How to Get into Stock Photography Modeling
Stock Photography Modeling
The popularity in coffee shop culture coupled with the rise of the internet has seen an explosion in the last few years of publications requiring stock photography.
Stock photography publications can include literally any printed or photographic or internet material. North West Model Agency’s project managers have worked with a wide selection of publications all requiring stock photography models.
What is Stock Photography Modeling?
North West Model Agency considers stock photography modeling to be just as important as any other modeling discipline. It is easy to define in that it can be literally used for anything.
Stock photography modeling is used to ‘fill in’ or ‘round off’ publications and is used in many magazines where an article has been written about a given subject and they need an image to ‘fill in’ the space.
This can range from family photos to single high impact images. The scope is so huge and sometimes so specialized that it takes a professional agency such as North West Model Agency to match the model, the photographer and the assignment together.
Publications can also include adverts, websites, brochures. The list is almost limited to the imagination of the marketing department. The advantage stock photography modeling has over other forms is the lack of height, age, or weight restrictions. This makes it an ideal career for girls who do not fit the “sample” size required by fashion houses.
Remember that stock photography modeling can include just about anything. There are plenty of stock photography websites out there on the internet, have a look and you will see the sheer range of possibilities to get you going.
Technology in Stock Photography Modeling
With the onset of digital photography it is possible to get very high definition (commonly called Ultra High Quality or UHQ) stock photos almost instantly.
Because North West Model Agency use the most up to date technology UHQ Editorial photos turn around can be very quick. Combine this with North West Model Agency’s state of the art graphic studio, images can be blended, altered and emailed for a printed or online publication in minutes.
North West Model Agency’s studio can also deal with new media and the internet. This is the fastest growing area of Editorial modeling, and one which many ‘old school’ models and photographers do not understand. North West Model Agency can guide you through the advantages of having an online portfolio and how to promote your image. It’s to our advantage that we make our models as well known as possible!
Pitfalls of Stock Photography Modeling
Make sure your modeling agency and photographer are reputable. North West Model Agency vets it’s photographers before using them and will insist upon a client brief (so you know what you will be doing) before shoots and a chaperone during shoots.
Also be aware that many modeling agencies will charge you to make a portfolio on the pretence of work, though they never have any intention of giving you any assignments.
North West Model Agency will not charge you for a stock photography portfolio. They may refer you on to a preferred professional photographer if you wish to have stock photography added.
Stock photography modeling competition is not as intense as other modeling professions, though the gains are not usually as good. We will assign you to the most suitable role and will always make sure you are comfortable with the assignment before you undertake it. Editorial modeling is a good place to start when modeling as it allows you to ‘cut your teeth’ in an industry.
We ask all our models to fill out a North West Model Agency Feedback form when they have completed an assignment, so we constantly monitor our clients and models expectations.
As with all modeling stock photography modeling is not easy. North West Model Agency advises all want to be stock photography models to really think about the lifestyle it involves. Travel is inevitable though sometimes great fun. Although the ideal place for an assignment is a warm studio or a sunny beach it is always worth remembering that some of the best shots out there were taken on a cold day with bad weather looming.
Future of Stock Photography Modeling
North West Model Agency believes the future of stock photography modeling lies very much in cyber space. It is a growth industry and looks set to keep on growing.
Stock photography modeling is changing, make no mistake it has to if it is to survive. Stock photography modeling has languished in the prehistoric age for far too long. This can be partially attributed to the industry being formed on the old print press method of publication (calendars, magazines, tabloids). It is no secret that print is in decline and many modeling agencies are missing out on the new media and an increase in broadband access.
North West Model Agency is highly experienced in online promotion and the use of photographic material on the internet.
North West Model Agency’s one stop shop approach to stock photography modeling is a fantastic starting point for potential and experienced stock photography models alike.
Conclusion
If you’re fun loving, outgoing, and cannot do (or simply not interested) in other forms of modeling it is possible make a career from stock photography modeling.
North West Model Agency’s approach is honest and open, but remember that you’ll need to have a thick skin to survive in stock photography modeling.
If you are interested in stock photography modeling and you want to experience the future of Editorial modeling then visit North West Model Agency’s website at www.northwestmodelagency.co.uk
About the Author
North West Model Agency are market leaders in providing quality models for stock photography assignments. With a state of the art design studio with highly experienced developers they can produce and turn around modeling assignments in a short run time. North West Model Agency’s professional approach means assignments are completed on time, to budget and GOLD standard.
Working With Stock Photo Agency, Corbis -W/ Siri Vorbeck CD
digital stock photography5
digital stock photography5
