What is the BOOT CAMP MODEL Program?
After two years of doing modeling portfolios and fashion shows with primarily young women, STUDIO C Photography Imaging quickly realized that nearly all of the models have two things in common: A burning desire to "make it" in modeling, and no idea where to start. As photographers, we know that a top-notch portfolio is an absolute must, and we consistently provide that. But just having the images is not enough. The right tools, skills, and knowledge are also necessary, as well as a road map on how to get there.
After training with fashion photographer master Claudio Basso in NYC for nearly a year, and meeting many industry professionals, the concept of Boot Camp Models was formed. The idea is to be trained and primed in an intensely concentrated program, to get a full and PROPER portfolio created, and to then vie for a contract with a high-end modeling agency, which one lucky participant will receive after every BOOT CAMP session.
The goals are to make it AFFORDABLE, PROFESSIONAL, THOROUGH, and leave the participants ready to compete and succeed in this whirlwind industry. It's the jump start that you need prior to signing up with a modeling agency.
What can I expect from the program?
BOOT CAMP is two weeks of semi-flex time classes, instruction, personal evaluations, time with a personal trainer, nutritionist, skin care professional, and stylists. Obviously, there will be several photo shoots, because one of the things that every participant will leave with is a FULL professional portfolio. Training in how to walk, move, and pose will be provided by industry professionals. You'll learn how (and why!) to have a classy and professional internet presence (like MySpace, FaceBook, or your own website), and how to present yourself to the world at large. There will be some assignments that you will complete on your own. A trip to NYC for a professional shoot is INCLUDED. There you'll observe a professional model, hear industry professionals speak, and be photographed by a number of photographers.
BOOT CAMP sounds hard and tough, is that how it will be?
Yes and no. The fact that there is much to learn and do in two weeks makes for an intense program no doubt, and a certain element of brutal frankness will be a part of your individual evaluations, but don't expect anything like you see on a certain TV show. This is not about being ripped to shreds or having a cutthroat race to the finish line with your fellow students. Rather, this a dose of personal modeling reality training, with a chance to learn and do your best and vie for some great awards.
Tell me about the BOOT CAMP competition and awards.
There will be a maximum of 30 participants. Our August session may have fewer, due to vacations, people going back to school, etc. EVERY participant will receive DVD instructional materials from IKON Model Management in NYC, and part of the package INCLUDES a 12-month subscription to ELLE Magazine and automatic entry into ELLE's talent search. A final review of every participant's portfolio and a runway evaluation will determine the winner of a contract with the modeling agency. A 1-in-30 chance (or better) is pretty good odds. Runner-up will receive a 50% tuition reimbursement.
Will there be any other awards or opportunities?
Yes. There will be awards for the following categories: Best Internet Site, Best Essay, Best Attitude, Best Theme Shot, Best All-Around Sport, and Best Overall Improvement. Awards range from cash prizes to gift certificates. Besides this, every participant will have the chance to meet and talk with representatives from the Modeling Agency, and every participant will be on our call-list for the many retail fashion shoots and fashion shows that STUDIO C regularly has available. In other words, REAL WORK is on your future agenda.
What is the agenda for the two weeks? Is it all day, every day?
The August session has a good degree of "flex-time", meaning you will have time for normal life, including work to a degree, and still be able to get the full benefits of BOOT CAMP. Formal classes with industry professionals will HAVE to be attended, but you'll have scheduling flexibility with some instructors, such as the personal trainer and the MUA's for skin care. Individual assignments can be completed on your own, in your own time. (There are three assignments.) Before etching class times in stone, we send out a questionnaire to all participants inquiring about what days and times are best for them. Then, the majority rules, subject to instructor availability. Make no mistake, however, there will be about 20 hours per week THAT MUST BE ATTENDED and ARE NOT PART OF FLEX TIME. You lose points for not attending these sessions, and may lose eligibility for the contract prize. We anticipate Sunday class, and a few evenings. This can enable the participants to work at least part-time during these 2 weeks. The New York trip is a FULL DAY with possible overnight, and if you don't come, you have missed something truly spectacular in the program.
Where will BOOT CAMP be held?
All sessions, shoots, and classes, with the exception of the New York trip, will be held in Frederick, MD locations. Frederick is 30 minutes from Baltimore and 45 minutes from DC. Classes will be in the Spring Ridge Visitor Center, shoots will be in one of two studio locations and in two outdoor locations. Personal Training will be at the gym. Obviously, you'll need transportation, but carpooling opportunities are available, especially for the younger students who do not drive and whose parents work. We will work with you to make it all happen. Our limited class size makes this, among other things, possible.
Are there age or height requirements? Is experience required?
In modeling, there is a place for every face, and fashion for every body. We have worked with a number of models who are very short, for example, but absolutely beautiful. who go on to do product or beauty (such as cosmetic) work. Plus size modeling opportunities abound. BOOT CAMP is your opportunity to find out how to hit the ground running and create a stunning portfolio, which is what - at least in large part - will be your calling card in the business. BOOT CAMP Models must be 14 years old as of the session start date, and no older than 32. We find that most of our inquiries are from the 14 -28 year old set. There are no height requirements for BOOT CAMP. No experience is necessary. Right now, we work with models who are about 50% unexperienced, and 50% with varying degrees of experience. Don't worry - BOOT CAMP is ideally formatted to benefit every single participant regardless of age, height, or experience.
How do I register for BOOT CAMP, and what are the fees?
Go to the CONTACT / REGISTER page and fill out the form there. In the comments section, tell us a little about yourself (age, goals, experience if any, etc.) We will them contact you to confirm and complete your registration. We *will* have a means of online secure payment in the next few days, but for now, checks or credit cards are accepted over the phone. The fee is $1699, and INCLUDES transportation to and from NYC. Staying overnight in the city is optional, and at your own expense. PLEASE NOTE that the cost of Boot Camp is LESS than the cost of our Full Portfolio service, and you DO receive a full portfolio. This is our beta-rate for August session only and WILL be higher!
When will there be other BOOT CAMPS?
We plan three per year: One over Spring Break, and two in the Summer. If you choose to attend a second camp, you may do so at a 30% discount. Refer a friend who books, and receive $200 off your tuition.
What do I do now?
Call 301.631.5458, OR email us at bootcampmodels@yahoo.com, OR fill out the form on the CONTACT / REGISTER page and send it in. THERE ARE ONLY 30 SLOTS! Register now at our introductory beta-pricing for an all-inclusive amazing program at LESS than the cost of a portfolio.
SUSAN CENTINEO
Owner of STUDIO C Photography Imaging
WEDDING . FASHION . RETAIL . MODELING PORTFOLIOS
Frederick MD 21701
301.631.5458 Studio
240.446.6085 Cell
bootcampmodels@yahoo.com
www.studio-cphotography.com
