Is BigSpot.com a good site?

What is a good site to begin site modeling?

• So me & my bestie are trying to become site models BUT we have NO CLUE were to start! We are really passionate about site modeling and we have looked into it and all that now we just need to get some legit websites to join (: It would REALLY help if u guys could help out with some links or even some tips on or about site modeling or site models (: THX SO MUCH!

• Answer:

  Easiest place to start out is most likely ModelMayhem. OMP, One Model place is similar, both have good and bad about them. But neither has anything terrible about them. Model Mayhem has some forums where you can ask questions after you join, or you can just read through them before you decide if you want to join. You'll need a few pictures to start out with, and even if your best photos are just school photos, go with that. You can't be expected to have "pro looking" photos starting out, but you do want to have something that does a good job of showing your face and a couple showing you full length. Dont cut off your feet or hands on the side... You'll be able to network with photographers who are willing to help out with models who are starting out. Some photographers will be fairly new themselves or new to model mayhem, but that doesn't mean they aren't capable. Sometimes newer models and newer photographers are a good match since they can help build each others portfolio. Just be sure if you decide to work with someone, you like what they've done. Look through a LOT of the photographers profiles in your area to get a good gauge of what is being done and their talent level. Remember the photos you submit initially will be the only way for photographers to tell if they would like to work with you, and if you might be suitable for any projects they might have. Take a look at the pictures posted by the local models in your area. Even if you can't have "pro" photos to start with, try to get something close to the photos you like from other models. Remember self shots, mirror shots and other facebook type photos won't attract the attention of anyone who is serious. Try to make sure your photos are nicely lit, and only have YOU in them. Try a couple different outfits, and different locations. The most important thing is to let photographers know how you look--which sounds obvious but many people starting out just use whatever photos they have already and photographers can tell what was done with a purpose, and what is just an old recycled snapshot... Don't be worried that you don't have a fancy camera to take your initial photos, the photographers are the ones who need to worry about equipment. Lastly, if the photographer wants you to sign a model release--which they all should--ask for them to email you a copy in advance. Make sure you're not signing away the rights to the photos- if you do, they can sell them, or use them for whatever purpose they want without compensating you. And make sure before you sign, its the same wording. You shouldn't expect a 50/50 share of what a photographer may make off photos, but you should expect to be paid if they are going to use your pictures commercially. lastly, don't treat it like facebook and have 1,000 friends... this is something that will make the better photographers think you are not serious. Also once you join, you may be a lot of friend requests from photographers. Trade a few emails with them, a lot of the photographers who email you in the first days you get your profile online are the same ones who are basically spamming EVERY new model and probably don't really care, can't get anyone to work with them, or just want to put their name all over the place... You'll probably get a lot of the spamming type photographers who leave "tags" like "Great start! Lets work together!" or "great port, you have great potential." Don't think this makes model mayhem a bad place, its just the same as any school, office, club, etc.....plenty of great and talented people, and also some people just there wasting everyone's time.... Also art students/photography students are always looking for people to do portraits for their assignments... check with local schools/junior colleges/universities... you might find someone who you can work with to benefit you both.