10 Types of Models to Hire for Photography Projects

Looking for the best types of models to hire for your photography projects?

This guide will tell you everything you need to know about types of modeling.

If you’re planning your next big photo shoot, you must work with a model who fits your creative vision and brings your concept to life.

But with so many models out there, choosing the right one is daunting.

In this post, we’ll explore the most popular categories of models to consider for your next project.

You should be able to hire all these types of models using Model Mayhem or one of its alternatives.

Selecting the Perfect Model for Your Photo Shoot

Crafting the perfect photo shoot isn’t just about a decent camera and a pretty face. There’s a lot more to it, and picking the ideal model can make or break your photography project.

When you choose the right model, they can authentically portray what you want to promote, which captivates your audience and improves your overall quality of work.

With so many models waiting to collaborate with professional photographers, you must choose someone who aligns with your goals. But how do you make such a crucial decision?

1. Define Your Requirements

Before you go out and choose the first model that looks cool, take your time and figure out your preferences and needs.

Write a detailed criteria list based on your type of photography, audience, purpose, and vision. This will help you pick out the most suitable model. Consider the specific qualities you’re looking for.

Are you looking for only beauty and elegance? Or are you prioritizing fitness to promote an active lifestyle? Answering these questions will help you streamline your search and select the most suitable model.

2. Seek Professional Guidance

Establishing your criteria can be tricky, especially if you’re planning for your first photography project. Fortunately, reputable modeling agencies can be handy to help you narrow down your options.

Opt for modeling agencies with impressive track records, diverse portfolios, and experienced professionals. Take a closer look at their past projects to see the quality of their work.

Explain the details of your photo shoot and your goals, and they’ll help you with valuable insights and options tailored to your vision and type of photography.

3. Consider Body Type and Wardrobe

Considering body type and wardrobe is a crucial step in your journey to find the right model. If you’re showcasing a clothes collection, you must think of the clothes’ patterns and colors and how they complement the body type of your model.

4. Communicate With Your Model

Once you find some promising prospects, you must communicate with them and ask for their portfolios. Delve into their previous work and analyze their ability to pose and display different expressions.

Discuss every detail in your photo shoot and explain your objectives so that the models understand what you expect from them. This type of open communication serves as an opportunity to understand each other better, share ideas, and finalize plans.

10 Types of Models for Photography Projects

Now that you understand some crucial aspects of choosing the right model let’s have a detailed look at different types of models.

We’ve made a list of 10 different modeling types to help you find options that align with your goals.

1. Fashion Models

If you’re looking to showcase the latest trends in fashion or promote a premium clothing line, then fashion models are your best bet. Also called editorial models, fashion models are the type of models you see walking the runway to promote designer clothes.

They help designers bring their visions to life by walking runways and showing off different looks and fashion poses with confidence and poise.

But that’s not the end of it. Fashion models help promote not only clothes but also hair, skincare, and makeup products.

They feature in photo shoots for magazine editorials wearing different types of products and conveying a range of styles and emotions to illustrate the products through pictorial stories.

Thanks to their work with international fashion magazines and designers, fashion models set the current trends in the fashion world.

Think of Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Naomi Campbell, Cara Delevingne, Adriana Lima, and more. No doubt, these models fill up your Instagram feed whether you’re a fashion photographer or a model.

2. Commercial Models

If you’re planning for a photo shoot to promote a specific type of service or product, then commercial models are the way to go.

They specialize in promoting products and services through different types of media, including catalogs, brochures, print advertisements, TV commercials, online ads, and more.

Unlike high fashion models who work with high-end designers and luxury brands, commercial models aren’t restricted by age, size, weight, or height. That’s because models need to be authentic and versatile as they promote products to a wider range of audience.

In other words, commercial modeling is all about relatability and a natural look. This makes customers feel they can easily connect with the advertised product or service.

Overall, commercial models can be a huge addition to any business as they showcase the brand identity in an authentic and visually engaging way.

More importantly, as a photographer, it will be much easier for you to find the right model since commercial models don’t need to have specific weight, height, or size.

3. Fitness Models

Are you looking for a model to promote fitness and health-related products, services, and lifestyles? Then, narrow down your search to fitness models.

Fitness models are always in high demand for gyms, health centers, personal trainers, and health supplement companies. Why? Simply because they’re fit, well-toned, healthy, and often have an athletic background.

Since fitness models eat clean, work out, and lead healthy lifestyles, they’re suitable to promote sportswear, nutrition products, and fitness companies. Their photos radiate positive energy, and health-oriented customers look up to them as role models.

4. Petite Models

If you’re after models who’re a bit shorter than average, ooze confidence, and can easily sway customers, consider petite models. Petite models are individuals who are usually shorter than 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm).

Even though the fashion world is dominated by tall models, petite models are now becoming extremely popular. That’s mainly because petite clotheslines, brands, and fashion shows are looking to cater to customers of shorter stature.

As such, petite models work in commercial modeling, fashion modeling, print advertising, and more.

Since the modeling industry is looking to captivate a wider range of audience, there are now more opportunities for models of all sizes, heights, and backgrounds. That’s why petite models are becoming more visible in the fashion world.

Ever heard about Twiggy, Kate Moss, Anja Konstantinova, or Lily-Rose Depp? They’re all petite models who broke into the fashion industry, destroying all the stereotypes about height and beauty.

5. Plus-Size Models

Speaking about breaking stereotypes about beauty, height, and weight, we can’t forget to mention plus-size models. Plus-size models are models who fall outside the modeling industry’s size standards. That means they don’t have to be tall, skinny, and flawless.

Generally speaking, plus-size models are usually UK size 12 or above. They engage in various modeling types, including commercial and fashion modeling for magazines and major fashion brands.

The main objective for plus-size models is to represent customers who wear larger clothing sizes. They give a new perspective to the modeling industry by promoting body positivity, inclusivity, and diversity.

The likes of Paloma Elsesser, Ashley Graham, Kate Wasley, and Denise Bidot are clear examples of how plus-size models aren’t only getting recognition in social media.

They’re setting a new standard in the fashion industry as well by embracing diversity and helping individuals feel valued regardless of their body size.

6. Glamor Models

Planning a high-fashion, magazine-style, or extravagant photo shoot? Then glamor models are the way to go. As the word glamor suggests, glamor models scream attractiveness and excitement, and they bring that touch of Hollywood glitz and glamor to photo shoots.

Glamor models are suitable for shots where you want to emphasize allure, sophistication, and mystery. Think smokey eyes, red lips, pin-up poses,  attractive outfits, and that killer confidence that captivates the audience through every frame.

That’s why images for health and beauty posters, magazines, and calendars all feature glamor models.

Be mindful that glamor models have to be above 18 years old, and agencies’ standards regarding body, weight, height, and appearance are often strict.

But here’s the best part: glamor models aren’t only about looking drop-dead gorgeous. They also understand the art of posing, lighting, and expression. So, they can strike poses that will surely attract attention.

7. Parts Models

Also referred to as body-part models, parts models specialize in specific body parts. Think hands, feet, eyes, legs, lips, and so on.

Even though these models don’t usually walk down runways, their work is crucial in the world of fashion and advertising to help brands attract customers.

Parts models master the art of showcasing their specific body parts that look flawless, captivating, and desirable. They work on catalog, advertising, and editorial works for various brands.

For example, a hand model uses their hands to showcase products such as watches and jewelry. They need to have long, slender hands and smooth-toned skin.

Other types of parts models also need to meet specific requirements to excel at promoting certain products. Think of lipstick brands, for example. They’re always after models who have perfect, luscious lips to highlight the perfect shade of lipstick.

8. Mature Models

Just as plus-size models break stereotypes about weight and size, mature models are living proof that it’s never too late to be a professional model. They’re typically models aged 40 or older, and they bring a wealth of experience, sophistication, and confidence to each frame.

Imagine you’re working on a campaign that celebrates the beauty of aging, and you need to showcase products or services that are tailored to customers above 40 or 50. In that case, mature models are the way to go.

Thanks to their wisdom, poise, and natural charm, they add depth and authenticity to your photos. They redefine beauty standards and prove that age is just a number with their confidence and appealing traits.

Tyra Banks, Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, and Elle Macpherson are some of the most reputable mature models out there. Despite their age, they managed to establish themselves in the fashion and modeling world.

9. Catalog Models

In today’s digital world, catalog models play a crucial role in the world of retail, as they bring clothes and products to life for customers through catalog pages and online platforms.

Unlike professional fashion models, catalog models don’t need to meet strict requirements. Why, you wonder?

Mainly because their goal is to stay authentic and be relatable to a wider range of customers. On top of that, catalog models rely on unique visuals and well-written content, so they don’t need to have specific age, weight, or height to bring the customers’ attention.

One thing that catalog models excel at is diversity. They have the skills to strike different poses, rock different styles, and promote endless types of clothes.

Catalog models know how to convey confidence and comfort as they make products and clothes look more appealing to customers.

10. Freelance Models

Last on our list are the independent spirits of modeling: freelance models. These are models who offer their services independently and aren’t signed to modeling agencies.

That’s why they often market themselves and contact photographers for potential photo shoots.

If you decide to work with freelance models, you’re entering a realm of unique styles, endless possibilities, and diverse talents. Since these models aren’t bound by exclusive contracts or agency restrictions, it can be pretty easy to communicate and work with them on a project basis.

Furthermore, freelance models bring flexibility to the table thanks to their ability to adapt to different styles and themes. This makes them ideal for a wide range of projects, from fashion and commercial shoots to experimental and artistic gigs.