Some tips for teens who want to break into modeling

By M. Dee Dubroff

How do you know you have what it takes to be a teen model? Is being pretty or photogenic enough or are connections and knowing how to market yourself even more inportant? Read on for some tips on how YOU can get started as a teen model.

1. Be Realistic.
Realize that modeling is not easy and that there are many people out there trying to scam young people who want to break into the business. Big dreams are fine, but the more you know, the better off you will be. You should have some basic knowledge of the business before you talk to anyone.

2. Understand The Tools You Will Need To Succeed.
Pictures are a must; you can’t get started without them. Rememebr too that as strange as it may sound, it doesn’t matter how pretty you are IF you do not photograph well.

3. Understand The Pitfalls
Never, EVER consider giving any money upfront to either an agency or a private agent or photographer. Such requests not only smell, but stink of scam. A legitamate photographer should charge you only after the photographs are taken and legitamate agencies will not charge you to become a client. Scams are everywhere, just waiting to pounce on an unsuspecting wannabe. Be careful.

4. Research The Reality.
Are you sure the long hours, early mornings and people shouting at you all day long constitute working conditions under which you can thrive? Understand there’s more to modeling, as there is to everything under the sun, than that which meets the eye. Observe the people in the industry at a local level. Is there a photographer in your town that might need some help with a photo shoot? Find out, participate and learn. Consider interning at magazines because it is there where you will learn the ground rules of the industry.

5.NetworkThe Modeling The Web.
First, get a website of your own where you can show your pictures to all visitors and post contact information in case a professional wishes to get in touch with you. Be sure to pick a specific category, a type of modeling you are interested in pursuing, be it sport, fashion, web etc. Research other modeling web sites and see what they are about and what they are offering. Many fashion editors look through these sites in search of models.

6. Pay Your Dues.
This means that when you are first starting out you will have to do some work for free. Everyone does it and you will have to as well. Look on the bright side. All work helps to get your name and your face out there, and steady local work can only help to build your portfolio, which will help with larger jobs later on. Remember tht most contracts involve giving you copies of your pictures for your portfolio. If it is not in the initial agreement, then make sure you ask for it.

In general, keep a clear head and hold it high. Have confidence and belive that you will s ucceeed and you will!