Model development in modeling: meaning, example and tips

How it works

Development starts with the basics: posture, the walk, working in front of a camera. The agency arranges test shoots with photographers it trusts and advises on hair, skincare and exercise.

At this stage the model also learns what pictures do not show: how to read a day's schedule, how to behave with a client, what an option is and how earnings are calculated. Some agencies run camps or training for this.

Development costs such as tests or cards may be advanced by the agency and later deducted from earnings. Which costs those are should be clear in advance.

In practice

For three months a new model attends weekly walking sessions at the agency, does a test with a different photographer once a month and practises poses in front of a mirror at home. The booker explains how to read a day's schedule and what an option is. The agency advances the test costs and puts them on his account, having said so in writing beforehand.

What to watch for

Ask what the tests will cost and who pays for them.
Practise your walk and poses at home in front of a mirror.
Do not rush: a model sent abroad too early often comes back with no jobs.

Related terms

Agencies and representationNew faceA new face is a model at the start of a career: signed with an agency, but still without experience, a full portfolio or regular clients.How a job happensTest shootA test shoot is a shoot made not for a client but for the portfolio: the model and the photographer create pictures they need to show their work.Runway and fashion weeksModel walkThe model walk is the runway walking technique: upright posture, a step from the hip, feet placed on one line, relaxed arms and eyes straight ahead.Requirements and looksPosingPosing is the ability to create a frame with body position, movement and gaze: showing the garment, conveying a mood and offering a new variation every few seconds.Money and rightsAdvanceAn advance is money or costs the agency pays for the model up front and later deducts from their earnings.

Questions and answers

Frequently asked

01How long does development take?

From a few months to a year or more, depending on age, school and how fast the model learns.

02Do you pay for development?

An agency should not charge a fee to sign. Specific costs such as tests may be advanced and deducted from earnings.

Model development