Rachel Dashae - Alternative Model

My extremely long post of Modeling Tips!

Hey guys, I have been asked so much for modeling tips, so I will start with my most asked question:

HOW TO GET STARTED/NETWORKING:

I got started taking self portraits, and then posted them online. I got lots of great feedback, so I decided when I turned 18, I would start trying to model.

It was as simple as typing “model network” and hitting the search button on google. There are plenty of sites to network through, to post images, and build a fanbase.

I was already apart of deviantart, and other sites that are now obsolete. I found a few more sites, including www.modelmayhem.com .

Other sites that are now helpful:
www.twitter.com
www.tumblr.com
www.facebook.com

And there a few others, I am sure. If there are any websites you use on a regular basis, use them for networking.

Networking, is dependent on you, and how you do it. Booking shoots, etc. Everyone is different and everyone will do it in different ways. A good way to get a portfolio is to work with local photographers who will give you GOOD images. Don’t work with just anyone.

Also, I have to say, don’t start charging anyone right off the bat.
A list of things in my opinion you need to have before you start charging for modeling:
A legitimate portfolio with a few different looks proving you can change your style around.
Being able to do all of your own styling. This means: Your hair. Your make-up, no sometimes just eyeliner and mascara does not cut it. Your wardrobe.

I usually bring all of my own wardrobe unless otherwise noted. Even THEN, I still pack basics just incase. Most of my clothes are my own clothes, I wear them out of my house, and just style them differently while I am shooting.

Not everyone will have a theme/concept they want to shoot. You have to know how to style on a whim to someone’s style, the location, and possible weather.

And now tips:
 
BE NICE:
I am a little southern girl and believe that manners takes you a long way. Please, Thank you, You’re welcome. I even say sir/m’am , which throws some people off, but some people really appreciate that I try to be polite. No matter the age, I say it.

Sometimes being nice can test your patience. Don’t ever let someone make you uncomfortable, or push you around. If anyone is being disrespectful (actually, not to anyone’s diva standards) to you, you need to either leave the shoot, or the conversation. Always stand your ground NICELY. I really believe in “killing with kindness”, and let them you know that you appreciate their time, and maybe you can work together in the future, but as of right now you’re not sure if it will work out.

Everyone will not always be nice to you. I have had some people make me so angry, I have actually cried at shoots. In OUR “internet modeling world” , that is not okay. I doubt anyone who is shooting you is gonna get you on the cover of vogue and is layering you in prada. If someone is making you feel that bad, then you need to politely excuse yourself.

 But with that, you do have to have really thick skin, just because someone cancelled on you doesn’t mean you can blow up at them, or that you’re a bad model not worth some people’s times. Not everyone is going to like you, your look, or the way you hold yourself. You have to deal with it, you can’t be everyone’s friend.

Even if someone makes you slightly feel awkward, keep a smile on your face, be nice. You won’t like everyone all the time either, and there’s no need to be rude. The longest you have to be around someone MOST of the time is a few hours, that’s not very long, you can do it!

Ask questions, but of course, don’t pry. It’s polite to keep conversation flowing, it’s also polite to not talk about yourself too much, and when I say too much, I mean, someone doesn’t need to know all of your business! Haha.

BE ON TIME:
I am usually ten minutes early to any shoot. I have definitely had my days where I am late. It goes back to being nice. It takes two minutes to call someone and let them know you will be late, even if it’s just five minutes. People find it very professional of you to care so much about their time.

Always try to shake someone’s hand when you meet them. Don’t drink, do drugs inside of anyone’s home, even if offered. I know this is different depending on the people. But if it’s the first time you have worked with you, I would definitely say you should pass. This bring me to:

BEING SAFE:

You should always check references. I usually let someone where I will be at every shoot I go to while I am on the road, since it’s easier to travel by myself, I don’t have an escort.

As escorts go, if you don’t feel comfortable going by yourself, you should ALWAYS make sure that it’s okay with the photographer you’re working with. Just because they don’t want you to bring someone doesn’t make them creepy. Some people are socially awkward and feel weird trying to entertain someone else, or feel pressured.

If you guys cannot agree, then just don’t go to the shoot. Don’t let anyone make you feel bad for standing up for yourself (but also don’t be a diva.)

BOOKING AND LIVING OFF OF OF YOUR TALENTS:

Booking is not an easy thing to learn! You need to have good networking skills (see above.)

You need to be noticed, and you need to be good with money! It’s the whole, it costs money to make money scenario.

If you want to travel, you need to invest that first tank of gas, or that plane ticket yourself more than likely. Unless you take deposits which I have learned can be hard for models. It does suck that you will get cancelled on and won’t get anything from it. But like I said above, blowing up on someone will not make it any better.

You have to budget your losses into your trips. Traveling with someone else could help, staying with people, and not eating out as much. I pack my car with snacks like granola bars, fruit (apples, bananas, clementines), canned fruit, turkey jerky, and nuts.

Traveling is pretty much key to modeling for a living, unless you live in a major city (and even then, traveling gets you more exposure.)


TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF:

Most important! Your work is your appearance. Try to keep your skin clear (which is super hard for me, but geez do I try). Drink plenty of water, eat well, exercise.

Make sure to take your make-up off at night. Get a good night sleep. Eat a small breakfast before shoots (I eat fruit, or a bowl of oatmeal.) I drink coconut water instead of normal water before shoots so I don’t get bloated but stay hydrated.

Don’t drink alcohol the night before shoots! Your skin will look dull, you’ll have terrible bags, and you’ll get bloated easily. And I don’t know how everyone else feels, but when I’m hungover I want to eat everything.



I sure hope this helps! I get asked a lot of different questions. If anybody has anything else, be sure to ask, and maybe I’ll add it to this!

Thanks loves!
Rachel

st4rlette asked: You are so so so lovely. I even have you on my dA watch list. <3

Thank you so much dear. <3 Yaaayy!