Public Forums > Modelling > Models Height

Hi Everyone, I need a little bit of advice. I have heard from many people that height does matter when it comes to modeling. I am a mere 5'4'', but I have heard I have the look. What am I to do if I have the look but not the height??? Anyone have any ideas or anything that proves that height isnt a huge factor???

Sorry to say, height is a huge factor and 5'4" is tremendously short to model. Especially if you want do live modeling, if you not only have the looks but also the proportions of a tall person however some photographers won't mind working with you (the agencies often do though).

Try to find some up and coming photographer in your area and see if you can get him to do TF/CD-arrangement with you for you to get your portfolio started. If he is talented, you are indeed model material and you are very fortunate you'll find an agency that are willing to take you in but I will tell you that I don't think it's particularly likely.

One way to get in contact with photographers can sometimes be to contact model agencies and see if they know of anyone, photographers sometimes do the same thing to get in contact with new models for TF/CD arrangements.

You should probably also try to get a professional opinion on whether modeling is for you, people with an untrained eye often mistake beauty for being model material. Some girlfriends of mine are indeed very beautiful but would never make it as models and some models are quite frankly not that beautiful but make a good living from it anyway.

Sorry if this was harsh, only try to be realistic but I wish you the best of luck.

Oh yeah, one more thing which is perhaps the most depressing so far. A girlfriend of mine who is about 5'7" that I actually thought would be able to make a living as a model tried for about a year but could never get with any of the better agencies, she was simply too short for them to take her in.

At your height, you are one inch shy of the minimum height requirement for commercial/print modeling. The height range for this type of modeling is between 5'5"-5'7", however, if you have a great look--which it sounds like you do based on what you wrote--then an agency wouldn't mind taking you on and fudging your height.

I was a former Ford Model and was a part of their commercial/print division and I was 5'4" and they just listed me as 5'5"...although I recently had a late growth spurt haha and grew an inch so now I am 5'5" but for 10 years I had agency representation and got work at my 5'4" height so I wouldn't say it would be impossible for you but you will have to be diligent about finding the right agency and even more important, be willing to push on even if you aren't able to find someone to sign you.

You always have the option of freelancing. If you want a list of agencies in PA, let me know and I can list them here and you can check them out and see what they are looking for.

thank you so much for the advice. neither of you were harsh, its fine; i have to hear it from more experienced people in order to learn more. It would be great if you could send me a list of agencies!! That would really help me out. I have always wanted to become a Ford Model, but I was always afraid (like i said) of the height issue. Once again, thank you all for the advice, it really does help. :-D

You're welcome! Here is what I could find in PA. Be sure to check out their websites in order to get information about their castings, what pictures to send, etc. Many of them have open casting calls, which you should definitely attend since this will allow you to meet with the agency staff and they can evaluate you:

Greer Lange Model & Talent Agency

http://www.greerlange.com

AMA Talent Agency

http://www.amatalentagency.com

The Bowman Agency

http://www.thebowmanagency.com/index.html

MMA/Model Management Agency

http://www.mmaagency.com

Expressions Model and Talent Agency

http://www.expressionsmodels.com

Docherty Model & Talent Agency

http://www.dochertyagency.com

The Talent Group

http://www.talentgroup.com

thank you!!

I was just chosen for two shoots in the pittsburgh area!! i get paid and i get copies of the photos to start off my portfolio!! thanks for the advice and all of the info.

:-D

Omg, that's so great! Congrats to you! The fact that you're getting paid and will also be getting copies is the best case scenario for sure...many times models get a choice of either getting paid or getting copies...not both so kudos to you! It looks like you'll get a nice jump start on your modeling portfolio!

Be sure to let us know how it goes and have fun!!!