FASHION

Fashion can be a funny fickle thing. For example, one minute you can be scoffing at all the eighties neon, and the next you are rummaging through your wardrobe for an old shell suit... Well, maybe not that fickle! But, take for example this years `best dressed men` list from Esquire. In top place.. drum roll please... Prince Charles! Well, yes admittedly, he is `well dressed`, but... Anyway, for those who do not have a queens ransom to spend on a suit, there may be some good news regarding mens fashion trends for 2009. Men can eat again! Woohoo! The skinny suit and the manorexic are officially dead (we think it may have been due to low potassium levels....) and 2009 is all about men who look healthy and have good muscular definition under their suit.

Suits should have a more `classic silhouette` meaning a man`s `man`, who can make women swoon just by looking at his broad shoulders.... Also the waist coat is making a subtle come back, but what else is there for 2009 beyond suits? Well, Oversized ginghams shirts, retro album cover inspired t-shirts, combine a splash of colour against blocks of black or white. Workman chic has also hit the catwalks - a treat all round as everyone loves (a bit of rough) a man who looks like he is not afraid to get his hands dirty. There is also a hint of luxurious materials with an Eastern slant - think leather and fur!

So, how and where do you go to get these looks and find fashion offers? Try to shop smart and for less, by looking for bargains in fashion clothing? Well, you could wait for the high-street to decide that it needs another emergency credit crunch defying sale! You may find that summer sales will follow Christmas and New Year sales trends, and start early, and last longer, as retailers fight for their right to sell you clothing at bargain basement prices to save their profit margins!

Or, you could target one piece of the season clothing items at a time and focus on that, For example, T-shirts with retro album covers may be found in the back of your dads wardrobe or in a vintage shop. Or you could cheat, and get one of the many `print your own T-shirt stores` online to do you your very own! Ebay is also great for for fashion bargains. Many stores on ebay now deal with `new` clothing.

Lastly you could try shops/website that offer cheap designer fashion at rock bottom prices. For example, shops like TK MAXX, area great place to start. TK MaXX is a flagship for the growing trend amongst stores to offer designer clothing at high street prices. Or you could scour the internet and you will find websites such as the Secret Sales Club, which, once you have registered, will allow you access to all the latest and greatest sales in the fashion world

CATWALK MODELS

To become a model is not as easy as you may think. But if you have what the industry requires, if you follow the right guidance and advice - you can get right to the top and ModelSources can help you. There are different types of modelling (see below) that require different types of models, whether you are a male or female.

If you meet the requirements to be a model click here to register with us . ModelSources  offers you tailored advice and will guide you on your modelling path.

I have been in this business for as long as I can remember (so that's a week then Ed.?)

I tend to be asked the same questions repeatedly.....?

“How do you find such beautiful girls to photograph”

“How do I convince them to allow me to photograph them”

“How do you hold the camera steady”

Well of course, websites like ModelSources  help a lot, but a reputation for courtesy, respect, etiquette, manners all help.

I am asked by models, how can they find a good photographer to work with and how should they act when the photographer first meets them.

One of the most important elements is that a photographer/model relationship MUST be based on trust. While the model realises the significance of TRUST, he/she should also be aware of how it is a two way street. I state this, because I have had to deal with several unusual and annoying circumstances myself, as a photopgrapher.

So models, here is your list ... from ModelSources 

Make sure that the person with whom you meet, really IS the person you think he is, before the shoot. Text him, Call him, Email him, Checkout where he answers from ?

Ask any other models you know if they’ve worked with the particular photographer before.

Do not ONLY read his/her feedback, but check with the model by email or telephone.

What was he/she like, where was his/her studio located, how was the neighborhood,

With your fears of impersonation calmed, you next need to decide whether to meet with him alone or with a friend? If you’re brand new to the business I’m not at all opposed to your bringing along a friend. Either another model or simply a girlfriend is a thought. I personally dislike models bringing relatives such as mothers, brothers, and especially boyfriends. I’ll expand on that in a moment.

If you are a more professional, seasoned model or a “newbie with nerve”, I think you should be able to handle a one to one relationship with any photographer and you should approach it that way, because It will show you as being confident and professional. Just remember to be approachable and friendly. But don’t feel you need to be a flirt! Save that for when you’re in front of the camera. For now, you’re establishing yourself as a professional woman with a great personality and great looks. That should be enough, especially if you have a great portfolio

So, what's wrong with bringing relatives along ...?

Though it may seem such an easy thing to do as to bring along the boyfriend, and innocent as it may seem to you, it tends to create a sense of distrust by you right from the start of the meeting and the photographer himself/herself may feel threatened by a two to one meeting. (Then presumably the photographer needs a chaperone and soon this model shoot, becomes a party) It’s just human nature. The same can be said for having your mother or brother with you. Here’s a photographer who wants to have you, as the next sexy subject in front of his/her camera and you’re there meeting him/her, with your “bouncer” in tow! Just think for a moment. Common sense should prevails.

When you meet the photographer, take any photographs with you that express your “Variation” - Show how many different looks you can have. Fetish, Cute Nightie, Sexy Lingerie, PVC, PUNK, Classic Ballgown, Swimwear acrobatic, Gymnastic, Sensual Business Exec etc.

Most photographers are looking for a “compliant” subject who listens attentively, but has her own ideas and imposes them occasionally, without being too extrovert and always asking “Is this OK” at least at the start. Pose, wait for the click or flash, MOVE, Pose, then stay still until the next click. If the photographer is fumbling, moving lights or simply moving around checking angles ... STAY STILL, until he/she tells you to move, or you hear the click/see the flash. - There is nothing more annoying than just getting the focus and lighting about right and realising the model is in a different pose and you just missed the “money shot”

OK, you need sometimes to sneeze, blink, tremble, shiver, go for a toilet break etc. but as far as possible, please act like a statue, between poses, even if stood in freezing rain in a storm, or baking under hot studio lights.

Remember, the photographer probably wants to see who you are now, not how beautifully you were shot two years ago, before your third child, or latest diet (either way) This is especially true with your beauty headshot. Keep that current! A gorgeous beauty shot to open a model’s portfolio always gets attention.

I’ve heard stories of photographers getting in a quandary when asked by a model, to show them their portfolios. I find this curious, as a person who makes his living as a photographer and is not secure enough about his work to show it to a model seems odd ?

Piercings should really be removed before a shoot, unless your photographer asks for them. Always ask if he/she wants jewellry or any props you bring.

OK ... The photographer's turn from ModelSources 

Before your model arrives, prepare somewhere for him/her to change, out of sight of you and somewhere that makes the model feel safe. Although the thing that MOST makes a model feel safe, is YOU and your reputation and attitude.

Do not joke, flirt or make personal comments to the model (at least, as in life, until you feel you know the model well enough to do so)

Accept that both you AND the model are human, ... The model may have blackheads, scars, uneven tan lines, puppy fat, crooked teeth, a sad boyfriend and agonising life history ... but then so may you, the photographer. Meet as two equals, trying to get a job done. Make the shots count, make them sexy if they need to be, but never intrusive, abiusive or beyond the “levels” expressed by the model.

“Anything” can now be changed with “photoshop” ?? ... The adage that “The camera never lies” is no longer true ? - Therefore do not criticise or make a fuss, if the model has suddenly developed an overnight cold sore, or a bruise where her horse pushed her over, the day before.

Ask the model, which angles she likes being photographed from and what she wants from the shoot. Ask her what “levels” she shoots to and accept this as the de facto standard of the day. DO NOT PUSH THE MODEL to pose beyond her levels.

Prepare the location if possible, ensuring that temperature and humidity is controlled and comfortable, if possible. Prepare the props and backgrounds, lighting etc. Ask the model if she/he is comfortable in the location.

State at the outset, the fees, the time/length of the shoot, agree payments for overtime, if necessary and possible, discuss the general requirements – Ask for proof of age, if at all in doubt. (Not a bad idea to ask for photocopy by email BEFORE shoot date

During the shoot.

DO NOT touch the model, unless necessary for assisting straightening straps, dislodging creases etc. and even then, ALWAYS ask first and explain your reasons. The model needs to leave feeling that she was admired and did a good job, posing as required, NOT that she had just been mauled by a schoolboy on a first date ?

Provide refreshment vbreaks, (and refreshments, if possible), ensure the clothes you wish the model to wear (if she is not bringing her own), are clean and fresh and organised.

ModelSources 

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