Here are some helpful modeling tips and information that models can review to help them in their modeling career

Modeling can be an exciting career or hobby. Models have met many wonderful people and had great experiences filled with travel. We get several e-mails daily asking us about how to be successful in modeling/talent. We can tell you the basic steps; the rest is up to you and luck!

Find a modeling agency in your town or city. Most agencies will have you submit photos of yourself, or have you send photos to view new faces. If they are interested, you will get a call back. Many prospective models feel they are not tall enough or not attractive enough to be accepted, but this a misconception. What mostly matters is your personality and your unique look.

If you initiate contact with the agency, keep your initial photo submissions basic. Send a basic head shot and full-length picture of yourself. Avoid looking like your makeup is overdone. Agencies need to be able to see through the makeup to the canvas of the real you. If in doubt, keep it dressy casual. Sending clear digital images of yourself will do. If interested, most agencies will start by taking digitals of you with simple hair and makeup. Dream Star occasionally scouts new model candidates for our portfolios and invites them to a model session. If you choose, we will do your model shoots and provide you with a DVD of the photos we have chosen for your portfolio for agents and casting calls.

If you are attending open call: keep hair, makeup and clothing simple. Wear clothing that is simple and shows your best assets. Wear colors and an outfit that will accentuate your best features. Black is acceptable, but bring white shorts and colorful tops. Remember to bring at least 2 pictures of yourself but no more than 4. Digital printouts will do.

If the agency starts milking you for money, run away as fast as you can. It’s OK to spend some money for photos for building your portfolio, but it shouldn't be astronomical. Dream Star offers very affordable options. Your book needs a variety of “quality” pictures.

During the initial photo shoot, stay relaxed and playful. Your personality adds much to your success. Work with the photographer and try to bring about his suggestions. It’s his job to be the director and your job to be the actor. Be patient - when the process gets in sync, the magic will flow.

"You're gonna be a star!" Maybe or maybe not. Some agencies may promise you a future of fame and money, with no results. Take it in stride.

Don't pout if it doesn't work out. You will go on countless "go sees" and auditions. Don't take it personal if you do not get each and every job. The average rate for landing a job is 1 out of every 10 auditions. Clients usually have a certain "look" they are casting for in mind. If you do not fit the bill, don’t take their rejection to heart. You’ll find other matches if you keep putting yourself out there. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Don't go changing to a great extent... be yourself. Be confident in who you are and what you are made of. Self marketing can sometimes be a lot of work. Keep your chin up. Life’s a great adventure and you never know when you might get a big break.

Don't compromise yourself to emulate someone else's image of you. Be fit inside and out. Keep your body physically in shape with healthy nutrition and exercise. Avoid partying the night before the shoot. Don't starve yourself to get skinny. Eat sensibly. You'll last longer in the business if you keep yourself fit. Be in good mental shape because modeling is about image and you need emotional pride.

Shown above: Dream Star Models Kelly (top) and Mandy (bottom).

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