Of the millions of young, bright, attractive people who want to get into modeling, only a small percentage find any success at it. Why is that? Simply because they don’t possess all of the following key elements of a successful model.
Determination:
Many young actors, actresses and models fail to reach their potential simply because they don’t have enough drive and desire to overcome the inevitable slumps and setbacks they encounter. They simply quit.

Professional Attitude:
Modeling is a business, pure and simple. It can be great fun, but professional photographers, art directors, casting directors, and video graphers are in the business of creating images for a profit. Their time is money, and so is yours. Treat these professionals as you would expect to be treated when it comes to time. Don’t waste their time by not being punctual or ready to work at the scheduled start time. The most beautiful model in the world will run out of work if she constantly wastes people’s time by being late, (or not showing at all), or by not being prepared to work.

Good Work Ethic:
Experienced actors, actresses and models know that there is not a steady stream of work at all times. By being aggressive with your self promotion and focusing on continually marketing your skills, you can create more work opportunities. When work opportunities arise, be prepared to do your best.

Imagination:
Use your unique look and thoughts to create something that makes you special. There are a million pretty faces out there, but if you offer a unique look or attitude, you can create a demand for your services. Be creative when you put your portfolio together and use your best shots for your promotional materials. Collaborate with your photographers to come up with something really special that just screams who you are.

Networking Skills:
All good business people create networks of clients that are constantly growing. actors, actresses and models are no different. You need to find ways to reach potential clients and generate more work and more clients from referrals and other network techniques. Of the clients you work with, ask them for referrals to other opportunities for you. And if a client was referred to you, always let them know who referred them. The common networking rule of thumb is that for every satisfied client you have they, in turn, will tell 2-5 others about you, but for every dissatisfied client, 10 potential new clients will hear the bad news. Never burn your bridges with clients. You may not want to work with them any more, and that is fine, but never, never be rude or unprofessional. It only harms yourself. Always make it a goal to either work a number of times with a client or get referrals to others from them. Work makes work in this business.

Discipline:
Be prepared for work. Develop the discipline to keep your valuable assets, (smile, face, figure, or what ever else you model), in good shape. Have your portfolio ready when you get a go-see, (interview or test shoot), and have your promotional materials, (headshots, zed cards, and resumes), ready for any potential interview or marketing opportunity. This chance may not come around again. Have the discipline to be a go-getter, not a wanna-be.

Persistence:
Successful actors, actresses and models are made, not born. They work at all aspects of what they do and they do not stop because of a few setbacks. They are determined to accomplish a goal and they are not easily stopped by petty excuses or fears of the unknown.

A Plan of Action:
Successful actors, actresses and models have a direction, a plan of action. They set goals for their portfolio, their resume, their network of potential clients and the part of the market they want to work in, and they plan a way to achieve those goals.

Commercial Modeling agencies are the types of agencies that represent commercial models.

Rather than booking jobs for Vogue magazine and other high fashion editorial magazines, commercial agencies book jobs for clients who may be promoting items such as household goods, automobiles, hardware, baby items, cosmetics and many other items that people use on a daily basis.

Where high fashion Modeling is fantasy, commercial Modeling is reality and the commercial agencies look for all different looks, shapes and sizes of models for these jobs. Commercial agencies book jobs such as print campaigns, television, film, corporate video, etc.

Commercial Modeling agencies can be found not only in major markets such as New York, Los Angeles and Chicago but also in most states and provinces throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

Creating a model portfolio is a process

Ok, you're ready to create your portfolio. All you have to do is contact your local photographer, set up a photo session, have prints made and put them in a book, right? WRONG!!! You want your model portfolio to be professional, complete, and impressive when you show it. This is one of the single most important steps you'll take other than promotion so get it right!

What is a model portfolio?

Your model portfolio book will be made up of a book with anywhere between 10 and 25 photos normally consisting of 9x12 prints. You will want a good selection of different types of "looks" in your portfolio. For example; have some photos created indoors in a home setting, some in the studio, some outdoors in different locations.

Also include shots which may be considered commercial, fashion, casual, and editorial content. Ask the photographer to help you with choosing looks that best fit your personality and the type modeling you wish to pursue.

You'll also want to include a good headshot (without makeup) and a good body shot (swimwear or tight-fitting clothing) especially if you plan to apply to the larger model markets. These larger markets such as the top NY agencies like to see exactly what they are getting when they view your photos. They don't want to see fancy posing or clutter, just you so keep this in mind when creating model photos for them to view.

Do not think that "more is better". It's much more effective to have 8 absolutely beautiful, perfectly shot photos in your portfolio than 100 mediocre ones.

Please keep this in mind when putting your portfolio together because it's very important! If you have to really pine over whether or not an image makes the grade for quality or belongs in your model book, it most likely doesn't.

A professional photographer or agent can help you decide when it comes to quality of photos so ask for advice if you're not sure. Also, you can view model images on agency websites or on my on site at www.bobpardue.com/model/photo-gallery to see if the quality of your image is up to standard.

Let's get started

Now, let's get started in developing your model portfolio. A really good, complete model portfolio is not created overnight. You will develop it as you develop your talent by working with different photographers.

Different photographers? Won't this cost a fortune?

A terrific model portfolio won't cost you a fortune if you follow the simple steps below. Your model portfolio will not be free, mind you, but way less expensive than paying several different photographers to shoot each section.

Step One - Paid Photo Session

If you are working on a tight budget, this may be a little painful to you but worth it if you are trying to build a killer portfolio.

Finding a photographer for your first model session

Although your local portrait photographer may be teriffic in doing family portraits or weddings, he/she may not know all the ins and outs of creating a model portfolio. You may want to check to see if they offer this service but I would check places like One Model Place or Model Mayhem for photographers who are well experienced in portfolio work.

You should be able to hire a really good photographer for anywhere between $300. to $1,000. with the latter being the extreme in a high-end market area. I would think the average would be around $600. When choosing your photographer, don't just base your decision on price. If the photographer can't produce those perfect images for your portfolio, it doesn't matter what it costs!

What you should ask the photographer

Below are some questions to ask your photographer before agreeing to hire him/her for the job of creating your model portfolio.

Ask if he is experienced in model portfolio development - Be sure to choose a photographer who is used to creating model portfolios so that there is less chance of confusion about what you need and desire in your portfolio

Ask where the photographer is located (This really seems silly but I have received hundreds of contacts from across the US just because models brought up my website when they did a search on photographers in their areas)

Ask for references of recent model shoots (contact at least two models)

Ask for the price range for portfolio packages, how many photos, etc.

Tell the photographer the type 0f model images you need and ask if she has the ability to create them

Ask who will provide the hair and makeup artist(s), you or the photographer. This varies greatly and I would suggest having these services no matter who provides them

Ask if he provides retouching or airbrushing services and whether this is included in the original fee given

Ask how the photos are delivered - This also depends on the photographer's way of doing business so is very important. For instance, we deliver all our images on cd but in printable and web formats so that the model can have copies made whenever she needs them. Also, this means she does not have to print every photo to get what she needs.

Ask about usage rights - This question relates to the previous one. It's very important that you receive usage and reprint rights for your promotions. If the photographer does not offer reprint rights, ask about usage of the prints. You may be able to work something out with him

Ask how long it takes to receive your images after the shoot. You don't want to wait for an eternity or until you are six months older before receiving your portfolio photos.

Ask about clothing and props - What should you furnish and does the photographer have any props and/or outfits on hand

Ask if she will assist you in your posing - Tell her that you are new and ask for posing suggestions

Ask if you can bring a friend or parent (If the photographer refuses this request, I would suggest looking for a different photographer)

Ask if the photographer will help in your promotion - Not the usual job of the photographer but some will. We offer an online comp card album online for six months with each model portfolio session.

Ask the photographer if she offers a guarantee. You should be well satisfied with your photos. After all, it's your model portfolio you will be showing to the world so you'll want it done right!

Whew!!! You may say, "That's a fountain of questions!! A geyser!!" but all these questions are essential to choosing your photographer wisely and will help you to have a better chance of working with someone you can trust to create your all-important model portfolio.

I hope that this report has been helpful to you and I hope you lots of success in your modeling career!

1) Squats
Squats are one of the best exercises you can do for your hips, butt and thighs. There are many different types of squats, including the Chair Squat pictured here. Stand with feet hip-width apart and squat, keeping back straight, abs in and knees behind your toes. Let your butt lightly touch chair and squeeze butt to stand up. Repeat for 2-3 sets of 8-12 reps and add weights for more intensity.

2) Lunge
This lunge will really challenge you since you will use the standing leg for balance. Stand with left foot resting on a paper plate. Bend the right leg while sliding the left foot back into a lunge position, keeping the right knee behind the toe, torso upright and abs in. Slowly slide left foot back to starting position and repeat 8-12 times. Switch legs and repeat on each leg for 2-3 sets.

3) Hip Extension
Feel the burn in your hamstrings and glutes with this exercise. On a step or platform, lie facedown with hips on the edge of the step, legs straight with toes resting lightly on the floor. Squeeze the glutes and hamstrings and straighten the legs until they are level with the hips. Hold for 2-3 seconds, and lower letting toes lightly touch the floor. Repeat for 2-3 sets of 8-12 repetitions

4) Outer Thigh Leg Lift
Note--there is no true 'outer thigh.' When you work your outer thigh, you're actually working your butt! This exercise can be done standing or lying on your side. While standing, simply lift the leg out to the side, a few feet off the floor. Keep hip, knee and foot in line and foot flexed. Repeat 8-12 times on each leg. For more intensity, add a 1-5 pound ankle weight

5) Deadlift
Deadlifts are great for your hamstrings, butt and lower back, but form is critical! Stand with feet hip-width apart, weight in front of thighs. Keeping back flat and abs in, tip forward from the hips and lower your torso until bar hits mid-shin. Squeeze butt to raise back up. Keep the bar close to your legs through the entire movement--don't bend the knees! Do 2-3 sets of 8-12 reps.

6) Hiking
Hiking burns tons of calories because you're typically going up steep mountains and maybe even getting into thin air, which requires lots of energy. Also, walking up an incline automatically gets your glutes more involved and, if you're wearing a backpack, you're really getting a workout. Plus, you get to see nature at its best. A 140-lb person burns about 390 calories in about an hour!

7) Biking
Riding a bike is great for your heart and it also targets almost every muscle in your hips, thighs and butt. On a stationary bike, alternate 3 minutes at 70-80 RPM with 2 minutes at 100-110 RPM for a calorie-blasting 30 minute workout. You can also try Spinning at the gym or riding outside. Gear up to really work your glutes! A 140-lb person burns 335 calories in 45 minutes.

8) Running
Running, like walking is accessible, easy to learn, reduces stress, helps in weight loss, and it makes you feel good. Plus, it really works your butt, especially when you add a few hills to your regular running route. Sprints are another option for folks wanting to both burn more calories and tighten up the old tush. A 140-lb person burns 475 calories during a 45 minute jog.

9) Kickboxing
Kickboxing was a hot item back in the day, but it's still a great workout. Controlled kicks work your hips, thighs and butt while complex combinations that include punches will target your abs to make them stronger. A 140-lb woman will burn up to 500 calories with 45 minutes of kickboxing.

10) Walking
Walking is easy: you can do it anywhere, anytime with no special equipment. There's no learning curve and it's something you can incorporate all day long. If you walk up hills, you can really target your glutes and, if you pick up the intensity, you'll burn some of that extra flab off your buns! A 140-lb person burns about 300 calories an hour during a brisk walk.

"I love taking my clothes off for the camera, It's one of the most sexually erotic feelings i have ever had, plus i get paid for it"
Gillian Florence - A Purestorm User

"It's all about confidence, I don't look for a perfect body, I look for girls who are happy to show themselves off, that's what makes them sexy"
A Glamour Photographer

"I love seeing myself naked in a magazine, It gives me a big rush to know that people all over the world are admiring my body"
Sarah Flemming - A Purestorm User

"My lifestyle as a glamour model is second to none, We all live together, party in the evening and go shopping for clothes during the day!"
Lisa Marks - A Purestorm User

Glamour modeling is the posing of a model (usually female) nude or semi-nude, in a way that is intended to be erotic. It is often claimed by its practitioners and admirers to be non-pornographic, since it does not involve the depiction of sex acts and did not generally depict genitalia.

However, people who disapprove of this type of nude or semi-nude photography typically label it pornography. What is considered "glamour" has changed with the times. In the 1940s, clothed "pin-up" pictures were "glamour." Many movie stars were featured in pin-up poses showing them in swimsuits. In the 1950s and early 1960s, photographers such as Peter Gowland produced glamour images with partial nudity.

Only in the early 1970s did some leading men's magazines begin to show pubic hair and, later, genitalia. These type of pictures of glamour models typically appear in "soft-core" adult magazines (so-called "girlie magazines") such as Penthouse and Playboy, or in the pages of European tabloid newspapers: for example, the topless 'Page 3 girlss' of the British tabloid The Sun.

The term "glamour photography" is also sometimes used as a euphemism for the business of producing hardcore pornography, but glamour photography as discussed above generally stops short of showing penetration.
There is a system of terms developed in the British glamour photography business to describe the graded levels of explicitness involved:

* glamour (that is to say, typically a skimpy swimsuit, lingerie in the case of women, or briefs in the case of men)
* topless (exposing the breasts)
* artistic nude (exposing the whole body apart from the genitalia)
* magazine nude (exposing the genitalia)
* "american" / "continental" (showing penetration)

Do I want to be a model
Despite the glamour and hype you have seen about the modeling profession, it’s hard work. It’s boring (sometimes) and it can be tedious. Prepared to be constantly rejected, get ready for some major ups and downs. Modelling is a lifestyle, not an 9-5 job. Not all jobs pay well. Unless you are seriously committed about modeling, willing to work at it on your own time, live a healthy life style, etc., you will not succeed as a model.
You have to understand that there are lots of other people who want to be models, it’s a very competitive business. Are you willing to put the time and energy into competing with pretty much everyone you meet, 24 hrs a day?

Where do I start
You’ll need a modeling portfolio, I’m sure you’ll all know what one of those is but for those that don’t it’s basically a selection of pictures showing yourself in different outfits and poses. The standard size for the photos is 9 by 12 inches and you’ll need around 10 - 12 photos. Make sure you focus on quality rather than quantity, remember, you’re only as good as your worst photo. Make sure your portfolio has a selection of both head shots and full body shots. Make sure you get a variety of different looks such as swimwear, catalogue and lingerie, you get the idea, also get a couple of black and white shots in there. Avoid using pictures of the same shot.

It can be very advantageous to have photographs from different photographers in a portfolio. This will show the versatility in terms of styles and it will prove that a model can work with a variety of different people. Obviously, the cost of hiring different photographers for a portfolio is prohibitive, but there are many excellent photographers out there who will do prints for time - and of course many more bad ones. If you research what’s on offer well, it can be an excellent alternative.
Before going ahead with a photo session ask to look at the photographers portfolio to see if you like his style of photography. No doubt if you go to the photographers studio to book the appointment he will have examples of his work on display anyway. If you’ve never done modelling before this will also be an excellent practice run for you. Avoid photographers wanting to take nude shots, if possible take a friend with you to the shoot.

The Comp Card
You’ll definately need one of these. A comp card is what your modelling agency will use to market you.
What is a comp card? A composite card (sometimes called a ZED) is a model’s business card. In most cases, your comp card is your one and only opportunity to make a good first impression. With that in mind it is important that the images on your card are your absolute best and nothing less. Additionally, the printing and reproduction quality is extremely important. Poor reproduction makes your images look bad and as a result - makes you look bad. Besides a great head-shot, the comp card will have other photos that show your experience, your versatility, range, and what type of work you are seeking. For best results all of the photos should be the highest quality you can obtain at your stage in your modeling career. Make sure the you have them printed on rigid card that will withstand a bit of wear and tear.

Be careful! Do NOT have a modeling agency print your comp card. If you do - they will put their logo on it. You are going to want to sign with as many agencies as possible if you are serious about getting work. Comp card printing can get expensive - print them yourself and give each agency copies - they have stickers that they can put on them with their contact information and you will save money.

The Agency
An agency or co-ordinator should represent models. The model must have a portfolio, and comp cards. The agency/coordinator provides you with work (That is their main purpose. It is safe to say that they work for you!) They make a commission on your fee.

GOLDEN RULE - Don’t go with an agency who asks for money up front! You’ll probably never hear from them again and I ceratainly doubt you’ll ever get any work from them.

Also check to see if they are reputable and genuine. The agency/coordinator provides you with a safe working environment and looks after legalities of the paper work for the job. They provide their clients with “Professional” models. Keep copies of all-important papers, such as contracts etc. You may need these if you have a dispute with the agency/coordinator. It is wise to choose the agency/coordinator carefully so you can stay with that them.

How do I approach an agency?
The oldest way to go about it is to visit them. Book an appointment ahead of time by phone. Bring at least 2 pictures. They don’t have to be professional pictures. A head shot, natural and clear. Also a full length shot that somewhat reveals your figure, a clingy dress , swimsuit, figure flattering clothes or other tight fittings garments should be worn. Forget about baggy clothes! It will tip off viewers that you have something to hide. Ask lots of questions. A sk to see what work their models are currently doing? Ask for names and phone number of clients and call them to verify the information, be concerned if they promise you work right away or promise you high salaries. If they don’t allow you time to think about it or if they use pressure techniques to sign the contract, be concerned. They should not ask for money up-front for classes or training. Be concerned if the they claim to be looking for ordinary people. Reputed agencies/coordinators might have open interviews during the week, give them a call and find out.