I did a photoshoot a few months ago with my friend, Lia, and she submitted some of the images to a magazine, and they selected them for publication! Hooray! Thank you, Lia Cilfone!!!
INSTAGRAM MODELING AGENCIES
Instagram modeling agencies are revolutionizing the industry with a refreshing approach. Unlike traditional modeling agencies that adhere strictly to height and body type standards, these agencies prioritize individuality and online presence. It's no longer just about fitting a mold; it's about your distinct style and how well you connect with your followers. This shift has democratized modeling, welcoming a diverse range of talents who may not fit conventional criteria but possess a captivating presence on Instagram.
Success in this realm hinges on having a distinctive appearance and the ability to engage and expand your audience. These agencies encourage models to embrace their uniqueness and transform it into a compelling online persona. It's a new frontier where authenticity and creativity thrive, reshaping the modeling landscape in exciting ways.
Your Public Profile
To ensure modeling scouts can discover your profile, it's essential to have an Instagram account specifically for modeling. This is very important! First of all, it is a good idea to keep your personal life separate from your modeling path - privacy and safety being paramount. In addition, eEverything you post to your modeling account must be carefully thought out. Curate your Instagram feed thoughtfully by reviewing and retaining only your best photos. It's crucial to maintain a professional image across your content, as potential employers will be viewing it.
It is okay to use a name that is different from your real name, but it can be a good idea to "tweak" it ever so slightly. Include important details in your bio, such as your contact information. Include your email address and current location so that modeling agencies can easily reach out to you. This strategic approach not only enhances your visibility but also presents you as a serious candidate in the modeling industry.
Authenticity
Modeling agencies are increasingly interested in discovering authentic talent, looking for insights into your personality and image through your Instagram profile. It's crucial to upload content that truly reflects who you are. Select photos that showcase your natural beauty and uniqueness, capturing different aspects of your life in various environments. Highlight images that reveal your personality, body shape, and facial features.
Share what you're passionate about. If you lead a healthy lifestyle, inspire and motivate your followers by incorporating glimpses of your personal life. Similarly, if fitness is a significant part of your identity, share your enthusiasm and energy with your audience. Authenticity is key; your Instagram should be a genuine reflection of your interests and values.
Do your homework! Check out the Instagram profiles of other models similar in age and experience, and look at what they are posting. Some of it may be good, and some of it not so good - trust your instinct and your gut and consider how you react to their posts.
Creative Content
To enhance your presence on Instagram as a model, focus on creating a wealth of engaging content. Organize frequent photoshoots and collaborate closely with photographers, makeup artists, and hairstylists. Engage actively with these collaborators by following their accounts and commenting on their posts, fostering mutual connections that can benefit your career over time.
Consider collaborations with designers, fashion startups, or brands that resonate with you. Promoting their products can expand your reach and credibility within your niche. Ensure your posts are meaningful and align with the values you share with your followers. Craft stories around the photos you share, offering insights into your experiences and personality. Authenticity is key; being yourself and connecting genuinely with your audience will foster a loyal following and strengthen your brand as a model on Instagram.
Instagram Feed
Creating an engaging and visually appealing Instagram feed involves several key strategies. Start by reviewing your existing feed to identify a consistent aesthetic that resonates with your favorite photos. Consider how each image contributes to the overall look and feel of your profile.
Inject originality and creativity into your content to stand out. Experiment with different compositions, themes, and storytelling approaches that reflect your unique personality and interests.
To optimize your presence, aim to post frequently, at least every day, to keep your audience engaged and attract new followers. Consistency and quality content are key to building a strong and visually appealing Instagram presence as a model.
Currently, reels are the most effective way of creating engagement on Instagram, followed by stories, and then posts. All of them can be effective when put in front of the right audience.
Hashtags
Placing hashtags on your posts help the algorithm direct them to the right audience, and assist in making your posts more "discoverable" at the same time. These hashtags are commonly used by major modeling agencies and aspiring models to gain visibility and connect with industry professionals in their respective cities. Utilizing these hashtags effectively can enhance your chances of being noticed within the modeling community on Instagram.
Elite Models: #MAKEMEELITE
Wilhelmina Models: #WILLYSCOUTSALL
New York Models: #NYMMSCOUTINGTOUR
IMG Models: #WLYG
IMG Models Men: #THELOOKOUT
LA Models: #WESCOUTUSA
LA Models Youth Division: #LAMODELSYOUTH
Elite Model Management Miami: #LOVEELITEMIAMI
Ford Models: #FORDMODELS
Storm Model Management: #STORMMODELS
The following are the most popular generic modeling hashtags at the time of this post:
#modeling #model #photography #fashion #photoshoot #photooftheday #instagood #instagram #love #style #portrait #beauty #photographer #photo #beautiful #follow #picoftheday #like #modellife #art #makeup #likeforlikes #cute #portraitphotography #girl #fashionblogger #me #models #smile #myself
Keep in mind that on any given post, the Instagram algorithm will only consider 6-7 hashtags, so try to mix it up and use hashtags strategically.
Direct Messaging
Direct messaging on Instagram can be an effective strategy for reaching out to modeling agencies. Here's a refined approach to maximize your chances of getting noticed:
Identify the Right Accounts: Ensure you're contacting the official Instagram pages of the modeling agencies you're interested in. Alternatively, you can also search for personal accounts of scouts or bookers, respecting their privacy and professionalism.
Personalize Your Message: Craft a concise and polite message introducing yourself. Mention that you admire their agency and express your interest in potentially working with them. Include essential details such as your age, height, measurements, citizenship, and any current agency representation.
Attach Relevant Photos: Include a small-sized image of yourself that highlight your potential as a model. Ensure that it is of high quality and showcases your best attributes.
Resolve: Understand that responses may not be immediate. Be patient and give agencies time to review your message. If you don't receive a response, don't get discouraged. Follow up after an appropriate period or consider reaching out to other agencies.
By following these steps, you can effectively use direct messaging on Instagram to initiate connections with modeling agencies and scouts, paving the way for potential collaborations and career opportunities in the industry.
Perhaps just as valuable as Instagram when it comes to directly messaging professionals in the industry is LinkedIn, but this will be discussed in a future blog post - stay tuned for that!
Hey hey! I just did another Witchy photoshoot and this time it was with a local witch named Leslie! These are some of my favorite edits so far!
I recently did a photoshoot with an amazing model named Gianna, and it was an absolute blast! We had so much fun during the shoot and I am thrilled with the results! Here are a just a few images from her session!
Hey, I get a lot of requests for photoshoots with goths and I just want to say that, for the record, goths are always welcome!