read more, head over to this page.

At Models Direct, we have over three decades of modelling industry knowledge and hands-on experience. We’re standing strong where our ethos remains the same – bringing everyday people the opportunity to become a model. Whether it’s a part-time career they’d like to enjoy or something more frequent, our expert team can help! And if you’re an individual with disabilities, nothing is stopping you from applying with us!

We want to work with top talent, and so do our clients. So, whoever you are, whatever you look like, wherever you come from if you’re interested or perhaps know someone who would enjoy trying out this profession, we’d love to hear from you! MD’s looking forward to receiving your application!

In a world where everything seems to be based on looking young, has society progressed with embracing and celebrating the natural process of ageing? Let’s take a look at this popular topic and question whether it’s true that the modelling industry only prefers younger models. Let’s go!

Youthfulness is often linked to being attractive and healthy. But as ageing happens, so do many other expected (and unexpected) physical changes. This doesn’t mean that the spark or good health has to diminish!

The industry was indeed best renowned for only depicting young people but diversity is turning on its head now with age being celebrated rather than being shunned. With age comes a wealth of experience, wisdom, charisma and confidence to share and the modelling industry is embracing this.

Models Direct has been part of the age-positive change, not just now but for the past thirty years that we’ve been in the industry.

So, no, the modelling industry isn’t just focusing on the youth –  mature and senior models are getting the spotlight shone on them too.

Modelling has no age limit and we’re seeing this with fashion houses casting models over 50 or 60 such as Jerry Hall, Iman and Maye Musk.

Models Direct is all about breaking down barriers, eliminating fear and liberating people so that they can access amazing opportunities in the modelling world. It’s happened for thousands and thousands of our registered models over thirty and so many have been satisfied with our services. Don’t believe us? Check out our models’ feedback to see what they have to say about working with us!

Our mature female model, Nalini [Reference: VFPK-3897], was booked with ECL Care, a south-east England service for at home and in-community adult support. Here’s what she shared about her jam-packed day:

“One very wonderful day. From the time I joined Model Direct I have felt supported and informed as my application progressed. Today I had my first experience of a photoshoot. It didn’t start well as there was a major incident on M25 and I was delayed. Both Charlie from Models Direct and the staff from the company the photoshoot was for were very supportive and assured me not to worry. On arrival I was welcomed warmly and through the process until I left I felt special and accommodated. There was no rush though I was late . My role covered that i needed assistance in my home towards independent living and was receiving guidance encouragement and support by Care Supporting Staff to gain this eg by showing me on how to cut vegetables vegetables, make a sandwich and such. The venue was just breathtaking and the aura was very calming. This experience was very different from being an extra on film sets. Everyone present were so friendly.”

Our agency believes that we all deserve to feel comfortable in our own skin and to feel beautiful regardless of our age.

Owning who we are, inside and out, is important so that we can uplift ourselves, embrace self-empowerment and redefine ageing. That’s why our agency zooms in on silver foxes and trailblazers who have a wealth of life experiences to share as well as charisma and confidence.

And in this latest blog, we’ve got an announcement to make:

Families, we need you to sign up with our agency so that you can enjoy our family modelling services, as our lovely families have done too. You don’t need to be a traditional family to apply nor do you all have to be part of the package if anyone decides to opt out.

Our agency’s viewpoint is: whatever your formation is as a family if you’re happy, we’re happy. Nor do you need to have previous modelling experience. All you need is a passion to work together, be professional but enjoy yourselves and be ready to try something new every time your family is selected for a modelling assignment.

If this sounds like something your family would like to try, then you’re at the right place because Models Direct can help represent you and put you forward for work.

• 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

Here are some of the reasons why we need you!

The demand for family models is high among our clients
Clients want families to make their marketing more relatable and impactful
Families are a great structure of society to tap into appealing to a target audience by building trust and enhancing an emotive narrative.

We’ve got a lot of models in our books but we believe that we can never have too many families who are willing to join us either. Every family is different – in looks, age, size, and ethnicity and we appreciate all the differences.

Here are some of our current superstars, alongside the three mentioned at the beginning, who’ve been part of successful campaigns:

The Friend family
The Burton Family
The Karlsen family
The Sanghera family
The Goulding family
The Simpson family
The Agyemang Family
The Bakshi family
The Moore family
The Grimsditch family
The House family
The Rizkalla Family
The Walton family
The Ezobi family
The Norwood family
The Coombs family
The Vadlir family
The Saddigh Family
The Yusuf family
The Tavares family
The Dawson family
The Harewood family
The Vyakaranam Family
The Hillier family
The Bond family
The Priestley family
The White family

There are certainly quite a few families, and they all deserve a shout-out for the brilliant work they’ve done with our UK-based modelling agency. We’ve collected feedback from so many of them and here’s a compilation of what they’ve had to say about working with our team.

The Bakshi left us with this review:
“Ace and I really enjoyed shooting for TFL. Molly’s communication was flawless prior to the shoot & all the team on the day were very lovely & accommodating – we had great fun wearing the outfits and they even gifted Ace with a cute pair of dinosaur wellies! Excited to see how the pictures turn out and really looking forward to our next job J”

Whilst the Rizkalla family shared this:
“We had a really lovely time at the booking. The videographer and photographer were really friendly and gave lots of constructive direction. The director kept time and made everything run smoothly and efficiently. They were all very kind and professional, very considerate and patient of our daughter on set. The venue for the shoot was beautiful, luck was with us and the weather was absolutely amazing. We were fed and watered throughout the day and my daughter was even given a little freebie at the end of the day. It was hard work but the whole family had a lot of fun.”

Our team loves connecting new and existing family modelling units with all sorts of campaigns. We’re very proud that we wake up doing a job that we love, and hopefully, you’ll share some of this positive energy with us by placing yourselves in front of the camera and readying your family for a new modelling adventure! Sign up or if you have any questions, contact our team.

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.

Families exude a kaleidoscope of emotions with love resting at the top of the list. These genuine, raw feelings within a family unit can then be translated on screen or in images, and that’s where brands and businesses step in and team up to make some fascinating and timeless campaigns.

Our modelling agency, Models Direct, is not surprised that our clients call for real and manufactured families – dependent on the logistics of the campaign. But when it comes to real families coming together to create a standout campaign, there’s no better place to hire them than from us!

Why?

We provide a diverse landscape of talent.

Our families come in all formations and sizes. Some consist of two family members whilst others consist of more.

Provide us with your brief and we’ll present a selection of families who closely fit what you’re looking for.

If you’d like to arrange a casting call or self-tape, let us know and we’ll arrange this for you.

You’ll have access to our selected families’ portfolios and see their diverse and up-to-date range of images and reels.

You’re in control as you get to choose who you want for your project. We don’t sway your decision. If you change your mind and don’t want to go ahead, there are no hard feelings! We totally get that things change – marketing visions and directions can always alter right till the last minute and we accommodate these changes from both our clients and models side of hiring and booking.

We request feedback from our clients and want to know how it went – the positives and the negatives – so that we can continue to improve our services and provide the best experience for everyone.

• 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

Take a look at our client reviews to see what they had to say about our family models:

Hoburne Holidays

How was your talent booker – friendly, efficient, quick? Very quick and efficient, great service

How did the assignment go on the day? Really good, the family were great, kids great and everyone worked well.

How did our talent(s) perform, did they do a good job? They did a great job, very responsive and listened well.

Are there any changes you would like to see? None

Would you use us again, if so, why? Yes, we would, very quick and efficient, great models.

Sanctuary Housing

How was your talent booker – friendly, efficient, quick?

Molly is always friendly, efficient and quick. On this particular occasion, we required models with very short notice and Molly was able to get the assignment moving with only a week’s notice and find us exactly what we were looking for.

How did the assignment go on the day?

The models arrived early with no problems getting to the location. They were exactly what we were hoping for and made the shoot a breeze.

How did our talent(s) perform, did they do a good job?

The Brown family did exceptionally well considering it was their first assignment as a family. We shot in a variety of different locations and they took each scenario in their stride. In hindsight, the 4-hour day was perhaps a little too much for the youngest member of the family, as you can tell towards the end that he was getting a little tired! This wasn’t a problem for us as we came away with plenty of great material anyway, but it is a learning curve for us for booking younger actors/models in the future.

Are there any changes you would like to see?

No, we are always really happy with the service that Molly and talent management give us.

Would you use us again, if so, why?

Definitely. We think that Molly is brilliant, and we are really pleased with the talent we have been able to find through her, they have fitted the briefs perfectly.

For more of this, head over to this page and if you’d like to hire a family for your marketing campaign, let us know right here! We look forward to working with you and helping you build your campaign.

The takeaway

The demand for modelling has skyrocketed with our agency and we’ve got new and existing clients coming to us for our comprehensive services backed with expert knowledge and experience in the sector. If all this sounds good to you, we’d love to have you join us!

A short and sweet answer because we know that our Models Direct readers like info to be straight to the point. We appreciate that no one has time to trawl through words so here it is:

If you’re looking to be signed up with us, you don’t need any official qualifications to be an MD model. We know that’s pretty unusual as most modelling agencies will ask for previous experience.

But guess what? We don’t! It’s not compulsory for us to have newbies with an illustrious modelling history, and we don’t penalise anyone if they don’t. In fact, we encourage new models to climb on board our modelling hub even if they come without any experience. It’s totally fine for us!

As for requirements, when it comes to applying there are a couple of things to bear in mind. If you have a baby model, child model or pet model, the parent/guardian/pet owner will need to be over 18 to make the application process happen.

• 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

Kasthur and her husband both worked on an Aviva campaign and here’s what Kasthur said:
“Thanks, we had a great day on our couples photo shoot, I have done a few jobs before for you, but for my husband, this was his first time modelling, and he really enjoyed it the production team were just great and made you feel relaxed, hubby is now looking forward to doing more couples jobs ”

Dawn & Mark were booked for a couples campaign with Potters Resort, and here’s what they had to say:
“Just finished my first couples shoot – really good fun.
Started the day outside in the glorious sunshine, and ended up playing mini golf, rowing a boat, having fun in a swimming pool, and rounding off the two-day shoot with bar and restaurant photographs.

Photographer and Client made us feel very at ease with nothing forced. Overall a very enjoyable couple of days enhanced by the lovely other couple we were paired with”

So, if qualifications are not required and there are no requirements apart from the age restriction for submitting an application, what do we actually need from our models?

We need:

Your correct personal details and an up-to-date profile pic.
You to be ready for your first call from one of our specialist modelling coordinators.
You to ask us anything you’d like; we’re happy to help answer your questions!

And that’s it! Just be yourself, be open to trying new things and of course, if you’re feeling nervous, speak to us! You won’t be the first but we can assure you that as the assignment goes underway, your nerves will disperse.

For Models:

We actually listen. We listen to everyone around us and respect each other’s opinions.

We show:

Respect

Kindness

Gratitude

Honesty

We offer:

Openness

Trustworthiness

Support

Advise

Information

• 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

How we do it the Models Direct way

We encourage diverse and dynamic portfolio images and our team regularly posts time-sensitive blogs about how to capture pictures according to the fashion trends and seasons.

MD wants your contact details, body measurements and skills updated as and when required. We send out gentle reminders just in case you forget because we’re helpful like that! We encourage you to regularly scan our jobs board for vacancies you might like to be put forward for.

When you get booked, we’ll let you know straight away. We’ll discuss areas such as logistics and payment.

For Clients:

Get ready for a call from one of our modelling specialists. At MD’s HQ in Norwich, we’ll pick the models and clients can choose.

If you’re a potential model or client, fuel your next big leap and stick around with Models Direct.