First you need to get some photos taken and find a reputable agency.

Also, it is a good idea to take classes to show you how to stand, move, dress, apply make-up etc.

While my book "Hand Job" (available on amazon.com - search for Mike Ramsey or Hand Job) is more about hands and parts modeling, there is a lot of valuable information in the "how to" section at the back. Below is an excerpt from the book that applies to entering any aspect of modeling. The traditional way to become a model was to simply visit with an established agent, and either set up an individual appointment with the new talent director, or visit on their open-call day. Agents know exactly what types of people they will be able to put to work with their clients, and can give a thumbs-up or thumbs-down on the spot. Many "experts" have cautioned new models that they should not have to pay for anything to get started in modeling. This is just not the case. Even legitimate agencies expect a model to build a professional portfolio, with photos taken by working photographers. Sure, your cousin's or next door neighbor's snapshots may be enough for the agent to identify you as an up-and-comer, but clients want to see professional work. Even models who have been working for years, still budget hundreds or thousands of dollars per year to update and upgrade their marketing materials. I don't know how many thousands of dollars I spent during my career, testing and printing photographs for my portfolio and composite cards. It was an investment in my business. Professionals in every type of business, continually put money back into their business, to grow it. One term thrown around on modeling advice websites is that you should never have to pay for photos, but can do what is called TFP, or trade-for-prints. The reality of this is if you are already a working model, and a photographer wants to have you in his or her book, they might offer to give you photographs in exchange for spending an hour or two with them in their studio. This is often used to test new lighting techniques or new equipment, to add to the photographer's book, to get them more work. This is considered an investment in the photographer's book, and they cannot afford to spend time on a new model, helping them learn how to move or find the light. They want quality work from a professional model. New models just can't get this type of arrangement for their portfolio photographs, particularly at the beginning, when they have no experience. Even if you have what the photographer considers to be an interesting look, they might be willing to offer to "test" with you, where you will be expected to pay the expenses, such as film and developing costs, and you get some photos in return. This is the most common way that models build their portfolio. When you are brand new, you might even have to pay the photographer a session fee to get your "starter kit" portfolio photographs. This will be a nominal fee, usually lower than their regular session rate, and may range anywhere from a hundred dollars, up to two or three hundred dollars, plus the cost of any prints you request. Since you need a portfolio that shows the range of work you can perform, you should include photographs from several different photographers. Professionals and clients can spot portfolios shot by one photographer immediately. You will get better and more frequent jobs if you have photographs from many sources, showing a wide range of the looks you can present. There are now newer ways that people have employed to enter the modeling business. Modeling schools, modeling conventions, and talent scouting businesses promise that you will receive greater exposure from big clients by signing up with their service. Be very careful when you decide to try these methods. While some of them offer a decent value for the price you pay, sometimes providing all of the materials needed to get started at a reasonable price, there are quite a few unscrupulous individuals and groups out there, intent on taking your money, with no ability or intention to actually help you become a working model. Here are some warning flags, when seeking help from schools, conventions, or scouting organizations. The first is, how much are they charging? If you are paying more than a hundred dollars for each really good photo (look), that's too much. If you are offered only one photographer to shoot with, they have struck a deal with that photographer to receive a percentage of the photo session fee, and you will be paying too much for the photos. If they offer you a payment plan for your photos, they know that they are charging too much, and that the only way they can get people to join is to make the pain less intense with each payment. The next warning flag is, who initiated the process? Did you see an ad in the newspaper for open calls or auditions? Did someone approach you at the mall and say, "You should be a model"? Did you hear that "all the major agencies" will be at a particular convention? And most importantly, is money required for you to be a part of their business? Normally, prospective models decide that they want to get into the business, and contact the agent about representation. Agents tell you yes or no, based upon their professional opinion. Schools, conventions, and scouts change this process, and find you. I don't want to cast all modeling schools, conventions, and scouting companies in with the bad players, but you need to be careful when dealing with these groups. Often, they play with your ego, telling you things that you want to hear, instead of the hard truth. The truth is if everybody could be a model, it wouldn't pay so well. Don't let your ego empty your wallet. Read all about my experiences in modeling in the book "Hand Job", available in paperback and e-book from amazon.com, or go to www.mikeramsey.net/modeling.

I am a model, and found it really difficult to get advice, I went to open calls, but i found that I the agencies did not even really give me a second look, and there were always so many girls. Anyway I found this great workshop called THE MODEL PROJECT its really amazing! its actually run by modelling agents and they tell you everything you need to know abouy getting an agency, they even gave me an image assessment and gave me some great tips, even booked me hair appointements at a top salon for really cheap. It gave me mad confidence, a new image, and I got some great training, they even told me what agencies I would be suitable for: its only one day but its well worth it. Check out their site www.themodelproject.org

The first step is to get a proffesional looking portfolio together. This should contain an assortment of photos (preferably by several different photographers) which show you in a variety of poses and outfits. Ideally it should include a good range of the different kinds of work you are willing to do (some fashion shots, some glamour shots, some art shots for example) and include a range of facial close-ups and shots that show your figure (not necessarily nude, but in clothes which cling enough to show you off) and exhibit a variety of different "looks" to show your versatility. Building up a portfolio can be time consuming, but shouldn't be particularly difficult provided you're prepared to put in the man-hours. Many proffesional photographers will do shoots with amateur models on a PFT (Prints For Time) basis- which essentially means that you don't get paid but get copies of the shots (and usually a CD-Rom with the digital copies on as well) to add to your portfolio- it takes some legwork tracking down photographers and unless you live in a large city you may well have to travel- but it reaps rewards. Snapshots, however flattering, just don't cut it. Trawl the internet, your local phonebook and newspapers for names of photographers, don't be frightened to place an ad yourself saying that you are an aspiring model looking for work. Don't rule out photography students at local universities, who have access to college facilities and will often produce a surprisingly good shoot. Approach them politely, e-mail is normally best as it reduces the risk of you cathing them on the hop by phone, just briefly explain who you are that you are building a portfolio and would be interested in doing a shoot- attach one or two photographs of yourself (if its your first shoot a snapshot will do as long as its clear and your clothes aren't baggy). Sometimes they invit eyou for a shoot straight away, or they might invite you for a consultation- which is basically an informal chat to descern if you're what each other is looking for. Don't be too put off if a few photographers aren't interested- they may be busy, or they may feel that your look doesn't fit their particular style (I know of one female photographer who frequently turns down gorgeous busty blondes on the grounds that she prefers more "natural" shoots. Needless to say, the rejected girls normally have no difficulty finding someone else to shoot them). Occasionally its worth paying for a really good photographer if you can't find anyone willing to do PFT, particularly if you're really keen on getting his work into your portfolio, but in general I'd advise against paying out huge amounts unless he's offering something very special (such as a well known name, or a style of shoot that you're really interested in doing but is difficult to find)- if a photographer isn't enthusiastic enough about adding you to his portfolio to lend an hour of his time you should perhaps question whether modelling is really for you. Modelling, particularly glamour and art modelling is often much more than a case of standing around being told what to do (although you need to be willing to do that on occasion too!) You'll usually be able to discuss your ideas and needs with a photographer to help create something that works for you both. Some will expect you to put a lot of creative work in when deciding on a basic "feel" for the shoot whereas others will have very set ideas of what they want to do. Meet them half way- go t the first meeting with some ideas in your head but don't get too fixated on them. Be aware that most shoots are anything but the glamourous busy affairs portrayed in the media- more often than not it will be just you and the photographer in a small studio with a screen for you to change behind. You'll sometimes be expected to do your own hair and make up (and it isn't always made clear when you arrange the shoot) so do take plenty of cosmetics with you just in case. In some cases (particularly if you use a student photographer) you'll be expected to play an active role in the direction of the shoot- helping to choose, and usually provide your own clothes. It doesn't hurt to be prepared : always wax your legs and get your hair done before a shoot, and if appropriate- tan. Ask beforehand if there's anything specific the photographer wants you to bring- even if he's non-specific, its advisable to have a few bits with you just in case. I always take at least one pair of heels and a few changes of lingerie, but it will depend a lot on the type of modelling you do- so use a little judgement. Make sure you build a good reputation for yourself- photographers communicate with each other, so mess with one and you mess with all. Treat shoots and auditionslike job interviews, be friendly and agreeable, turn up on time and with everything you agreed. If you are paying, pay up promptly. It goes without saying that safety is paramount- always try to meet a photographer for an informal chat (at very least speak on the phone) and make sure you see samples of his previous work. Arrange clearly before hand what will be expected and exactly what you will and won't do (if he tries to coax you into "adult" shots run a mile - unless that's what you've signed up to do obviously!) Don't be afraid to back out of a deal if anything makes you uncomfortable. Its generally a good idea to take a friend along with you to the shoot (no legitimate photographer will have a problem with this) and be aware that most countries have an agency such as the UK's ModelSafe, that reputable photographers can register with (works a bit like the taxi driver registration service). Once you've built up your portfolio, you need to get it out there. One of the best ways is via the internet- there are lots of sites that allow you to upload your portfolio for free on the understanding that it will be perused by photographers and agencies who will then contact you if they are interested in doing a shoot. The best ones are probably: www.purestorm.com (international, all types of modelling- also has some great advice articles for first timers) www.be_seen_here.com (mainly glamour based) Although you will find many more if you run a google search. You upload the best shots from your portfolio and add a little information about yourself, your location, your experience and the kind of work you are willing to do (Think about this carefully- you may think now that a topless shot would be fun, but you may feel differently when it comes to actually doing it- and photographers don't like timewasters) You can also search online for agencies (if you have one locally thats great, but a national one can get you more work). Agencies can take a lot of the marketing legwork out of modelling. The drawback is that you don't have the same freedom about the work you take as if you market yourself freelance. Another answer suggests that you could take classes to learn how to dress, pose, apply make up etc. I would approach any classes advertising themselves as "modelling schools" with great caution- they are often scams. Even the legitimate ones teach little that couldn't be picked up elsewhere. Posture and poise can be gained just as easily (and perhaps even more effectively) from ballet and pilates classes, and I don't think its something that can be taught in isolation- although some may disagree. If you're really terrible with make up (and few girls are, although male models sometimes need a little more help!) you can get a free make-up lesson from stores such as The Body Shop- the basics of application and the colours that suit you are really all you need. The key to getting your foot in the door is to treat it like any other business- you have a product to sell, the product is you. You have to be merciless in advertising and showing it off to its best advantage. Get your face on every website you can, advertise in your local paper, even on a card in your local shop. It can take time before you start earning money for your shoots, but any experience is beneficial. If you're comfortable with the type of work offered, take it. Good luck with it.

-Get the best photographer you can find photo quality is everything. Find the best local professional. -Have a website/portfolio created to display them E-mail every designer in your area the website address http://rorygraphics.com/bridgethall/index.html http://rorygraphics.com/carolina/index.html

-Get the best photographer you can find photo quality is everything. Find the best local professional. -Have a website/portfolio created to display them E-mail every designer in your area the website address http://rorygraphics.com/bridgethall/index.html http://rorygraphics.com/carolina/index.html

-Get the best photographer you can find photo quality is everything. Find the best local professional. -Have a website/portfolio created to display them E-mail every designer in your area the website address http://rorygraphics.com/bridgethall/index.html http://rorygraphics.com/carolina/index.html

First of all be sure to get the help advice and a powerful portfolio. you find help on www.modelsconnect.net be prepared to chase agencies and receive negative answers

You need to register with legitimate agencies in order to get good jobs see www.nationaltalentassociation.com for information on how to avoid being scammed

First of all you need photos. OR Just walk into an agency in NYC,Chicago,Miami, or Los Angeles. If you can't get there the best thing is to send 3 pictures to agencies in those locations. Don't bother with local small agencies unless you want small little work. If you need pictures then you need to find a photographer. go to sites like www.modeldaily.com to ind photographers, makeup artists, other models, wardrobe stylists and other industry insiders. Get some good quality pictures that you can send to agencies by email. One headshot that looks very editorial and fashion like and then two full body shots with simple clothes. Don't send nude shots!! Follow up with the agencies with a quick call about a week later. Don't be surprised if they say no. It happens to everyone. Check sites like modeldaily.com for castins too. Good luck!

There are many different types of modeling out there such as fashion, commercial, and catalog to name a few. It is always a good idea to first determine what type of modeling will be best for you based on your look. For example high fashion models are usually tall, slim, young and beautiful. So if you fit this mold then your chances to succeed in this area would be greater. The next step would be to get yourself out there and working. You can do this by finding a reputable agent. He or She should then help you in obtaining professionally done photos and improving your portfolio along the way so you can actually book jobs. In addition to you getting an agent, You will have to market yourself and network if you want to be successful in this business. Networking with other models is always a good idea because you can learn about other job opportunities and also get very good advice. A very good and cost effective marketing tool is the use of the internet. There are some good websites out there that is dedicated to helping models get real opportunities and exposure. There is this site: http://www.iseekfame.com which you can now register via email to be notified when the site goes live. This site is going to be dedicated to people like you who are trying to break through and also those who already have. you will be able to create profiles and also gain insight by communicating online with other successful members in the modeling industry. Here is the link: http://www.iseekfame.com GOOD LUCK!