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...If
Madonna had written "Material Girl" in 2003, her
lyrics
would have been changed to "because I am a digitized
girl"... |
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During
adolescence, a formative period in development, individuals 'try on' new
personalities to see what suits them. It's in this period of
vulnerability where young women are 'shopping around' for a new look and
appearance. Well, nowadays they don't have to look hard since they are
constantly bombarded with what the media wants them to think is THE way
to be.
Digitize
it
Aside from the media's influence, there's the more practical factor:
accessibility. There is a digital revolution currently underway. The
digital camera has become so affordable and easy to use that people are
buying them like crazy. In fact, just about anyone can take amateur
pictures of themselves, put them online, and claim to be a model.
Ok,
I wouldn't take away from the true professionals. The true professional
photographer has taken courses in it, knows about important issues such
as lighting and how to get rid of shadows, and most importantly has an
eye for ideas on what angles and settings the models will look their
best.
But!
That doesn't stop people from taking literally thousands of pictures
with a digital camera which is essentially free since no film is
required, and putting the best few on an internet site. Even if the few
pictures don't look that great, modifications can easily be done in
graphic design programs which have also become very user-friendly.
The
digital camera revolution has also caught the attention of
photographers. It's cheap to buy equipment and easy to build a small
website that can be used to convince people that they are legit.
If
Madonna had written "Material Girl" in 2003, her lyrics would
have been changed to "because I am a digitized girl". That
just reflects the reality in which we now live.
Sketch
With this digital revolution comes more opportunity for those with sketchy
morals to con people into any number of acts of malice. Since so many
'talent agencies' and 'photography studios' are opening daily, models
can easily be conned into thinking they are going to hit it big.
This
is not to say that many or most are not legitimate, but with all good
things (assuming you think promoting the human body to sell products and
services is a good thing), there are always people out to abuse the
system.
What
they don't tell you
All things considered. There is something that aspiring models have to
understand: The professional modeling industry has not grown nearly as
much as the amateur industry. There are not more positions available
just because so many people are trying to get into the industry. This
just makes it more competitive. There's a much larger supply of models,
and demand has barely changed.
Most
model-wannabes are not going anywhere. Fast. Few of the models out there
have the look or body that is truly in demand. Sure you can get breast
implants, work out 3 times a day, be photographed by 13 photographers,
and have your own website. But you won't get gigs just for that
fact.
Many
models are just everyday gorgeous women who are approached by the
paying, inside-the-industry professionals just because of their beauty.
That makes the fact that many aspiring models pay thousands of dollars
to create a portfolio sadly amusing. Truly beautiful and model-worthy
women have the professionals running after THEM as opposed to working
extremely hard on trying to go to the industry.
On
the other hand, to get noticed models need to put some effort into it.
Sometimes a few pictures of the right look and a website is all it
takes. Other times it may be that chance encounter with an industry
insider.
What
do you want?
So the real question models must ask is what do they want? Set realistic
goals. Most models won't be getting anywhere near supermodel status.
Instead, they should decide on relatively small modeling gigs. If a runway modeling
career is of interest, then seek out fashion shows. Models who just want
to be a local celebrity, might want to focus on smaller/lesser known magazine covers. If
international recognition and creating a buzz is the intent then focus on the internet... like modeling
for BrianX Magazine!
Anyone
can create a website these days. For a relatively small fee (usually a
mere few hundred $$), models can put a website onto the internet that
makes them appear as though they have the position of being a
supermodel. You won't necessarily be instantly recognized everywhere you
go but hey, maybe it's better that way!
Do
the right thing
The media has combined with the digital camera revolution to become an
incredibly influential force. Be watchful of the images of the future.
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