The ModelThe ModelA. Model
A model is a person who poses or displays for purposes of art, photography, fashion, or other products and advertising.
Modeling is distinguished from other types of public performance, such as an acting, dancing or mime artistry, although the boundary is not well defined. Appearing in a movie or a play is generally not considered to be modeling, regardless of the nature of the role. However, many models can also describe themselves as actors. Modeling is similar to acting, as the models have to express an emotion and feeling in their photographs. Just standing there looking pretty isn't going to get you to the top.
According to Charles Castle, the author of Model Girl; the first fashion model was Parisian shop girl, Maria Vernet Worth. She supposedly became the first professional mannequin in 1852, to help her dress-salesman husband.
Fashion models are used mainly to promote apparel, accessories, and cosmetics. There are two types of fashion models: high fashion and commercial. High fashion modeling is an art form of fashion. The photographer photographs the model in artistic themes that relate to the clothing promoted. The model uses their face and body to express different emotions required. High fashion is typical for work on campaigns, collections and magazine editorials for high fashion designers. These models are featured in high fashion magazines such as Vogue, W,Vanity Fair and ELLE. Clothing designers traditionally show their new collections in an annual fashion show, for buyers, the fashion industry, and the general public. Fashion models walk the runway, and pose to display clothing. High fashion models have strong, unique and distinctive features. "Runway modeling," also known as "catwalk modeling," is displaying fashion, and is generally performed by "high fashion models."
Commercial models are generally less 'publicized' than high fashion models, but the work is just as demanding. There are different forms of commercial modeling: catalogue, cosmetics, commercial print, swimsuit, and lingerie. Catalogue models vary in height and weight, compared to high fashion models. Unlike high fashion models, commercial models include plus-size models. These models appear in catalogues. Cosmetics models model for makeup companies such as Revlon Maybelline. Cosmetics models work for television commercials, magazine advertisements, newspaper advertisements, and billboards. Commercial print models promote clothing and products on billboards, buses, magazines, newspapers, and many other forms of advertising.
The Association of Model Agents (AMA) says that female fashion models should be around 34-24-34 inches (86-61-86 cms) and at least five feet eight inches (1.72m) tall. Petite models are usually around 5' 5", though we don't hear about that many big names in Petite fashion.
Supermodels are highly paid, top fashion models. These models have done every type of fashion modeling with great success. These celebrity models have appeared on top fashion magazine covers, in catalogues, walked for top fashion shows, and are muses to photographers and designers. Supermodels can be paid tens of thousands of dollars every day, even for a simple photo shoot (photography session).
Lisa Fonssagrives (1911- 1992). The relationship between her image on over 200 Vogue covers and her name recognition led to the future importance of Vogue in shaping future supermodels. Fonssagrives at the height of her career could be both sophisticated and yet a cook, with which every American woman could identify. Her image appeared on cover of every fashion magazine during the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s from Town & Country, Life and Vogue to the original Vanity Fair.
Notable supermodels include Beverly Peele, Gisele Bündchen, Christie Brinkley, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Janice Dickinson, Heidi Klum, Elle Macpherson, Kate Moss, Halle Berry, Tyra Banks, Claudia Schiffer, Cheryl Tiegs and Twiggy.
Fitness modeling centers on displaying an athletic and healthy physique. Fitness models resemble bodybuilders, but with less emphasis on muscle size. Their body weight is usually similar to (or slightly higher than) fashion models, but they have a lower body fat percentage due to increased muscle mass relative to fat mass. Competition outfits are usually bikini styles and show off almost all of the model's body. Of all model types, this one is the most demanding on the model's part to get and stay fit. (Healthy, not skinny, and extremely well developed muscle tone.) Monica Brant is a popular fitness model.
Bikini Models are similar to fitness models with emphasis on a fit physique and the beauty of the female curves. Bikini and swimsuit models should be comfortable in the various styles of bikinis and swimsuits and the poses and looks are usually sexier than the fitness model. Even, all over tans are almost always a plus.
Photographers, painters, sculptors, and other artists hire models to pose for their art. May be both nude or non-nude. Except for photographers, poses could require hours of standing, sitting, or reclining in one position, however, many painters are shooting photographs of the model and referencing that. Other work can be obtained through local art colleges posing for their classes.
Examples would be: hand models may be used to promote nail care products, leg models would showcase pantyhose, shoes, ladies razors, exceptionally lovely hair would be ideal for hair products (face and shoulders would also important with hair). And so on. Usually just one part of the body is photographed.
Copyright 2007 Polaris Models and Talent Columbus, OH USA. Tom Newberry, Photographer