How to Become a Professional Model In the Age of Instagram

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.