Will real models and actors become obsolete?

Welcome to the age of digital models and actors.  As technology continues to grow we are seeing more, perhaps creepy trends in it's use.  This is especially true when it comes to replicating humans to bring back actors that have passed on or create completely different characters that do not even exist.  A recent and very controversial move by Hollywood to reproduce the late actor Paul Walker in the movie Furious 7.  Walker was killed in a car accident in 2013.  His untimely death took place halfway through the making of Furious 7.



It was Peter Jackson's Weta Digital was asked to complete the sensitive and arduous task of reanimating Walker for Furious 7, and its cutting-edge work points toward a future where most actors can be re-created seamlessly if needed.  While the details and specifics on how they did this remain a secret (The company declined to comment on its specific contributions), the results are clear..  It appears that we are truly entering a time in which models and actors can be reproduced at anytime, dead or alive.  This practice is not entirely new however.  For years, filmmakers have developed sophisticated techniques for replacing missing actors. Robin Shenfield, CEO of London-headquartered The Mill, which led the Oscar-winning visual effects on 2000's Gladiator, explains how that film coped when Oliver Reed suffered a fatal heart attack during filming.  Footage from outtakes was used to create a digital mask that was added to shots of a body double. "He also had dialogue, so we changed his mouth movement," says Shenfield.

However unlike techniques of the past the latest technology now allows for a virtual character that is indistinguishable from a real person.  And this leads to a lot of questions.  In the near future will 'real' actors even be needed?  Will fashion models, teen models and child models be replaced with digital creations?  We have already become accustomed to the unrealistic and near perfect images that can be created and manipulated through Photoshop and it is likely that digital created characters will also share similar qualities.  What does this mean for the fashion and entertainment industry?

Another important aspect of a storyline is to truly identify with the character.  In order for this to happen the character must be relatable.  Could you have genuine feelings for a character if you knew the character was created using high tech digital software?  Also how would the families of past actors feel to see their dearly departed loved ones appearing in upcoming blockbuster movies?  These are all interesting questions and as our technology continues to progress we will see even more potentially creepy use of digital models and actors.

New model portfolio added by adult model Vitalina at MyModelPlace.com

New model portfolio added by teen model Vitalina at MyModelPlace.com

Vitalina is a talented young model with professional experience. She has been involved in various media work including image and videos.  Vitalina is fairly new to professional fashion modeling but she is experienced in amateur photo shoots, plays, and video work.  She has a natural appearance and enjoys being in front of the camera.

If you are interested in hiring this model please contact us!  Do you want to be a model?  You can register FREE as a model here:  https://mymodelplace.com/model-registration.html

New model portfolio added by adult model Sasha at MyModelPlace.com

New model portfolio added by teen model Sasha at MyModelPlace.com

Sasha is a talented young model with professional experience. She has been involved in various media work including image and videos.  Sasha is fairly new to professional fashion modeling but she is experienced in amateur photo shoots, plays, and video work.  She has a natural appearance and enjoys being in front of the camera.

If you are interested in hiring this model please contact us!  Do you want to be a model?  You can register FREE as a model here:  https://mymodelplace.com/model-registration.html

New model portfolio added by teen model Katya at MyModelPlace.com

New model portfolio added by teen model Katya at MyModelPlace.com

Katya is a talented young model with professional experience. She has been involved in various media work including image and videos.  Katya is fairly new to professional fashion modeling but she is experienced in amateur photo shoots, plays, and video work.  She has a natural appearance and enjoys being in front of the camera.

If you are interested in hiring this model please contact us!  Do you want to be a model?  You can register FREE as a model here:  https://mymodelplace.com/model-registration.html

New model portfolio added by adult model Elmira at MyModelPlace.com

New model portfolio added by teen model Elmira at MyModelPlace.com

Elmira is a talented young model with professional experience. She has been involved in various media work including image and videos.  Elmira is fairly new to professional fashion modeling but she is experienced in amateur photo shoots, plays, and video work.  She has a natural appearance and enjoys being in front of the camera.

If you are interested in hiring this model please contact us!  Do you want to be a model?  You can register FREE as a model here:  https://mymodelplace.com/model-registration.html

Advantages to Online Modeling for Teen Models and Teen Modeling | MyModelPlace.com

Dreaming about great successes in modeling? Then, it's time to understand how things work in online modeling and follow the trend! From teen modeling to acting and beauty pageants, today's world is all online! High visibility, constant update of offers, comfort and simplified applications are some of the reasons why you should consider becoming an active presence in the online world! Register today as a model and become number one tomorrow!


Let's be honest; it's not easy to become successful in modeling if you don't work hard and you show high professionalism and seriousness! However, to be committed and to put all your efforts into it, doesn't necessarily guarantee a top place in the ranking. This means that you have to do the extra steps...  in other words. it's time to understand better the benefits of online modeling! As it turns out, you have all the reasons in the world to become an active presence online!

Greater visibility! One of the greatest advantages of online modeling is definitely the visibility you have. In simple words, your profile can be accessed by numerous managers and potential clients. All you have to do is become an official member on the site and follow all the steps indicated in the tutorial. It is that simple to become a famous name online!

Lots of jobs! The good news is that in the world of online modeling everything moves very fast. In other words, you will be able to find daily new postings of modeling jobs, casting calls, beauty pageants and so on. Due to the constant updating of their databases, it will be easier to find a great job in teen modeling, a good acting opportunity, etc. And it will take you only a few clicks!

High convenience! Imagine how comfortable it is to manage an online account! Basically, in online modeling, valid also for kids and teen modeling, it is important to have a great portfolio. Once created the profile on the site and added the portfolio, all there is left to do is constantly updated with new photos or videos. In other words, you do all the works in front of the computer! And the same comfort when you look or apply for a job!

In the end, it's not complicated to get your start on the walk of fame of modeling; all you need is some great shots and a great site to promote you! And, it seems that in case of teen modeling and not only, it's the perfect recipe for success! So, don't waste any more time with traditional ways of entering the world of modeling and make one step forward by creating an account. In a matter of minutes, you will be able to post for a great job and have real chances in getting it!

Child Model Interactive Barbie Doll Controversy | MyModelPlace.com

I have always thought that dolls are creepy. There's just something about them that doesn't seem right. Maybe it is from the movie Poltergeist when that creepy clown doll tries to drag the kid under his bed.  However there is a recent issue with a new Barbie doll that has child advocates in a hissy.  They want the toymaker Mattel to pull the plug on a new interactive Barbie doll that records children's voices and uploads them to a cloud server.  Sound weird?  Well, it kind of is.  Personally, even though I think it may be creepy, I don't see how it could be such a serious issue as to invoke child advocacy groups, but these days even the slightest issues can blow up into something huge.


The Hello Barbie doll which is expected to arrive in stores this fall uses WiFi to hold two-way conversations by "listening" to a child's words and responding appropriately.  Because of this the doll is actually able to carry o a two way dialogue.  One of the arguments by advocacy groups is that the child is not speaking to a doll but rather talking directly to a toy conglomerate whose only interest in them is financial.  Well call me crazy but Mattel isn't Santa Claus and their end game, just as all corporations, is to profit.  This doesn't make them evil, it is simply what business do. 

Mattel's response is that the doll was created due to the wishes of girls from around the world, whose top request was to be able to have a conversation with Barbie.  As we know the digital world is moving closer and closer to full online interaction and we are bordering on AI.  Personally I think this is a very cool thing, but with all new technologies there are potential negative aspects. 

One of the biggest complaints from child advocates with the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood is that Hello Barbie eavesdrops on children, exploiting private dialogues with dolls for profit.  Now that is a valid concern.  Even with our current knowledge that practically everything we do is in one way or another 'recorded', it is still troubling to think of a child's conversations with a doll being recorded.  As you can probably imagine this could lead to a great deal of privacy issues, one being the fact that child do not keep personal details about themselves censored.  At their young and innocent age they haven't yet learned to be careful of what they say.  Therefore it is likely that a child will give away information regarding their full name, address, or other sensitive details that should not be recorded or uploaded online anywhere. 


The odd thing is that the child advocates do not seem to mention that is their primary reason for concern.  Oddly their main concern is that the information provided by the child could be of great value to advertisers and be used to market unfairly to children.  But like it or not companies have learned a long time ago that the practice of studying child's likes and dislikes when it comes to commercially produced toys is what makes or breaks a new product's potential profit. 

Top 5 Tips for creating a perfect portfolio

Curious about how to create the best and most effective portfolio?  If you re new to modeling, or maybe you have been modeling for a long time but need to update your model portfolio, there are some important factors to consider.  As you have probably seen most people take boring head shots in bad lighting and usually as a ‘selfie’ in front of a bathroom mirror.  This is a terrible way to start your modeling portfolio and usually this is the number one error that most new models make.  Sure, selfies are popular on social media, but most likely they will not get you a modeling gig or even a second look from a legitimate client or company.

In order to get the most from your portfolio we have list 5 of the most effective ways to get noticed and present an up to date image portfolio.

The Setup Lighting:

You need the right environment to get the most out of your images. As most models know, lighting can make all the difference in the world.  This is probably the most important aspect of creating the right environment for your portfolio.  Too much light and too little light can make or break an image.  If possible have your images taken in a professional studio with proper lighting.  Avoid (at all costs) fluorescent lights as they tend to saturate images and even make your completion appear ‘blotchy’.  Also avoid direct lighting.  This means that you should not have a bright light shined directly on you.  Diffused light is your best bet.  For example have you ever poses for a picture at the beach while facing the sun?  If you have you’ll notice that you are mostly certainly squinting your eyes and the direct light will add hard shadows to your facial features.  The best option is to have a well lit area in which there is light all around you, not behind you or directly in front of you, but diffused in order to illuminate the entire area.  This is why you will see umbrellas on professional lighting equipment as they help to scatter the lighting effect.  If possible use continual lighting - not flash.

Make-up

Now this concept comes naturally for most females, but it is amazing how so many people either overdue their make-up or doe not apply it correctly.  For portrait images the best way to go is simple priming.  Priming helps even out your skin so that your foundation looks smooth and natural. Plus, it helps the camera create a glowing look rather than one that highlights the bumps beneath your foundation.  It is also important to consider mattes.  Mattes are flat colors. They don’t have any sparkle or shimmer. When you’re going to be photographed, you want to avoid anything that is going to reflect light on your face. If you are using a camera flash the added shimmer will leave you looking like an oil spill and not your beautiful self.  *BTW as explained in the first tip we recommend not using a flash.

For best results apply your make up in natural light or (is possible) in the actual studio lighting. Indoor lighting can alter the appearance of your make up and it will look different once you change into the new lighting for your photos. Some lights may even wash you out causing you to apply make up too heavily. We’ve all seen pictures of ourselves where we thought our make up was good before we left the house, but in pictures we are left to wonder what went wrong and how to look better in future pictures.

Yellow tinted powder is better than shimmery or translucent powders for pictures. The other powders will reflect the light, leaving you with a shine. They may also leave you looking washed out in pictures. I’m sure neither of these looks are what you have in mind when trying to figure out how to look good in photos.

To get the most out of your best feature, try to cover up dark circles under our eyes with a little concealer. For everyday use this is fine, but occasionally in pictures under eye concealer comes off a little harsh. Blend out the concealer extremely well. If your concealer isn't well blended it may reveal fine lines and awkward coloring around the eye.

When it comes to eyeshadows, try to avoid pastel colors. Pastels have the potential to give you a washed out appearance in a well lit studio. However, deep, rich shadows will make your eyes pop! If you want to play it relatively save, go for a gold or chocolate brown; if you’re feeling especially daring, try out an emerald or even red!

Diversity

We have all seen image portfolios that consist almost exclusively of headshots.  While a great portray is important, it is equally important to include a wide variety of image styles, poses, outfits, and full body shots.  Think of this from the perspective of a potential client.  The company you are seeking a job from may need a model with particular psychical features; such as a fitness model role for health related ads, or a plus size woman for ads promoting diet and exercise.  During your portfolio shoot make sure you include various outfits, from formal wear to swimwear.  Include a variety of posing styles and don’t be afraid to show of your personality - nothing is more boring than image after image of a blank staring portrait.  

It is also important to update your portfolio on a regular basis.  Even if you are doing this on your own time and for free.  Keep your images current!  As we all know our appearance changes over time and it is important that your appearance in up to date in he images.  Posting images frequently can also help you to stay on top and gain further exposure.  An active model receives more views and has a better chance of landing a modeling gig.

Sex Appeal

Sex appeal is something that can be invoked in all of us and it can be displayed in a conservative way or trashy.  I’m sure everyone reading this knows the difference.  Now when I say ‘sex appeal’ I don’t actually mean ‘sexy’ as in Playboy or any other sexually suggestive imagery.  A better word for this may be charisma, however since this article is toward females, sex appeal seems to be the best term.  Many models are beautiful, all in their own way.  And showing off that beauty in a modest way when it comes to images in swimwear, lingerie, etc. can help boost your portfolio (depending on the type of work you are seeking).  However be careful not to go overboard.  Be conservative in your facial expressions and posing styles.  For example you may be cast for an acting role that requires an educated woman in a professional career, however there are occasional scenes that require swimwear or even lingerie.  You want to show that you can present both roles with confidence and style.

Alternate Media

Include video in your portfolio.  This concept is still fairly new in the world of modeling when it comes to ‘portfolios’.  However due to the rise in online media video is now where it’s at.  I can’t tell you how many models I have seen that look great in pictures, but freeze once a video camera is pointed at them.  You need to show that you can handle both with confidence.  If you are seeking an acting role then take videos of yourself playing certain roles.  Even if you are only interested in becoming a model be sure to add video to your portfolio.  This can even be simple video of you going through various poses.  Adding a little flare of personality can also be extremely beneficial.  Did you know that Youtube viral videos are one of the hottest items in marketing today?  Modern modeling, especially online modeling takes more than just images and you should always add video to your portfolio.

Tips on how to succeed in kids modeling and young models

Tips on how to succeed in kids modeling:  When it comes to success in kids modeling, there are a few basic things to do at all times. From a unique, expressive portfolio to promotion on specialized sites, from participating at beauty pageants or casting calls, each of these actions can bring you one step closer to number one. After all, young models must learn as soon as possible that success is made of little details! So, pay attention to each detail and you’ll closer to success sooner than you might think!

Dreaming about countless success in the world of kids modeling? Looking forward to learn more on how young models make it in this world? Then, it’s time you learn how; what to do and what not to do, what tricks could be of help and so on. Let’s see exactly what you have to do for becoming number one! 

Create an amazing portfolio! In other words, if you want to be noticed, you have to make yourself noticed! And the best way to do this is by putting together an impressive portfolio. As it turns out, young models have to go after the regular rules of the modeling world. So, if you want to have a great entry in kids modeling it’s important to have a professional gallery of photos, a video and a suggestive description!

Register on a specialized site! On the other hand, it doesn't help you if you have a great portfolio but you keep it at home. The next step is to find a site specialized in kids modeling and create an account. It takes a few minutes and it allows you to add photos, videos and any other materials that could bring you attention. And even though you will be competing with other young models, it doesn't matter: there is something unique in each of you! 

Apply to all open jobs! The truth is that in this world you have to be active, you have to be responsive, dynamic and open to any opportunity that might show up on the way. So, if you see an interesting beauty pageant or a casting call, don’t think twice: learn more on application rules and apply! In the end, you never know where an opportunity might rise so don’t neglect any chance you have!

So, as you can see, it is important to play all your cards, so to say! At the same time, you have to pay attention to each and every detail as details will make the difference in your future success or failure. Then, trust only reliable specialized sites: a serious site will definitely bring you in the front seats of the artistic scene. More than that, it will be easier to find a manager and many great jobs with only a few clicks! 

Top 5 Best exercises for fitness models and fashion modeling

Health and beauty takes some effort as we are not all born with perfect genetics.  This often means practicing a healthy diet and maintaining a daily (yes daily) work-out regiment.  Lately there has been a surge in female gym memberships and in increase in group fitness classes.  Unlike the old days of leotards and aerobic classes, group fitness classes today often include weight training, core training and even kickboxing.  However some of the most popular exercises today for women focus on core strength, legs and glutes.  The trend in female gym memberships has increased by 80% over the last 5 years as more and more women understand the benefits of proper exercise to enhance their strength and beauty.


Of course this is not to imply that women have not always worked hard to maintain their heath, but in the past there was always a reluctance to add weight training to their daily regiment due to the fear of gaining too much muscle.  As beauty trends change this has become less of a concern and women today and becoming more involved in strength training and it has proven to be a very positive influence on not only their strength but their overall appearance.

This new trend in weigh training is especially important for fitness models.  Even professional fashion models are beginning to hit the gym to improve their overall posture and maintain and tones look.  Although many exercises, in regards to weight training, are the same for men and women, some exercises are almost exclusively for women.  These exercises mostly focus on the glutes, inner and outer thighs, and specific core training. 

Chady, a fitness expert was asked about the subject of weight training for women and her response was rather cheeky (pun intended), "Let's get one thing clear: It's all about the bum. Sure, built biceps fill out a shirt and six-pack abs are the prize of every beachgoer, but the back is where it's at. A bodacious booty is essential to a good physique-and not just for stage-bound fitness contestants. Everyone seems to want a great bum. Photos of posteriors flood the Internet and are often the most viewed-and "liked"-body part on social media. There's just something magical about a beautiful butt!"
When focusing on core and glute training there are 5 top exercises that can help you achieve the look you are seeking.  This is not only helpful for fitness models, but people in general that wish to increase their strength and appearance. 

Squats:  Squats are the king of lower-body exercises. Why? Well, they work pretty much every muscle in your legs while strengthening your core, hips, and lower back. Just make sure you get the most out of the movement. With a back squat, stopping at parallel or just barely below puts most of the emphasis on your quads, leaving your glutes less engaged.

Weighted walking lunges:  These elevate your heart rate and will make you sore the next day. With your arms at your sides and a dumbbell in each hand, step forward. Lunge and alternate legs with each step. Lunge low. Make sure your front knee never extends past your toes.

Barbell hip thrusts:  The hip thrust activates and builds the upper glutes to a much greater extent than squats, and even to a greater extent than deadlifts. Sit on the ground with your back against a bench, feet planted firmly in front of you, and a padded barbell in your lap. Keep your knees stable, raise the barbell by extending your hips, and push your hips upward with your glutes. Rise until your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your knees, then slowly lower back to the ground. Squeeze your glutes at the top.

Stiff leg dead lifts:  To do these properly and take the focus off your lower back, push your hips back as far as you can until you feel a deep stretch in your hamstrings. I prefer to keep my feet positioned in a close stance, but you can make them sumo-feet wider than shoulder-width apart and slightly pointed out-to switch things up. Keep the bar as close to your legs as you can. Keep your back straight. Go down as low as you can while feeling a deep stretch, and then come back up. Don't let your lower back round.

Spilt Squats:  With these, as with most exercises, positioning is the key. The closer together your legs are, the more you target your quads. The farther you place your front leg in front of you, the more emphasis you place on your glutes. With your back foot situated on a bench or box and your chest high, drop your back knee to the floor. Go down as far down as you can. Repeat.

Probably one the most difficult tasks in any of these exercises is the will to do them regularly.  It is important to make your fitness goals part of your everyday life and not just a passing trend.  There is an increasing field of modeling jobs for fitness models and maintaining a high level of fitness will not only benefit your health but help you land some awesome and fun modeling jobs!

Is the latest Sports Illustrated cover image too provocative?

Is the latest Sports Illustrated cover image too provocative?  Recently I was at my local grocery store buying the usual items when I passed by the magazine rack and noticed the cover image on the 2015 Sports Illustrated magazine.  Wow..  Now I'm no prude and I certainly appreciate the beauty of the female form, but I wondered if that image was a little to revealing for your average swimsuit addition.  It also seemed slightly out of place as it was displayed in the checkout aisle where families often pass through to purchase their items.


But maybe this is just me and I'm being a little too reactionary to the image.  In today's media it is important, or at least it seems to be the goal to 'shock' viewers and therefore gain more exposure.  Perhaps that is the reason for pushing the envelope with the recent Sports Illustrated issue.  I have to admit that I have never bought a Sports Illustrated magazine, so as far as I know this has been the norm all along and I just never noticed it.

This could also be part of a larger trend which is mostly driven by online media.  Barriers on what was once considered 'adult content' has become more mainstream.  Consider the recent hit, 50 Shades of Grey.  Fifty Shades of Grey is a 2011 erotic romance novel by British author E. L. James. It is the first installment in the Fifty Shades trilogy that traces the deepening relationship between a college graduate, Anastasia Steele, and a young business magnate, Christian Grey. It is notable for its explicitly erotic scenes featuring elements of sexual practices involving bondage/discipline, dominance/submission, and sadism/masochism (BDSM). Originally self-published as an ebook and a print-on-demand, publishing rights were acquired by Vintage Books in March 2012.  The explicitly erotic scenes featured in 50 Shades of Grey have become widely accepted by most of our current culture.


It seems that the border from mainstream actor/actress to adult performer is becoming blurred.  On one hand this may be a good thing as concepts of nudity and sexuality are becoming embraced as natural, but on the other hand it has the potential to be dangerous and bordering on pornography.  As most adults already probably know, the age of the Internet has brought many sexual taboos to the forefront of the mainstream audience and this has begun to change our concepts around the world regarding sex and relationships. 

Perhaps I am getting a little off topic as this article was originally designed to focus on the latest Sport Illustrated Swimwear addition.  Another thing that came to mind was the advertisers that pay to promote their ads in the magazine.  For example Google recently changed their Adsense (pay per click advertising) policies to deny any website that displayed 'provocative' content.  This means that if you own a website and wish to convert your traffic into Adsense pay per click sales you would first have to receive approval from Google.  Their review team would check your website and see if it meets their criteria.  According to Google, the image of Hannah Davis on the cover of Sports Illustrated would be considered too provocative and therefore Google would deny the application.   Of course you cannot display pay per click ads on a physical magazine, but does this policy indicate that the image should be considered 'adult'?

This topic is important to us at MyModelPlace.com because we want to provide an open platform for online models of all ages, while at the same time presenting our site in a friendly and family oriented fashion.  Of course this is not always easy as some people view any content which may be considered 'sexy' as provocative.  This is particular difficult when promoting teen models and child modeling, as it is very important not to present an image that can be misunderstood as provocative.

Where to find the best modeling jobs?

Where to find the best modeling jobs?  Interested in launching your career in the world of modeling? Then, it's important to participate at all the casting calls and model contests that sound interesting. For having access to all these interesting modeling jobs, it is recommended to register on specialized sites and keep an eye on the offer and demand. Registering is simple and takes literally a few minutes. Not to mention that it is easier to get in contact with important managers on the market. After all, if you want to be in the top positions, you need to have the right contacts!


When it comes to becoming famous overnight, the truth is that there are limited ways to do that. And, more often than not, the most efficient solution is to enter the world of modeling as soon as possible. If we take a look at the humble beginnings of many Hollywood starts, we will discover that most of them have this in common: the long list of modeling jobs contracted before acting!

So, if you want to enjoy the same fame worldwide, the first step you have to do is find all the casting calls and modeling jobs opportunities and register on the list. The good news is that nowadays you have a strong and powerful ally: the internet! Yes, the internet should be your closest friend, so to say, in the fight for finding the most interesting casting calls or the most advantageous modeling jobs.

Actually, all your answers can be found on specialized sites. From casting calls to beauty pageants, from model contests to special events, these sites have listed literally dozens and dozens of interesting modeling jobs. What you have to do is register on the site and browse according to your interests.

The site is very well organized and the menu couldn't be clearer. For creating an account, all you must do is follow the instructions. Once registered, there won't be that much to do: upload a portfolio and start browsing for interesting jobs. It seems that the list of jobs is constantly updated with great projects and you need to be constantly browsing it.

At the same time, the site can intermediate a possible relationship between you and your future manager. The site addresses managers as well, thus facilitating your collaboration with them. This means that it is very likely that a profile on the site might bring you an attractive offer from an important manager active in this field. The truth is that once your profile will be public, you never know what could happen tomorrow.

In the end, details make a difference and having an account on such a site can really make a difference for your future career in modeling. Join today this large community of professionals!

Interested in learning more? We recommend the following resources:

For more information on modeling jobs, please check out the webpage modeling jobs. Take a moment and visit the site casting calls section for further details on available castings, the main categories, the list of jobs opened and other important terms and conditions.

Should child beauty pageant models wear make-up?

Should child beauty pageant models wear make-up?  A child beauty pageant is a beauty contest featuring contestants under 16 years of age. Competition categories may include talent, interview, sportswear, casual wear, swim wear, western wear, theme wear, outfit of choice, decade wear, and evening wear. Depending on the type of pageant system (Glitz/Natural) contestants may be found wearing makeup to fake teeth, known as flippers, as well as elaborate hairstyles and custom, designed and fitted, outfits to present their routines on stage. Beauty pageants started in 1921 when the owner of an Atlantic City hotel struck upon the idea to help boost tourism.  However, that idea had already circulated through "Most Beautiful Child" contests held in major cities across the country. The Little Miss America pageant began in the 1960s at Palisades Amusement Park in New Jersey. Originally, it was for teenagers from 13 to 17 years old, but by 1964 there were over 35,000 participants, which prompted an age division.  The modern child beauty pageant emerged in the early 1960s, held in Miami, Florida. Since then, the industry has grown to include about 250,000 pageants. It is an increasingly lucrative business, bringing in about twenty billion dollars a year to the Americas with its popularity spreading worldwide.

 However a new hotly debated topic has recently arisen; should child models be allowed to wear make-up?  This question may seem strange as we all automatically associate models with make-up, but the issue is slightly different when considering the age of the model.  For example adult fashion models often wear an excess of make-up to hide imperfections and to appear younger.  Make-up can also be used to present an artistic look.  Make-up is used by actors, newscasters and everyday people.  It has become a standard practice in our society and a highly profitable industry grossing.  According to the revenue of the U.S. cosmetic industry, make-up sales is estimated to amount to about 62.46 billion U.S. dollars in 2016!

 The history of cosmetics spans at least 6000 years and includes almost every society on earth. Some argue that cosmetic body art was the earliest form of ritual in human culture, dating over 100,000 years ago from the African Middle Stone Age.  During the early years of the 20th century, make-up became fashionable in the United States of America and Europe owing to the influence of ballet and theatre stars such as Mathilde Kschessinska and Sarah Bernhardt. But the most influential new development of all was that of the movie industry in Hollywood.  It is now a common practice. However there have been recent arguments as to the use of make-up in regards to children, especially when competing in child beauty pageants.  Many regard the use of make-up as a tool to 'sexualize' children.  This also raises the question, is the goal of using make-up on adult women to 'sexualize' women?  Or is make-up simply used to enhance ones appearance of beauty and health? 

This is currently a hotly debated topic with advocates on both sides. The interesting thing about this debate is the fact that people wear make-up for a wide range of reasons and most are not to enhance a sexual presence.  For example actors spends hours with make-up artistic prior to a movie shoot or commercial.  The demand is so high that make-up artistic and earn an average of $50,000 a year for their services.  Virtually every photo-shoot has a make-up artist on staff.  So the question is, does make-up on a child sexualize the child?  We spoke with Kaley (a full-time make-up artist working in the fashion industry) about this topic to get a better understanding of this issue.  According to Kaley the use of make-up as a way to enhance ones healthy appearance is not in anyway akin to bolstering or achieving a a sexual image.  "Make-up is a valuable tool to help us achieve a healthy and more aesthetically pleasing appearance and in no way does automatically result in a sexual goal".

Of course this is not to say that make-up cannot be used to enhance the attractiveness of a person which could then lead to a more 'sexy' look.  Attractive people (especially females are often viewed as sexy) and this is simply a product of nature.  The key is how you apply the make-up and what type of look you are seeking.  It seems odd to think that simply adding make-up to a child would change the child into a sexual object, but there are many people that believe this is ultimately the end result of such practice.

According to a recent poll on the use of beauty enhancements in child beauty pageants, one posted related the following; "I firmly believe that the use of cosmetics is okay. It's a beauty pageant. I understand all the "natural beauty" stuff, but if the goal is to get the child to look prettier I think that cosmetics should be allowed."

 Interested in learning more?  We recommend the following resources:
For more information on beauty pageants and currently active events, please check out our webpage. What are your thoughts?  If you enjoyed this article please share it and leave a comment below.

New model portfolio added by child model Anna at MyModelPlace.com

Anna is a talented young model with professional experience. She has been involved in various media work including image and videos. Anna is fairly new to professional fashion modeling but she is experienced in amateur photo shoots, plays, and video work. She has a natural appearance and enjoys being in front of the camera. If you are interested in hiring this model please contact us!

Do you want to be a model? You can register FREE as a model here:https://mymodelplace.com/model-registration.html

New model portfolio added by teen model Anastasia at MyModelPlace.com

Anastasia is a talented young model with professional experience. She has been involved in various media work including image and videos. Anastasia is fairly new to professional fashion modeling but she is experienced in amateur photo shoots, plays, and video work. She has a natural appearance and enjoys being in front of the camera. If you are interested in hiring this model please contact us!

 Do you want to be a model? You can register FREE as a model here: https://mymodelplace.com/model-registration.html

How to start a career in modeling

Modeling?  Where to start... It can be a difficult task to consider all of the potential options when it comes to starting a modeling career.  Before the internet there were very few options and most were very expensive.  Fortunately you can now gain instant exposure by using social networking tools and websites.  But this still leaves you with the difficult choice of where to start and what type of modeling you wish to do.
 For example many people are under the impression that you must be tall to be a model.  While this is true to certain types of modeling, it is not required for all types.  Runway models and high fashion models usually need to be at least 5'9 to qualify.  However there are tons of other exciting and profitable categories of modeling that do not have a height requirement.  Modeling categories such as sport, casual, swimwear, promotional, testimonials, YouTube videos, and much more!  In fact there is a high demand for average appearing models that can portray customers of promotional products.  Think about it from the perspective of the company that may hire you..  If the company is promoting a product in which they plan to advertise to everyday people then most likely they will not seek a 'super model' to present the product.  Also think about the various commercials and shows you watch on TV. 

Many of the models are of average height, appearance and beauty. In some cases very attractive models have been turned away from roles that require a more 'real' appearance.  Now this is not to say that tall and attractive models are not hired for modeling jobs, as we all know that they are. But it seems to be less known that there are a vast amount of jobs out there for individuals of all genders, age range and body types. So this still leaves the question, where to start in your quest to find modeling jobs?  The best option and most relevant in today's age is a modeling social network dedicated to companies, agencies and independent models.  Think of Facebook, but dedicated toward models!  The concept is to provide a website in which people of all ranges of appearance, age and gender can easily display their talents and gain the exposure needed to succeed in the field of modeling (or acting). 

Such a website can be found at MyModelPlace.com and the best part is that you can register and start your own online model portfolio free.  This is another important aspect to consider, the cost.  Many companies actually charge modeling talent and this can be an indication of a potential scam.  Consider the fact that you are the talent.  This means you are the person that provides the fuel to run the modeling agency and you should never be charged for such a service.  It is also important to consider the list of services you will receive from an online modeling agency.  In order to be successful you must gain the maximum amount of exposure and have an online portfolio that can be viewed from any internet connected device.  Think about the 'instant' fame that can be achieved these days with viral videos.  This type of instant exposure was impossible 10 years ago.

However if the online agency offers promotion via their website, social media (including FB and YouTube) private blogs and networks, and newsletter listings then you stand a much better chance of success.  Some clients may find you through the agency website while others may find you through a YouTube video or FB post.  Either way the more places you are the better chance you will have in being hired for modeling jobs. Another important way to start your modeling career is to apply for various casting calls.  A casting call is a pre-production process for selecting a cast of actors, dancers, singers, models and other talent for a live or recorded performance.  The casting process somewhat involves a series of auditions before a casting panel, composed of individuals such as the producer, director and/or choreographer. In the early stages of the process, performers often may present prepared audition pieces such as monologues or songs. These audition pieces are usually video taped, attached with resumes, and head shots and then shared with producers, directors and studio representatives. Later stages may involve groups of actors attempting material from the work under consideration in various combinations; the casting director considers both the talent of the individual actors and the chemistry of their combination.

MyModelPlace.com provides a free listing of current casting calls from all over the world and this list is updated regularly.  You can apply to any casting call you feel matches your talents free and the companies you apply to will be able to view your online portfolio, list of talents and connect with you securely through a private message system! Location is also no longer an issue. 

In the past potential models needed to move to New York, Paris, or some other large city in the hopes of being discovered.  This is no longer needed.  If you have an internet connection and you are listed on MyModelPlace.com you will be seen by the top agencies and clients from anywhere in the world.


For more information on modeling jobs, please check out the webpage modeling jobs. Take a moment and visit the site casting calls section for further details on available castings, the main categories, the list of jobs opened and other important terms and conditions.