Senin, 26 Oktober 2009

Bikini Bottoms

If one has wonderful legs it is always better to choose the right style of a bikini bottom to flaunt those legs. Down the ages since the bikini was developed it has undergone changes with the size being reduced. The tiniest of the bikini bottom is the thong whose back is so thin that it disappears into the buttocks. The trend toward the reduction of the bikini bottom can be seen in styles like the mini, minimini, slingshot, teardrop and the minimicro.

One can pick up bikini bottoms from numerous styles, colors and fabrics that are available to suit any size. One can team up a bikini top either with a matching or a contrasting sarong and accessories to bring out that personal style within oneself. Metallic colors and animal prints appeal to people of all ages. The bikini bottoms are known for being sexy and chic yet simple and comfortable.

There are specially designed bikini bottoms for pregnant women. Pregnant women can now flaunt themselves in thongs and bikini panties. Such bottoms made of cotton are designed to sit comfortably under the belly and the stretchable and soft fabric is designed to grow with your body. This maternity underwear can either be worn mid belly or under the belly. To be worn under the belly one needs to fold the fabric down in the form of a band thereby supporting the belly. Even the opening for the legs is stretchable.

There are bottoms that are known as boy legs. Such a bottom has a longer leg resembling short shorts. But such a bottom would make the leg look shorter. Some bikini bottoms are held together with beads, bows, rings, strings and laces.

It is difficult to imagine how such clothing with very little fabric could create such an impact. The bikinis show off the beauty of the woman’s body in all its glory. The bikini is a combination of freedom and fun but ultimately what matters is comfort.

Kamis, 22 Oktober 2009

Daring Sexy Exotic Lingerie

My passion is for sheer lingerie modelling. Sounds pretty formal doesn't it. But what excitement sensual erotic lingerie can bring to one's life. Ever since I was a teenager in lingerie I have loved to slip on something soft and silky over my smooth skin. It caresses my curves and accentuates the lines of my contours - and it teases my partner into a frenzy. It just leaves enough to the imagination but is sheer enough to see everything. I peels on slowly and it peels off slowly.

You may be surprised to hear that I love a good bodystocking...or hosiery (black pantyhose or tan stockings and boots) with bra and g string (otherwise known as a thong). It says so much. Sometimes it is so hot that a bra cami top may suffice along with some lacy comfortable briefs/panties -this can still give me the sensual feel without the slight discomfort of a thong under my dress.

I love going out and transparent clubwear and transparent lingerie is an essential part of my wardrobe - the other week as part of an 'Underworld' theme night I braved myself and wore my only sexy lingerie - Lycra Mesh Feather Bolero - and my friends and I all danced the night away. It was so liberating. I am not suggesting that you all rush out to do this but I am hopefully relating my love for something different which is reflected in the lingerie garments that I wear.

What does a closet Dominatrix do in her Vinyl Tube Dress with Lace Up Back? Well I might pop to the local grocery store after a few bacardi breezers but I worry about what the poor shop assistant might do since I reckon that he rarely sees women, let alone one in nothing but fishnets, heels and a bikini wafting a large paddle in his direction! Consequently I have not tried that one yet but I have definitely hit the tiles with this outfit on. Even my swimwear comes with its own health warning for the casual observer but I tend to tone it down a bit whilst on holiday with my partner - aside from that what I get up to back at the hotel in lace and leather is my business.

All of you who love lingerie, whatever your style or preference are so lucky these days. There is SOOO much to choose from and whatever your own tastes the western world has it covered. In fact men dressed in lingerie are a pretty hefty demographic so don't be shy guys, strut your stuff down your local convenience store! Only joking but you can bet that in your own space you find it all fairly liberating. Whatever people say, lingerie makes the wearer feel more powerful with it on than without it on.

Sabtu, 17 Oktober 2009

Fashion Modeling Photography Service

Fashion photography is the profession of specializing in actors' headshots, fashion shoots, portrait and fashion shoots. Fashion photographers should always strive for photography of the highest level by using accurate lighting, setting the appropriate mood for model photo shooting and ensuring that the person being photographed is comfortable prior to taking the shots. Perfect photography is what differentiates failure and success. Whether indoors or outdoors, all Toronto photographers should strive to make the best models shots and when looking for a photographer, demand for best services.

Many photographers specialize in Glamour, Fashion, Modeling Portfolios, actor Head\Portrait Shots and Commercial Fashion Photography among other services. The photographer should be able to set the right mood and style and come up with photos that will make an impression to whoever sees them. When looking for a Toronto fashion photographer, search in photography directories for clothing and model companies. The directory will offer you various photography agencies and photographers. These photographers are specialized in fashion runway shows, media fashion events and clothing photo shoots.

Fashion photography is nowadays considered as an art. Though it mainly depends on commerce, one can pursue it as a career. Contemporary fashion photographers regard themselves as artists that can reinvent and invent various photo shooting styles and techniques. For those people that are always fascinated about photography and fashion, fashion photography can make a great career option. The job entails plenty of traveling and setting feet on wonderful exotic gardens, islands and historical sites. The photographer will also hang out with celebrity models and other talented professionals in the industry of fashion. It may also involve taking super model photos to publishing firms so that they can be published in fashion magazines.

Today, being a fashion photographer has become easy because Toronto photographers can use reliable and appropriate digital cameras, modern gadgets for editing photos and various software that make the work easy. This has made more people to join the lucrative business of shooting model and fashion photos. However, more goes into fashion photography. Be aware that the business and craft goes beyond the realms of shooting the best clothes, products and models photos. Being a fashion photographer calls for a lot more than average photographers taking good images. Artistic and technical skill is necessary for a fashion photographer. Additionally, you need skills in natural clothes knack and styling. An artistic inclination is required in composition and modeling plus great entrepreneurial spirit.

This being a genre of photography is normally devoted to models, fashion and clothing. In most cases, it is conducted for Toronto fashion magazines and advertisements. It has developed over time and has its own requirements and aesthetics whereby fashion and clothes are enhanced using exotic story lines and locations. This profession can be real fun if integrated with skill and talent. With the huge audience for the photography business, high paychecks and international glamorous lifestyle, this is one of the most sought professions. For each fashion photographer that makes it through top magazines, many more photographers use their fashion advertising, celebrity portraiture, paparazzi and fashion advertising work as the basic means of earning a living.

Senin, 12 Oktober 2009

Fashion Models - Start Your Engines

How to Promote Yourself as a Freelance Model

If you would rather promote yourself ...

Some models would rather promote themselves instead of listing through an agency. Nothing wrong with this but it does require more work on your part.

If you are signed with an agency, they promote the business, they talk to the clients in your behalf, they set up the shooting dates, they take the heat if you don't make it to the session, etc.

But, there are many models who are "loners" in the pool of modeling and want complete control over who they work with and why.

If you are one of these models, read on ...

There are several ways to promote yourself. I will try to mention some ways for you to promote your modeling talent and a step by step format to follow.

First things first ..

In self promotion, the first step to take is putting together a professional portfolio.

Once you've followed the portfolio guidelines from above, it's a good idea to have comp cards and business cards made.

A) Business Cards - Your business card should have as much information on it as possible. It's not expensive to have extra words listed and this way you can include things other than the name and phone number.

For best results and at just a little extra cost, I would suggest putting your photo (preferably a headshot) on the card. People don't tend to throw away photos as quickly as they do just cards. Below the photo (or on your card if you choose not to include the photo) you should list ..

Your name, contact phone number, email and don't forget to put your web address on the card
You may want to also include in bulleted form your attributes (i.e. height and weight), special skills and the type of modeling you specialize in (your modeling strength area)

B) Composite Cards - You'll definitely want to get composite cards (comp cards) made to hand out to possible clients / agents and to leave with clients or photographers you work with. A comp card is one of the least expensive pieces of printed promotional material but packs a big punch in saying, "I'm a professional model".

Here is a basic layout of a comp card ..

Front - Photo covering the front of the card (I suggest a good, strong headshot here) along with your name in bold letters.

Back - From four to six photos showing different looks (indoor and outdoor) in a variety of outfits with at least one good body shot (swimwear or tight-fitting clothing).

The back of the card will list important information about you and your stats including ...

Contact information (Who to contact, phone, email, web address, etc.)

Height

Weight

Bust size / cup size

Waist size

Hip size

Dress size

Shoe size

Hair color

Hair length (short, shoulder length, long)

Eye color

Type(s) of modeling jobs preferred (i.e. commercial, fashion shows, catalog, promotional, etc.)

No need to feel overwhelmed with the details of getting your comp card ready. There are many companies online such as CompCard.Com who have versions and templates online which will help you every step of the way.

Remember too that there are many different versions of comp cards so it's all a matter of personal preference as to which style you choose.

C) Modeling Websites - When it comes to websites, I could probably write complete chapters on the subject but I will try as best I can to simplify this part.

Your website - Paid or Free?

Should you pay to have your own website created or go with one of the free web listing services online? Your choice in the type of web promotion you do depends upon your level of experience and the amount of budget you have to work with.

If you are, in actuallity, an eccentric millionaire and are just pursuing modeling out of boredom, by all means hire a professional web designer and start from scratch to build a website that other models will be in awe of! But, even if you go this route, there's the promotional costs and time to think about; time that could be better used to improve your modeling abilities and make contacts with clients who need you for their photo projects.

I personally feel that it's better to start but using a few of the online services (paid and free) to get your name out there. You can do a search and find many listing places but two sites that seem to have lots of buzz at the time of this writing are ..

One Model Place & Model Mayhem

Both of these sites offer a basic free package or a paid premium package. Either way, this is a less expensive way to get your feet wet and find out if you've got a look which is in demand.

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A word of warning about putting your model photos online

Remember to stay safe when placing your photos online. Don't provide too much personal information about yourself or location untill you've thoroughly checked out the person who is contacting you.

If you are under 18 years of age, put your parents' email address in the contact section and have them deal with any incoming offers.

Never, Never meet a photographer or potential client alone. Take a parent or friend (preferably male) with you untill you are completely satisfied that you're in a safe environment. I cannot stress this enough!!

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There are other ways to promote yourself on or off the Internet such as contacting local upscale clothing or department stores for fashion shows or catalog work, jewelry stores if you offer hand modeling, hair salons, etc.

This is your starting point in becoming a real model. See if you can come up with more creative ways to promote yourself as a professional model.

Remember, you can have the most awsome beauty & talent in the world but if nobody knows where to find you ... It'll all be in vain! So, get off your backside and go to work!!

Rabu, 07 Oktober 2009

Get the Job - How to Be a Fashion Model

So you want to be a fashion model. If you live on planet Earth, you probably know the basics of the biz. If not, you need to be watching America's Next Top Model, Project Runway, and Make Me a Supermodel, and taking it all with a grain of salt. In the real world, a fashion photographer will probably not ask you to balance on high heels over a pit filled with seawater and hungry sharks, but there's always that possibility. The first thing a great model needs is a positive attitude, no matter what.

The traditional way to market models is through a modeling portfolio. Unless they've been discovered by a talent scout-and maybe even then-unknown aspiring models pay agencies a fee to create a professional portfolio. Unless you have access to a professional fashion photographer and a stylist, it is worth paying for a good portfolio. Fashion designers, fashion magazines, and other potential clients will not give a second look to a second-rate modeling portfolio.

So what should your portfolio say about you? First of all, you need a good, clean shot of your face. Editors need to be able to see your bone structure and to imagine you in a variety of makeup styles. Same goes for your body. You need one shot that shows what you're made of. For the full body shot, remember you are not auditioning for a centerfold spread. This is fashion photography: be uninhibited but don't project sex, just display your superior physical form. Other important elements of a good modeling portfolio are color, style, and variety. Show that you can handle different looks and attitudes. A smiley, fresh-faced, sunny shot shows you can handle the catalogue and teen fashion market. High fashion and couture looks ask you to be more edgy and avant-garde. Show that you can transform yourself. And remind them what a good sport you are.

Minggu, 04 Oktober 2009

Fashion Model Portfolios - Avoiding Scams and Disreputable Agencies

Many young women either dream of a career as a fashion model or are approached by others who suggest it. Sometimes young women are approached directly in the street or are attracted by advertisements inviting them to 'free auditions'. Often these are merely a front for disreputable agencies and photographers whose only aim is to sell photographs and services that do nothing to help these young people into the modelling business.

If you want a personal portfolio as a record of how beautiful you truly are, capturing you at the peak of your youth, then a responsible portrait photographer will be happy to take stunning images for you and your family to treasure.

But if you want photographs to get into modelling work, note right now that you do not need professional photographs. That may surprise you but this is based on our work with a top London modelling agency, who kindly offered advice which we hope you find useful in making a decision about whether or not you want to have professional photos taken for a portfolio.

If in the end, you still want a professional photographer to take the required shots, then that is a personal decision rather than one being imposed by a scam agency.

So, how do these disreputable agencies operate?

Firstly, they exploit the dreams of hundreds of young hopefuls who attempt to break into the fashion industry each year. But it is not as easy as some so called 'model agencies' would have you believe.

Young people are approached directly in the street or respond to adverts purportedly searching for 'models'. When they have turned up for 'auditions' it turns out that the 'model agency' is nothing more than a photography company who want to charge them large sums of money for photographs which may be lovely to have, but are never going to help them find work as models in magazines, catalogues or as extras in film and TV adverts.

These disreputable agencies persuade girls to part with their money by promising them that the photos taken will get them recruited by top agencies with high returns and lifestyle. Some of these 'agencies' promise to promote the model, but unfortunately the only communication they receive is a bill asking for more money to keep their details on record.

They will tell girls of all shapes and sizes that they are guaranteed work and the end result is a lot of very disappointed girls who have learnt a hard lesson and are out of pocket too.

So, what do reputable model agencies expect?

Most model agents will politely say 'no thank you' if you are under 5ft 8in (173cm). Our contact said that she sees hundreds of would be models 'totter in' on very high heels saying they're 5ft 8in, when they are nowhere near and the conversation ends there.

She said that she knows it sounds harsh, but if you are less than 5ft 8 then forget it. Some model agencies may say shorter girls get lots of catalogue work but it's just not the case.

So if you are 5ft 8in (or over) this is what you need to know:

  • You only need three photos in most cases!
  • They must all be colour. Black and white or sepia 'arty' shots are no good, as agencies want to look at your hair colour and skin tones
  • You need two head shots - one of which must full face with the other showing your profile
  • You need one full length photo
  • The photos do not need to be professionally taken. Most compact cameras are more than capable (see below for more information)
  • Do not plaster on the makeup. In fact make-up should be minimal and natural looking
  • Wear simple clothes such as jeans and a vest top.
  • Avoid bulky bomber jackets or big shapeless jumpers - they need to see your shape
  • If you have tattoos, don't worry unnecessarily, as many models have them and they can be 'art-brushed' out. However some of the more discerning clients do state 'no tattoos'.

We asked our contact if there was any other nugget she could offer and she said "yes, make it crystal clear that they must be over 5ft 8 !!!"

What to do if you are 'Scouted'

Many top model agencies still scout because it's a good way of bringing fresh faces into the industry so they are often on the look out for tall girls. Our contact always carries a few business cards and will approach suitable girls. She keeps the conversation very short insofar she tells them that they are tall enough to model etc. She then hands over her cards and asks the girls to phone her if interested. She also asks how old they are and if under 16 she asks them to give the card to a parent together with an explanatory leaflet.

And that's it! Reputable scouts do not offer to take your photos and do not offer to sell them to you.

How to tell if the agent who has scouted you or the advert in the paper is genuine?

In the UK, you can contact the Association of Model Agents at 122 Brompton Road, London SW3 1JD Tel: 020 7564 6466. Send a stamped addressed envelope for information and they will send you a list of agencies who abide the industry code of practice.

Outside the UK, we suggest you find a similar regulating organisation and contact them to ensure the agency you use is reputable.

Our advice is...

  • Always check out the credentials of model agencies and companies which you approach or who contact you.
  • Always be suspicious of agencies which ask for up front fees.
  • Remember that reputable agencies never offer to take your photos or charge you for doing so.

Taking those portfolio photographs with your amateur camera

The three photos required by most agencies are:

  • Head shot from the front (full face)
  • Head shot from the side (profile)
  • Full body shot

The best way to achieve these with your amateur camera is to:

  • Avoid taking the photos inside with flash as this give a harsh unflattering effect - better to get outside on a cloudy day or take them in shade.
  • Select a neutral rather than a busy background. Green plant foliage is a good choice.
  • If you camera has a zoom, tend towards the 'tele' setting rather than 'wide' which can distort facial features.
  • Try to get some distance between the subject and the background so that your subject is sharp and background less so.

We hope this has helped you. We are not trying to pour water on anyone's burning ambitions but want our clients and others to be aware of the pitfalls.

Gary Fielder BSc (Hons) is a professional photographer based in Windsor in the UK. He provides a range of high quality photographic services including weddings, portraits, events and commercial photography.

Kamis, 01 Oktober 2009

Fashion Models and Fashion Photography is Everywhere

We see it on billboards and in magazines the world over. So, what exactly does it take to be behind the camera? Aside from an interest in shooting the human form, you will also need to be prepared to forgo modesty in the pursuit of the best shot. Many fashion photographers are subject to nudity and awkward poses, thus the need to forgo modesty. If you're passionate about the possibility of becoming a fashion photographer, the following advice may help to get you on your way.

It is very unlikely that a self-taught photographer will be picked up in the world of high-end fashion. While he or she may get the occasional freelance job, the chance of becoming employed with a magazine or particular designer is slim. The executives in this fast paced world are seeking photographers who have been educated in photography and are experts in beautifying a subject on film. Fashion photography takes a great deal of precision and the photographer is required to understand color schemes. Fashion photography also requires an understanding that, most of the time, you're job is to sell something (typically clothing) and in order to succeed you must know how to bring your given product alive on film.

Photographers the world over have varying styles and ideas when it comes to composition and lighting. In the world of fashion photography, these two factors must be very specific. To succeed as a fashion photographer you must know how to both light and compose a photograph that totally flatters the subject while bringing forth the product of the day. In other words, you will have to make sure that the product you're trying to push looks just as good as the model wearing it. Unfortunately, that's not an easy task given the fact that most models are breathtaking and that tweed overcoat, or whatever, will pale in comparison.

Fashion photographers must also be prepared to both give direction and take criticism. Most models will require at least some direction as you shoot. And, since you're the expert on composition, you will be equipped to verbally direct their movements and poses in real time. On the flipside, fashion photographers take criticism from clients and models on a steady basis. This is the reason they take so many frames of a single subject in varying poses, et cetera. If you are not verbal, or you cannot take criticism, the world of fashion will be tough for you.

Another key component to becoming a fashion photographer will be the development of your portfolio. You should strive to compose a quality portfolio of photographs designed to promote fashion. Practice composing, directing, and shooting a variety of subjects and do your very best to compile your best photos in the production of a "hire me now" portfolio. Your portfolio is like your resume. The best of the best stand out and the rest get ignored.

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