“I was very nervous when I arrived. My hair & makeup was amazing & Dave was fantastic in putting all my nerves aside & directing me through the shoot while he took pictures.
The hardest part is actually choosing which pics you like because they are all so great!
Made me feel like a confident supermodel & cannot wait for my book of pics to be published xx””

— Emma

Almost everyday we get approached by girls desperate to be models.

Naturally they believe that they’re so good looking and talented that we would absolutely be desperate to photograph them for free and give them all the images. Why wouldn’t we?

Modelling, after all, is pretty easy, right?

Just be beautiful and pose for the camera and …. well, that’s it. that’s how to make the big bucks. Kate Moss did it. How hard can it be?

Oh, if only life were that simple…

With nearly 20 years experience photographing beautiful women and more than 20 years presenting as a DJ on the radio, I can offer a dual insight into what it takes to become a model so read on if you think you have what it takes.

Radio DJs share many similar attributes to models. Both careers have far more people trying to get work than are actually earning a living. Both are seen as glamorous and a far better option than getting a ‘real job’

Unfortunately, though, both modelling and DJ-ing attract people with fragile egos that need to be loved and adored and have a strong desire to be famous. A motivation that will only lead to disappointment if you don’t have the talent to match.

Do not underestimate the amount of work you need to put into become a model. It really isn’t about looks and flicking your hair back and pouting for selfies on instagram.

The way I got into radio was by putting in several years hard work with long hours earning less than petrol money.

One of the most popular DJs on Capital right now spent years in the office making tea and generally ‘helping out’ learning his craft. He was always around, waiting and learning. It took time but the work paid off.

The way I got into photography was by learning my craft, study, practice, college and literally thousands of pounds in course fees over several years (Thousands also buying equipment) – I’ll never stop learning or investing. It’s a continual process.

Don’t disillusion yourself by thinking that becoming a model is any easier.

Good models work long hours and work hard. The check out tills at Morrisons will seem like an easier way to make a living. You’ll have to travel, learn to be rejected and deal with disappointment (Like being kicked off the X-Factor) You’ll need to work on every aspect of your lifestyle. What you eat, how you exercise and most importantly, how you come across as a person. Your personality is at least as important as your looks (perhaps even more important)

There are a million amazingly beautiful women out there all wanting to be a model. What makes you better? What makes you different?

It better not be your pout or your pretty hair or your nice legs or you’ll just become lost in the sea of pretty girls with the same qualities.

If it’s passion, enthusiasm and dynamic personality then you just might have the qualities it takes.

As for all the girls who approach us for portfolio pictures, we say…

Don’t expect to get a career in modelling from our pictures of you. Expect to get amazing pictures which will last for the rest of your life. Amazing pictures which make you look at ease in front of the camera, posed dynamically and professionally finished to magazine standard. Enjoy the pictures for what they are. Beautiful pictures of you. Use them as you will.

It’s a fast track way to get a professional portfolio together and probably preferable to spending months building a body of work from lots of ‘free’ shoots with dodgy or early starter photographers. Many go that route, but it will take time and be frustrating along the way.

Becoming a model is entirely up to you.

Work hard, don’t give up, practice, don’t give up and most importantly, never give up…Then you might just be one in a million.

Remember, modelling is a career, not a part time job. It needs dedication and patience because, with very rare exceptions, it doesn’t happen overnight. You must have the right attitude for this type of work. You must be alert, intelligent, resourceful, reliable, patient, good-natured and must also have a great deal of common sense and a good sense of humour!