Discover opportunities as a stock photo model by understanding specific categories, embracing your niche, collaborating with agencies, and finding the right poses.
Stock photography offers an exciting opportunity for models to gain exposure and showcase their talents. A select group of stock models have even garnered a devoted following through their work in print and digital media. With the right look and personality, you too could join their ranks and make a name for yourself in the industry. Here, we’ll share some essential guidelines on how to embark on a fulfilling journey as a stock photo model.
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Play to Specific Categories
First, it’s important to realize that stock photography is more about concepts than artistic perspectives. The field is broken up into distinct categories, such as office scenes, family scenes, and hospital scenes. There are also images that try to represent a complex concept in one frame, like “harmony” or “chaos”. Once you understand that your role as a stock photo model is to serve the category or concept, then the modeling process will become much easier
Look the Part
Stock photography plays to certain archetypes. For example, a middle-aged man with salt-and-pepper hair might play a scientist, a businessman, or the main character in a Viagra ad. Meanwhile, a large, overweight man may play a truck driver or a construction worker. When learning how to become a stock photo model, do some soul-searching and figure out what your niche is. That way, you’ll know how to market yourself to agencies and photographers.
Seek Out Agencies
Though you may have difficulty getting paid as a freelance stock model, you can earn a decent living when working for a local modeling agency. First, search for agencies in your area and find out which ones have a good reputation. If they’re interested in you, they will ask for a personal portfolio, which they can shop around to different stock photographers. While modeling at the agency level, you may also be able to contact photographers in your area via their personal web pages. By having a chance to peruse the quality (and quantity) of their work online, you won’t waste time on unpaid gigs.
When Shooting, Be Natural
Finally, it’s important to remember that stock photo models are not superstars. Ultimately, the photographer has the last word when it comes to creative decisions. As a stock model, you should follow the photographer’s lead, while also avoiding any cliché model poses. Just take a deep breath, and enjoy the process.
Cover image via Kitthanes
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