Learn the secrets to becoming a pro model using Instagram! Discover tips, strategies & get scouted in the digital era. Start your modeling journey now
Social media may have turned the world on its
head, but it has also done a very, very good thing. Models no longer have to be
super thin and tall to become famous, get recognition, or booked. Male models are as popular as female
models, thanks in part to Instagram. In fact, some feel that the platform
itself is similar to a traditional model
portfolio. Users are encouraged to upload photos of
literally everything, and there are hundreds of filters designed to make you
look your best. Because of social media and Instagram in particular, you might
finally have your shot at becoming a model icon. Here’s how you can do it.
Learning to Navigate Instagram
So, signing up for Instagram is easy enough. You need
an existing email address and then you have to pick out a username. This is a
step that you don’t want to breeze through because you simply can’t choose a
name that is similar to an existing model. Make your username kitschy, make it
creative, or use your own. Just don’t try to piggyback off the success or brand of another model it will not
turn out well.
Getting the Perfect Photo
After getting an Instagram account going, you are
going to need to fill it with pictures. Of course, you need to have a professional
model portfolio, too. In order to get traffic to your portfolio, anyone who
casually goes through your Instagram page is going to have to be wowed. This is
why you need picture-perfect photographs. Try not to rely on filters to make
yourself look better. If you are going for the athletic model look, put in the
time you need to look good at the gym. Trying to capitalise from your chiselled
good looks? Take close-up face shots - and
lots of them. Eventually, the perfect picture will make itself known to you.
Now, use that one as your profile picture and your page will get lots of hits.
Building a Fanbase
Although Instagram is mainly a photo and video-based
website, you do have to say something memorable to get fans. The place to do
this is in the comments section. When someone comes onto your page and says
something positive, reply and thank them for their kind words. Likewise, you
want to be active on the platform, too. Go around to other pages and make
friendly comments as well. Once users see that you are real, they will want to interact with you more. Next thing
you know, you will get getting more and more followers.
How to Take Pictures People Want to Pay Attention To
Putting up perfect pictures is not the same thing
or equal to posting attention-grabbing pictures. You want as many action shots
in interesting locations on your page. Post pictures that you take at the gym.
Update your page on a Friday night when you’re hanging out with friends. Post a
video of you walking your dog early Sunday morning. You don’t need to be an
adrenaline junky to create moments and memories that casual users will pay
attention to. Being active in your life as well as on social media will make
you appear to be very interesting. Doing regular stuff is quite interesting to
people on Instagram if you frame it in a way that is relatable. In short, don’t
be afraid to be authentic.
Get a Manager
With at least a few dozen pictures online and a
growing list of followers, you can get a manager super easy. In fact, you don’t
even need to look further than Instagram to find one. Consider that other users
are going to need the services of models to launch their clothing lines or
advertise their weight loss products. If you fit the mould, you can get work.
Hiring a manager ensures that you will get paid and receive the further
training you need to become a more polished professional. So, hire a manager
and read over any contracts before you sign your name. Your manager is going to
take a portion of your earnings, so always negotiate for the lowest fees
possible. It is also important to hire a respectable manager with a good
reputation. This way you won’t start booking jobs that make you uncomfortable.
Start Booking Photoshoots
From the moment that you book your first photo shoot, you can officially start calling
yourself a professional model. And as the saying goes, it is easier to get a
job when you already have one. Update the content on your Instagram page as
well as your model portfolio to include your email address. Announce that you
are available for bookings. Better yet, let it be known that you have
professional management and that all inquiries must go through your manager.
You can work locally and be doing several photoshoots a week if you are
persistent. This might also be the moment when you start thinking about moving.
Go where there is constant work and modelling can become your full-time career.
Become Friends With Other Models
As you start appearing in more photos, you will
naturally come to know other models. Some will invite you to parties and you’ll
recognise other models that you have seen online.
Within this network of new model friends, you will find out about gigs before
they are posted online. Additionally, you can occasionally expect to be
recommended for jobs by other models who are friends with designers and
photographers. As in other industries, models can help their careers simply by
socialising. So, don’t turn down an invitation if you can make it but don’t
burn yourself out. Modelling doesn’t have to become your life. At the same
time, you have to realise that becoming a professional model means that you are
going to experience some major changes.
Present Yourself as a Hot Commodity
Great models are naturally confident. They can
adapt to different settings, take direction well, and yet remain humble. They
exude a natural glowing energy that can be felt through their photos. So, if
you aren’t already a naturally confident person, you are going to have to fake
it until you make it. When you know and believe that you are the biggest thing
to hit the fashion world in years, you can start presenting yourself as such in
interviews. Your photos will get better and you will gain more fans. Become a
more balanced person all around and you will just know that good things are
going to happen to you.
Because of Instagram, models aren’t being
‘discovered’ in the same manner as they were 20 years ago. You don’t have to be
picked up by a recruiter to be signed to a major modelling agency. If you are
photogenic and outgoing, you can launch your own modelling career with no more
than a camera phone and a couple of different outfits. Now, becoming a
professional model does not guarantee that you will become rich or that you
will have a lengthy career. It does guarantee some notoriety as well as a few
perks. You might get more attention and your family may be filled with pride,
but at your core, you will still be the
same person.
COMMENTS