1. Build up your portfolio
At this stage you’ll likely not be getting paid yet because you’ll either be taking your basic shots (head and body shots, swimwear, casual, etc) to send around, OR you’ll be shooting on a TFP* basis with photographers, stylists, make-up artists and maybe small/young brands.
*(TFP– Time for photos/prints i.e. everyone involved gets the photos for their portfolios, so you pay each other only with your time and effort)
2. Be easy/fun to work with and stay in touch
I like to think that on a shoot or at a show, I’m pretty fun or at least cool and professional which people appreciate as much as producing good photos and walking well and it’s what they’ll remember. I don’t exactly take everyone out to lunch that I work with, but I make sure I follow their work on social media and always credit them when I post my photos. Keep those relationships and you’ll keep working.
3. Social media FTW!
I’m going to let you in on a secret. Any paying modelling gig I’ve managed to get while living in South Africa, I answered a call for models by the stylist/brand/photographer on Facebook or Instagram. Some of my best unpaid creative shoots, I reached out to someone on ModelMayhem.com or another social media site (or they messaged me) and we discussed ideas and made something great
4. Let the relevant people know about you
This I can’t always tell if it’s worked or not, but it’s put me on some people’s radars. A while ago I made and printed my own composite cards and either gave them out when I met people at events (like a business card), or e-mailed to any brands I’d like to work with just to let them know I exist and am available.
On one occasion, I sent in my photos too late for a job and someone had already been chosen, but I let the casting director for the brand know that I live in both Kenya and South Africa which I know are two of their major locations, and she appreciated it. One other time, I sent some photos to a well-known Kenyan accessories designer, got a response and was invited in to a meeting/mini casting at her studio. I didn’t get much further than that with the last one but I have a theory as to why and I know what I’d do different today.
5.Be ready to work at any time
This in my opinion is one of the harder parts of essentially managing yourself as a model – keeping on top of your appearance (don’t forget this is a superficial industry, even in the best of cases). You may not have anyone to tell you your skin is not looking its best so hydrate and exfoliate. Or that you’re not as toned as your photos, let’s get to work and not give the designer a rude shock when they see you in the flesh.
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