How To Make A Good Impression

How To Make A Good Impression

 

When you are at a casting it is unlikely you will be the only model there. If the casting is more of an audition (occasionally, models are asked to audition for an advert or to go to an open audition for a production or t.v. series,) you may even be auditioning with a group of other people. So, you want to stand out from the crowd. I'm going to focus on castings in this post as models will get more castings than auditions. 

When you arrive there is usually a receptionist at a desk. She or he will ask you your name, agency and height. As much as it sounds stupid, make sure YOU say your name and not the person who brought you. Although you might think it's only the receptionist, they could have a say in things at it still will make you look, sound, and feel confident anyway. The receptionist will give you a form to fill out asking some details about you (i.e your measurements and clothes size). They will then direct you to a waiting room.

So, you're in a small room full of people waiting to go in to the studio where you will have your photo taken. The person who brought you should probably fill in the form as you don't want to worry about writing email addresses and taking different measurements. You might be nervous, or not.  If you are nervous, try to control your nerves as you really don't want to come across as nervous in the pictures. If the casting is running late, use this extra time to spruce up your hair, maybe give your face a wipe to freshen up a bit. Don't sit there doing nothing as you will most probably get really bored and not in the right frame of mind for a casting. You want to feel and look really fresh and upbeat.

You will probably have a number that you were given at the reception desk. When your number is called, you will directed to the studio/room where you will be photographed. There will be a photographer and possibly some other people sitting at a desk. Look them in the eye and say hello. Wait for them to tell you what to do next. They might change you into some clothes from the brand you are casting for. Don't worry if the clothes are too big or small. It doesn't mean you haven't got the job or you are too fat/thin to be a model! They will have just brought a few samples in that some models will fit and some won't. More often than not however, they will just shoot you in what you are wearing. 

Once you are standing in front of the camera, the nerves might kick in. If they do, take a deep breath and remember the casting really isn't  that important. You need to only focus on what the photographer is telling you to do. If he or she asks you to do some poses of your own here are some that will make a good impression and some that definitely won't:

GOOD:

• One hand on hip. Smile. Look into the camera. Shift you weight slightly.
• Turn your body. Both hands on your hips. Small smile. Look back into the camera.
• Tilt your head. Small smile. Look slightly above the camera.
• One or two silly poses that show a bit of your personality! This helps you to be memorable.
• Just have fun and be girly. Laughing is good. 

BAD:

• Sexy poses. Sticking chest out, sticking bum out e.t.c.
• Pouting.
• Anything too little girly like blowing kisses, cupping chin with hands, skipping e.t.c. This looks a bit cheesy.
• Moving around too much - the pictures will be blurry.
• Standing there looking helpless is the WORST thing you can do!

If the photographer gives you any direction make sure you make note of it and change. Don't be upset if they tell you you are doing something wrong - they want to see how you take criticism and use it constructively. When it is time to go, say thank you and maybe ask when they will let you know whether you have got the job or not. The casting will probably only last 5 minutes and won't be too difficult. Just enjoy it and have fun.