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For some, it is being in the limelight, whereas for others it is just an obsession. Quite a few are in awe of the glamour of this profession and for many, it is just pure fun! Fashion modeling is truly a very lucrative profession. Well! All you need is drop dead gorgeous looks and a fab body! (Leave the rest to the fashion photographer!) This may not always hold true. Trends in fashion modeling always see changes as per various seasons. You might starve yourself to be a high profile fashion model and you may finally end up realizing that thin is no longer in! So, what does it take to be a high profile fashion model? Looks, attitude or intelligence? The obvious answer is a combination of all three, but there’s more to fashion modeling than meets the eye.

Modeling itself is of various categories. Fashion modeling is quite different from commercial and modeling for promotional purposes. For fashion modeling, models need to walk the runways and if one gets that ‘lucky break’, one can be featured in topmost fashion magazines as well and can soon become the most sought after face. Commercial modeling would require you to model for various products and be a part of the various media, planned for advertising. You can find your pictures splashed across billboards and posters as well in this case.

If you have been dreaming about fashion modeling for a long time, then there are various ways you need to plan and strategize, before taking the plunge into this industry. Modeling is not just about good looks; it’s about ways to plan and ‘market’ yourself in the best way possible. So, how does one go about climbing the rungs of the ladder to be a top model and bag the best deals available? For this, there are few things you need to consider, which are as follows:

Get a flattering portfolio done to highlight your assets. If you wish to bag loads of fashion modeling assignments, then a good portfolio is a must. Remember to have pictures that make a bold statement about you and show you in the best light. Any basic and versatile portfolio should have a casual head shot, a full length shot, a fashion shot, an exclusively styled shot (Detailed attention to the entire look) and even a natural shot. These pictures should showcase you in different looks so that the agency or the client would know how versatile your looks can be. Avoid showcasing too many shots that show you in the same attire, learn to select the best from the rest. Ensure your portfolio is stylish and professional and get the photographer to use your strengths to the best of his/her capability.

Selection of the outfits and the styling should be decided weeks before the actual shoot. Arrange for a meeting with the photographer, the hair stylist and the makeup artist so that the look gets coordinated well. Plan the ensembles in advance; you need to plan your entire look, from the color of the outfit to the shade you finally paint your nails with. All the elements need to blend well so that you can have a stunning look for the actual shoot.

To begin with a career in fashion modeling, firstly you would also need to look for a good professional photographer. You must see the photographer’s portfolio as well; try to understand how well he/she can understand the requirements of the industry. Is he/she up to date with the latest trends of the fashion industry? Where does his/her expertise lie? What about the reputation of the studio? Professional fashion photographers may take a heavy toll on the pocket, but at least you can be rest assured about the quality and the reputation of the studio. Always ensure you do take a friend or a family member along, for the shoot.

Upcoming fashion models also need to tap a good fashion coordinator or an agency that would help to circulate the pictures and bag good assignments for you as well. Once you get the lucky break; there’s no stopping you! Scrounge through the directories, fix appointments and also check with friends for any such reliable contacts. Cross check the authenticity of the agency by finding out about the details of the current clientele; try to know the success ratio. After all, you do not want to be stuck with an agent who has all the gift of the gab but does not manage to get you any positive results or breakthroughs.