What does it take to be a Professional Model

Katie - test shoot To be a professional model basically comes down to three things:
1) Having the look and talent that someone needs (generally the client) bad enough for the project they are working on at that time that they will pay you for your time.
2) Making life easier for the art director and the photographer so they will want to work with you, and not though you out of their studio.
3) Making sure the client, photographer, and art director know you exist and want to work.
Professional modeling starts with the client's need and their willingness to pay. Modeling with out paying clients is just a hobby or someone trying to rip you off. Having the right look and talent is what you inherited genetically and there is not much you can do to change that. The rest is where being a professional model comes in - knowing what to do and how to market yourself. When a project calls for someone attractive to stand next to a new product, the person who can constantly look good in front of the camera, show the emotional expression that is needed on cue, show up on time and leave on time and in so many other ways make the shoot go quickly, efficiently, and successfully, is the person who will get the job. That is also the person who gets asked back the next time. The part after the genetics is what makes a professional model and leads to a career in modeling. This is also the person who will deliver what the client needs and is why we use them and not just pull someone off the street. Liz - Fashion test shoot
  Guide lines for what it takes to be a model.
Well, all the above is fine but does not give much to go on, so do you have what it takes to be a model? The first thing you have to consider is what type of model do you want be? If you are trying for high fashion modeling, the runways of Paris, the cover of Vogue, etc., the requirements are very strict. If you are hoping to do commercial modeling (such as product or lifestyle) the requirements are much broader. If you want to be a glamour, or pin-up model, this area has its own set of requirements.
First Thing to Understand
All modeling, except for some glamour, is client driven. There is no need for a model (or for that matter, a photographer) until a client has something to sell (a product, service, or idea) or in the case of editorial an idea to convey. At this point, the client becomes willing to part with the dollars (the money stream) to accomplish his/her sales or editorial goals and a model is hired. It is the size of the potential sales' goals and the model's importance in those goals that determines how much a model is paid (hourly fees. usage, etc.). Some types of glamour and stock lifestyle modeling can work differently as the photo itself has a value and the buyer can be found later. So, when we look at different types of modeling we are looking at different classes of clients. As an example, the Fashion Industry is dependent on using models in its advertising, promotion, and sales material. In certain top fashion market cities this can lead to many job possibilities and high fees. So when considering a modeling career you must start by looking at the different types of modeling being demanded by clients, the requirements for a given type of modeling and if your physical, talent and personality are right for that type of modeling.
 


Source: http://www.modelingadvice.com/Whatdoesittake.html

One-on-one with Larry Nqaba Mncube-Nhlane

Larry better yet know as Larryngitis the 21 year old Vuzu TV’s “Running with the Reps” reality TV star ; Co-founder of the Repertoires dance group, young, energetic, creative, outgoing and self-driven, goal-orientated, aspiring television presenter, dancer, MCee, Mood manager; Pati Animal Columnist, and entertainment writer for Kasi Times. He is a radio presenter at the popular Rhythm 100 internet radio station. He is working on his own dance theatre production and has started a clothing label.
I had a one-on-one with Larry to find out more about his unique fashion style:
  1.   Larry’s interest in fashion grew from… I’ve always liked dressing up especially because I’ve always been taught image is everything... So fashion is on of those things I’ve always grown up loving.
  2.  What inspires you when you wake up in the morning…My hunger for success and the way I’m so eager to change everything I touch and make an impact.
  3. When did you know you wanted to get into fashion? Wow… Hmmm it’s so tough to answer that because I think subconsciously everyone would like to make their own clothes or I think people would dig their own stuff; that’s just me but as soon as I noticed there was a huge gap last year I spoke to Makhosini and we knew it’s something we had to do.
  4.  Who are your favourite designers and why? In South Africa we respect everyone as we are the new guns but we are aiming for a crazy mix of Europe flavor and a touch of Africa; and with that said we totally dig David Tlale’s stuff and all Tom Ford’s designs. Tom Ford’s designs are magical.
  5.  Who are your fashion icons and why? I would like to think of myself as a fairly fashionable guy hahaha not to sound arrogant but I always need to top the latest outfits but moving away from myself I totally dig David Beckham he really always goes all out and reality show star Scott from The Kardashians is also well dressed.
  6.   What is the story behind GLS? GLS… honestly we had our spelling totally wrong because it was meant to be French. I won’t tell you what the name was going to be but it was going to end up JNSQ lol imagine, but no on the real Makhosini and I love getting dressed and we wanted to introduce some new age local suits which people could relate to and we could also look young and trendy so I got my little brother to start sketching for us and the rest is history.
  7.   What is you style sense?Well so far we totally focused on men new age fashion which incorporates a lot of retro and feminine colours with manly feels to the best of both worlds. But we plan to expand soon.
  8.     What is your fashion motto…Fashion is what you make it, if you don’t feel comfy in it… don’t wear it.



**Special Photo Shoot**

We are offering a 3 look professional studio shoot (including professional Make-up Artist and Photographer – you can’t go wrong!!) for only R400.00 (normally R1000+). The price includes: 3 looks, 30 photo’s on a disk,. The shoot will be based on character/advertising/commercial work in the industry. We identify the needs of each model on an individual basis. Therefore during and after your shoot, If you want to have an informal interview with us it can be arranged, so that we can decide the best way to market and assist you in your modeling career. please do not hesitate to contact me@RD_Models: Twitter ♥ red.diamond@live.co.za : email♥

How To Apply Mascara


  1. Hold the mascara wand in a vertical position while applying.
  2. Wiggle the brush right into the roots of the lashes for a lush look and increase volume.
  3. Always sweep the lashes outwards; not straight out ans concentrate on the outer corners.
  4. Leaving the low lashes bare can create a lovely fresh wide-eyed look.
Give It A Try..

!.....................DJ OF THE MONTH..............!

Being a resident DJ at Cappello Hatfield for almost a year now, Banques musical journey is growing by the minute. Banques mixes genres;incorporating vocals of Hip Hop and Rnb. He's been booked to play in clubs all over Gauteng. This local DJ is moving on up and we're excited to tag along for the ride.





  • I am a DJ because... I'm able to mix all genre of  music in a way that normal people would not even think of. Thats what the people want. I BRING IT!
  • My style of music is....HipHop
  • The coolest place i've played at was....Ekhaya Lounge
  • The Best part about being a DJ is...Controlling the dance flooe and having everyone dancing to my choice of music.
  • The wost part of being a DJ is...You're held responsible for not bringing the vibe..
  • Biggest highlight in your career so far...Playing a 6 hour set along side an International Artist "Beenie Man" when he visited SA in 2010.
  • My favourite song right now... E.T-Katy Perry FT Kanye West
  • I wont leave the house without..My Blackberry.
We wish Banques all the best in his musical carrer..YOU CAN FOLLOW HIM ON TWITTER @BanquesDJ

3 Suggestions for Getting The Most Out of Your Pictures

Suggestion #1 - Head Shot Tips

Head shots are usually one of the first and most basic pictures that a model must have in her portfolio. While you might think this should be a stiff formal picture, just the opposite is true. It should be a relaxed and comfortable shot that features you in middle colors, nothing to drab but nothing flashy either. When you go in for your head shot photo session, wear very little jewelry as you do not want to detract from the beauty of your facial features.

 Suggestion #2 - Learning How to Pose for Model Photos

Look through magazines to find poses you think would work for you, then practice them in the mirror. Have a friend take modeling pictures of you in the various poses so that you can see how they look (not to be used in your portfolio) and make adjustments to your poses.

 Suggestion #3 - Look the Part of a Modeling Professional in Your Pictures

Great posture is a must in modeling and not something that comes natural to anyone, no matter how beautiful the woman or girl is. So, make sure those shoulders are up and the back is straight.

 When you're taking a picture in a sitting pose, make sure that you have your weight shifted to one leg to give the look the right angles. Another tip is to suck in your stomach, no matter how thin you already are. Don't hold your breath while the shot is being taken as it's sure to show in the pictures.

HIP HOP FUSION: INTERVIEW WITH INCRYPT CREW

INTERVIEW WITH INCRYPT CREW MEMBER ASIID:

LERATO: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DANCING FOR?
ASIID: A YEAR AND A HALF
LERATO: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BE A DANCER?
ASIID: I WAS INSPIRED BY MICHEAL JACKSON..
LERATO: IS THIS YOUR FIRST TIME ACCOMPLISHING SOMETHING?
ASIID: NO; WE HAVE PREVIOUSLY WON GP'S GOT TALENT.
LERATO: WHAT DOES THE CREW PLAN ON DOING WITH THE MONEY?
ASIID: WE ARE GOING TO BLOW THE CASH AND DONATE SOME TO CHARITY.
LERATO:  WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM INCRYPT CREW IN THE FUTURE?
ASIID: I CAN’T SPOIL SURPRISES; YOU'LL JUST HAVE TO WATCH THE SPACE.
LERATO: DO YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE EARNED THE TITLE "PRETORIA'S BEST DANCE CREW"?
ASIID: WELL.... AFTER THIS PAST SATURDAY I BELIEVE SO.

RED DIAMOND AND RED KREAM WOULD LIKE TO CONGRADULATE INCRYPT CREW WE WISH YOU ALL THE BEST..