Tag Archives: Max Modeling

MAX Talents Stay Warm

The Weather may be frightful, however it is the season for friends and families to plan vacations to sunny beaches and warm spots. If this is you dont forget to let the office and your bookign agent know you will be away! Heres to making the most of winter and midterm breaks!

How to Pose for Photos – 6 Tips for Beginners

Here are 6 easy tips to remember for doing your first few photoshoots.  Simplicity is best. Don’t build up the session and over-practice in the beginning. An experienced photographer will give you some direction while letting you move naturally into poses that feel comfortable for you with only slight tweaks.  The most important thing to remember is to be confident. This will show and even amplify on camera.

  1. Avoid the Deer-in-the-Headlights Look: You may initially feel anxious as you embark on your first shoot. Beginners don’t know what to expect. Fear shows in the eyes first. So, try to avoid the scared look and soften your eyes. One good way to combat this is to squint your eyes until you begin to feel more relaxed. Your eyes will eventually relax as well.
  2. Move: Try not to get stuck in a pose for more than 3 seconds. A good photoshoot is like a flowing dance between you and the photographer. The truth is, the photographer will be capturing your transitions as well as your poses. Let them do their magic as you do yours. Move constantly and slightly, moving the angles of your head, shoulders, hips and shift your weight. Don’t forget to change your facial expression as well. Many new models produce photoshoots with the same default facial expression throughout the whole shoot. Let your photos show you in a variety of emotions and poses.
  3. Hand Placement: Keep in mind what you’re doing with your hands at all times. When you’re a beginner, your hands may be tense and this will show in photos as well. Awkward, stiff hands can ruin a photo when looking back at the details. If you’re holding onto something, like a necklace or jacket, make sure you are doing this gracefully and softly.
  4. Posture: Mother was right. And she still is. Make sure you have good posture to produce a model-like silhouette. This is one of the most important tenants of modeling.
  5. Asymmetrical Poses: Symmetrical poses are ok but often not that interesting. Include a few asymmetrical poses as well, as this looks more creative and artistic on camera.
  6. Don’t Always Look Straight Into the Camera: (There is an exception if you’re doing a photoshoot for your initial headshots or composite cards. Head-on angles are best for presenting yourself to a Casting Director in that case because they need to see your face clearly.) Otherwise, for an interesting shoot, looking away makes the viewer wonder “What is the model looking at? What is he or she thinking about?” It doesnt need to be dramatic and far off into the distance – it can be slightly off camera.

How to Nail Your Next Audition!

MAX Agency Talents and Models find out how to nail your next audition!!!

General advice

  • Research the company in advance, so you know what theyre about and the kind of person theyre looking for. Youll come across as both professional and organised.
  • Ask your agent as many questions as you can. Its their job to make sure you head to your audition prepared. If you arent sure about something (from the address to lines to memorize) ASK!! Youre agent shuold give you all the information but if they dont and you arent sure ask!
  • Smile! Youll make a good first impression.
  • Get a good nights sleep. Your eyes will be brighter and youll be more alert for your audition.
  • Be on time (or early) for everything. It sounds obvious, but some people find this a real challenge.
  • Avoid stripy or boldly-patterned clothing – itll be distracting on camera.
  • Youre likely to feel nervous if youre not used to auditioning, or if its a part you really want – but try to relax in front of the camera (or, if appropriate, use your nerves for dramatic effect!).
  • Believe in yourself. Your confidence will come through in your audition.
  • You probably wont get every part you audition for, but youre gaining valuable experience along the way.

Actors

  • Learn your lines back to front, and inside out. Practise with a friend, so you feel confident on the day and dont freeze up! Practive in front of friends or family, or even the mirror if you have to. This allows you to see the reaction from others before going into the audition.
  • Listen carefully and follow any instructions youre given, but also try and have an original take on the part so they remember your performance.
  • Asking questions shows youre engaged and have initiative, but dont ask too many questions – casting directors dont have all day to chat.
  • You dont need to be in character for the entire audition – the casting director needs to see the ‘real you, as well.

Models

  • Be co-operative: follow any instructions, ask for direction if you need it, and avoid any conflict or dramas.
  • When attending meetings or castings, go for a fresh, natural look. Dont overdo the make-up or hair styling.
  • Dress comfortably – dont be sloppy, but slim-fit jeans, boots, and a tailored jacket should work fine.
  • Carry your portfolio with you (and your comp card, if you have one) in case anyone needs to see it.