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Models Under 18 Years Old - Please Read
By Mark Anderson
www.M-L-Anderson.com
Warning about Internet contacts
When you want to contact a photographer via the Internet, it
should be via your parents and not directly by you. They MUST
me fully engaged and supportive of your modeling aspirations
because they will be REQUIRED to be PRESENT at the shoot and
sign all of the Releases. As a photographer, I involve them in
the shoot itself, helping me and helping you. I can't stress
it enough - THEY MUST BE INVOLVED WITH YOUR COMMUNICATIONS AND
MODELING.
Although the Internet is a great place for self promotion
and getting information about modeling, it's not a fully safe
environment. If your parents are not aware that you are communicating
with a photographer, they should be, and I recommend that you
sit with them and discuss together what you want to communicate
to the photographer. Then draft the note together using their
email address, not yours. You may also suggest that they call
the photographer - most will post their phone number on their
web site - mine's there. I insist that I speak with the parents
prior to consenting to do a shoot. Many times that's the last
time I hear from the model. Guess I know the amount of dedication
and honesty in those cases...
When contacting a Photographer
Once you have your parents involved, you need to describe what
types of modeling you want to do, what training you have had,
why you want to model, a little about yourself [your stats] and
anything else you can think of to help the photographer decide
if they will do the shoot or not. It really helps to attach a
photo, but do not give out your phone number or address in this
first exchange of notes. It's important to be honest with yourself
and the photographer. Be as specific as you can about your goals,
your training, and your interest in the session. If you are looking
for free pictures and are not committed to modeling (or at least
trying to model) then that's not a good reason to shoot with
you. If you say you want to be a model because you think it's
like you see on TV, then be prepared to be disappointed - most
shoots are far from the Hollywood version of modeling. Test Shoots
and TFP are an investment of the photographer's time and talent.
They haven't got time to waste if you are not serious. You need
to be actively practicing poses - walks - facial expressions,
building a pose book, learning about modeling and the "business"
of modeling, and building your skills at every opportunity you
can. It's a fact that talent won't make up for lack of drive
and drive won't make up for lack of talent. A pretty face and
body are only the most BASIC of elements of modeling - it's not
an easy business - and it takes dedication and education.
My studio is what I consider a "model safe" environment,
but it's that way only because I insist on parents being fully
involved and encouraging EVERY model to bring someone with them.
Like I said earlier, I even put them to work.
If you want to shoot with me or get my advice on any aspects
of modeling, it MUST be through your parents. It's that simple.
Sorry, but it's for your own good...
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