When top model Heidi Klum had her legs insured for more than £1 million, it made one thing clear: Brands know the value of great pins.
Whether you’re hoping yours will feature in the latest Gillette campaign or be captured dangling in the turquoise pool of a luxury hotel, there are plenty of opportunities to build a career out of becoming a model – and allowing your legs to lead the way. Here’s how to become a leg model in the UK.
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A leg model is a type of model who showcases their legs in their work. They could be a model for e-commerce, hosiery, or sportswear, or in the lifestyle sphere, such as for holiday brochures.
If your legs are in the frame, you’ll likely be expected to model other body parts, too, such as your feet. Still, having the kind of legs the industry prefers – typically long, slender, and toned – can really give you a head start.
Credit: Maria Markevich/Shutterstock
Parts modelling agency BMA Hands says the perfect length for a female model’s legs is 1.4 times the length of her upper body. It’s rare that clients will whip out the measuring tape for your inseam on first meeting, but having visibly long legs compared with the rest of your body will set you apart.
Beyond length, it’s generally expected that your legs should be well toned and free of blemishes. That means no scars and no hair are usual requirements, and most casting directors prefer legs to be free of tattoos as well. Varicose veins and other marks can also be a problem.
That said, expectations entirely depend on the type of client. Some clients actively look for leg models who don’t fit the industry standard, such as models with disabilities, tattoos, or permanent skin conditions. If you fall into that category, it’s worth seeking out agencies that represent more diverse talent, such as Zebedee or Ugly.
According to BMA Hands, having toned legs isn’t just about the look. Balance and strength are key requirements for leg models, because, in a lot of shoots, a leg model will be asked to hold an awkward pose for an extended period of time to help the photographer achieve the perfect shot.
Specialist parts agency Hired Hands Models asks its leg models to keep their legs and the surrounding skin in a “production-ready” state. That means your skin must be kept moisturised and even-toned. You’re also expected to notify the agency of any skin conditions, nail breakages, cuts, bruises, or marks in the shooting area that may affect a booking. That’s particularly crucial for full-leg work, where skin-condition consistency across a larger area is central to the brief.
There isn’t a specific statistic for how much you can earn as a leg model, but according to Glassdoor the average UK model salary is just under £40,000 a year, with a typical range of about £20,000 to £79,000. In 2018, UK Models found that parts models could earn up to £500 per shoot, a fee that has likely risen in the years since.
It’s worth remembering that the pay isn’t salaried, like with an office job. Rather, models are booked for work sporadically, often with not much more than a week’s notice. If you do a good job and get on with the crew, you may be lucky enough to get repeat bookings with a particular client.
Credit: puhhha/Shutterstock
1. Do the legwork.
Before anything else, make sure you research everything you can about modelling legs. Look up relevant campaigns, agency websites, and working models’ social media pages to see whether this modelling niche suits you. Bear in mind that you’ll need to develop a routine to keep your legs consistently looking their best.
2. Pamper your pins.
Make sure your legs are in excellent condition. HHM’s talent code of conduct requires its leg models to have well-maintained, healthy skin at all times. That usually means they’re hair-free, moisturised, and toned. Hit the gym and the beauty parlour to get them looking camera-ready.
3. Apply to leg model agencies.
Agencies have connections to top clients and photographers, and they can help you navigate your career and negotiate higher rates. Look for agencies that have worked with relevant brands and always follow the application guidelines carefully. Try specialist body parts model agencies like Hired Hands Models or agencies with a dedicated parts division, such as Hands by TDA or BMA Hands, each of which has a division for legs and feet.
4. Jump into posing.
Study leg model photos and copy the poses in front of a mirror. Shoots can demand holding awkward positions for a long time or repeating the same movement many times. Work out where you need to build up strength so you ace your first shoot.
5. Polish your portfolio.
Make sure your portfolio clearly shows a full-length photo of you and shots of your legs that emphasise their length. It’s best to find a photographer who is familiar with hosiery brands or similar clients. If you manage to sign with an agency, they will arrange shoots for you.
6. Make strides with social media.
Think of your social media as an extension of your portfolio, as well as a way to show off the personality behind your pins. Include leg model photos alongside less polished photos that show the real you. Consider the kinds of clients and agencies you’d like to work with and create content that may appeal to them.
7. Get yourself a leg up.
Find other people in the industry who can support you in your leg modelling journey, whether it’s a model mentor, an ambitious stylist, or a photographer with great contacts. Word of mouth is a great way to find out about opportunities, and you never know who may be able to help you with your next gig.
8. Take a leg model casting in stride.
Whether you go freelance or sign with an agency, hopefully you’ll soon land a leg model casting. This is a meeting during which you are introduced to clients and casting directors who are looking at models for their campaign or e-commerce shoot. Do your research to find out a bit more about who you’re meeting and make sure your legs look their best on the day.
