Tips on Model Posing
I was contacted by a fashion photographer on modelmayhem.com (MM) a while ago from Seattle with an amazing portfolio. She provided links to videos on her profile to illustrate the kind of modeling she would love to see. And if you want to model, you must practice, practice, practice. Practice modeling in the mirror; practice modeling when you’re outside. The world is your runway and your own personal photoshoot.
The modeling in the videos was insanely beautiful and inspiring. This is now one of my current goals in my modeling career: to reach the level of perfection I saw in the links.
What’s all the hype about? See for yourself! My favorite is the last one, with model Agyness Deyn. She has become one of my favorite models now.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1mo9D6Tx1I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oISx0tdN3s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYmK2vIsx9M (this one is the best!)
If you practice in the mirror, trying to do what these beautiful ladies did in the videos, you will, no doubt, get better and better at modeling. Make your movements flow. Upon watching these videos, I got in front of the mirror and posed. I didn’t think about my poses because, if you think, the poses will be choppy.
It’s like dancing. If you treat posing like a dance, you will learn what works, what doesn’t, and you will become more aware of your body and how it moves. Don’t stop moving and changing and dancing.
It would help to have music playing in the background. That way, you can obtain a certain mood in your modeling and you have something to keep time for you.
Try it for yourself! Feel free to share your experiences and successes!
Thanks for reading!
Briauna Mariah
Saturday, July 03, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
A Quick History Lesson EVERY Model & Photographer Should Know, Part 1
When you're doing a photo shoot that's inspired by an historical period, it is important to have at least a basic understanding of some essential eras of history. Of course every culture and region has its own history and eras, but for this purpose we'll only briefly touch on a few essential eras which are very often referred to from British and American history.
The Ancient World (prior to the year 476 C.E.)
This period is very general, and refers to everything prior to the Medieval era, from the ancient Egyptians to the Roman Empire.
The Medieval Era (476 to mid-1400s)
The Medieval era, or the "Middle Ages", was the era dominated by feudalism. Today's highly-romanticized vision of the era is dominated by castles, brave knights and princesses in need of rescue. It was, however, also the era of deadly plagues and brutal religious inquisitions.
The Renaissance (roughly 1300s to 1600s)
This time is typically said to be a period of "classical" learning and refinement in the arts. Literature, music, painting and sculpture all took enormous steps during the renaissance. It was also the time when many true sciences were first born out of the medieval pseudo-sciences, such as astronomy growing from astrology and chemistry evolving out of alchemy. Kings still reigned in most of Europe, but feudalism was gone, and the development of gunpowder and guns had put an end to the use of suits of armor and greatly reduced the popularity of the sword, bow and arrow and crossbow.
The Georgian Era (1714 to 1830)
This was the era of the powdered wig and political revolutions. Both the United States and France, among others, had their revolutions and defeated monarchies, and white powdered wigs were the fashion for both genders.
The Regency Era (1811-1820)
The powdered wig was absolutely out-of-fashion by this time, never to return. Although this was a brief era, many of Jane Austen's novels take place in the Regency Era. If you are familiar with film adaptations of her novels such as "Pride and Prejudice" or "Sense and Sensibility," then you are familiar with the look of the Regency Era, even if the name of the era is unfamiliar.
The Victorian Era (1837-1900)
Under Queen Victoria, Britain experienced a long era of peace. As machinery began to be used to make work easier, the industrial revolution began, factories sprung up -- and smoke began pouring from tall chimneys. Fashion was dominated by tightly-laced corsets, and romantic but conservative dress. The modern concept of "Victorian" clothing is sometimes colorful, but authentic Victorian clothing was often black or gray, or sometimes white. Architecture became ornate and a bit eccentric, leading to many elaborate Victorian homes. The visual arts, typified by Art Nouveau master Alphonse Mucha, became highly romantic during the period, often depicting idealized women in elaborately draped flowing cloth. Photography was born in the Victorian Era, and eventually a custom took hold of giving a photograph of yourself to any home you visited; Victorian families prided themselves on their books full of these "cartes de visite."
The Edwardian Era (1901-1915)
During the Edwardian Era, the flowing cloth and whiplash curves of Art Nouveau went out of fashion, replaced by the stylized geometric simplicity of Art Deco. Toward the end of the era, early automobiles began to be used by some people for personal transportation instead of horses. In large cities, the first skyscrapers were built. The elaborate, heavy dresses of Victorian clothing were replaced by looser, more modest dresses, and tight corsets dropped out of fashion.
If you're interested in any of these eras, just go exploring on Google or on Wikipedia. As a starting point, here's a guide to hairstyles from many of the above eras.
Part 2 of "A Quick History Lesson EVERY Model & Photographer Should Know" will focus on the fashions of these eras, and will include visual examples of each era's "look."
The Ancient World (prior to the year 476 C.E.)
This period is very general, and refers to everything prior to the Medieval era, from the ancient Egyptians to the Roman Empire.
The Medieval Era (476 to mid-1400s)
The Medieval era, or the "Middle Ages", was the era dominated by feudalism. Today's highly-romanticized vision of the era is dominated by castles, brave knights and princesses in need of rescue. It was, however, also the era of deadly plagues and brutal religious inquisitions.
The Renaissance (roughly 1300s to 1600s)
This time is typically said to be a period of "classical" learning and refinement in the arts. Literature, music, painting and sculpture all took enormous steps during the renaissance. It was also the time when many true sciences were first born out of the medieval pseudo-sciences, such as astronomy growing from astrology and chemistry evolving out of alchemy. Kings still reigned in most of Europe, but feudalism was gone, and the development of gunpowder and guns had put an end to the use of suits of armor and greatly reduced the popularity of the sword, bow and arrow and crossbow.
The Georgian Era (1714 to 1830)
This was the era of the powdered wig and political revolutions. Both the United States and France, among others, had their revolutions and defeated monarchies, and white powdered wigs were the fashion for both genders.
The Regency Era (1811-1820)
The powdered wig was absolutely out-of-fashion by this time, never to return. Although this was a brief era, many of Jane Austen's novels take place in the Regency Era. If you are familiar with film adaptations of her novels such as "Pride and Prejudice" or "Sense and Sensibility," then you are familiar with the look of the Regency Era, even if the name of the era is unfamiliar.
The Victorian Era (1837-1900)
Under Queen Victoria, Britain experienced a long era of peace. As machinery began to be used to make work easier, the industrial revolution began, factories sprung up -- and smoke began pouring from tall chimneys. Fashion was dominated by tightly-laced corsets, and romantic but conservative dress. The modern concept of "Victorian" clothing is sometimes colorful, but authentic Victorian clothing was often black or gray, or sometimes white. Architecture became ornate and a bit eccentric, leading to many elaborate Victorian homes. The visual arts, typified by Art Nouveau master Alphonse Mucha, became highly romantic during the period, often depicting idealized women in elaborately draped flowing cloth. Photography was born in the Victorian Era, and eventually a custom took hold of giving a photograph of yourself to any home you visited; Victorian families prided themselves on their books full of these "cartes de visite."
The Edwardian Era (1901-1915)
During the Edwardian Era, the flowing cloth and whiplash curves of Art Nouveau went out of fashion, replaced by the stylized geometric simplicity of Art Deco. Toward the end of the era, early automobiles began to be used by some people for personal transportation instead of horses. In large cities, the first skyscrapers were built. The elaborate, heavy dresses of Victorian clothing were replaced by looser, more modest dresses, and tight corsets dropped out of fashion.
If you're interested in any of these eras, just go exploring on Google or on Wikipedia. As a starting point, here's a guide to hairstyles from many of the above eras.
Part 2 of "A Quick History Lesson EVERY Model & Photographer Should Know" will focus on the fashions of these eras, and will include visual examples of each era's "look."
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Staying Composed on the Fashion Runway
Staying Composed on the Runway; & Seattle Fashion Week 2010!
I was at Seattle Fashion Week at the WAMU Theater in Seattle yesterday, May 15th, 2010. The designers there were IDCW, House of Versatile, B’zma, Vera Wang, Richard Blayne, Eva Chen, and Catalin Botezatu. I was modeling for B’zma. There are pictures of all the designers’ work here: http://www.allklier.com/clients/FSW2010_Intl/ (photos by Jan Klier).
Many modeling events and fashion shows are all day productions. I arrived promptly at 8:45am and left the Seattle Fashion Week event at 10:30pm. It was an amazing opportunity for fashion models, fashion designers, MUA’s (makeup artists), hair stylists, and much more. There was press from all over, including Seattle Pi. There weas amazing hair, makeup, dresses and crazy outfits. There were people, lots and lots of people.
Fashion modeling is all about the people, the networking. This fashion event was definitely worth the 14 hours of practice, changing, waiting, hair and makeup, and walking (the whole day was just one big, fun adventure!). I met so many great people there and reconnected with others. It was also pretty cool that I got to see Florin, from Go Periscope there. Also Apolo Ohno, the Olympic skater was there for the show, which was a pretty big deal for everyone. It was simply amazing day with amazing people with a whole lot going on. I had a blast and I was completely in my element. I have some pictures in my Facebook Seattle Fashion Week 2010 album for those who want to see them. (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=21150&id=111696388842428).
So obviously, there WERE a lot of people, which leads me to my next point: nerves. There were models there of all different experience levels. Some had never been in a fashion show before, with hundreds of people watching, and some had been in way too many to count.
An experienced model and friend of mine doesn’t get nervous; she meditates. She decided to meditate before the fashion show and her walk on the fashion runway. She seemed extremely calm and serene, and stone-still. It was very calming for me. There are different ways to channel the nervous energy so it doesn’t affect performance on the runway, which depends on what works best for you. It could mean doing something with your hands, to get your energy moving and take your mind somewhere else. Or it could mean dancing to the beat of the bass, which also takes your minds off things.
Runway music at fashion events is amazing. I love the upbeat pumping rhythms. I danced just before walking the runway. Actually, I danced all day to keep the energy level high.
If you find yourself getting nervous when you have to walk the runway, don’t sweat it! There is really nothing to get nervous about. When you’re done, you may reflect on how well you did. You may think that it was a total blast and wonder why in the world you got nervous in the first place. It’s really the same exact thing as rehearsing the runway; only, people are watching you strut your stuff when it’s the real deal. That’s the only difference: you have an audience to see how amazing you are.
The fashion runway is your time to shine.
Thanks for reading!
Briauna Mariah
I was at Seattle Fashion Week at the WAMU Theater in Seattle yesterday, May 15th, 2010. The designers there were IDCW, House of Versatile, B’zma, Vera Wang, Richard Blayne, Eva Chen, and Catalin Botezatu. I was modeling for B’zma. There are pictures of all the designers’ work here: http://www.allklier.com/clients/FSW2010_Intl/ (photos by Jan Klier).
Many modeling events and fashion shows are all day productions. I arrived promptly at 8:45am and left the Seattle Fashion Week event at 10:30pm. It was an amazing opportunity for fashion models, fashion designers, MUA’s (makeup artists), hair stylists, and much more. There was press from all over, including Seattle Pi. There weas amazing hair, makeup, dresses and crazy outfits. There were people, lots and lots of people.
Fashion modeling is all about the people, the networking. This fashion event was definitely worth the 14 hours of practice, changing, waiting, hair and makeup, and walking (the whole day was just one big, fun adventure!). I met so many great people there and reconnected with others. It was also pretty cool that I got to see Florin, from Go Periscope there. Also Apolo Ohno, the Olympic skater was there for the show, which was a pretty big deal for everyone. It was simply amazing day with amazing people with a whole lot going on. I had a blast and I was completely in my element. I have some pictures in my Facebook Seattle Fashion Week 2010 album for those who want to see them. (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=21150&id=111696388842428).
So obviously, there WERE a lot of people, which leads me to my next point: nerves. There were models there of all different experience levels. Some had never been in a fashion show before, with hundreds of people watching, and some had been in way too many to count.
An experienced model and friend of mine doesn’t get nervous; she meditates. She decided to meditate before the fashion show and her walk on the fashion runway. She seemed extremely calm and serene, and stone-still. It was very calming for me. There are different ways to channel the nervous energy so it doesn’t affect performance on the runway, which depends on what works best for you. It could mean doing something with your hands, to get your energy moving and take your mind somewhere else. Or it could mean dancing to the beat of the bass, which also takes your minds off things.
Runway music at fashion events is amazing. I love the upbeat pumping rhythms. I danced just before walking the runway. Actually, I danced all day to keep the energy level high.
If you find yourself getting nervous when you have to walk the runway, don’t sweat it! There is really nothing to get nervous about. When you’re done, you may reflect on how well you did. You may think that it was a total blast and wonder why in the world you got nervous in the first place. It’s really the same exact thing as rehearsing the runway; only, people are watching you strut your stuff when it’s the real deal. That’s the only difference: you have an audience to see how amazing you are.
The fashion runway is your time to shine.
Thanks for reading!
Briauna Mariah
Monday, April 26, 2010
What is "Pin-Up", Really?
Pin-up is an art form celebrating idealized female beauty, with an emphasis on innocence and flirtation. The most successful "pin-up girls" have frequently become household names, including (in very-approximate chronological order) Mary Pickford, Mae West, Betty Grable, Lauren Bacall, Brigitte Bardot, Bettie Page, Marilyn Monroe, Twiggy, Raquel Welch and Farrah Fawcett.
When photographers talk about "shooting pin-up", there are several different things they could mean.
Today when photographers talk about "pin-up" they often mean shooting in a style which refers back to the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s -- the golden age of pin-up art. Many are inspired by Bettie Page (the archetypal "bad girl" pin-up model) or by Marilyn Monroe (the archetypial "good girl" of pin-up). Others are inspired by (or even obsessed with) the great "cheesecake" calendar pin-up painters, particularly Alberto Vargas, George Petty, and my personal favorite, Gil Elvgren.
Elvgren's work is particularly influential to many "retro" pin-up photographers and models alike. His paintings, with very few exceptions, were very situational, featuring a playfully flirtatious accident such as the subject's skirt being blown upwards to expose a bit more thigh than would normally be seen, or a girl with a playful "oh no!" expression as she spills ketchup on herself at a picnic. While these types of pin-up are flirtatious, they do not cross the line into nudity. Nudity is almost unheard of in this type of pin-up. (Incidentally, pin-up art in this style almost always includes the entire model in the shot, from head to toe; close-ups don't even really qualify as true pin-up in this genre.)
But sometimes when photographers say "pin-up", they mean other things. Some photographers use the term "pin-up" to refer to a certain pop-culture poster-girl look typified by Farrah Fawcett and Cheryl Tiegs in the 1970s. In this definition of "pin-up", the face comes first: it's all in the sunny smile and the twinkling eyes. This type of pin-up is not limited to full length shots; it can include waist-up photos or even portraits. But certain elements of pop-culture appeal are essential to it -- and like the more retro type of pin-up, it generally remains wholesome and does not include nudity.
Others might be referring to a more alternative look, such as rockabilly style, rock and roll, or "biker girl" style -- all of which often feature tattooing, dark cherry-red lipstick, and a feel that is a bit darker than traditional pin-up. (They also often feature motorcycles or vintage hot rods in the photos.)
Still other photographers when they talk about "pin-up" can mean something more sexual. Sometimes they may be referring to the so-called "Playboy style" (which is more correctly called "centerfold", not "pin-up"). Sometimes they mean something even more explicit than Playboy -- which also is not truly pin-up, but more probably erotica or fetish. The term "pin-up" is often used carelessly to describe nude or erotic photography; this is a misuse of the term. True pinup is sexy, but not sexual. Most of it is flirtatious and somewhat conservative. It can occasionally involve implied nudity, but it very rarely ever depicts nudity openly -- and it is never, ever lewd!
When a photographer approaches you about shooting pin-up, it is very important that you clarify what type of "pin-up" they expect to shoot with you before you agree to a shoot. You wouldn't want to expect to be doing a sweet, flirtatious Marilyn-style shoot but arrive at the shoot finding him expecting you to bare everything! Clear communication beforehand is essential, and be sure that you and the photographer are talking about the same type of pin-up.
By the way, if you skipped all of the links above, you might want to go back and click through them all. It's a treasure trove of images exemplifying what "pin-up" is.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Promotional Modeling Experience
So today was the in-store promotional modeling event for the FACE charity fashion show (Fashion, Auction, Compassion, Event). *hurray and much applauding!* I arrived five minutes early and headed up to the second floor as I had been told and then promptly had to wait to get my designer Barney's New York wardrobe on. Unfortunately I forgot to get pictures of the outfits I got to wear today, but I did get a picture of the awesome shoes (and many compliments on my cute summer hat and dress)! The shoes were very fun to walk in and walking up and down stairs in them became progressively easier. I think they were maybe five or six inch heels.
Before I was dressed up, I was given the rundown: the FACE event is on April 29th, 2010 at 6:30pm and there will be a fashion show for Barney's NY clothing. It is in SODO park, Seattle. There will be wine tasting and an auction and of course the fashion show and its for charity. A great event to attend and support. Tickets are available for purchase online at http://www.faceseattle.com. Be there or be square!
I was to tell the store customers the details of the fashion show and give anybody who is everybody a flyer/invite. It was interesting to note that most of the people coming into Barney's NY store were from out-of-town. One couple was from Australia and their next destination was New York. Another lady was from Canada.
All in all, it was quite an eventful day. I am stoked for the fashion show and can't wait to go out, walk the runway and meet some very important people in the Seattle fashion industry. One great thing to remember about being a fashion model (or being ANYTHING involving work/some kind of career) is that it is ALL about connections and networking. The more people you know, the better off you are.
The promotional modeling event today also reminded me how much I love to model. I have never "promo-ed" for anything before, but it was quite simple. I was "out of my comfort zone" in some ways, but I felt completely in my element. I was also portraying a different person, a different me. Someone that all my great friends from school never really see (or even my family, for that matter). As I was reflecting on my day, I came up with a cool expression for what models do:
We must be versatile and transform. We have to embody our character given to us, embody our role, as an actor or actress does. We fashion models get to make like a chameleon.
Thanks for reading!
Briauna Mariah
Before I was dressed up, I was given the rundown: the FACE event is on April 29th, 2010 at 6:30pm and there will be a fashion show for Barney's NY clothing. It is in SODO park, Seattle. There will be wine tasting and an auction and of course the fashion show and its for charity. A great event to attend and support. Tickets are available for purchase online at http://www.faceseattle.com. Be there or be square!
I was to tell the store customers the details of the fashion show and give anybody who is everybody a flyer/invite. It was interesting to note that most of the people coming into Barney's NY store were from out-of-town. One couple was from Australia and their next destination was New York. Another lady was from Canada.
All in all, it was quite an eventful day. I am stoked for the fashion show and can't wait to go out, walk the runway and meet some very important people in the Seattle fashion industry. One great thing to remember about being a fashion model (or being ANYTHING involving work/some kind of career) is that it is ALL about connections and networking. The more people you know, the better off you are.
The promotional modeling event today also reminded me how much I love to model. I have never "promo-ed" for anything before, but it was quite simple. I was "out of my comfort zone" in some ways, but I felt completely in my element. I was also portraying a different person, a different me. Someone that all my great friends from school never really see (or even my family, for that matter). As I was reflecting on my day, I came up with a cool expression for what models do:
We must be versatile and transform. We have to embody our character given to us, embody our role, as an actor or actress does. We fashion models get to make like a chameleon.
Thanks for reading!
Briauna Mariah
Friday, April 23, 2010
Facial PhotoTips for Fashion Modeling
If I had to choose the most important aspect of a great modeling photo shoot (within the model’s control), it would be the face.
When in front of the camera, it’s all about the “face dance.” There are many things you can do with your face when modeling.
Each model has her (or his) own obstacles to face. There is never one set way on how to model or, in this case, create different expressions in your face. But I can start you off with what works for me.
During my first modeling photo shoot with Leo Lam, I was told to exhale with my mouth slightly open. I didn’t know that doing so would show my teeth so much and now I’ve learned how to leave a gap between my lips while hiding my teeth at the same time. (The secret? I VERY slightly jut out my jaw and touch my teeth together. My lips shade over my teeth and there is still a gap there.) This gap is seen in a lot of photos and is very “model-y.” I would call this one of the standard poses with your lips.
The possibilities? Endless. Seriously. You can smile and show your pearly whites. You can smile with your mouth closed (for a more gentle look). You can give a devious half-smile. The slightest lift of the mouth can be the difference between a wild stare and a mischievous grin. A tiny squint of the eyes changes the story from bland to intense and dramatic. This is what it takes to make a mask of emotion believable.
This is where Tyra Bank’s famous term “smize” comes in. Smizing, smiling with your eyes, gives an intensity and life to a photo. If you aren’t doing anything with your eyes, the photo is going to lack luster. For me, smizing consists of slightly squinting my eyes, to make my eyes smile. You only need to smize if you’re not already smiling. If you’re smiling, your face automatically lifts and becomes livelier.
Here is a very helpful video on smizing from ANTM:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRBV-UTrdjM
To perfect the face dance, the many poses you must know how to do with solely your face, practice in the mirror a lot! If you’re putting on makeup, try smizing. If you’re just in front of a mirror in passing, practice posing with your face.
Happy smizing!
Thanks for reading,
Briauna Mariah
When in front of the camera, it’s all about the “face dance.” There are many things you can do with your face when modeling.
Each model has her (or his) own obstacles to face. There is never one set way on how to model or, in this case, create different expressions in your face. But I can start you off with what works for me.
During my first modeling photo shoot with Leo Lam, I was told to exhale with my mouth slightly open. I didn’t know that doing so would show my teeth so much and now I’ve learned how to leave a gap between my lips while hiding my teeth at the same time. (The secret? I VERY slightly jut out my jaw and touch my teeth together. My lips shade over my teeth and there is still a gap there.) This gap is seen in a lot of photos and is very “model-y.” I would call this one of the standard poses with your lips.
The possibilities? Endless. Seriously. You can smile and show your pearly whites. You can smile with your mouth closed (for a more gentle look). You can give a devious half-smile. The slightest lift of the mouth can be the difference between a wild stare and a mischievous grin. A tiny squint of the eyes changes the story from bland to intense and dramatic. This is what it takes to make a mask of emotion believable.
This is where Tyra Bank’s famous term “smize” comes in. Smizing, smiling with your eyes, gives an intensity and life to a photo. If you aren’t doing anything with your eyes, the photo is going to lack luster. For me, smizing consists of slightly squinting my eyes, to make my eyes smile. You only need to smize if you’re not already smiling. If you’re smiling, your face automatically lifts and becomes livelier.
Here is a very helpful video on smizing from ANTM:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRBV-UTrdjM
To perfect the face dance, the many poses you must know how to do with solely your face, practice in the mirror a lot! If you’re putting on makeup, try smizing. If you’re just in front of a mirror in passing, practice posing with your face.
Happy smizing!
Thanks for reading,
Briauna Mariah
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Walking the Fashion Runway
The (meeeeow) Walk. What I KNOW you’ve all been waiting for! Yes, it’s the catwalk, the strut, the runway, The Walk. There are videos online to help as you learn how to walk like a fashion model on the runway, but if those aren’t for you, listen up and I’ll give you some insider modeling secrets.
In my last blog, you learned about being confident on the fashion runway and in front of the camera. And as I wrote, I was thinking about the fashion model runway walk. Strut like there is no other. You are the most gorgeous model in the world: Let that confidence show in your runway walk and in your face.
Step 1. Look straight ahead; look fierce!
Step 2. Take long, graceful/strong/fierce steps. The “crossover” isn’t so popular with me. Don’t actually cross your legs over to the other side as you’re walking. I’ve never really seen any fashion models do this. Do walk in a very straight line, with one leg in front of the other. Keep your knees bending at a minimum. You want to be as tall as possible.
Step 3. Hips forward, shoulders up, back straight. Keep great posture, while kind of sticking out your hips. As Nick Casaus says, “Walk as if you are pushing a shopping cart with your hips.” It gives a nice curve to your body.
Step 4. Let your arms swing loosely, but controlled, with them almost behind you. Straighten your fingers a bit so they don’t curl and look shorter than they really are.
Step 5. Don’t be timid in your steps. Heels are loud (depending on the surface you’re walking on). One thing that held me back for a short time was being timid with my steps. Your steps are going to be loud, so let them be loud and clear, and strong.
Step 6. If you mess up, make the audience think you messed up on purpose. Don’t look embarrassed. Messing up never looked so smooth and good.
There are different kinds of turns for when you come to the end of the runway (and the beginning of the runway, for that matter). I suggest slowing down your runway walk slightly before the turn. Now, the turns are hard to describe through writing. I highly suggest watching professionals on the runway. A great website to watch fashion shows online is http://www.frillr.com. What I can tell you about turns is that your head should be the last thing that turns. Maybe even strike a dramatic pose at the end of the runway for the fashion photographer.
The whole idea is to really sell the garment you are wearing when it comes to fashion shows. For hair shows, it’s all about the hair. You want everyone to want what you have, even if it looks silly (because we all know that high fashion may look a little ridiculous and out-there at times). Whatever you have, you have to work it. Bad hair day? Work it. Bad hair is in style, haven’t you heard?
One video that really helped me when I was still learning can be found at this link (I’m surprised I found it so easily after a year): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EprBn84dCcw&feature=related. It covers anything else I can think of that I missed in here. I highly suggest watching it.
OH and Step 7. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!
Good luck!
Thanks for reading,
Briauna Mariah :)
In my last blog, you learned about being confident on the fashion runway and in front of the camera. And as I wrote, I was thinking about the fashion model runway walk. Strut like there is no other. You are the most gorgeous model in the world: Let that confidence show in your runway walk and in your face.
Step 1. Look straight ahead; look fierce!
Step 2. Take long, graceful/strong/fierce steps. The “crossover” isn’t so popular with me. Don’t actually cross your legs over to the other side as you’re walking. I’ve never really seen any fashion models do this. Do walk in a very straight line, with one leg in front of the other. Keep your knees bending at a minimum. You want to be as tall as possible.
Step 3. Hips forward, shoulders up, back straight. Keep great posture, while kind of sticking out your hips. As Nick Casaus says, “Walk as if you are pushing a shopping cart with your hips.” It gives a nice curve to your body.
Step 4. Let your arms swing loosely, but controlled, with them almost behind you. Straighten your fingers a bit so they don’t curl and look shorter than they really are.
Step 5. Don’t be timid in your steps. Heels are loud (depending on the surface you’re walking on). One thing that held me back for a short time was being timid with my steps. Your steps are going to be loud, so let them be loud and clear, and strong.
Step 6. If you mess up, make the audience think you messed up on purpose. Don’t look embarrassed. Messing up never looked so smooth and good.
There are different kinds of turns for when you come to the end of the runway (and the beginning of the runway, for that matter). I suggest slowing down your runway walk slightly before the turn. Now, the turns are hard to describe through writing. I highly suggest watching professionals on the runway. A great website to watch fashion shows online is http://www.frillr.com. What I can tell you about turns is that your head should be the last thing that turns. Maybe even strike a dramatic pose at the end of the runway for the fashion photographer.
The whole idea is to really sell the garment you are wearing when it comes to fashion shows. For hair shows, it’s all about the hair. You want everyone to want what you have, even if it looks silly (because we all know that high fashion may look a little ridiculous and out-there at times). Whatever you have, you have to work it. Bad hair day? Work it. Bad hair is in style, haven’t you heard?
One video that really helped me when I was still learning can be found at this link (I’m surprised I found it so easily after a year): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EprBn84dCcw&feature=related. It covers anything else I can think of that I missed in here. I highly suggest watching it.
OH and Step 7. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!
Good luck!
Thanks for reading,
Briauna Mariah :)
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Confidence on the Fashion Runway
No matter who you are, you have to believe in your inner and outer beauty in the world of fashion modeling. Confidence is beautiful. If you are not confident, you show fear, insecurity, and/or nervousness. Those are really the only options. Nothing shines brighter than the confidence in your stride and the unwavering spark in your eyes. Except perhaps that shiny silver dress you have to wear on the fashion runway. Be careful, if the light hits it just right… you might blind your spectators.
You’re gorgeous, so let the whole world know it. If you’re walking the fashion runway, you must be “strutting your stuff” like you are the most gorgeous person in the world. If you don’t believe it yourself, your/the modeling agency’s clients won’t believe it either.
This goes for “real life” as well. There isn’t any better way to get attention than to hold yourself high and be confident. Maybe even flash a nice, bright smile. Don’t care what anyone thinks; just assume they are admiring your looks, your confidence. Why not? I mean… you ARE the most gorgeous person in the world.
As I write this, I am mostly thinking of the fashion runway, and being confident in your stride. But it also goes for being in front of the camera. Confidence comes out into the shots. It gives photos a little something extra and makes them pop. It also looks good in person. If you are meeting a new fashion photographer and s/he sees your confidence, s/he will be more confident in you and their choice to work with you.
Oh, and no slouching! :)
Stay tuned for more insider tips. Next up: The Walk.
Thanks for reading,
Briauna Mariah
You’re gorgeous, so let the whole world know it. If you’re walking the fashion runway, you must be “strutting your stuff” like you are the most gorgeous person in the world. If you don’t believe it yourself, your/the modeling agency’s clients won’t believe it either.
This goes for “real life” as well. There isn’t any better way to get attention than to hold yourself high and be confident. Maybe even flash a nice, bright smile. Don’t care what anyone thinks; just assume they are admiring your looks, your confidence. Why not? I mean… you ARE the most gorgeous person in the world.
As I write this, I am mostly thinking of the fashion runway, and being confident in your stride. But it also goes for being in front of the camera. Confidence comes out into the shots. It gives photos a little something extra and makes them pop. It also looks good in person. If you are meeting a new fashion photographer and s/he sees your confidence, s/he will be more confident in you and their choice to work with you.
Oh, and no slouching! :)
Stay tuned for more insider tips. Next up: The Walk.
Thanks for reading,
Briauna Mariah
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Considering Fashion Modeling?
If you want to be a fashion model…
First, you have to do your research on local modeling agencies and decide out which one would represent you best and which one would want to represent you. There are a few I know of in Seattle, including SMG. There is Seattle Model Guild (SMG), TCM Models, and Heffner Management.
http://www.smgmodels.com
http://www.tcmmodels.com
http://www.heffnermanagement.com
Modeling agencies usually put the information you need to know on how to get started on their website. This includes what kind of looks they want to represent, requirements in regards to age and size, what photos to submit to them, when to come to the agency for casting calls (casting calls are when they decide if they want to represent you or not). It’s different for each agency.
For me, I started out by submitting the required unprofessional photos to SMG online and they told me to come in for a casting call to meet them in person. I came in to meet them and they told me to come back in 6 months because I looked too young at the time (aka; I had too much “baby fat” in my cheeks and they wanted to wait that out before representing me). That is what they said too: too much baby fat. This is NOT meant to be taken personal and I took it just fine. One thing you have to know about the modeling world is that criticism is GOOD and it is not an attack at you personally. In fact, I’m pretty sure that goes for whatever you do in life. Criticism is really good and helps a person get further in an industry, depending what the person does with it. Anyways, I took the fact that they wanted to see me AGAIN in 6 months as a great sign because that meant they were interested in representing me still.
So I came back and they had me practice my catwalk for a month before making me an official model for them. I had to sign a contract for them with my mom (I’m sure each contract is different for every agency). Do not go along with an agency that makes you pay THEM. You will, however, have to pay a photographer for a test shoot to get your portfolio started. Also, you have to buy your own comp cards, which are like business cards for models, which include pictures and stats, and you have to get your photos printed out for your book (portfolio). I had to get two color laser prints of each photo in quality photograph-paper. My photoshoot with Leo Lam was $550 (SMG has a list of “approved” photographers you are allowed to get your test shoot with). To get 50 comp cards, it was about $80. To have all my photos printed, it was about $50. That is just to give you an idea of pricing.
What an agency does is send you out on casting calls for hair shows, fashion shows, photo shoots, etc. A bunch of models will show up at these casting calls in hopes to get hired by the company for the gig. Each casting is different. Sometimes the people there will look at your book, take your comp card, take pictures, watch your catwalk, etc. If you get the job, the agency (for SMG) gets 20% of what they pay. To actually get a job, you need to be going to a bunch of castings per day/week.
I THINK that covers everything… If you have questions, just ask me!
If you don’t think an agency is for you, check out http://www.modelmayhem.com (MM). It is free to join and it’s basically a myspace/facebook for models, photographers, makeup artists (MUA’s), etc. You don’t have to be an “official” model to join. Anyone serious about the industry can join. This is where I get most of my jobs, by connecting with people on this site. You have to be careful with who you work for, though. Some people on there are scams. You should always have a friend or family member come with you if you’re meeting someone from there for the first time. It’s always good to have someone come with you no matter what. If you want a list of safe people to work with on there… well you can just look at the list of people I’ve worked with in my “about me” section. The majority of those people are from MM.
Modelmayhem is a great site to get started for makeup artists, photographers, designers, hair stylists, photoshop “wizards,” and much more also!
Feel free to add me as a friend on Modelmayhem if you decide to join. http://www.modelmayhem.com/867739
Good luck!
First, you have to do your research on local modeling agencies and decide out which one would represent you best and which one would want to represent you. There are a few I know of in Seattle, including SMG. There is Seattle Model Guild (SMG), TCM Models, and Heffner Management.
http://www.smgmodels.com
http://www.tcmmodels.com
http://www.heffnermanagement.com
Modeling agencies usually put the information you need to know on how to get started on their website. This includes what kind of looks they want to represent, requirements in regards to age and size, what photos to submit to them, when to come to the agency for casting calls (casting calls are when they decide if they want to represent you or not). It’s different for each agency.
For me, I started out by submitting the required unprofessional photos to SMG online and they told me to come in for a casting call to meet them in person. I came in to meet them and they told me to come back in 6 months because I looked too young at the time (aka; I had too much “baby fat” in my cheeks and they wanted to wait that out before representing me). That is what they said too: too much baby fat. This is NOT meant to be taken personal and I took it just fine. One thing you have to know about the modeling world is that criticism is GOOD and it is not an attack at you personally. In fact, I’m pretty sure that goes for whatever you do in life. Criticism is really good and helps a person get further in an industry, depending what the person does with it. Anyways, I took the fact that they wanted to see me AGAIN in 6 months as a great sign because that meant they were interested in representing me still.
So I came back and they had me practice my catwalk for a month before making me an official model for them. I had to sign a contract for them with my mom (I’m sure each contract is different for every agency). Do not go along with an agency that makes you pay THEM. You will, however, have to pay a photographer for a test shoot to get your portfolio started. Also, you have to buy your own comp cards, which are like business cards for models, which include pictures and stats, and you have to get your photos printed out for your book (portfolio). I had to get two color laser prints of each photo in quality photograph-paper. My photoshoot with Leo Lam was $550 (SMG has a list of “approved” photographers you are allowed to get your test shoot with). To get 50 comp cards, it was about $80. To have all my photos printed, it was about $50. That is just to give you an idea of pricing.
What an agency does is send you out on casting calls for hair shows, fashion shows, photo shoots, etc. A bunch of models will show up at these casting calls in hopes to get hired by the company for the gig. Each casting is different. Sometimes the people there will look at your book, take your comp card, take pictures, watch your catwalk, etc. If you get the job, the agency (for SMG) gets 20% of what they pay. To actually get a job, you need to be going to a bunch of castings per day/week.
I THINK that covers everything… If you have questions, just ask me!
If you don’t think an agency is for you, check out http://www.modelmayhem.com (MM). It is free to join and it’s basically a myspace/facebook for models, photographers, makeup artists (MUA’s), etc. You don’t have to be an “official” model to join. Anyone serious about the industry can join. This is where I get most of my jobs, by connecting with people on this site. You have to be careful with who you work for, though. Some people on there are scams. You should always have a friend or family member come with you if you’re meeting someone from there for the first time. It’s always good to have someone come with you no matter what. If you want a list of safe people to work with on there… well you can just look at the list of people I’ve worked with in my “about me” section. The majority of those people are from MM.
Modelmayhem is a great site to get started for makeup artists, photographers, designers, hair stylists, photoshop “wizards,” and much more also!
Feel free to add me as a friend on Modelmayhem if you decide to join. http://www.modelmayhem.com/867739
Good luck!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Welcome Briauna Mariah
Please welcome our new contributor and co-author, Briauna Mariah. She has been writing a series of excellent "how-to" posts on modeling on Facebook and MySpace, and will definitely be an essential part of this blog in the future as we grow.
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