It certainly has been a challenge to find good beauty related modelling sites specifically for European women. Here are a couple of modelling and fashion related links to help you on your modelling quest.

European Beauty links:
Eastern European Modelling Agencies – includes Agencies representing models from Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Moscow to Yugoslavia + Croatia – lots of links to Eastern Europe.

Hint always has a comprehensive list of the worlds most gorgeous upcoming models in Model Mania.

When you are doing makeup for black and white photography, think in terms of shades of white, grey and black – it takes a little time to get used to working in a medium that doesn’t require “color co-ordination”! I find that if I squint my eyes almost shut, that it allows you to perceive tonal values better and colors are not as distracting, so you will get a better idea of the intensity of your “colors” (rather than their specific hue) and see if your contouring is appropriate for the look you are going for.
Use your darker colors for contouring – shadowing effects are created by strategic placement of lights, so your shading and highlighting will be applied accordingly.
B + W photography does not tolerate obvious effects, so blending is your best asset here
* You will still have to do your usual corrective work (under eye bags, blemishes, etc) – corrective work is about creating a harmonious balance between the models skin (or your own if you are modelling and doing makeup on yourself) and subtle contouring – so blend, blend, blend!!!
* If stronger effects are required for a more dramatic look, then it is really important that no hard lines or harsh edges are visible. Your aim is to alter or improve the appearance of you / your model.
* You may have to add intensity to eye makeup to balance the contouring and highlighting.
* Remember, that reds will photograph as dark, so works effectively as a contour, but if you / your model is used to wearing red lippie, you may have to lighten the shade for a softer lip color.
* Try to keep in mind that streaky or blotchy patches in foundation application will be very noticible, so make sure you apply foundation smoothly and evenly. Unless you / your model are blessed with perfect skin, then a heavier base (more like a two-way cake or pancake) is suitable.
As with all makeup, it is about creating illusions, working with each face as a new canvas and utilising the medium of black and white to its fullest by making the most of its variety of values!
I always like to see a polaroid once the shot is set up, that way you can gauge how the lighting is working with your makeup, and see if you need to make any alterations to get the best shot. Lighting varies so much, depending on the photographers vision of the end result, and black and white is a great way to experiment with lighting and makeup techniques – just remember that the harsher the lighting, the less forgiving the medium is on any flaws / mistakes – uneven lines, streaky foundation, careless blending, and inappropriate product selection.

It takes a bit of practice to perfect the black and white makeup, but it is such a beautiful medium to work in because it really emphasises the subtlties of light and shade!!

Developing a professional modelling portfolio

A professional folio comes together from your collection of work, so starting a folio depends on the preferences of the agency you are accepted into. It is a good idea to have a few “snaps” to take into the agencies open days – a basic headshot and bodyshot will give the agents a good idea of how you photograph, and they will probably get you to walk to see your catwalk potential. Call each agency to find out when they hold their open days.

Once you have been picked up by an agent, you initially start w/ what seems like a million go sees, but it gets your face known to your potential clientele. It is a lot of leg work, but you can’t let rejections effect you personally, as it is all about if your look is what the industry is demanding at the time, and this can change from season to season.

You are on the right track reading mags to keep your look up to date. Having good skin and bone structure is always a bonus, as is a fit healthy, toned physique, and a good attitude is essential too.
…And you just never know your luck – you may be one of the fortunate few, like Naomi or Kate, who are “spotted” by a talent scout!