Lena Gercke's Top Modeling Tips: Your Guide to Success

Lena Gercke didn’t win Germany’s Next Topmodel just by chance—her work ethic and no-nonsense style made her stand out from the start. If you want to know how she nails every photoshoot (and stays sane in the fast-paced world of fashion), you’re in the right place. Modeling isn’t all about pretty faces; it’s about routine, confidence, and knowing what really works in front of a camera.

Lena swears by good sleep, simple skincare, and arriving prepared for every job. Don’t expect wild routines or magic fixes—her daily prep comes down to staying hydrated, trusting her team, and walking into castings ready to show her real self. It’s all about keeping things real. If you’ve ever felt lost before a casting or froze up during a shoot, you’ll find her tips surprisingly down-to-earth and easy to use.

Ready to find out what sets Lena apart and how you can copy her best moves? Here’s what you really need to know to get started.

• Key Points: Lena's Must-Know Modeling Tips
• What Makes Lena Gercke Stand Out
• Everyday Habits for Modeling Success
• Lena's Top Posing and Runway Tricks
• How to Start Your Own Modeling Career

Key Points: Lena's Must-Know Modeling Tips

If you want to follow in Lena Gercke's footsteps, you’ve got to know her baseline rules. Lena’s advice isn’t rocket science, but it works when you put it into practice. Here’s the toolkit she relies on, day in and day out:

• Stay Authentic: Lena always says, "Don’t try to be someone else." Casting agents and clients notice if you’re acting or pretending. They want the real you—not a version you think they expect.
• Keep Your Body Healthy: No crash diets here. Lena’s focus is on balanced meals, regular exercise (think Pilates and running), and staying hydrated. She openly shares how fad diets just set you up for burnout.
• Prep Beats Luck Any Day: She checks call sheets, brings her own basic makeup, and double-checks her outfits for castings. A forgotten pair of heels can cost you a job. Her advice? Pack your bag the night before—no exceptions.
• Build Thick Skin Early: Rejection is part of the game. Lena’s had her share, from being cut during early auditions to losing out on big campaigns. Her tip: Don’t take it personally, and never stop trying. The next job could be the big break.
• Be Punctual: Lena is rarely late. She knows that arriving even five minutes behind can ruin your shot at getting booked again. “People remember the late ones," she says—and not in a good way.
• Networking Matters: She spends time talking to makeup artists, photographers, and stylists. Building good vibes on set isn’t just polite; it gets you recommended for future gigs.

Want to know how this plays out in real-life? Here’s a quick look at some numbers from Lena’s own workflow:

So, what’s the big takeaway? Modeling isn’t just about looks; it’s about habits, relationships, and showing up—literally and figuratively. Lena’s tips don’t just help you stand out—they help you stick around in an industry that’s always changing.

What Makes Lena Gercke Stand Out

If you look at Lena Gercke's career, you’ll notice right away that she’s not just another model who poses and goes home. She’s done everything from winning the very first season of Germany’s Next Topmodel back in 2006 to building a brand that goes far beyond fashion magazines. She’s one of the few German models who moved into TV, hosting big shows and building a business with her own fashion label, LeGer.

One thing that really makes Lena pop is her versatility. She isn’t tied to one look or style. You’ll spot her in sporty shoots, high fashion campaigns, and on the runway. She once said in an interview that being open to change keeps her landing jobs again and again. If an agency wants short hair, she’ll try it. If a shoot is happening outside in the rain, she doesn’t complain. Brands appreciate that kind of go-with-the-flow attitude—it keeps bookings steady.

Another thing that sets her apart? Work ethic. Lena has said more than once that being on time and fully prepped is half the job. She shows up knowing about the brand, the theme, and even the mood the client wants. That makes her a favorite with international photographers and top German designers. She also treats everyone on set with respect, including makeup artists and assistants. That attitude is something you can’t fake—and people remember it.

• Lena Gercke was the first winner of Germany’s Next Topmodel (2006) and used her win as a launchpad, not a finish line.
• She’s walked for brands like Custo Barcelona, Hugo Boss, and Escada, proving she can shift from commercial to high fashion with no problem.
• Besides modeling, Lena co-hosted "The Voice of Germany," showing she’s just as good live as she is in front of a camera.
• Her brand, LeGer, was among the most-searched German fashion labels on Instagram in 2024, a huge move for someone still active in modeling.

Let’s not skip over her social media presence, either. As of early 2025, she’s got over 3.2 million Instagram followers. She shares unfiltered moments and behind-the-scenes chaos, giving fans a look at the real work that goes into modeling. This builds trust and makes her more relatable than a polished-only feed ever could.

Sticking power, openness to new things, and a pretty grounded way of working—these are the big things that put Lena Gercke in her own league. If you’re looking for a role model who combines hard work with top results, she’s it.

Everyday Habits for Modeling Success

You don’t need a secret recipe to build great modeling habits—Lena Gercke keeps things real and relatable. When people think of a Lena Gercke lifestyle, it’s not some extreme schedule. It’s actually the small daily choices that add up.

First up, Lena swears by sleep. She aims for 7 to 8 hours every night, even when work gets busy. Why? Because puffy eyes or tired skin don’t do your photos any favors. She’s said in interviews that without good rest, not even the best makeup artist can totally fix your look.

Next, water isn’t just for the gym bottle. Lena carries a reusable water bottle everywhere, sipping throughout the day. Staying hydrated isn’t just some Instagram trend—a hydrated face looks fresher, and skin just glows more in front of the camera. If you skip this, you’ll see it in your photos.

• Simple skincare: Lena’s not into 15-step routines. She goes for gentle cleansers, daily SPF, and basic moisturizer. She also never sleeps with makeup on, no matter how late it is.
• Eating smart: She fills her plate with veggies, lean protein, and whole grains. Sure, she’ll have a pizza night but balances it out. She believes modeling isn’t about starving yourself—it’s about steady energy and feeling healthy during castings and shoots.
• Regular exercise: Lena mixes it up. She loves yoga, jogging, and even quick at-home workouts. Twenty minutes moving is better than skipping it altogether. Consistency wins here, not intensity.
• Mental check-ins: Models face tough rejection and long hours. Lena journals, meditates, and checks in with friends every week. She says a healthy mindset is fuel for confidence on the runway and during those long shoot days.

Lena also keeps herself organized. She swears by making lists before travel, packing healthy snacks, and double-checking her model bag for basics—like heels, nude underwear, face wipes, and a charger. Forgetting these can actually blow your first impression at a casting.

Here’s a snapshot of what a regular day looks like for many models, including Lena:

Instead of looking for a magic formula, just nail these basics. Modeling tips from Lena are all about staying steady and real. No drama, just small wins, day after day. Try adding these habits and you’ll see a difference—whether you’re aiming for your first casting or your tenth campaign.

Lena's Top Posing and Runway Tricks

If you binge on runway shows and wonder how models like Lena Gercke make every walk and pose look seamless, it’s not some kind of secret code. Lena’s spilled a lot on what goes on behind those perfect shots and runway moments, and believe me, you can try her strategies even if you’re nowhere near a Paris catwalk.

First up: know your angles, but don’t overthink them. Lena says that you don’t need to reinvent your poses every two seconds. Instead, she suggests practicing in front of a full-length mirror to figure out your go-to angles and natural poses. She’s been honest about how much rehearsal goes into making a pose look effortless, especially at the start of her career. Don’t try to copy every trend—figure out what works on you and stick with it.

For runway walks, Lena’s advice is just as straightforward. Shoulders back, core tight, and keep your eyes focused ahead. She once said in a backstage interview, “Don’t obsess about your feet—think of your body as one line moving forward.” This trick helps with balance and posture, which photographers and casting directors always notice. Lena always keeps her chin slightly up (not too high), which makes her look confident. It’s a small adjustment, but it changes the whole vibe of your walk.

One thing Lena Gercke is known for is her signature smile. While most runway looks call for a straight face, Lena isn’t afraid to show a little personality if it fits the vibe. She’s talked about how smiling at just the right moment makes you memorable—especially in commercial shows or photo shoots.

• Practice walking with a book on your head (yes, old-school, but it works). This builds balance fast.
• Switch up your stride—short, snappy steps for high fashion; longer, relaxed steps for streetwear shows.
• Always arrive early backstage. Lena avoids getting thrown off by last-minute changes, and says punctuality is underrated in modeling.
• Watch recordings of your walks to spot awkward habits (Lena still does this before big jobs).

Here’s a quick cheat sheet based on Lena’s own routine for runway success:

Biggest thing you’ll hear from Lena—don’t fake it. Channel a vibe that fits the clothes and scene, not just a “model face.” The goal? Stand out, but be comfortable, because the camera catches everything. These modeling tips aren’t just for pros—use them for photos, presentations, or anywhere you want to look sharp and feel confident.

How to Start Your Own Modeling Career

So, you want to break into modeling like Lena Gercke? It can feel impossible at first, but the steps are way more straightforward than you might think. Most top models didn’t start with agencies banging down their doors—Lena included. Here’s your no-fluff guide to getting started and actually landing those jobs.

First off, it’s smart to know what type of modeling fits you. Not everyone is aiming for Paris runways. Maybe you’re perfect for commercial shoots or fitness campaigns. Different agencies look for different things—some won't mind if you’re not super tall or ultra slim, especially for commercial work.

Here’s how to get the basics down:

1. Build a Simple Portfolio: You don’t need fancy studio shots to start—a few clear, natural photos work best. Agencies want to see your real look. A solid headshot, a body shot, and a smiley close-up will do.
2. Choose Reputable Agencies: Avoid “agencies” that ask for money upfront. Real modeling agencies make money when you book jobs, not before. Top European agencies where Lena Gercke worked with include IMG and Elite.
3. Submit Applications Online: Almost every big agency, from Munich to Berlin, lets you apply right on their site. Fill in your details, upload your simple snaps, and you’re good to go.
4. Boost Your Social Presence: Agencies and casting agents are all over Instagram. Lena herself posts behind-the-scenes looks and daily life—not just pro images. Use hashtags like #modellife and #newface to get noticed, but keep it genuine.
5. Practice Confidence: Castings can get awkward. Practice your walk, poses, and smile in the mirror—seriously, it works. Lena said in a 2023 interview that she practiced expressions in front of her bathroom mirror before big castings. The more you do it, the less nervous you’ll feel in real castings.

If you’re wondering what most agencies expect in their applications, this quick table might help:

Don’t feel stuck if you get rejections. Lena Gercke got turned down more than once before her big break on Germany’s Next Topmodel in 2006. Keep applying and update your portfolio as you grow. Sometimes it just takes that one person to see your potential.

Quick tip: If you’re still in school, you can totally start part-time. Gercke originally balanced early modeling gigs with studying. Agencies won’t expect you to drop everything overnight. If anything, having a back-up plan is smart—and Lena’s always been vocal about loving her education, too.

Start small, stay real, and keep at it. If Lena Gercke did it, so can you—without changing who you are.