Beginners Should Just Shoot

My work is primarily in developing new model portfolios or rebuilding established models ports.


I often see amazing growth with some models and then sometimes pitifully little growth with others.

What makes the difference? Well, how much raw talent is one factor. You can't change that. You have what you have. Brains is another factor, you can change that. Okay, your IQ is pretty well set, but you can learn, observe, think, and study. Another factor is time in front of the camera. You can control that too.


Brains: I watch models get started and some of them are actively studying the craft. They look a magazines, practice posing and working their face in a mirror. They look at the photos from their shoots and figure out what they did right and what they could improve. They ask other models, photographers and other industry professionals questions and they learn. Smart models figure out what they are good at modeling and go after that type of modeling. They learn to understand if they have a unique look or way of expressing that is different than everyone else. They understand the being pretty is not enough.

Time in front of a camera: This is easy. There are going to be different groups depending on where you live. Find them. Your area may be active in Model Mayhem or One Model Place or other online modeling groups. Perhaps there are Facebook groups for modeling in the area you live. There are often meet up groups or "creative" groups. Find them and participate. Shoot often, even if you are not getting paid. If you find a photographer that is building his/her portfolio that is willing to do a TF shoot, do it. Get experience.


These photos are of Shauna and Jeremy. Jeremy is just starting out, Shauna is kind of new, but she is out there getting more opportunities and every time I shoot with her, she has gotten better and better. She is a good example of someone who is thinking about her craft and learning all she can, and getting all the practice she can.

Find Shaunna on Facebook

Find more of Shauna and Jeremy's shoot here.