The public sees a model’s photos online and in
magazines, they even watch them at fashion shows or a public photo shoot, but
all they see are glimpses of these moments. When it comes to modeling, there is
more to it than sitting around and waiting for your photo to be taken. The
models must learn how to pose their body, face, know their angles, be camera
ready, learn to walk, know how to market themselves and so on.
Modeling in El Paso has always been around,
but it was not until a few years ago when it became more popular and widely
used in the city. Before the lock down happened in the city, you could find
photographers and models shooting practically everywhere around the "Sun City" area.
Modeling in El Paso is a lot easier because of how popular social media has
become which has allowed more places to need and hire models for their
businesses.
Agencies
Working with an agency can really help connect
a model to other opportunities that could even lead to paid gigs. When a model
signs with an agency, they have the chance to attend modeling school where they
learn about posing, the model walk, makeup, working with photographers,
preparing for a shoot and so on. Although signing with an agency can hinder
what types of shoots and events models can attend to add to their portfolio and
it can (in some cases) come with a hefty price to be signed, these agencies can
help the model improve their skills and help them for future events like
pageants. These agencies can also provide an insight of future events that will
help build the model’s portfolio and the best photographers to work with in the
city.
Here are some of the top agencies in El Paso:
Ragazza
Bazaar Modeling Agency
Ragazza first began as
a fashion boutique and styling service for bloggers and fashionistas in 2011 by
Nancy Contreras. However, Contreras decided to pursue a modeling division in
2015 that provided training and development for aspiring models and later added
pageantry to it too. Ragazza promotes models via runway, photography, promotional events and digital campaigns.
FLY
Events Promotions
FLY Events Promotions
was founded by Brandy Wyche who began FLY in 2016 to help create diversity in
modeling. They showcase local designers, retailers and businesses, promote
short/tall, plus sized models, older models, models with tattoos and so on.
They believe in a different kind of beauty and about embracing one’s flaws
rather than focus on the standard kind of beauty.
Bazaar
Modeling Agency
Bazaar
has agencies in El Paso, TX., Albuquerque, NM., Santa Fe, NM., and Juarez, Mexico and was opened in 2009. They provide modeling workshops, consultations,
portfolio building, helping models gain opportunities in commercials, fashion
runways and so on.
Laura’s
Productions
Laura’s
Production is run by Laura Rayborn who has been in the modeling business
for over 20 years. She offers modeling classes, pageants, pageant training,
classes while helping the aspiring models increase their self-esteem.
LAT
Studios
Latin
American Talent began in 2005 to help aspiring models and actors with their
career goals by offering professional training. LAT also extended help for
aspiring dancers prepared for dancing with performance training.
Sun
City Pageants
Sun City Pageants was
created by Marco Alvarado in 2016 and offers modeling training and pageants for
those who desire to compete in pageants. These pageants offer a way for anyone
to compete in a non-political pageant that offers 4 areas of competition:
fashion, evening gown, interviews and photogenic.
Pros of
Modeling
Publications
Doing work for a magazine can be a lot of fun
and can lead to more shoots that may even lead to more paid ones too.
Meeting
New People
Modeling not only allows the model to meet new
photographers and models, but they also meet other kinds of people that are
involved in this line of work too. Networking and connecting with people can open
doors for anyone which is why it is always nice to meet new people.
New
Experiences
Modeling is unlike any other type of job
because the models are doing different types of things every time they go out
for a gig. They might be modeling as a mannequin for the day or they may be
promoting a new store, walking the runway, shooting a donut commercial or more.
Free
Stuff
Sometimes modeling gigs can lead to free
stuff, but do not always expect that to happen. Although it would be nice for
the model to be paid for their time or be given free items, that does not mean
that it will happen. However, when it does happen it is important to be
grateful for that because it is a nice gesture to appreciate.
Paid
Shoots
Modeling can lead to paid gigs and those kinds
of gigs are very cherished by the models because it makes them feel as if they
are worth something to the person who is paying them for their time.
(Editors note: local models who wish to pursue a full-time career may consider moving to a larger metropolitan city such as Los Angeles, Miami, New York etc where there is a higher likelihood of finding paid gigs. However, as El Paso grows, so will the chances of finding paid modeling jobs locally.)
Cons of
Modeling
Unpaid
Shoots
Modeling does not always pay the bills,
especially when the model first starts out. It does not mean that the model
will never get paid for their time and work, but it does mean that the model
needs to build their portfolio and be confident in their work to finally charge
for shoots.
(Editors note: As a rule of thumb, an established, experience model should expect, as asked to be paid for her modeling, when contacted by a less experienced photographer who is looking to build his or her portfolio. The flip side of that is that a less experienced model, should expect to have to pay a more experienced photographer so that she can build her portfolio with high quality images. Trades should happen when the level of talent and experience are relatively equal from both the photographer and model. Less experienced models, although they are in need of images for their portfolio, should research a photographers work to insure that it meets the standards and quality they are looking for. The last thing you want as a model, are bad images of yourself published for all to see that you took just because they were free.)
Unpredictable
Hours
Photo shoots and other modeling gigs take up a
lot of time and can be unpredictable which is why it is important for the model
to remember that they need to plan for shoots and not to overbook.
Being
Judged
When a person puts themselves out there in
public, they may experience people judging them for the type of shoots they
take or they may even be criticized for their body, how they look or who they
love. Modeling can be tough because the model will constantly be fighting with
their own insecurities unbeknownst to the public and then they will have to
deal with an outsider’s perspective of themselves on top of that too. This is
one of the hardest parts of modeling, but once a model stops caring what others
think of their work and focuses on being happy with themselves as a person then
everything gets easier after that.
Bad
Experiences
Modeling may have its ups, but it sure has
some downs. For example, occasionally a model will meet a photographer or agent
who is rude and disrespectful toward them. This can happen anywhere, but it is
important for the model to always take a friend with them to a shoot and to
never go alone to avoid bad and scary situations.
Tanya Torres is a content writer for Brian Burds at Century 21 who has written several publications as a freelance writer
for KISS-FM, Fusion Magazine, El Paso Times and many more.
Some photos taken during El Paso Fashion Week 2017 and others from the Mercedez Benz El Paso Fashion runway show 2016 which is not associated with El Paso Fashion Week / Lijuro Productions.
