Modelling Agencies

How to recognise a legitimate Agency.

Most legitimate agencies make money only by taking a commission from their models' work.

• If a modeling agency advertises that there is "no fee" for its services, you should be wary any time you are asked to pay.
• an exception, however, is that you may be charged for your picture to be in an agency book that they send to clients who hire models.
• make sure you pay only your portion of the printing costs.
• before you pay any money, ask to see a copy of the agency's previous books and the list of clients to whom they were sent.
• most legitimate agencies will provide you with this information.
• it is a good idea to check with some of the agency's clients to determine whether they have hired any of the company's models.

Only attend legitimate professional photography sessions.

Because it may be difficult to recognize a modeling agency scam only from advertising claims watch that your prospective agencies only use legitimate photography sessions.

• Once a modeling agency agrees to represent you, you will need photographs for your portfolio.
• In the larger modeling markets the photographs typically are taken in separate photo sessions, each using different clothes, makeup, and hair styles.
• And often a model's portfolio is put together with photographs from more than one photographer.
• In smaller markets, all photographs may be shot in one session by one photographer, but you should still look different in all your photographs by wearing a variety of cosmetics, clothes, and hair styles.
• You may want to shop around for a photographer that best suits your portfolio needs.