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Friday, 22 June 2012

Development of Fashion Model


When you think of fashion modeling about 80 years ago, it is obviously much different compared to now. Let’s take an example of Lisa Fonssagrives, the first considered supermodel from the 1930s in America, and then compare her with Laura LaFrate, our recent winner of “America’s Next Top Model”; there is clearly a huge change in physical appearance. Along with the fact that it is of course not” black and white” anymore and that the fashion has changed, but also how they portray themselves reveals us each of their unique characteristics. We can visualize right through their eyes, emotions, gestures and poses! 


Many may differentiate the two by just concluding that modern models are just simply sexier. Possibly, they may be more revealing. However, instead of viewing it in an inconsiderate manner, if you view it artistically, you would be able to sense their beauty inside out. Both modern and older models have their own way of demonstrating their sensation through modeling.

Models from the older days played a big part in the history. Although they were poorly paid, they were the key entertainment. During World Wars, many soldiers admitted to have fallen in love and admitted that models were their main motivation that kept them going. Dorian Leigh for instance, became very popular after World War II as people declared her modeling was a contribution to the war. As you can see, modeling was given plenty of attention! However today, the entertainment industry has intensely expanded which results the focus to shift around a little bit.


In response to that, a show called “America’s Next top Model” is doing their part of keeping modeling in the game. Now, modern modeling indeed has developed a lot in which still kept the same concepts but with addition styles, activities and performances. We could say that it is currently much more professional as technology and human knowledge advanced. Modeling now, rather than just being modeling, it is consisted of few different types; Runaway Models, Supermodels, Bikini Models, Advertising Models, Fitness Models, Art Models, Car Show Models, etc… Depending on the style, models present themselves differently. 

Runaway models seem to keep more of the classiness and tradition; in fact they’re even more serious! I personally prefer the modern modeling over old modeling. Each has its own great uniqueness but the change is what really attracts me. I love the development I’m seeing and the creative ideas that fashion designers have. I feel like I can relate when watching modeling; it’s like I’m the imaginary director behind the scenes! As human, we have not reach the perfect level yet; we enjoy discovering new styles as we work together as a team. Models has developed and changed quite a bit but still kept that uniqueness along the process; the “cold-looking” style that differentiate themselves from regular people. Anybody can tell if an individual is a supermodel. As modeling develops, my passion for it will always remain. 

Discussion Time:
Do you prefer modern modeling, or the old classical way of modeling? Did both modern and classical modeling made the same impact in the society? 

Sources

Tuesday, 12 June 2012

THE PROS & CONS



Since I've set up a pretty good basis for what modeling is and tips on how to become a better model, i thought i’d blog about the good, the bad, and the ugly of actually being a model in”the business.”

Pros:

  • As a professional model, you get the opportunity to travel to exotic places for photo shoots. Sometimes models get to go to African Jungles or beautiful Caribbean beaches to model the latest summer fashions. With all this traveling you can experience the most beautiful places in the world in a way that you otherwise may not have been able to.
  • As you travel, other models will be likely to be traveling with you, so it is a social profession. Additionally, height is only a requirement on the catwalk for models,  so even shorter people can join in this experience.
  • If traveling isn't your cup of tea, you can always choose to take jobs that are closer to home. That’s a great benefit of modeling–you choose where you work and what you’ll be doing.
  • Professional models are paid a lot for what they do, because photographers are looking for a certain look. If you’re exactly what a photographer wants, you can demand a lot of money.
  • Modeling can (but not always) be a confidence booster. Viewing finished pictures in a magazine can really give you a sense of accomplishment, as well as get your name and face out there.
           

Cons:

  • You have to be careful! As a model, there are a lot of scam agencies out there that are only trying to get your money.  Especially for models that are just starting out, you have to be careful to not entrust your entire career to someone that you don’t even know that well.
  • Some scam agencies are very tricky and try to get models into the porn industry. However sad it may be, it happens every day. Modeling is not the same as being a porn star, so that’s one of the things that models have to be wary of–is it a nude shot that will show off a new product and change the  magazine industry forever? or is it just a slime ball taking advantage of them?
  • There is, of course, the factor of eating disorders. Many girls fall into the belief that you must be perfect in order to be a model. Thus they starve themselves or throw up to attain the perfect figure. These disorders can not only hurt a model physically but destroy a modeling career, and their entire life.
  • Lastly, you've got to counter in drug use. A lot of models use the high pay wage that they receive to use drugs. Drugs are not only unhealthy, but ILLEGAL. So, that’s a major con.
Discussion Time:
After knowing about the pros and cons of being a model, to what extent do you think that it is worth it to be a model in the business industry?

Sources

Thursday, 7 June 2012

Are you ready to be on the set?

 
On the show America's Next Top Model (ANTM), each model is given the opportunity to show herself at her best during the weekly photo shoots. The modelling industry is very competitive. Every photo shoot is a chance for a model to prove they can live up to the expectations in the modeling world. Any model is only as good as their last shoot – so there’s a strong motivation to make each photo shoot count.
After watching seasons of ANTM, I gained a reasonable amount of knowledge about photo shoot preparations, and I am more than happy to share what I learned to you guys. This week I will recommend tips that I personally think a model may consider when preparing for a photo shoot. I know that there are Photoshop programs that can work miracles, but i doubt neither a model nor a photographer will take as much pride in  photo shopped pictures; I say the natural the better. If you take the time to prepare well in advance of your photo shoot, you will feel more confident, and as a result, look better.


   
1. Hair: If you dye your hair often, make sure that you have had your roots recently treated. Studio lighting can exaggerate dark roots, and trust me this will not look good on the fine print.
2. Nails: Make sure your finger and toe nails look clean and manicured. Use a clear nail polish, which will go with any colour clothing since you will be wearing different outfits on each set. I suggest you use a neutral white or cream colour if you choose to have coloured nails.
3. Makeup: If there will be a makeup artist at the shoot, arrive with no makeup on. If you will be doing your own makeup, remember that photography lighting and the heat from the lights tend to make the skin look shinier than usual. Try not to use any shiny or bright make-up that might cause reflection or glare during the photo shoot. I think the secret weapon to a good picture is mascara, because it brings out your eyes.
4. Posing: Practice your poses before the shoot, especially if you are a beginning model. Practice your facial expressions and poses in front of a mirror so you can see how you look at your best. Often exaggerated or unusual poses look the most interesting, in my opinion. Do not be afraid to experiment and try new things. It will be much better than standing like a stick in front of the camera.
 5. Get plenty of rest: Have a good night’s sleep the night before the shoot. Whenever I get plenty of sleep, I usually look and feel amazing. This also gives you energy on the photo shoot; you wouldn't want to be dead and tired, that would bring your persona down.

Discussion Time:
When models are posing in the photo shoots, the photographers are constantly telling the models how to pose, how to act, and how to feel on the set. Would you guys be comfortable having someone dictate your every move? 





Sources
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/yYNT1PIE7U0/TbMJ1SR6WxI/AAAAAAAAAcE/8KdxQFtgOsY/s1600/beautiful-nails.jpg
http://thewrybride.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/a99.jpg
http://fadufashion.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/MakeUp.jpg
http://thumbs2.modthesims.info/img/2/8/5/3/2/MTS_decorgal21572-712971-modelposes6.jpg

Tuesday, 29 May 2012

Modeling on the CatWalk




Modeling in the fashion industry means more than just taking a pretty picture, it’s also about being able to model in a catwalk while an audience watches you as you walk down. Walking down in front of people may sound like a piece of cake to some people, but it takes more than that to be a successful runaway model. If you want to learn a few tips about modeling on a catwalk, stay tuned:

1. Learn how to walk. I mean, everyone can walk; but in the modeling world, walking is taken in a higher perspective. In order to be a successful runaway model, you need to have a good walk. You have to walk in a stable, yet fierce, approach.
                                                                                  
2. Practice, Practice, & Practice! I’m sure we’ve all heard that practice makes perfect; simple but true. You must practice your walk in order to make your walk your own. Being able to walk with heels without falling is a must. You wouldn’t want to embarrass yourself on the catwalk if you cannot walk properly!

3. Build your confidence. Once you master your walk, try to build your confidence. The minute you have a strong confidence, the stronger you become as a runaway model.
                                          
                                                                                                                         
4. Seek for professional advice. Try to look for people in the fashion industry and ask for opinions that may help you with your walk. Perhaps someone who attends numerous of fashion shows would be a suitable person to go to. Take their suggestions and apply them to your weaknesses to improve your performance.


5. Put your shyness aside. When you walk in a catwalk, there will be a large audience who will watch your every move. I know it can be a little intimidating to walk feeling that the whole world is watching you. Don’t be shy, take a deep breathe, and relax! 

If you are interested on learning how to walk with high heels, click here. Enjoy!

Discussion Time:
Everyone comes in different shapes and sizes. Most catwalk models are slim and about 6ft tall. There are many young individuals out there whose dreams have been crushed due to this expectation that the modeling industry has been portraying. Do you agree with the whole 'you can only be a runaway model if you're skinny and tall' concept? Why and Why not?


Wednesday, 23 May 2012

Know the [Fact]ors!




Models - We all know about them, heard about them, and seen them in magazines. The question is what exactly do they do? I've always thought that their job was the easiest thing in the world – posing and smiling for the camera. I’m sure there are a lot of people out there who view the role of a model the same way as I did. There is a show called ‘America’s Next Top Model’ hosted by Tyra Banks, which is a reality television show in which a number of women compete for the title of America's Next Top Model, and an opportunity to pursue their career in the modeling industry. After watching seasons of this exciting show, I realized that there are a lot of expectations of becoming a model. You definitely can’t just get away with a pose and a smile; you give that kind of presentation to the photographers, you’re out that door!




Not just anybody can be a model. If it were easy, we would all be gracing runways and doing photo shoots. There are many factors that a model has to look out for, factors that can lead you to be a successful model in the modeling industry. Poses and such are just the outcome of your personality. It’s not just about the looking left, right, up, and down; you have to watch out how you point your head a different way, or adjusting your chin, and even deciding on your eyelevel. Models also have to be careful with the body angles: standing up, sitting down, slouching, straight, and arm positions.  Yes, your looks are an important factor, but height and weight on the other side, only really count in glamour, high fashion and runway modeling. Colours also depend on what you're modeling for, the styles of clothes and the backgrounds. From what I keep hearing in the show, you have to have that “extra special something” to be a good model. It’s a competitive world out there, you have to stand out and show the modeling industry something that you’ve got that no other models got. Finally, I believe that the most important factor about modeling is that you have to be confident in everything you do.


Tyra Banks

As Tyra Banks always says, 
“A smart model is a good model”.
So I say, if you want to become a model, 
don’t let the show run you, run the show!
For those who are America's Next Top Model fans, I found a site where you can watch full episodes (Seasons 1-18) for free. Watch here.


Discussion Time:
What do you guys think about models or modeling in general? Do you think they play an important role in the society? Tell me what you guys think!!! :)



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