Understanding Your "Look"

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.