A common question many aspiring actors and models have is whether they need to invest money in professional photography right away.The answer to that question is not cut and dry and you will find many different opinions on what you need to get started. Some people recommend professional  fashion photos from the start while others say a nice print of yourself from a digital camera is good enough to get started.

The question you should ask yourself is not whether you need professional photo gallery or not, but rather, how good of a first impression do you want to make? When you send in your resume and headshot, that is the first impression a teen models casting agent has of you. Based on that, he or she will decide whether to call you in for an audition.


There are people who have gotten work without having professional quality headshots. It is not impossible, but it can be more difficult to land jobs without good headshots. In acting and modeling the competition is fierce. For every one actor or model that gets booked for a job there are hundreds of others who got rejected. In a competitive market you want to give yourself any advantage you can over your competition.  Leaving behind an amateur fashion photos sends the message that you may not be serious about your career. On the other hand, having high quality headshots shows that you are committed and professional. Many casting directors do not even bother auditioning actors who did not send in quality headshots. Their personal assistants are instructed to toss out anything not meeting their criteria and their resume sees the bottom of the trash can instead of a casting director’s desk.

Models may be able to get away with snapshots when seeking an representation or an agent. Many modeling agents recommend not spending money for photography,beauty secrets or a portfolio too early and most agents will accept new models based on her amateur snapshots. However, don’t confuse what you need to find representation and what you need to find work.


Many glamor models try to find work on their own and send in their resumes and portfolios to auditions and casting calls. To anyone looking to hire professional models for shows, events and shoots, a snapshot screams I’m an amateur and will trip and fall on your runway. Remember, they are casting professional models and will avoid anyone who strikes them as amateur.

No matter what career an individual chooses, there is always some type of investment that needs to be made, whether its instructional books,dress,tools of the trade or business suits, every career has it’s own price. Anyone serious about their career invests in the tools to make it happen, correctly.

Models and actors normally need comp cards and headshots to help them get work. Picking a good photographer takes some research and a bit of patience. The easiest way to fall victim to one of those scams we keep reading about is by rushing into the deal and not doing your homework.

Before deciding on a fashion model photographer check out their portfolio and make sure it is what you are looking for. Don’t just look at one photographer, but check out a few. Ask around and get some recommendations. Many times you can get a better price because you got referred by someone they know. Once you found a photographer you are satisfied with, ask the photographer to supply some references you can call.


Source: fashionmodel.mtx5.com

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