Kamla's Modeling Tips Tip #1 When going to an open call (where you will meet an agent for the first time)-DO NOT Show up later than the suggested time. If open calls are from 3-4 pm, please DO NOT show up at 4:30pm because they may not be able to meet with you and it may leave a bad impression that you are not serious about your career. If you are going to be late because you are stuck somewhere...call well in advance (if you had an appointment with a contact person) or if it was a walk-in open call-it would be best to attend their next upcoming open call and please be on time. Tip #2 Agents want to see the real you---so very natural make-up (a little foundation that matches your complexion if you have a few blemishes that you want to conceal since you have to put your best face forward is ok) and a clear gloss on the lips and hair pulled back....or no make-up at all if you have flawless skin. Do not chew gum, or chomp on candy, or take food with you to munch on-it does not look professional. Bottled water is ok on open calls-you can eat when you leave. Tip #3 Speak in a clear, concise and confident manner when a recruiter/booker asks you questions. Relax and don't hide your personality-yet remain a professional-always making eye-contact, with a proper posture (no slouching), and give a nice, firm handshake and state your name. If an agent does not like your look-so what? Another agent will. So simply shake the hand of the person who says "no", give a slight smile and thank him/her for the meeting, shake their hand and prepare to do the same thing all over at another agent. Fitted jeans, a fitted shirt and sneakers are good to wear to a casting call so that the agent can see that you are proportioned. Take a pair of heels with you in a bag, just in case they would like to see how you walk in heels. NEVER PAY ANY AGENT MONEY UP FRONT! If they believe that you have potential they will invest in you. Tip #3 NEVER DO ANYTHING THAT YOU ARE NOT COMFORTABLE WITH-NO MATTER WHAT! Tip # 4 NEVER get into any self-destructive habits. Do not smoke, drink or do drugs. If you do that now-it is time to quit! Tip # 5 NEVER entertain the idea of anorexia or bulimia. These are also self-destructive and sadly many people have either died from engaging in these habits, or damaged their bodies beyond the point of repair. If you do that now, it is time to get help! Tip #6 NEVER "lose your cool" with anyone you work with or with paparrazi who may throw an utterly disrespectful question and/or remark your way. Not every question thrown your way demands that you have to answer. If you want to say something-you can say "I prefer not to answer" or "I have no comment" (Remember comments/remarks can always come back to haunt you-you are a professional model and you do not have any time for that). Tip # 7 NEVER let the opinions and/or definitions of who you are by others become your reality. Are you kidding me? YOU NEED TO KNOW WHO YOU ARE BEFORE YOU ENTER INTO THE MODELING INDUSTRY OR ELSE IT WILL RIP YOU APART! If you currently have a low self-esteem and a negative comment throws you into a state of depression-you are NOT ready yet to be a model. Work on your confidence and then you will be ready. Tip # 8 NEVER drop out of school to pursue modeling. An education is first and modeling is second. Tip # 9 NEVER party all night knowing that you have a photo-shoot the next day. You need to be alert and have a fresh face and cannot be dosing off in the make-up/stylist chair. That is beyond tacky and your pictures will not be their best. Tip # 10 NEVER over pluck your eyebrows. Try to keep them groomed, proportioned and neat. They frame that piece of beautiful artwork called your face.
