Here at CMG, I can not stress the importance of having good quality professionally done photographs. Whether you are aspiring to acting, commercial modeling or promotional work, it is crucial that you have good, current and relevant professional photos. Consider that you wouldn’t expect to get an office job without investing in at least one good business suit, so why would expect to get a job that is appearance based without investing in to photographs to represent yourself.

Everyday we have dozens of models commercial and promotional who are either not submitted for work, or is not chosen by the client because of the quality of their photographs. CMG will not submit models to potential clients if the photographs we have on hand are not the quality we are looking for. What we send the client reflects on CMG,   and the quality of talent we have, so unfortunately many people do not even get considered for bookings because of lack of good photos in our database. More and more of our clients are requesting photo approval now for promotional events and conventions and we see first hand models we really like that aren’t considered because of their photography.

Here are some general rules for the professional photographs that will help you book more work.

• Use Photographer that is experienced and has a good working knowledge our personal portfolio photography! Your friend/relative that has a good camera and aspiration to being a photographer does not cut the mustard! A good experienced photographer will know how to shoot you to maximize your marketability and will know what agents and casting directors are looking for.
• Make sure the photographs are about you! The photographs should not show a lot of background and scenery. The purpose of these photographs is to market you, not the photographer. Artsy shots, shots with beautiful scenery or unusual make-up should be used for the photographers portfolio, not the talent’s. For this reason TFP (time for photos) is not usually the best bet unless you can confirm that the photographer will shoot the kind of shots you need to market yourself.
• Make sure you have a proper variety! We need to have a good headshot. With the kind of make-up that you would wear if booked for a live event. You also need to have a good lifestyle shot. Make it relevant, consider what you would want to submit for a catalogue shoot. We do not want long shots on a beach where you are no more than an inch on the photo. Again, the beautiful beach shot reflects the photographer, and not you. And please, no shots of you standing on a railroad track! We won’t even download those shots! In addition, we do want at least one bathing suit shot, but your whole portfolio should not be made up of bikini and lingerie, or over the top “sexy” shots. Most times we can not submit those to potential clients. While very often, the photographers want to shoot those especially if you are doing TFPs most “paying” model jobs are by consumer product companies that want to appeal to a wide audience so they are avoiding models that look “over the top” sexy. Most want pretty/good looking models that appeal to both males and females or even families. Very rarely do we have clients that want to see the bikini shots. And, we have had incidences where we submitted a model’s bikini shot and she was not chosen by the client only to send regular lifestyle shots and have them selected later.
• Make sure you have a variety of expressions. Do not send us a bunch of photos with your Zoolander “Blue Steel” expression. You need to show that you are versatile and have different looks. We absolutely need shots of you smiling. especially if you do event/ live modeling. No one wants to hire someone that has a sexy, pouty look. They want to see “fun, personable” people. Save those photographs to submit to the men’s magazine photo contests.
• Stay away from “studio” shots. Only studio shot should be your professional headshot. Otherwise they need to be realistic and relevant. Again, be careful of those landscape shots. But, they should be good lifestyle out of studio. No mall glamour shots, or high school like photos.
• Keep your photos current. You need to have new photos everytime you make changes to your hair or physique. You should wear makeup that would represent how you would look when you show up for a booking.  We have had models sent home from events because they showed up with their make-up done differently than was on their photos. This is considered “mis-representing” yourself and is very frustrating to your agent, the client and yourself. Any new visible tattoos should be considered too, new ones might require you to get new photos.

If you need help finding a good qualified photographer, please feel free to contact us. We have so many contacts throughout the country that we may be able to steer you in the right direction.

Good luck, and be sure to send us copies when you get new photos!

Happy Booking!

Congratulations, to Creative Management Group’s own Jade Faber for being featured in the music video for the new Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta Christmas song “I Think You Might Like It.” The music video is getting wide play on television and can be purchased on iTunes.

Models Carolina Grabova and Angela Reynolds made us proud representing CMG as Trophy Presenters at the Crystal Reel Awards in Orlando. The Crystal Reel Awards recognized the very best in film making in Florida.

Congratulations to Kaitlan Welton for booking a featured role in the 2nd Shift Drift/Vaughn Griffin Jr. Ford Mustang Video!

CMG Models and Talent is pleased to announce thant we have established a Professional Dancers Division. This exciting new division will be headed up by Lisa Lombardo, who brings over 20 years of dance experience to the agency. The focus of the division will be on commercial, film and TV. All dancers interested in joining the CMG team should contact us through our on-line application process.

CMG is excited to announce the opening of our satellite office in Ocala, Florida. Lisa Lombardo, who heads up both our Special Programs and Professional Dancers Division will work full time from this office. The office will also be utilized for special events, talent auditions and workshops, as well as, providing a base of business for us in the heart of Florida.

The Bleu Biscuit is officially open, the ribbon has been cut! This is part of the CMG umbrella. Opened to help rescued dogs and cats find forever homes! If in Ocala, FL please visit the boutique/pet cafe/adoption center. Not only is it a really fun place to hang out with your pet, but all proceeds from sales at the boutique goes toward keeping the doors open as a satellite pet adoption center working in conjunction with the Marion County Humane Society.

Be sure to watch CMG models, Courtney Wilkerson, Ashley Vickers, Page Duke and Tristan Smith on the CMT show Sweet Home Alabama.

Congratulations, Carrie Dalon, CMG model manager for being selected from thousands of entrants to appear in the Wild Turkey Bourbon National Marketing campaign and their 2012 Calendar!

CMG Chairman of the Board Russ Faber with former president George W. Bush at the 2011 Super Bowl in Dallas, TX.

CMG CEO Robin Faber and Chairman of the Board Russ Faber with Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe backstage at How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

CMG Chairman of the Board Russ Faber with Glee star Cory Montieth at Super Bowl XLV.

Creative Management Group Chairman of the Board Russ Faber with actor Dylan McDermott at a New York Giants game.

Creative Management Group Brand Ambassadors working hard at a College Football Game

 

 

 

 

Brittany, Alisha & Brandy working in Louisville, KY

 

 

 

 

Kara & Keri working with Jack Links in Las Vegas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer Russ Faber in Ocala, FL, going over details prior to movie screening produced by Creative Management Group