Public Forums > Modelling > Can models be replaced by actresses?

I was reading an article recently where a model was complaining that actresses are now more likely to grace the front cover of a magazine rather than models because famous faces sell magazines.  This is definately the case now and if I am honest, I do prefer to see a celebrity because it gives me an idea of the features inside the magazine - and many actors are very beautiful too -

How do people feel  about this?  Is it just taking work away from models?

Ooooh, this is a great topic to discuss, Rowena! I hate to say it but I think this occurrence is the kick in the pants that the modeling industry needs. It's going to be strange for me to say this but I have no problem with actresses gracing the covers of magazines. But my viewpoint is for the younger men and women that struggle with body image and weight issues. On the runways we've been bombarded by too thin models and look how that's turned out for the modeling industry. While actresses are not without their body image or weight issues, actresses are generally a healthier, beautiful, and more accurate representation of the female form and I can't help but think that eventually young people reading those magazines will come to see that you don't have to be a stick figure in order to be considered "beautiful" once they get more exposed to actresses that look healthy instead of unhealthy looking models. I dunno, maybe I'm crazy. hah.

I do, however, feel that it does take away work from models but there are so many magazines/publications out there that I don't think actresses will completely snub out models for covers. And besides, there are plenty of pages within the magazine that models can still continue to dominate. If anything, I see more and more supermodels in addition to actresses gracing the cover of magazines so that just makes me feel like I either need to be a famous actress or a supermodel. Pretty slim pickings for me! Of course I'm biased because I also act so I guess either way I'll be determined to make it onto a cover one way or another! hehehehehe.

Hey Dania

I am sure you will :)  

I know what you mean - I was lookin at Grazia magazine today and it used to be mostly fashion but on the cover was more gossip, a pop star, the usual thing that used to be saved for more 'low end' magazines.  Now its all celebrity dominated - it seems almost unavoidable!

Well, any good photographer experienced with shooting models will tell you....

Models also need to be able to act...

Yes, there are models who specialize in runway that have some particular skill in that area over an actress fresh of their latest movie set, but...

I can't tell you how frustrating it is when you are on set and have a model trying to look sexy when she's supposed to have a lock of shock, surprise, fear, loneliness, etc.  Every model has her "magnum" pose and it gets old fast.  Pros need models who can get a grip on what the photo is trying to sell - whether it be a product, service, idea, or emotion.  So can an actress replace a model?  Most definitely, provide she looks suitable for the project.  There are certainly a lot of beautiful actresses and actors, and you can bet that they have to act sexy once in a while and can do it just as well in front of a still camera as they can in front of a movie camera.  So for all you potential models out there.  Don't laugh when the photographer asks you to be serious and look a certain part, or you might not get called back again.  Acting school is always a good thing too, and who knows?  Maybe you'll get an acting gig down the road too.

You are right on so many levels, Sheldon. Modeling involves being able to convey certain emotions and feelings. You can express with your face and your body so it is super important that models be able to do this. Having the ability to act in some shape or form can bring about so much diversity to a model's career and can only help him/her expand on opportunities.

I have met a lot of models that are gorgeous but can't act or indeed, pose very well.  Quite often to get a good pose you need to be able to imagine a certain scenario or situation in you head so this shows in your face.  A lot of models struggle with that!