To think that anyone can pass themselves off as a "model" these days?

[JellyDiamond]

Please some correct me if I'm wrong, I don't claim to know an awful lot about the world of modelling, but I used to be addicted to Americas/Britain's/Australia's etc Top Model and my knowledge of the industry comes mainly comes from that. I know that there are different types of modelling, print, commercial, high fashion etc

Anyway back to my point, to me a model is someone who is signed to a professional agency and has a proper portfolio etc. But in the age of the internet it seems that anyone can get dolled up, offer themselves up to an amateur photographer, get some photos done, upload them to the internet and pass themselves off as a "model". You can tell these a mile off as they are usually badly lit, awkwardly posed and the "model" doesn't really know what to do with her face. Hell a lot of the time the "model" isn't even photogenic. Going back to ANTM, and yes I know that Tyra Banks talks of a lot of shit a lot of the time, but she always harped on about "smiling with eyes" and how to tilt your head a certain way. And she's right, proper models just know what to do with their faces and just how to pose at the right time.

I don't believe that anyone can be a model, you NEED to be photogenic first and foremost. Even glamour models need to photograph well. I will never be a model because I look fucking hideous in every single photo of me.

Why do so many girls these days, you see them on Twitter, Instagram etc call themselves models when they are clearly not?

[NoArmaniNoPunani]

Not sure but they aren't hurting anyone are they?

[WorraLiberty]

Because they like that sort of thing?

[usualsuspect333]

I don't think I could pass myself off as a model...

[JellyDiamond]

No, they're not hurting anyone. But modelling is a proper profession, they even have a models union. You wouldn't get away with passing yourself off as a nurse or a teacher or a firefighter and get away with it would you?

[usualsuspect333]

[TheEnduringMoment]

Because there are a lot of very shallow men for whom the bragging rights of having a "model" girlfriend trumps all other characteristics?

[formerbabe]

You are right op. It is all part of this vain, narcissistic culture we now live in.

[usualsuspect333]

[toobreathless]

Surely it's a bit like acting?

Anyone can say they can act but it's pretty obvious who the professionals are?

[WorraLiberty]

You wouldn't get away with passing yourself off as a nurse or a teacher or a firefighter and get away with it would you?

Well no because that could have rather damaging consequences

Chucking the word 'model' on your FB profile...not so much.

[Jackie0]

I wasn't aware that many people tried to pass themselves off as models.
Presumably the definition of a model is someone who has been paid for modelling.

[JellyDiamond]

You may be right formerbabe. An ego boost for some women I suppose. Quite sad really.

[OriginalGreenGiant]

You're not serious? You think 'modelling' should be a protected profession so that no one can pass themselves off as one? OK.

Anyone could be and call themselves a model. Whether they're a good one or not is another matter.

[RandomNPC]

'Modelling is a proper profession'??

[usualsuspect333]

Does model impersonating happen a lot?

[Allingoodfaith]

Awww bless you!

[SukieTuesday]

There should be a march to raise awareness.

[WorraLiberty]

There should be a march to raise awareness

How about a peaceful duck face protest outside Parliment?

[CaroleLJ]

Not sure I agree modelling is a profession? Medics, firefighters, lawyers etc have rigorous education and training. It would be illegal to claim you are a paramedic if you're not.

DD2 models - makes some useful pocket money from doing fashion shows etc. don't think she's ever described herself as a model.

But- does it really matter? Where's the harm?

[Pumpkinpositive]

Why do so many girls these days, you see them on Twitter, Instagram etc call themselves models when they are clearly not?

I don't see anyone doing that. I lead such a dull life.

[usualsuspect333]

I've never seen anyone pretending to be a model.

[PiSeas]

You wouldn't know, but was not only a child model but a hair model too.
You don't have to be pretty, or thin for these jobs.
I'm a very normal person. I clean my house and clear poop...
However duck faces do not a model make

[JellyDiamond]

Ahh yes, the duck face pose! Meant to looks sultry and sexy but actually makes you look like a silly twat.

[WorraLiberty]

It's all just a bit of fun though

I'm sure they'll look back and cringe when they get older

Just as I look back and cringe at my feathery perm and huge shoulder pads during the 80s

[fakenamefornow]

I think I might start calling myself a model.