What Is Catalog Modeling?
When we think of catalogs, we usually think of Target, REI, Bed Bath and Beyond and Walmart. There are hundreds of mail order and online catalogs selling a variety of merchandise; clothing, outdoor equipment, and even Halloween costumes. Their purpose is to entice customers to buy products, using visual and written descriptions – since they are not purchased from inside a brick-and-mortar store.
The model casting is based on the product that the client is selling. Models can range from children all the way up to seniors. Some clients require their models to have specific skills or interests; such as a sportswear client might look for professional or amateur athletes. Nevertheless, all clients want models who are approachable and move well in front of the camera.
Art Directors are typically responsible for booking models, though photographers and stylists can also be given the task. Art Directors gather their creative teams and ensure that their marketing visuals are properly executed. They also maintain an ‘approved’ board, displaying pictures of all the models that they consider for their shoots. If you are ‘approved’, you have the potential to work with that client annually, monthly, or even every week.
Models who get booked on a regular basis can receive significant annual incomes. As a result, catalog clients are considered the bread and butter of the modeling world. Day rates are substantially higher than editorial jobs because catalog work is more driven by advertising, and the photos from these shoots are not always portfolio worthy. However, the rate will vary depending on the client’s budget, as well as the model’s experience and the strength of his or her portfolio.
Like many other shoots, catalog jobs can be held in a studio or on location. If a client shoots consistently throughout the year, they may have an in-house studio and production team. Because outdoor shots are popular in catalogs, some clients travel to another state or abroad to get the appropriate setting and weather conditions. English and German clients have been known to shoot their summer collections in South Africa or Miami, due to consistent warmer climates and sandy beaches.
A model’s job is to emphasize the clothing or product while making it look natural. For example, you may be asked to use kitchen or gardening appliances, or pretend to be socializing with friends. But, for clothing, the movement is fluid and continuous. The most common facial expression seen in catalogs is a smile. However, when a model needs to be serious, it is usually done with a soft, pleasant look. Although the photographer and art director will give you direction, you will be expected to have a ‘flow’; making subtle adjustments to your poses. A slight move of your hand, a tilt of the head, or a change of facial expression will give the client a variety of shots to choose from. Furthermore, if you are able to do this quickly and efficiently, you’ve just increased the chances of the client wanting you back.
Protect Your Skin With These Five Sunscreens
Constance Jablonski Vogue Japan by Hans Feurer
Summer is in full swing with high temperatures and strong rays of sunshine, so don't forget to apply and reapply sunscreen. Here are five of our favorites.
Warm weather means fun in the sun, vacations, sandy beaches, swimming pools, and outdoor adventures. It also means location shoots. While it is ok to have a little summer glow; getting sunburnt or having major tan lines is a big no-no. Keep in mind that projects shooting within the next three months will most likely be for fall and winter. Even if you are shooting bathing suits, and other skin revealing clothes, tan lines are a huge stress for retouchers around the world. While they can be covered digitally; the variation of skin tones will stand out to any client who is casting, fitting, or taking digitals of you, as well as during runway shows and other live events.
Apply sunscreen every day, on your body as well as your face. It is essential to protect yourself against damaging UV rays. Also, keep a hat and cover-up with you, especially if you have long shoot days outside. Caring for your skin is not only vital to your career but also your health. Excessive sun can increase age spots, wrinkles, and more importantly, skin cancer.
Hawaii is the first state to ban sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate due to the damage they cause to the marine life, coral reefs, and potentially humans. Albeit, this law will not take effect until 2021, but why not support their initiative now. Check out these five sunscreens that are natural, organic, and great for sensitive skin too!
Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen SPF 30 Sensitive 8.75 fl oz $27.12 (www.walmart.com) Dermatologist-recommended, and without potentially irritating chemicals. It has effective UV protection, but it's also gentle on sensitive skin. Our favorite feature is that the sunscreen turns blue when exposed to harmful UV rays. The color will intensify, the stronger the UV's are.
Epicuren Active Sport Treat UVA + UVB Sunscreen 30+ 2.5 fl oz $35.50 (www.epicuren.com) A great one for those who are active, or are water babies. This Epicuren broad-spectrum sunscreen is water resistant (80 minutes). It includes moisturizers and antioxidants such as Vitamin E, Green Tea Extract, and Hawaiian Kukui Nut Oil. Although it has a thick consistency and will show up white on the skin, it will become transparent over time.
Hawaiian Sol Guard SPF 50 6 fl oz $14 (www.hawaiiansol.net) Hawaiian Sol, being Hawaii based, is focused on the protection of the ocean, as well as people. This product is marine and reef friendly, and biodegradable. The natural ingredients include Zinc Oxide and Cucumber extracts. Organic Aloe leaf and Kukui oil assist the skin’s ability to hydrate and cool itself. No Nano-technology is used to make this product.
Kabana Organic Skincare Green Screen Tinted Bronze SPF 31 4 fl oz $17.99 (www.kabanaskincare.com) This formula has all the benefits of a great SPF, but it is also tinted to blend with skin tones and is excellent for facial use. So you don't need to worry about looking too pale on your first day out of winter! Note that the Bronze color has a deeper tan skin tone which works for people who have a darker more yellow skin color. Additionally, it is soy-free, gluten-free, corn-free and vegan, fragrance-free & non-comedogenic. It is also eco-system approved!
Raw Elements Tinted Face Stick SPF 30 .6 oz $16.99 (www.rawelementsusa.com) An on-the-go solution for serious sun protection. It's water resistant and has great UV protection. But, it is also tinted and very easy to apply. It's biodegradable and reef safe, with biologically active antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and extracts. It never runs or stings eyes, so it's perfect for the face during long outdoor adventures. Just watch for the tint color, to make sure it will match your skin tone.
Disclaimer: Note that these are our own opinions, along with using the companies' research online. We do not claim to have a medical or scientific background.
