Modeling and Acting, Winnipeg Modeling/Acting, Winnipeg Acting and Modeling, Winnipeg Modeling and Acting, Vancouver Acting and Modeling, Vancouver Acting/Modeling, Vancouver Modeling and Acting, Vancouver Modeling/Acting, Canadian Model and Actors, Portfolio Building, TFP, Information on Modelling, Tobias Beharrell, Zane Media Photography, Winnipeg Modeling, Winnipeg Modelling, Vancouver Modeling, Vancouver Modelling

Welcome! If you have been searching for information on Professional Modeling or Acting, this webpage may prove very helpful in pointing you in the right direction. Besides information on the modeling business and how to start a career, there is a lot of info regarding having professional photographs taken as well. That is, afterall, the whole point... I am a photographer, you are a model, and...

"Your image is your calling card - you need Images with Soul!"

             - Tobias Beharrell
               Zane Media Photography
              "Images With Soul"

Suggested Reading

Note: I do not sell these books, nor do I profit in any way from them. I have included them here merely as references that I believe may be valuable in helping you with your career.

So you're all hyped, ready to take the next step in realizing your dream to become a professional model.   You have a stack of glam magazines, promotional sheets for everything from Banana Republic to Jean Paul Gautier stacked floor to ceiling in the
corner of your room,   and you've looked through every one of them at least a hundred times.   This is it.   You   know   this is what you   want to do. The   only problem is that you don't know what to do next. The most important thing you can do next is to start promoting yourself in the best manner possible -- build a portfolio!

You boot-up the computer, hit Google and enter "modelling AND career AND how to start", and come up with 928,000 hits. Oh no!   You refine your search to
better reflect   modeling in your own area and   find there are message boards, blogs, you name it.   After looking through these for a few hours, you realize you need some serious photographs. You've heard that to build a portfolio of photos can cost thousands of dollars.   Rather   than   paying   thousands of dollars for professional quality portfolio photos, you decide to try to "earn" these prints by posing for a photographer's projects (TFP) . The next step is to start your search for a photographer in your area, and you find there are over three-hundred (or thousand, depending on where you live).   Yikes! What do I do?    This website is   a   link   from   professional   photographer   Tobias Beharrell's (that's me) photography site.    And "what to do" is the reason I put this page online. I want it to be helpful, I want it to inform accurately and (last but not least) I hope to take some of the stress out of piecing this puzzle in your life together - regardless of whether you are just starting out, or have had success in the modeling and/or acting businesses already.

There ARE pro-tographers (such as myself) who can work with you, resulting in extremely high-quality prints for less than "thousands of dollars", but it depends on many factors. These may include current workload, your personal potential as a success, what point in your career you are at, where the shooting is to be done (i.e. studio or on-location/s and how much time it will take -- both setting up, wardrobe changes, shooting and processing) and how many images you hope for on completion. Personally, I process all of my work myself, which usually ends up in a quicker turn-around and allows for more "artistic" possibilities.   Working with some of the best professional digital photography equipment available today allows much more opportunity for quality,   creativity   and   value   (see "Trade Means Equal Value", below). If you decide to hire me, please note I can no longer TFP.

Many young aspiring models feel that "because I'm beautiful" people will want to take my photo." Well, that's only partially true. There are hundreds of thousands of aspiring models -- and if you can't do the work the photographer needs -- you'll soon find yourself without anyone wanting to work with you.

You should have a strong, basic idea of the types of shots that you need to get done for your own portfolio and promotion, and discuss these shots with the photographer. The professional photographer does this all of the time... trust that he/she knows what they are talking about. Aim for the quality shots that you need and you will really get your "money's worth".

Working with a seasoned photographer is beneficial-
- many professional photographers also have com-
mercial assignments that they shoot, and when there
is a spot for a model with your look they'll
quite likely "do you a favor" and help try to
get you cast in the part.

An important key here is to remember there is no such thing as a free ride. You have to give something valuable (time, release, payment etc.) in order to get something of a similar worth. If something sounds too good to be true -- it very likely is.

While I encourage all models to shoot as often as possible, I also strongly discourage models from selecting any photographer based on the "number of prints" you are going to get.

As always, quality is much more important (and valuable) than quantity ever is!

"I   met   Tyra   Banks   in Vancouver, where I lived at the time, and was talking to her for about five minutes or so.   As soon as I had said "take care - see you later", three     or     four     of      my co-workers were surrounding me, asking "Tobias!   What was she like!   What is she like!?"

I said, "What was who like?" I had no clue what they were talking about. "You were just talking to Tyra Banks" they excitedly explained,   "what was it like?"

It was "like" I was talking to a polite, everyday person who was   interested    enough   in what I, myself, was doing to stop and talk.   I honestly had no   idea   that   it   was   Tyra Banks that I was talking with.
And besides,   I was talking to a "polite",    everyday person". She just happens to be a "supermodel".

One of the most important things I could possibly express to models or actors with respect to their photography shoots is this: There is a difference between quality and quantity. One GREAT print for your portfolio is worth a tremendous amount more than even 1000 mediocre (or just "okay") ones!

It is unfortunate that (especially in the beginning) many models want to work with those photographers who will give them the most prints, rather than those who will give them the best prints. I have seen it time and time again -- if a "photographer" is willing to give you whatever you ask for with next to nothing in return, especially lots of prints and without requiring a release be signed by you -- they are completely amateur and have very poor photography. The only way such photographers can get models to pose "in-trade" is to give them whatever they want. When the photographer does not require a release, often times the model ends up with photographs that look more like (forgive me) "pin-up porn" than professional modeling poses, and the model ends up with no usable poses because the content and quality are both unacceptable for a portfolio. You know it... is the photographer more concerned with creating great photography, or just having the chance to see a goodlooking person, sometimes with very few or no clothes on?
There may be a time and place for such "unclothed" images, but please, please, ensure the photographer you choose is a professional!

While TFP is sometimes the only way a person can get their initial shots in for a portfolio, there is no doubt about it: If you are SERIOUS about professional modeling or acting, you need a SERIOUS professional portfolio. Normally (from professional photographers that have time or reason to do TFP's), you get a finished 8x10 or two per hour of posing. Portfolio images are one of the most important facets of your career. It is the foundation that will lift you to professional status. The bottom line? It is well worth the effort to save up a few hundred dollars to truly get what it is you hoped for in the beginning -- something you are excited about and confident to pass on to agencies. As much as I dislike saying it, there is truth in the words "you get what you pay for". Whether you pay or trade for the services of a photographer, few professionals will give you much more than a couple of high-quality prints for each hour of posing. This is not because the photographer is "cheap and stingy", but rather because each print has "real worth". If you walk away (as a model/actor) with just a few prints from a session with a professional, it is well worth it if the quality is there to build a "job-winning portfolio". That is what it is all about! So many low-quality, unprofessional shots are not useful to anyone, but a few select, high-grade shots are extremely valuable to a model, actor or entertainer. And to think -- some people are still using their driver's photo!

When a photographer has built a portfolio, whether printed or online, and reached a certain skill level recognized as "professional", then the final product and the photographer's "routine" are also more professional. I have never met a professional photographer who does any type of work without requiring a "retainer fee" to confirm a booking or who fails to ask the model for a signed release. It is absolute stupidity not to, as (legally) the images could not even be used by the photographer to show as promotional work for their business - something beneficial to you as well (when the photographer is high-calibre)! Think about it. It just makes sense! Skilled photographers are business-like. Period. Not only that, but it takes many years, and tens of thousands of dollars for professional equipment that is constantly evolving and upgrading to succeed in this field.

I receive dozens of emails and inquiries every month from individuals who are "extremely interested" in modeling, or in building a portfolio so that they can present and promote themselves. As much as I would rather not say it, please trust me when I urge you to be serious about your career and potential modeling shoots prior to contacting a photographer. My experience has proven that 50% of the "serious inquiries" I receive end up in the individual getting all the information they can, "booking a shoot" and then never following through with it. Professional photographers are everywhere, they think, and if something does not work out with this one, I can always try someone else. Not only is this approach un- professional, but it will lead to your name being associated with "amateur" or "wannabe" or "Information Digger". Most professional photographers (including myself) are more than happy to give some advice when it comes to what you need to do to start or jumpstart your career. But the bottom line is without a professional portfolio, you don't even have so much as a "calling card" to present yourself to potential agencies/productions! Take photographers as seriously as you would a job interview with a fashion magazine. As a professional model, which would you prefer? A bunch of pin-up or unclassy photos, or fashion shots and editorial style shots that appeal to the market you are entering?

There are always people out there who do not have your best interests in mind. You need to assess each individual, whether a photographer, agent, agency or publication just as you would assess any other stranger you meet. Sometimes professional photographers will want the models to do glamour or nude work. Many people are concerned about being connected with provocative photos -- this may be a stumbling block you will have to overcome, but it should not be with the photographer, it should be with a job-offer. If a photographer suggests you pose for this type of image, it is wise to realize that highly provocative photographs are not the type of image you will generally want for a professional portfolio. There may, however, be occasions when a job requires a model to pose provocatively and my best advice for this is to remember that you are only "acting a part." The viewer is seeing the "image" and not "Jane Doe, aspiring model." Advice? Never do anything you are not comfortable with, or feel vulnerable doing!

just beginning to allow your child    to    experience    the business, there   are   many ways   you   can   "prepare" them for what may lie ahead.

For example, if it is their first "real" photoshoot, practise with your own camera (and flash!) ahead of time.   Do this at least three   or   four times (on different days)and try   to   use the words and terms that you would expect to be used at   the profes- sional shoot    (i.e. "shoot", "photoshoot", "compcard", "headshot","hold that pose", etc.)

This will   be   tremendously helpful come photo time, as the child will not feel what is happening is so foreign anymore.

If you are not sure if your child   is   suitable   to be a model,   seek   professional advice!   Take a few home- done   photographs    to   an agency in your city and ask about   the child's potential, as    well    as    the    current market    needs   for    young models.

Don't   forget   to   phone or make an appointment first! Most   agencies and repre- sentatives are bombarded by hundreds or thousands of   inquiries   every week -- modeling is a big business, and there are a lot of people who want a "piece" of that business! Be mindful of manners!

If you would like to discuss a photographic modeling session with me, please do not hesitate to call (or email) and ask any questions you may have such as fees*, prices and arrangements. But most of all, be excited and enjoy yourself! That is one of the reasons you want to be (or are) a model/actor, is it not? To love what you do, to do it well and to have fun doing it! That, too, is my philosophy as a photographer. Serious inquiries only, please.

Note: Please, if contacting me by telephone, do hesitate to "leave a message". I am frequently working on-location, in-studio or elsewhere during "regular business hours" and may very well have to return your call or email in the evening. Thank you for your understanding.

* Vancouver: Born and raised in Vancouver, B.C., I visit the city as frequently as possible and usually allows time for photography sessions while there. If you are in Vancouver, please inquire as to the next time I will be available in your area for a photo session. Please try to arrange this as far in advance as possible!

Like to know more about me? Click here for my Bio.

Fees: A typical photoshoot lasting 2 hours, including original images on disc and 1-2 hours of post-production ("air-brushing"/perfecting/effects) on images may cost between $350-500. This is just an example. Many factors contribute to the cost, including images printed (if any) and size, number of images, wardrobe changes (time) setup and location. To make a booking, call or email specifics of what you need/want in order to ascertain a cost for your job. There is no fee to do this. Serious inquiries only, please. See here for specific rates.