Body parts modelling is a great niche to enter if you don’t meet the requirements for other forms of modelling. Leg modelling, in particular, is a popular category of body parts modelling as legs are required for all sorts of advertising campaigns.
Read on to find out how you can become a leg model.
Check out our other body part modelling articles here:
What Do Leg Models Do?
Leg models are part of the body parts niche of modelling. They are required for close-ups of the leg, buttock, ankles and feet. They may be required for high-fashion advertising for shoes or skirts/shorts, or they may be seen in commercial advertising in catalogs or for high street brands.
Leg models are also required for fake tan and holiday brands, as well as fitness attire companies, gyms, and other leg-related products and places.
Many models who do not meet the requirements of high fashion or commercial modelling can still work in body parts modelling. Body parts modelling does not require a model to have the “full package”; they simply need an above-average and photographic body part.
Macro photography is most commonly used for body part modelling. This form of photography is like having a microscope up to the body part; it leaves no room for errors as every pore and hair will be seen. That means the body part must be taken care of in order to look good even close up.
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What Do You Need to Become a Leg Model?
A leg model must have long, shapely legs free of blemishes.
Different brands have different requirements for their models, and it is no different for body-part models. In general, leg models must have long legs that are toned and well-cared for. Skin must be blemish, bruise and scar-free, and hairless. There can be no varicose veins or other marks on the skin.
Looking after your body part can be a time-consuming and expensive job. Models must take great care of their body part and avoid any activities that may harm or otherwise blemish it; a small cut or bruise could lose them a modelling job. It’s even more important that they avoid anything that could leave a permanent mark such as corns, blisters, sun spots, freckles and deeper cuts that could scar. Leg models must also avoid activities that could cause leg injuries such as skating, skiing and even running.
Body part models spend a lot of time moisturising and caring for their body part. Leg models must have a regimented skincare routine to ensure skin is soft, silky and smooth-looking. They wear clothing that does not leave tight marks on the skin. They must avoid skin exposure and wear an SPF if their skin is ever in the sun. They must avoid activities that may leave a mark on the skin.
Leg models must eat well and work out to ensure their skin and muscles are in the best health. Thighs need to be toned and strong, but not overly muscular. A muscled leg model will lose work and decrease their opportunities, unless they find work for a fitness brand. Yoga and ballet-inspired workouts are popular as they help strengthen and elongate the legs while still looking feminine and elegant. The knee must be moisturised and scar-free. The foot should also be taken care of and maintained as many leg jobs will also feature the feet and ankles.
Leg models usually avoid wearing heels outside of work to protect their feet from damage. The entire leg including the lower limb, upper thigh, the skin, muscles, tendons and even the pelvis must be thought about and looked after.
The Life of a Body Part Model
Body part models rarely receive fame as their faces are not commonly photographed. While this means they can live a life that is relatively free from media attention, it can be hard for some people to not get recognition for their work, particularly if their body part is later photoshopped onto another model’s body.
Successful models can make a lot of money and work with some of the top brands in the industry. However, they must often make a lot of sacrifices. Body-part work can arise at any moment and body-part models must make sure they are always available. You may need to drop whatever you are doing to attend a job or audition. Not attending auditions will cause brands and agencies to think you are flakey, and you may lose future opportunities.
Many body part models work part-time. It is unusual, though not unheard of, for a body part model to work full-time.
Body part models will find more work if they are located in a major city such as London. They will have to be prepared for a lot of travelling if they live elsewhere, as most auditions and jobs will take place there. Depending on the brand, you may even be required to go abroad.
A shoot will look unusual compared to other photoshoots. Body part models must often get into odd or awkward positions to have their body part taken. They must have the patience and the skill to be able to angle their body part a millimetre at a time in order for the photographer to get the perfect shot. Thet must also have the strength to hold the positions for extended periods.
How to Become a Leg Model
Becoming a leg model is similar to becoming any other type of model. It’s best to have an agency as they will be able to support you and find you work. While it’s possible to be freelance, it’s easier if you have the guidance of an agency, at least until you know some people in the industry.
There are many agencies who work specifically with body-part models, and you should research these agencies online. You can apply to as many agencies as you like, as many times as you like. It’s best to re-apply after 3 to 6 months if you don’t hear back from an agency.
To apply to an agency, there should be an application form on their website. This form will request certain details about you including your measurements and age. They will also request photos of your chosen body part. It’s best to send high-quality photos to give yourself the best opportunity of being chosen. Remember that modelling is incredibly competitive and an agency will recieve hundreds of applications each week. You’ll need to stand out from the crowd and show you are serious about the job.
You will need a modelling portfolio if you want to stand out as a professional. These photos can also be used in your agency application. If you have yet to gain any professional modelling experience, it’s a good idea to hire a professional photography studio to take your images for you.
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If you are unsuccessful, it’s unlikely you will hear back from the agency at all. Don’t become disheartened as there are many reasons why an agency may not be ready to sign you just now. Make a note and re-apply in a few months.
If an agency is interested in you, they will get in contact and arrange a face-to-face meeting. This is known as a casting call or audition. You will then learn whether or not they are happy to sign you up.
If you are signed to an agency, you will then need to sign a contract. Make sure you read this thoroughly and understand all the clauses. The contract will tell you how much the agency will take from any money you make.
Your agency will then be in contact with any relevant jobs that come up. You will have to audition for each job, so be ready and willing to travel to auditions at a moments notice.
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Check out the video below to learn more about body parts modelling:
Good evening, I am looking to get into modelling for my legs. If you could please get in touch so we could speak more that would be much appreciated.
Helo hi there im Riekert .not to sure what to say but i think i have nice legs …
Parts models are in huge demand from companies who want the perfect hands, legs, feet or other body parts to advertise their product. You may not be able to become a high-fashion model, but you may still be able to break into the modeling industry.
Hello I have some great legs
I always received compliments on my legs and how nice they are was wondering how I can become a leg model
i would like to become a legs model