Having drive and determination is what it takes to become a successful model in Portland. There are a lot of opportunities for those that will work hard at their modeling and take the time to gain the experience and skills. Though as you start down this path, you should ask yourself some serious questions. Otherwise you may find that this career is really not for you at all. This career can be a lifestyle. Modeling is not for the weak or the lazy. Do you yourself have a unique look that turns heads whenever you enter a room; making you strut your stuff like you are walking down your own personal catwalk? Do you have what most agents define as the look? If you find that you are living in the Portland area and have said yes to any of these questions, modeling may be that rewarding career that you have been looking for in Portland.
Portland has a flavor of modeling for everyone. There is a lot to modeling that people really don’t understand; many niches and specializations. Though the perks of there being so many different types of modeling, you really have a lot of options on choosing the type of modeling that will work for you in Portland based on your type. You just have to decide if you have the dedication needed and the drive to take the modeling path that works best for you and you have to understand going in that there is more skill needed than to just look beautiful or cute; just good looking in general.
A good model will have mastered their own body in such a way that they are very aware of their best features and know how to maximize on those features and assets in Portland. If you find that you are not too sure. Take the time to look in a mirror; notice your face with no makeup and pull your hair back. Take a look at yourself in your natural state, in a natural state you will be able to really discern what features you have that are your best. You won’t see the same strict restrictions on beauty any more in the industry and a favor going to the more Eurocentric looking models. Beauty has evolved and the process that is used in scouting models has changed twice over; over the years in Portland. Is your face unique or interesting in any way? Do you have full, robust lips? Naturally enticing eyes? These features amongst many others can be a huge advantage when people remember you as a model in Portland.
Don’t think of doing this as silly, but stand in front of a mirror and make faces in the mirror. Try practicing things like over the top emoting, laughing and bending your own body into positions that still look comfortable and natural. It is also a good thing to start getting comfortable in heels or even other shoes that you don’t wear every day. There is always the possibility of being asked by a director in Portland to run, jump or even maybe skip in heels. You should learn how to move seamlessly with very little movement between photos rather than having a completely different pose in between snaps. The best way to think of this is like you are creating a stop-motion flip book and that the character you are playing should reflect the personality of the brand you are modeling for, this makes the photographer's job easier and will help them make great quality photos for you in Portland.
