Glamour without grooming is like a dish with out salt, which has the right ingredients but the final touch is missing. The glamour industry today is a big industry in India, not to mention the role of grooming has to play in that.

All the role models that we see taking the ramp or the commercials that air the channels grooming has had a very important part to play in making these models. It is the basic foundation of the glamour industry on which the tall bulding of glamour is shining high in its bright colors for us to see and appreciate.

Right from the time any model is introduced he or she is put through intense sesions of grooming where they are taught the basics of fashion which include make up techinques, rampwalk, the attitude to keep etc. So once they hit the scene they seem so perfect to us, not to mention the invisible role that grooming has put in, which we seem to just pass by.

Today the grooming industry is an institution by Itself , a jewel in the crown of glamour. Various experts offer their expertise and train the up comming models of today, they have courses where they teach the models all they ought to know. Even the crown that our glamour queens win which make us feel so proud of our country is a result of grooming.

Today grooming is quite an unseen industry in the world of glamour but the day is not far when it comes out in open and gets its deserve. So next time all you folks when you sit down to watch fashion show and go ga-ga over all the proffessional models don't forget to think of grooming and the role it has played in making things so rosy so real.

The portfolio is the only thing that directly reflects the career of a Model. The tools of your trade are your portfolio photographs and your resume. Portfolio is a model's basic promotional tool consisting of an album showing the best photos from tests and bookings. Since the market is the deciding factor, you must place your product, i.e., your portfolio photos, in the market.A model's portfolio is their main selling tool. Presentation, quality and variety of shots are all very important factors to be considered.

Every agency, coordinator or producer will address this area differently. However, we all agree that the photos in your book should be only the best that you can provide. It does not matter whether you have more black-and-white photos than colour ones; great pictures are great pictures. Some photographers might suggest that you shoot more colour than black-and-white, since it works better and is often less expensive.
Your portfolio should 'read' just like any other book: It should have a terrific beginning, a strong middle and a sensational ending. The people looking at it should want to turn the pages with curiosity. And each page should satisfy that curiosity. It should display your strengths to potential clients and show what you are capable of selling, be it clothes, cars or cosmetics.
Your portfolio is your responsibility. When not in use, it should always be at the agency as they may have clients that come into the agency that they would like to show. This may be a reason to have a secondary portfolio, or better yet, an on-line portfolio that anyone with Internet access can view.

The total number of photos that you should use from each photo session depends primarily on the art direction. For an editorial spread, you might use as many as five photos - say, one large and four small. The large one could be displayed on one side of the spread and the four smaller photos opposite. If you have only one terrific photo, people would prefer to see it alone rather than displayed with a photo that clashes. For example, it would be a mistake to display a shot in a summer dress next to one in a salwar-kameez.
If possible, also try to include photos where you are interacting with other models. This will show prospective clients that you can work with others in a compatible way. However, do not include such a photo if you are not looking your best. If another model is the focus of the photo, your casting agent will wonder whether it is wise to show you next to competition.

At the beginning of your fashion modelling career, your portfolio should include:
* At least two head shots with two different expressions (one smiling and one serious, or one in the studio and one outdoors).
* At least two fashion shots (one casual and one a little more formal). If you move well, you might like to include an action shot.
* At least one full-length shot showing the proportion of your body (feet to knees, knees to thighs, thighs to waist, waist to shoulders, shoulders to the top of your head). You could wear a leotard or a body suit, depending on what makes you comfortable and flatters your figure.

A full portfolio consists of about twenty-four 9"x12" photos and tears (from magazines). Remember: it is better to have less photos, but ones that are really strong, than a full portfolio with photos that are mediocre. Every portfio needs a mix of commercial and editorial shots, location and studio. You will also need at least one great body shot (professional and tasteful - editorial style is best) and one beautiful B&W headshot with minimal makeup.
What is important is that you must 'become' the photo and direct and project every ounce of your energy and personality towards the camera.
No matter what your mood, you must always give it your best and leave any unhappy feelings outside the studio. If you are not really 'into' a photo, it will probably show on the film, even if the rest of the team has done a first-rate job. YOU are the key to the success of a photo.

Today we have many sources of becoming a model which are easily accessible to us if u feel you have the nerve and instincts to be a model, for instance we have Apna Face of the Week contest which is held every week on www.Apnabangalore.com . And this website has become a platform for the upcoming and aspiring models.

Let's start with fashion modelling, which is quite a limited avenue as of now, but gaining in momentum. It encompasses everything from fashion shoots for glossies to mail-order catalogues; from live shows for haute couture houses to rag trade promotions. The term 'FASHION', in this context, refers to clothing and accessories.

To work in this area you must be a sample size - women need to be (at least) 167.5 cm. tall, weigh 50 kg. to 60 kg. and possess vital statistics of 85-60-87.5 cm. Men should be about (at least) 180 cm. tall, weigh approximately 80 kg., with vital statistics of 100-80-95 cm. What's essential for both sexes is clear healthy skin, good teeth, a great smile, expressive eyes and healthy hair. Also, you should be an extrovert by nature and uninhibited, even inspired, by crowds.

Modelling clothes is an art: the art of learning how to walk, to move, and show off the clothing to best effect to help sell it. When potential customers look at a model, they generally imagine themselves in that outfit. Clothing is designed to appeal to people leading specific lifestyles as well as to those simply aspiring to them. The entire effect created by the model, the mood, the clothing, the art direction and the advertisement placement, must enhance the image of the clothes and be consistent throughout.

If you do not get a particular job, keep in mind that your 'look' may have been considered inappropriate for that particular shoot. Do not take it personally - perhaps you will have the right image for the next audition!

Madhu Sapre, Mehr Jessia, Sheetal Mallar,Lara Dutta, Sri Krupa Murali, Diya Abraham , Jackie Shetty, Sargam Gupta and the list continues...

They have strong and distinctive features. Exotic looks are popular. The majority of High Fashion models live in Bombay.

Children and Teens Modelling
Children and teens can find work in many different types of modelling including fashion shows and commercials. Teen models are generally called Junior models. Junior models must be 5'0" to 5'6" tall and 12 to 17 years old with very youthful looks. They usually have 32-34" busts, 21-25" waists and 32-34" hips.

Editorial Print Modeling
This refers to photography for magazines, including covers. This work is very eagerly sought after by models because of the exposure it provides. For this reason you can expect to work long and hard but you will get tear sheets for your portfolio that will help you get work. Catalogue Modeling These models are hired to appear in catalogues like Otto Burlington to sell clothes / everyday products to average people. Requirements are flexible.

Commercial Print Modeling
This refers to when models are photographed to promote a product on billboards, buses, magazines and newspapers. This type of modeling can be divided into two sections: Fashion Advertising and Product Advertising.