The Business of Modelling: What Agencies Look for in 2025
A complete SAM Studio guide for models entering the UAE fashion & commercial industry.
Read Time: 12–14 minutes
Category: Modeling | UAE Talent | Fashion Industry | Education
Read Time: 12–14 minutes
Category: Modeling | UAE Talent | Fashion Industry | Education
🌟 INTRODUCTION: MODELING HAS CHANGED — AND 2025 IS A NEW ERA
2025 is not like 2015.
The modeling industry is not what it used to be.
Today, brands and agencies don’t just look for:
height
bone structure
beauty
They look for:
presence
personality
professionalism
brand alignment
versatility
digital influence
reliability
real-life charisma
The UAE, especially Abu Dhabi and Dubai, has evolved into a hybrid market combining:
✔ traditional fashion modeling
✔ commercial modeling
✔ influencer & content-based modeling
✔ lifestyle modeling
✔ campaign storytelling
✔ multicultural representation
This guide explains EXACTLY what agencies look for in 2025 — and how you can match their expectations.
Let’s begin.
The modeling industry is not what it used to be.
Today, brands and agencies don’t just look for:
height
bone structure
beauty
They look for:
presence
personality
professionalism
brand alignment
versatility
digital influence
reliability
real-life charisma
The UAE, especially Abu Dhabi and Dubai, has evolved into a hybrid market combining:
✔ traditional fashion modeling
✔ commercial modeling
✔ influencer & content-based modeling
✔ lifestyle modeling
✔ campaign storytelling
✔ multicultural representation
This guide explains EXACTLY what agencies look for in 2025 — and how you can match their expectations.
Let’s begin.
1️⃣ UNDERSTANDING THE UAE MODELING MARKET IN 2025
Agencies today focus on market fit, not just aesthetics.
There are 5 dominant modeling sectors in the UAE:
There are 5 dominant modeling sectors in the UAE:
1. Fashion Editorial Modeling
Used for:
high fashion, couture brands, magazines, runway.
Agencies look for:
tall height (women 5’8+, men 6’0+)
sharp bone structure
expressive posing
strong facial control
runway capability
comfort with dramatic lighting
high fashion, couture brands, magazines, runway.
Agencies look for:
tall height (women 5’8+, men 6’0+)
sharp bone structure
expressive posing
strong facial control
runway capability
comfort with dramatic lighting
2. Commercial Modeling
The BIGGEST part of the UAE market.
Used for:
brands, products, lifestyle campaigns.
Agencies look for:
relatability
natural expressions
clean skin
smile confidence
approachability
diversity in looks
comfort on camera
Used for:
brands, products, lifestyle campaigns.
Agencies look for:
relatability
natural expressions
clean skin
smile confidence
approachability
diversity in looks
comfort on camera
3. Beauty Modeling
Used for:
makeup brands, skincare, jewelry.
Agencies look for:
symmetric features
clean complexion
strong eye control
smooth posing
confidence under hard light
makeup brands, skincare, jewelry.
Agencies look for:
symmetric features
clean complexion
strong eye control
smooth posing
confidence under hard light
4. Fitness & Wellness Modeling
Used for:
gyms, sports brands, wellness centers.
Agencies look for:
toned physique
energy
clean lifestyle image
athletic posing
gyms, sports brands, wellness centers.
Agencies look for:
toned physique
energy
clean lifestyle image
athletic posing
5. Content/Influencer Modeling
The fastest-growing category in the UAE.
Agencies look for:
personality
authenticity
storytelling ability
engagement (not followers alone!)
confidence on video
ability to create content
Agencies look for:
personality
authenticity
storytelling ability
engagement (not followers alone!)
confidence on video
ability to create content
2️⃣ WHAT MODELING AGENCIES LOOK FOR TODAY (THE 2025 CHECKLIST)
Below is the actual checklist agencies use when evaluating new talent.
✔ 1. Looks (Traditional + Modern Criteria)
Agencies care about:
bone structure
face symmetry
uniqueness
skin quality
posture
presence
hygiene
proportion
But 2025 agencies ALSO care about:
unusual beauty
expressive faces
unique features
character energy
This is why models with freckles, shaved heads, curvy shapes, or distinct looks are now in demand.
bone structure
face symmetry
uniqueness
skin quality
posture
presence
hygiene
proportion
But 2025 agencies ALSO care about:
unusual beauty
expressive faces
unique features
character energy
This is why models with freckles, shaved heads, curvy shapes, or distinct looks are now in demand.
✔ 2. Personality (More Important Than Ever)
Agencies want models who are:
motivated
responsible
humble
collaborative
expressive
confident
punctual
A model with “okay looks” but amazing energy gets hired over a beautiful model with a bad attitude.
motivated
responsible
humble
collaborative
expressive
confident
punctual
A model with “okay looks” but amazing energy gets hired over a beautiful model with a bad attitude.
✔ 3. Versatility (Can You Adapt?)
2025 requires models to:
smile naturally
pose dramatically
relax for lifestyle
hold strong editorial angles
follow directions quickly
express emotion
Versatility = more bookings.
smile naturally
pose dramatically
relax for lifestyle
hold strong editorial angles
follow directions quickly
express emotion
Versatility = more bookings.
✔ 4. Clear Communication Skills
Agencies expect models to:
reply fast
confirm availability
read instructions
follow dress codes
arrive fully prepared
communicate politely
reply fast
confirm availability
read instructions
follow dress codes
arrive fully prepared
communicate politely
✔ 5. Updated Portfolio (Critical in UAE)
Your portfolio must show:
digitals (polaroids)
clean beauty shot
fashion look
lifestyle shot
full body
expressive looks
editorial poses
➡️ How to Build a Modeling Portfolio in Abu Dhabi (Step by Step)
digitals (polaroids)
clean beauty shot
fashion look
lifestyle shot
full body
expressive looks
editorial poses
➡️ How to Build a Modeling Portfolio in Abu Dhabi (Step by Step)
✔ 6. Digital Presence (NOT About Followers!)
Agencies check if your Instagram or TikTok:
looks clean
represents your personality
shows camera comfort
shows lifestyle
avoids drama
has consistent visuals
Even 500 followers is fine if your page looks professional.
looks clean
represents your personality
shows camera comfort
shows lifestyle
avoids drama
has consistent visuals
Even 500 followers is fine if your page looks professional.
✔ 7. Professional Reputation
Agencies want models who:
arrive on time
follow rules
work well with teams
show respect on set
don’t complain
don’t create conflict
deliver consistent performance
Your attitude builds your reputation.
arrive on time
follow rules
work well with teams
show respect on set
don’t complain
don’t create conflict
deliver consistent performance
Your attitude builds your reputation.
✔ 8. Reliability & Discipline
Agencies value:
punctuality
discipline
consistency
professional behavior
If you show up late once?
Your name enters the “do not repeat” list.
If you show up early every time?
You get priority booking.
punctuality
discipline
consistency
professional behavior
If you show up late once?
Your name enters the “do not repeat” list.
If you show up early every time?
You get priority booking.
✔ 9. Ability to Take Direction
During a shoot, agencies observe if you:
change pose instantly
understand facial expression instruction
listen carefully
try new things
remain flexible
stay calm under pressure
This is why practicing Posing 101 + Expression 101 is so important.
change pose instantly
understand facial expression instruction
listen carefully
try new things
remain flexible
stay calm under pressure
This is why practicing Posing 101 + Expression 101 is so important.
✔ 10. Body Awareness & Posture
Models must know:
how to hold themselves
how to create shape
how to control shoulders
how to activate jawline
how to extend limbs
Lighting changes everything
➡️ Studio Lighting 101: What Every Model Should Know Before a Shoot
how to hold themselves
how to create shape
how to control shoulders
how to activate jawline
how to extend limbs
Lighting changes everything
➡️ Studio Lighting 101: What Every Model Should Know Before a Shoot
3️⃣ WHAT AGENCIES DO NOT WANT (READ CAREFULLY)
Agencies reject models for:
❌ unprofessional attitude
❌ unreliable communication
❌ bad social media presence
❌ inconsistent appearance
❌ over-photoshopped photos
❌ lying about measurements
❌ last-minute cancellations
❌ messy behavior during shoots
❌ not respecting team members
One mistake can cost opportunities.
❌ unprofessional attitude
❌ unreliable communication
❌ bad social media presence
❌ inconsistent appearance
❌ over-photoshopped photos
❌ lying about measurements
❌ last-minute cancellations
❌ messy behavior during shoots
❌ not respecting team members
One mistake can cost opportunities.
4️⃣ HOW TO PRESENT YOURSELF TO AGENCIES IN 2025
📌 1. Submit a Clean Modeling Portfolio
What you need:
✔ beauty shot
✔ full body
✔ profile shot
✔ 1 strong editorial
✔ 1 commercial lifestyle
✔ polaroids
✔ beauty shot
✔ full body
✔ profile shot
✔ 1 strong editorial
✔ 1 commercial lifestyle
✔ polaroids
📌 2. Share Your Digitals in One Folder
Needed angles:
front
side
¾ profile
full body
natural light
simple clothing
front
side
¾ profile
full body
natural light
simple clothing
📌 3. Present a Professional Bio
Keep it simple:
“I am a commercial & beauty model based in Abu Dhabi.
I have experience in photoshoots, lifestyle content, and brand collaborations.
I am reliable, punctual, and comfortable in front of the camera.”
“I am a commercial & beauty model based in Abu Dhabi.
I have experience in photoshoots, lifestyle content, and brand collaborations.
I am reliable, punctual, and comfortable in front of the camera.”
📌 4. Show Real Personality
Show:
smiles
soft expressions
editorial expressions
confidence
smiles
soft expressions
editorial expressions
confidence
📌 5. Stay Humble & Confident
Agencies notice energy more than beauty.
5️⃣ HOW SAM STUDIO PREPARES MODELS FOR AGENCY SELECTION
SAM Studio offers:
✔ Portfolio Shoots
Fashion / commercial / editorial looks.
✔ Digitals & Polaroids
Agency-approved clean digitals.
✔ Comp Cards
Designed through Canva or your templates.
✔ Posing & Expression Coaching
Essential for new models.
✔ Professional Image Consultation
Help choosing looks & outfits.
✔ Access to SAM Talent Platform
(When launched) — connects models to opportunities.
✔ Portfolio Shoots
Fashion / commercial / editorial looks.
✔ Digitals & Polaroids
Agency-approved clean digitals.
✔ Comp Cards
Designed through Canva or your templates.
✔ Posing & Expression Coaching
Essential for new models.
✔ Professional Image Consultation
Help choosing looks & outfits.
✔ Access to SAM Talent Platform
(When launched) — connects models to opportunities.
6️⃣ THE 2025 MODEL SUCCESS MATRIX (Created by SAM Studio)
TOP MODEL SUCCESS IN 2025
--------------------------------------------------
Skills | Looks | Discipline
Versatility | Presence| Attitude
Reliability | Style | Confidence
Communication | Brandfit| Creativity
--------------------------------------------------
= A BOOKABLE, PROFESSIONAL MODEL
--------------------------------------------------
Skills | Looks | Discipline
Versatility | Presence| Attitude
Reliability | Style | Confidence
Communication | Brandfit| Creativity
--------------------------------------------------
= A BOOKABLE, PROFESSIONAL MODEL
Other Blogs
How to Pitch Yourself to Brands
How to Build a Modeling Portfolio in Abu Dhabi
Behind the Scenes at SAM Studio
Model Wellness & Mindset in the UAE
How to Build a Modeling Portfolio in Abu Dhabi
Behind the Scenes at SAM Studio
Model Wellness & Mindset in the UAE
🎯 CONCLUSION — 2025 IS THE YEAR OF “THE NEW MODEL”
Agencies don’t just want beautiful faces.
They want:
professionalism
reliability
personality
camera confidence
storytelling ability
unique presence
strong digital image
And SAM Studio is here to help you become that model.
Every pose.
Every expression.
Every decision.
Every opportunity.
…shapes your journey.
2025 belongs to models who understand the business — and commit to becoming their best.
They want:
professionalism
reliability
personality
camera confidence
storytelling ability
unique presence
strong digital image
And SAM Studio is here to help you become that model.
Every pose.
Every expression.
Every decision.
Every opportunity.
…shapes your journey.
2025 belongs to models who understand the business — and commit to becoming their best.
START YOUR MODELING JOURNEY AT SAM STUDIO
Whether you want to:
✔ get signed by an agency
✔ build a professional portfolio
✔ create digitals
✔ design your comp card
✔ practice posing
✔ join a creative community
✔ access new opportunities
SAM Studio Abu Dhabi is the perfect place to begin.
📲 Register as a Model at SAM Studio
📍 Photography | Modeling | Production
✨ Beyond Vision. Into Reality.
✔ get signed by an agency
✔ build a professional portfolio
✔ create digitals
✔ design your comp card
✔ practice posing
✔ join a creative community
✔ access new opportunities
SAM Studio Abu Dhabi is the perfect place to begin.
📲 Register as a Model at SAM Studio
📍 Photography | Modeling | Production
✨ Beyond Vision. Into Reality.
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Gavin Toh