#fakemodels

               Definition of an "Instagram Model" - A good looking person whom receives a lot of attention from sexy selfies leading to multiple compliments causing cockiness and/or arrogance. Then gets contacted to do a random photo shoot from a photographer whom experience is no greater than a club photographer. All of a sudden, seeks fulfillment for "lifelong dream" in modeling and begins announcing to everyone that he or she is a "Model.

               "STOP NOW PEOPLE! These people are NOT real, true models. DO NOT get confused. With today's generation of technology people are finding way too much access to what REAL models actually have to go through without the proper training and/or guidance.

               Being a model myself, I know first hand what this epidemic has done to the modeling industry. Real models post their pictures onto social media as a marketing and promotional tool. The title "model" has become way to easy to obtain into one's profession. The competition is great but not because of the lack of work or the scarcity of money. NO! These IG models have entered into our market not knowing the true professionalism it comes with being a model. The thought process of thinking its all about taking great pictures, looking pretty, dressing great, strutting in heels, and walking into the center of attention.

Examples Of Things Going Wrong:

* Models are getting paid minimum wage jobs because IG models don't have experience and their lack of knowledge is allowing them to accept unpaid gigs. Causing the demand for REAL models to decrease. How? Photographers (not quality photographers might I add) pick IG models not because of quality or quantity, but for exposure, promotional, and marketing usage. Example; If I have a follower base of 20k. A photographer contacts me to do a shoot. Think of this as a trade. I'm going to post the images onto my social media, tag the photographer in it, creating a direct link to their profile and work. So now my 20k are going to follow this photographer, generating more business and exposure for him. In exchange for more pictures to make me seem as if I'm a "model."

* Real models are dealing with low budget, perverted photographers who think that the true models are Instagram models as well.

* We, real models, are getting booked on the same jobs as these Instagram models. Also, getting paid the same amount.

* Being a "model" no longer has the same value without an extensive resume check.

* Agency boards are filled with new Instagram models making it hard for real models to get real work.

The moral of this is don't get confused on what real model are and Instagram models are. Now, I'm not saying you can't start off your career because you were discovered on instagram. I'm not even talking to the people who really have a passion, desire, or dream to become models. These messages are not pertaining you I'm not trying to knock someone's dream. At the end of the day, I'm not your judge. If there is someone who believes in you and can help you become a model than by all means, go for it. Your work, look, and etc will speak for itself.

Here are some great tips on how to spot an Instagram model:

* Ask the model "what type of model are you?" If the model replies with a detailed answer along the lines of a commercial, plus, fitness, editorial, fashion, or runway model, chances are she's real. If the model replies with video, "I just do it for fun", "I do all kinds", a runway model but she is under 5'9 or he is under 5'10 1/2, or etc chances are they are an Instagram model.

* Ask the model "what agency are you signed to?" If they say "Barbizon", "One Source Talent", "Model Mayhem", etc. = STOP!! They're are NOT REAL.

* If they CANNOT walk in stilettos (NOT wedges) pumps above 3 inches tall = NOPE! Instagram model* If they don't have a portfolio = Instagram model

* If they don't have or know what a "composite card" is = Instagram model