Genres of Modeling

Fashion models are used mainly to promote apparel. Fashion modeling generally can be divided into two categories (editorial and runway) Editorial modeling is usually focused on print work and magazine spreads for ad campaigns. Runway is the live modeling of designer garments on catwalks. Glamour photography is often times confused for fashion as it can often included some of the same elements. While glamour modeling can sometimes be considered fashion, true fashion modeling should not be mistaken for glamour modeling. You’ll notice that in most of the ad campaigns of large magazines like W or Marie Claire , the images generally have very little to do with the models as persons and are focused more on projecting an appealing product. Fashion images often times show the model interacting with the product (clothing, perfumes, sunglasses, purses, etc..) and one of the latest trends is to incorporate some element, location or prop that is random and unrelated.

The first fashion model was believed to be a shopgirl from Paris by the name of Marie Vernet Worth. She became the first professional mannequin in 1853, to help her fashion designer husband, Charles Frederick Worth.

Commercial modeling is similar to fashion photography in that it focuses on a product. However, commercial modeling tends to be more conservative and focuses on print magazines such as JC Penney’s, Delia’s and I’d even say Seventeen, although I know many would disagree. Commercial modeling usually requires a casual and generic appearance, projecting the “girl next door” look. Stores like Gap and Old Navy are, for example, more commercial than fashion.

Glamour modeling emphasizes the allure of the subject. Photographers will use a combination of cosmetics, lighting and airbrushing techniques to produce the most physically appealing image of the model as possible. Model Dita Von Teese is one of the most recognizable glamour models. Glamour modeling is most recognizable in publications such as Playboy and Maxim .

Fitness modeling centers on displaying an athletic physique. Fitness models usually have defined muscles like bodybuilders, but with less emphasis on muscle size. Sports’ modeling is often considered fitness modeling as athletes undergo considerable training and have incredibly fit bodies.

Lingerie modeling is a subcategory of glamour modeling. Victoria’s Secret has really cornered the market on appeal when it comes to lingerie modeling. Playboy also features a great deal of lingerie models. Does this one really need much explanation? =)

Bikini models are similar to fitness models with emphasis on a fit physique and the beauty of the female curves.
For women, usually the models can be shorter, around 5 ft 5 in-5 ft 8 in (1.65 m-1.73 m) and need to be in the range of 90–110 lb (41–50 kg).

An alternative model is any model that does not fit into the normal categories. The countercultures such as punk, goth, fetish, etc, are all considered alternative. Having a uniqueness that is outside the norm generally establishes an individual as an alternative model. Models like Viktoria who is an amputee or Scar who has considerable scarring would be considered alternative models. Alternative sometimes mixes with high fashion and art modeling.
Thanks to publishers such as Goliath in Germany, alternative models and punk photography became known to a larger audience.
Check out this article by Photographer Nadya Lev: What does “ALT” Model even mean?

Fine Art Modeling is when photographers, painters, sculptors, and other artists hire models to pose for their art. Modeling for drawing classes or being body casted would fall into this category. My personal favorite fine art photographer is Steven Gelberg. His muses, Emakhet and Wynd, would be considered fine art models. His work is considered fine art because of the nature of his portraits and the process in which he produces them, non-digitally. Due to the digital age, film work is often considered “fine art” as a result of it’s “old fashioned” technique and historical significance.

Theme/Fantasy- A subcategory of “fine art”, is usually determined by a very specific “story”. For example, many photographers like to do fairy series in which they will digitally alter the models to have wings. See Suza Scalora’s book The Fairies or J. Corsentino’s Time of the Faeries series. (I actually own The Fairies by Suza Scalora and the imagery is STUNNING!) I’ve also seen a lot of photographers do series of storybook characters such as Alice in Wonderland or comic book characters like Tank girl. Portraying characters in this manner would be considered theme or fantasy modeling.

Parts Modeling is an often overlooked form of modeling. Some modeling agencies have divisions which represent male and female models with particularly attractive body parts. For example, hand models may be used to promote nail care products, leg models are useful for showcasing tights, and wrist models are used to showcase watches or bracelets. Body part models also sometimes find themselves catering to the desire of fetish work. i.e. foot fetish enthusiasts. It’s just another aspect of the industry.