What aspiring models need to bring: The somewhat different guideline – characteristics, posing, behaviour on set & co. – CM

Anyone who believes that a well-groomed face and a slim figure are enough to make it in the modelling industry will not survive the first casting round. The truth is more uncomfortable — yet simultaneously liberating: What top agencies, photographers and clients are really looking for can be trained, developed and built deliberately. This guide shows you what professional decision-makers discuss behind closed doors — and what you can already do differently tomorrow.

Overview hide

More than Measurements: What Agencies Really Value

Posing: What Amateurs Underestimate, Professionals Practice Daily

Behaviour on set: The unwritten rules

Casting and portfolio: preparation is not an option

Overview: Key characteristics of successful models at a glance

Agency and Career Strategy: Realism over Romance

Deine persönliche Model-Checkliste

Common questions from aspiring models

More than Measurements: What Agencies Really Value

Most aspiring models focus exclusively on body measurements and height. That is understandable, but short-sighted. Of course, there are measurements and requirements that play a role in classic fashion jobs — yet even the biggest agency will not book someone who cannot move, communicate or deal with stress. Agencies are not charities. They invest time and resources in talents who deliver.

Anyone looking into the requirements for a modelling job will quickly come across lists of body measurements. What is missing there: the so-called ‘soft skills’ of the industry, which decide bookings once the first impression is right.

Punctuality is considered the absolute minimum
Self-employment without constant guidance
Stressresistenz bei langen Drehtagen
Adaptability to changing teams
Klare, freundliche Kommunikation

Personality beats perfection

A casting director from a well-known agency once described it like this:

„Ich kann mit dem besten Licht aus einem mittelmäßigen Gesicht ein starkes Bild machen. Aber ich kann keine Persönlichkeit hinzuretuschen, die einfach nicht da ist.”

This means in practice: Those who come across as introverted, insecure or disinterested lose out to someone with a less classic look but genuine energy. So work consciously on how you come across to others — not through forced cheerfulness, but through genuine engagement with your job.

Männliche Models — andere Regeln, gleiche Grundsätze

The misconception that modelling is exclusively a female profession is long outdated. Particularly in the fields of men’s fashion, sportswear and advertising campaigns, demand is growing. Men who are considering taking their first steps towards a modelling career need the same mental preparation — plus a particular awareness of posture and movement, as male models often receive less feedback on poses.

Posing: What Amateurs Underestimate, Professionals Practice Daily

Posing is not a natural talent. It is a learnable technique that requires weeks of systematic practice. Someone standing in front of a camera for the first time appears stiff — that is normal. Someone who still appears stiff after ten shoots has not practised.

The Three Most Common Posing Mistakes

Symmetry: Both hands the same, both feet parallel — looks like an ID photo
Tension: Too much muscle tension in the face makes all emotions disappear
Eye line: Staring instead of playing — the gaze makes up 40% of the image

Practical solution: Stand in front of a large mirror for 15 minutes each day and experiment with posture, head tilt and arm position. Record yourself with your smartphone — the camera image shows you things the mirror doesn’t.

Asymmetry creates dynamics in the image
Weight shift revitalises standing poses
Use eye direction purposefully
Chin slightly forward, never pulled back

Those aiming for runway jobs should also learn runway and catwalk techniques — because walking and posing are two completely different disciplines.

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Behaviour on set: The unwritten rules

On set it is decided whether you will be booked again. A successful image opens doors — but professional behaviour keeps them open. Photographers, art directors and stylists communicate with each other. Anyone who is once considered difficult quickly disappears from the request lists.

The Dos on set

Arrive 15 minutes before call time
Mobile phone on silent — no exceptions
Ask questions before mistakes happen
Accept criticism without justification
Treat clothing with care

The Don’ts — and why they can make or break your career

Never give unsolicited feedback
Don’t post selfies wearing someone else’s clothes
Never eat in the changing room
No perfume before the shoot
Don’t bring friends without prior arrangement

Especially important: the ability to quickly follow instructions. A photographer has an average of 4–6 hours for a shoot and no budget for lengthy explanation sessions. Anyone who immediately understands what is meant will be seen as professional — and booked again.

Casting and portfolio: preparation is not an option

Anyone who turns up unprepared for a casting wastes everyone’s time — including their own. A well-prepared casting starts three days in advance, not on the morning of the appointment.

What a professional model portfolio contains

The portfolio for the casting is your silent business card. It speaks before you open your mouth. Standard size: A4, maximum 20 pages, glossy paper. Contents: Polaroids or digitals (un-edited!), maximum 2–3 professional shots, current measurements.

No make-up on Polaroids
Hair loose or simply tied back
Neutral, body-conscious clothing
Always keep measurements up to date

The casting itself: Behaviour as a competitive advantage

At the casting at CM Models — like with any serious agency — not only the exterior is assessed. Body language, reaction speed to directions and the ability to portray different emotions within seconds are crucial. Practice in advance: Happy, thoughtful, confident — each on command, not after warm-up time.

Overview: Key characteristics of successful models at a glance

Property	Why important	Trainable?
Punctuality	Costs 200–800 euros per hour	Yes
Posing technique	Determines image quality directly	Yes
Stamina	Shooting days last 8–14 hours	Yes
Presence	The camera shows inner attitude	Conditional
Adaptability	Each team works differently	Yes
Body measurements (fashion)	Clothing sizes	Limited
Bodily awareness	Affects movement quality	Yes

Agency and Career Strategy: Realism over Romance

Many aspiring models dream of the big stages — the Big 4 Fashion Weeks, from Milan to New York. The reality: The path there goes through local jobs, solid references and an agency you can trust. A reputable modelling agency does not charge upfront fees — anyone who should pay before earning should be on alert. Everything important on this topic is explained in the article does a modelling agency cost money.

Those looking to start locally can find good starting points through a model agency in Berlin or a model agency in Hamburg. Taking on modelling as a side job is also a realistic entry point – and often the wiser choice, as it reduces financial pressure while simultaneously building experience.

For all who don’t fit the classic runway sizes: The Curvy Model segment is growing steadily. Plus-size models are no longer a niche topic either — clients are actively seeking diversity because their target audiences are diverse.

Deine persönliche Model-Checkliste

☐ Polaroids without make-up currently available
☐ Size chart up to date
☐ Posing practised daily for 15 minutes
☐ Walking technique practised or course booked
☐ Portfolio compiled
☐ Agency checked for seriousness
☐ No advance fees accepted
☐ Application prepared and sent
☐ Social media profiles cleaned up
☐ Casting clothes (neutral, body-hugging) ready

Anyone who can tick all the boxes is genuinely ready — not just feeling ready. Now would be the right moment to apply directly: Apply now and take the first real step.

Common questions from aspiring models

How tall do I really need to be to land with an agency?

For classic high-fashion jobs, a minimum height of 174 cm is required for women and 185 cm for men. However, these figures are not a natural law — there are agencies without strict minimum height requirements, especially in the fields of advertising, catalogues and lifestyle. Those who do not meet the classic measurements should actively look for segments where other standards apply. Find out more in the article on minimum height requirements at modelling agencies.

How long does it take to get your first bookings?

Realistic expectations: 3–6 months after signing with an agency until the first paid booking. Those who present themselves well in parallel — portfolio, posing, behaviour on set — can shorten this period. Those who passively wait will prolong it. What models can earn is explained in the article on model salaries and fees.

Can I apply directly to an agency or do I need a recommendation?

Direct applications are the standard approach and are preferred by reputable agencies. A recommendation is no advantage if the basic requirements are missing. How to write to an agency correctly is shown in the guide to writing a cover letter for a modelling agency. Choose agencies that you have checked for seriousness — the overview of top modelling agencies provides a good starting point.

How important are social media for aspiring models?

Social media is no substitute for an agency, but an additional application channel. Clients Google names — a chaotic or unprofessional profile can do harm, while a consistent, stylish profile helps. Rule of thumb: Delete everything you wouldn’t show to an art director. A profile with 500 high-quality images beats one with 5,000 unsorted posts any day.