Every year, Bizarre runs a competition where readers vote for their favourite Ultra Vixen, and the winner gets an exclusive photoshoot for our subscribers cover. The Ultra Vixens annual contest has proved so popular that we’ve launched a second talent search to find another 2010 cover star, this time judged by Bizarre’s team of experts – and it’s open to Vixens and non-Vixens alike.

Want to talk to other potential Bizarre models or check out their pictures? Sign up at our huge online alternative community YourBizarre today

We want someone with bags of charisma and plenty to say for themselves – the kind of kick-ass heroine who’ll inspire our readers. So read on to find out how to make it onto the mother of all covers…

Click here to find out how to enter the competition

Check out the sexy results of Rubberdoll and Bianca's shoot

TOP TIPS FROM THE POSING PROS
Meet our experts – read on for their hot hints

Dave Kelsall
Bizarre’s Art Director, who makes the final call on models.

Emily McBean
Bizarre’s Picture Researcher – she helps choose models and direct shoots.

Nina Kate
Experienced Bizarre cover girl, model and latex fashion designer.

Christine Kessler
Fetish photographer and Bizarre columnist.

Martin Perreault
Fetish photographer based in Montreal and Bianca Beauchamp’s agent.

Sabina Kelley
Bizarre cover girl, pin-up model and burlesque dancer in her spare time.

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SNAPS TO GET YOU HIRED

Want to be taken seriously as a model?

Ditch the make-up

Emily says: “Include one close-up facial shot in which your make-up is light and simple, or even a bare-faced, snap – it’s difficult to see someone’s features when they’re hidden under a mountain of foundation.”

Lay off photoshop

Don’t send shots that have been extensively digitally manipulated. Employers want to see what you really look like, not what someone can turn you into using a computer. Christine says: “If every single shot of a model has surreally smooth skin and has obviously been heavily Photoshopped, it’s a big red flag. I immediately wonder, ‘What’s wrong with her complexion that had to be blurred out?’”

Get a pro on the cheap
Images don’t have to be professional – employers can spy talent whether it’s been shot in a studio or snapped on the street – but you can learn a lot from working with decent photographers, so you might want to do some ‘TFP’ (‘Time For Pictures’) work. This is an arrangement with a snapper (usually one who’s just starting out) where you both give your time for free in order to get some practice and a set of pictures to take away.

Beware photo scams
Professional photographers make their living from their camera skills, so can be less willing to do TFP shoots. You’ll have to pay to hire them if you’re set on getting quality images done by a pro. However, there are many scams out there; be wary of parting with your cash for ‘modelling lessons’, to ‘join an agency’, or promises to ‘get your photos in front of the right people’. If you’re good enough to be taken on by a reputable agency, they’ll earn money by taking a percentage of your wages from bookings, and won’t need to charge ‘membership fees’.

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FIND THE RIGHT SNAPPER

How to track down the perfect photographer

Look at their portfolio
Always check out a photographer’s portfolio before you agree to shoot with them. Pay attention to whether they’ve used light effectively, and beware of too many computerised ‘special effects’ or ‘digital art’.

Start networking

Nina Kate says: “ModelMayhem.com is a networking site for models and photographers of all experience levels. It’s free to host a basic profile and a good place to look for a snapper whose style you like.” You might find budding talent at a local photographic college, too.

Discuss image rights
Photographers usually own the rights to every image they capture; they’ll most likely be fine with you sending images to other people in order to try and get more modelling work, but you’ll probably have to get their express permission if anyone wants to publish one of these images, either online or in print. The photographer will at least want to be credited, and may want to be paid by the publisher.

Get it in writing
If the photographer wants to publish your image somewhere, they’ll need you to sign a model release form first. Make sure you’re clear on where you’re happy for your photo to appear before you stick your signature on anything – if you don’t want your image to pop up on a porn site, for example, write this on the form before you sign it.

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PREPARING FOR A SHOOT
How to get the most out of your photo session

Be straight

Christine says: “Always let the photographer know what they’re in for! Be honest if your skin’s broken out or you’ve changed weight.”

Do your homework

Find out as much as you can about a shoot and communicate with everyone in advance: will there be a make-up artist or stylist? For TFP shoots, you’ll often be required to do your own hair, clobber and cosmetics.

Arrived groomed
If there’s a make-up artist, arrive with your skin clean and moisturised, your nails well kept, everything shaved that needs to be and your locks fresh.

Pack some clothes

Whether or not clothes are being provided for you, Sabina and Nina Kate agree that there are a few things you should always carry: some plain ‘go with anything’ heels; fishnet tights and stockings in various shades; black and nude underwear, and ‘chicken fillet’ bra fillers – even if you have a big bust, these could help clothes fit better.

Stuff for your handbag

Sabina says: “Carry deodorant, baby wipes, water and a snack. You don’t know if you’re going to get a lunch break and if you’re distracted by hunger it shows in your shots.”

Be on time
Plan your route carefully – don’t rely on the last train home, as shoots often overrun.

Look in the mirror

Christine’s golden rule is practice, practice, practice: “Look at magazines and websites, and try out poses so you know how your body looks from different angles.”

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AT THE SHOOT
How to make a brilliant impression on the day

Take a patient mate
If you want to bring a chaperone to make sure you’re safe, a decent photographer will allow this – as long as you don’t take someone who’ll cause a nuisance. Shoots can be long, arduous affairs, so choose a friend who won’t easily bore. Make sure they stay out of the way and don’t act like a backseat driver. Partners can pose problems if they get jealous over their other half pulling sexy poses for a cameraman, so think hard before you invite your fella or lady.

Trust the experts

You might think your face looks more lurid than alluring, or your outfit more fattening than flattering, but great make-up artists and stylists know what looks good on film. As Nina Kate says: “No-one is going to make you look bad, as they all want the photos to turn out stunning, so have faith.”

Be ready for changes

Shoots are about collaboration and cooperation. The best models turn up with loads of ideas, but are also willing to take direction and try out suggestions without getting shy or offended. Christine explains: “Different lighting set-ups may mean your posing will have to change. For example, if I’m lighting you from overhead, I’ll ask you to lift your chin, otherwise your face will be in shadow. On the next set-up, the light may be lower so I’ll be asking you to tilt your head down. Don’t get pissed off with your photographer if they keep requesting changes – it’s for your own good!”

Have a good attitude
Modelling is about personality and dedication as well as looks. If you’re sullen, sulky, arrogant, difficult to work with or in any way a diva, people won’t bother with you again.

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THE TOUGH TRUTH

Some sugar-free hard facts

It’s bloody hard work

Martin spells it out: “If you seriously want to model, there are no half measures. You do it or you don’t. Doing it means getting your butt at the gym four times a week and being ultra-aware of your face and body.”

Not everyone will like you
Learn to accept rejection. Just because your look isn’t right for a particular shoot it doesn’t mean you’re ‘ugly’. People don’t have time to constantly reassure you – if you’re set on modelling, you need to develop a thick skin as well as a smooth one!

You won’t get much cash

Don’t expect to make a living out of modelling. Nina Kate says: “The only people who make their living by being models are the ones with adult paysites or fashion models who spend their lives at castings. It’s unlikely you’ll be able to model full time. But you can have a great time shooting at weekends, while spending the rest of your time on career aspects which matters to you – for example, I run my Jane Doe Latex couture business.”