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"Petite" Modeling

By all definitions I am a petite model. I am about 5'3 inches tall. But in the modeling world that 3 inches can go up by one or two more. Sometimes I say I am up to 5'5 only if I believe it is do able with shoes and hair.
None the less, if you are under 5'7 you are considered a petite model by most industries. Now what does that mean?
On paper it makes it seem like becoming a model is nearly impossible. Most modeling agencies do not have a petite division and if they do it is very limited. Granted, there are some agencies that offer Commercial Modeling divisions that do not have a height requirement. Those agencies are fair game for models of all sizes.
I remember when I started modeling I asked my model and photographer friends how I should get more involved. I had done one shoot with a friend and was curious as to how to get more photographers to notice me on social media. The first thing I was told was that they did not know of many petite modeling opportunities in the area. They also made it seem like it would be very hard to find people that wanted to shoot much less actual clients. Of course none of this was their faults but it made me feel very discouraged. But I still loved shooting. I loved meeting people, the time spent shooting, the time obsessing over the pictures and posting the picture. So I did it anyway. I posted the picture and the craziest thing happened. I got a response.
It was from one photographer in the Dallas area and he wanted to collab with me. I was so excited. I remember getting two of my closest friends to come with me just because I had no idea what I was in for with the photography community.
I always say it takes a village to become a seasoned model or creative. Luckily I started off in a good village. The photographer was incredible and sent me back more than enough pictures. I was able to then take those and start posting them along side my first shoot. More photographers began to reach out to me.
Because here is the tea. In pictures, you can't really tell if I am 5'3 or 5'9. If the photographer is skilled enough they will know their angles. If you as the model is skilled enough the poses you have will not make you look small. You will look like a normal human being I promise.  Many photographers were shocked at my height but I have never been mocked for my height in modeling.
Why??
Because I am doing it anyway. When I show up I am ready. Hair, makeup and clothes are all together. My professional and charismatic attitude is bumped. I'm ready to go. This is what I have always wanted and I am not going to stop until I have it. I will say it takes a certain PERSONALITY to model. Not necessarily a certain physical appearance.
So the cutting point is not height it's drive. You can be 5'11, model for years, get all the deals, but still be burned out and end up choosing a different career path. This is about who wants it most. Who is willing to put in the most work?
Do short girls have to put in more work?
Yes. We do. We have littler legs it's literally just factual. But if you want it. You crave it. It won't feel like that much extra. You'll be living and thriving in an environment that you know you fought and worked for.

SO! What do you need to do to be a successful "petite" model. Well, I would start with not advertising yourself like that. Not that there is anything wrong with being petite. But more so that you are a model. Just a model. Height is not a defining trait of modeling and if you don't believe me ask Tyra Banks. On America's Next Top Model she has most recently cut the height requirement. Allowing models under 5ft to model as well. If that doesn't tell you anything about the industry right not I do not know what will.
Secondly, shoot with as many people as you can and as consistently as you can. This is going to make your portfolio pop and of course you will be learning all along the way. It will also allow you to have a lot of content for you social media which will in turn help you gain clients.
Thirdly, if you do not wish to be freelance forever do not fear. There are many agencies that do not have height requirements or have a petite division. Most of those are nationwide. However, many local ones have a Commercial/Print Division which often times will not have a height requirement. You just have to submit some basic body and head shots for consideration.
I also recommend going to as many castings as possible. Some have heights but some do not. I would go anyway. Putting yourself out there is important when it comes to modeling. Confidence is everything.
Lastly, find your niche. I tell this to all models. But once you learn and begin to market yourself you will find success. People want to book models because they want to shoot with THAT model. There are plenty of new ones that do TFP (and should) but they want you because of _______!

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