Los Angeles attracts many good-looking people from all over the country. They come here hoping to partake in the alluring world of show business whether as an actor or a model. Many from small towns, popular kids and grew up being told they should be a model. Too often Hollywood is a big awakening for them. In LA, there are many that are just good looking and nobody really cares.
Depending on what kind of modeling you want to do, fashion or commercial modeling, the physical requirement are a little bit different. Fashion has a little stricter requirement on measurements such as height and sizes. Commercial modeling or acting is pretty open to anyone almost at any age. Modeling is not just the physicality, it's actually a skill you have to learn. It's a job.
You are getting paid as a model not just for your pretty face but being able to sell a certain product such as clothing, tangible products or even lifestyle such as fitness. You have to be able to project and learn how to "model".
Some people have natural talent in projecting and being comfortable in front of the camera and some learn quicker than others. There is no such thing as natural born models. It's a skill you learn as you go along in the industry.
Modeling can be a rewarding profession but it does require some effort on your part. Here are some key characteristics that I think make a model or even an actor successful in Los Angeles.
1. Being able to learn. Even for me as a photographer, I try to learn from every photo shoot I do. It keeps you ahead of everyone.
2. Self confidence. Yes, it's more important than beauty even in photos. For others to believe in you, you have to believe in yourself first. Nothing is more unattractive than a model who second guess himself.
3. Likable personality and good networking skills. Personally, i always hire the models I like first than someone I have never worked with. In Hollywood, it's all about who you know.
4. Loyalty. Always on a look-out for greener pastures can be a bad thing -- if you treat people as disposable, you will be treated the same way. Loyalty is earned.
5. Good organizational skills. You have one chance to make a good impression. Don't be late.
6. Someone who treats modeling as a job and not to bolster their ego and get attention online. I see models and actors who moved here in LA almost at the same time as I did and they have been posting red carpet photos for years and still has not accomplished anything.
7. Have a good support group whether it's just a friend or your family. Hollywood can be a lonely place. It will take you away from what's important.
8. The people you hang out with in LA can have a substantial effect on your success. The adage "you are the average of five people you spend time the most" is really true on Hollywood. Success attracts success.
9. Resistance to peer pressure. Follow your gut feeling.
Being nice to people and likable will get you further in Hollywood often just as much as your talent.
Noel Daganta Photography