Understanding your look is important. I think it would be
great if we had a name for every “look” but we don’t. But
take a look through the fashion magazines the next time you are in a check-out
line at the super market, or in a waiting room. Or pay attention to some of the
characters in you favorite TV shows. You will start to see “types”. Do you
remember Suzanne Sommers? She had the blonde bimbo nailed down. She owned that
type.
There is a model that I
work with from time to time that has what I call a “lost” look. It is this look
of a wide eyed innocent who is very vulnerable and “lost”. It is kind of funny,
because this model is a very self assured and accomplished girl, yet she has
this look of utter vulnerability. This look is not useful all the time, but you
see it in many print ads. Knowing you have a look and how and when to turn it
on is valuable.
This model has a nice shaped face and fits into what I would
describe as a “Daisy Duke” look. I’ve seen her other work and it isn’t all “Daisy
Duke”. But she can bring a relaxed demeanor to a shoot that translates easily
to this look.
What kind of “looks” do you have? Play with some looks in
your mirror, dress up, change your hair and make-up and see what fits you. Do
you do sophisticated, bimbo, athlete, studious, goofball, pinup, femme fatale,
bond girl, etc, etc?
I’m not suggesting that you climb into a stereo type and
never leave it. Just understand if you fit a type and maybe include some of it
in your portfolio. There are certainly arguments to be made for avoiding stereotypical looks. I'm just saying, think about it.
