About Us - The face of urban modeling!
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This kind of card is usually for "models" meaning that they are tall, thin, etc. Tall being 5'8" and over. At 5'9", our sample model is a "short" model!
Note that there is an "eye catching" photo on the front with her stats. You can put exact measurements, shoe size, etc. as well.
The back has at least one full body shot. (Showing off the legs is a must for a model!)
Try to have different hair styles, show different moods. I do wish that there was a shot showing her teeth.
Most the jobs we are booking are NOT for the high fashion model.
Commercial Comp Card
Commercial print models are the bread and butter of the industry... that's what department stores are looking for in their ads.
Being "in size" is the critical factor. It doesn't matter what you look like, how tall you are, etc. if you do not fit their clothing specs, you should not be submitted for the job.
Note the various looks, the colors. Note that this is NOT from one photo session. I had to airbrush the logo from the top left photo--NEVER have a logo showing! While this card doesn't have a true full body shot, there are three 3/4 shots.
Many of our clients have asked about comp cards (ZEDs) so I thought I would try to show you what I am looking for, how they are layed out, etc. These are not our sample model's real comp cards, I just put them together to use for samples.
The above samples, if printed, would have the left hand side as the front, the right hand side as the back. However, electronic comp cards are becoming more important and you could use something like the above.
For the most part, Off The Hook Models clients would use the second type of card almost exclusively. "Comp Cards" are merely the shortened version of the term "Composite Cards" which means a collection (composite) of photos gathered on one card. They are also called "ZED" cards, though that term seems to be dying out and primarily only exists in the western states. Basically, it is a model's calling card, just as the headshot is the actor's calling card. Comp cards are NOT used for acting auditions. The front of your card must WOW the viewer. The back of your card needs to show your versatility and range. Note that while we are trying for different looks, not one of these looks like a costume. "Lifestyle" shots are great--like the green shorts with the car. If you have an ad that is not more than a year or so old, you could put that on your comp card---but only if it is a terrific shot of you. Note that she is only "model posing" in the blue shirt--the rest are more relaxed. I chose the burgundy shirt photo because she looks a little more Hispanic--ethnic mixes are often sought out. Do you need a comp card (electronic or hard copy)? If you only have 3-4 photos and they look pretty much the same, there really isn't any point in having a comp card. The better comp cards are a compilation of print work and several photo sessions...if you look the same, are wearing the same things, it doesn't matter if you have a one photo card or a ten photo card. The point is to show your versatility. Having said that, you don't want to be so different that you knock yourself out of a job. For example, if I were submitting our sample model for a JC Penney Teen line, the high fashion 'adult' looking woman sitting on the couch would probably scream "she's too old...she's too mature...she's too skinny" and lose her the opportunity. Another thing to consider is that if you are particularly good at something--horseback riding, skateboarding, etc. then one of your photos should reflect that. This doesn't mean that you have to be sitting on a horse--it could merely mean that you are dressed in casual "horsey" clothes and shot in a barn setting, or on a fence post, etc. Your photos can merely "suggest" the activity. If fitness is part of your life, consider a shot in a simple yoga pose or running attire. For kids, there is always the temptation to go overboard on the cutsey--have your ONE shot with the umbrella, the oversized bow, the teddy bear, but please use the other shots to showcase your child. Sunglasses, etc. are cute, but you have covered half of the child's face! On the east coast, we don't really need the swimsuit photos. (The only bare chests I want to see need to be over 18 and a strong 6 pack!) Finally, keep in mind that a comp card should show the PERSON, not focus on the photographer's skills or the graphics design elements or the makeup person's flair with eye shadow. Not only are you showing what you LOOK like, you are showing that the camera loves you and that you are comfortable in front of the camera. |
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