Photographic Model - PART 6

The very first thing you need to research before selecting a modeling agency is the integrity, professionalism and respect the agency has in the industry. There are many sham operators in the industry eagerly waiting to take money from prospective models and give very little if anything in return. Do your homework, ask many questions, and ask about any fees, especially about photography. Ask people already in the industry for recommendations. Be wary of agencies wanting to sell you something, such as classes, photography for composites or portfolios. (See reprint of article below on agents from The Australian Women's Weekly.)

The second issue to examine are the questions of style and the size if the agency.

It's probably a safer path to choose the smaller agency over a larger one when starting out. Also chose one that is reasonably local to you. Not much point in traveling large distances for prospects, particularly if you are not getting paid for your travel time.

Small agencies can provide you with just as much work as a large agency. There is not the competition in the smaller agency. If a small agency takes you on, your promotion prospects are greater. In a large agency you may find yourself competing for a job with models from your own agency. They can send several models to clients for interviews or testing. This consumes time and money - yours!

The smaller agency may not pay so well (not always the case) but you may end with more work. There is always the smaller, friendlier environment to consider. You may get good advice from developing relationships in a smaller group of people. The larger agency can seem impersonal and like a factory line.

Look at agencies and their specialty. Many agencies specialize in various areas, such as Kids, Advertising & Fashion, Bodies (nude), Actors & Extras, The Larger Model, The Healthy Look, Glamour, Mature Models, etc. Examine yourself and your aspirations and see what agency may be best for you. You need to select an agency that best fits your style. If you sign up with an agency that doesn't fit your style, chances are you wont get much work. Study the agencies style, models and work they produce. If this describes you, the chances of getting work are increased.

The following transcript comes from The Australian Women's Weekly. The column is called "Your Rights" by Helen Wellings.

On the watch for FRAUD...

Modeling Agents

Dozens of readers have complained to me about certain modeling and casting agents, which advertise regularly for movie extras and promotion models. Applicants are usually told that they have "great potential", so they fork out between $250 and $550 for "professional photographs", which are then supposed to go onto websites that are "used by many casting directors". Sounds good, but often that's the last that applicants hear. No work and no photos! When challenged, some agents point to fine print stating that the work is "not guaranteed".

Reader Katie Bower, of Kensington in Adelaide, says she has written and telephoned her modeling agent constantly, only to be fobbed off. She wants her $495 fee back (all she's received are two photographs). The trouble is that her letters are marked "return to sender, left this address", and there's no available forwarding address.

Fair Trading is now investigating, and I am attempting to track down the directors of the company. Sadly, this is an industry in which amateurs abound, so it is vital to talk to reputable agencies that are registered or licensed to practice.

The Model's Personal Kit

The model's personal kit contains all you will need for a session. You may not need any or all of these items at a shoot, depending on what's provided, but it's best to be organized. Carry the items below in a compact, attractive carry bag.

* diary for appointments, shoots etc.
* business cards or composites
* voucher book (if required)
* astringent and cotton balls
* moisturizer
* foundation base - tan and light
* powdered eye shadow- brown, white and other colors
* eyeliner pencil - black and brown
* eyeliner brush
* eyebrow pencils
* mascara
* lipstick brush
* lipsticks - five basic colors
* lip-gloss - clear
* lip liner
* contour powder - light & dark
* face powder
* nail polish remover
* nail polish - red, pink, orange, purple
* hair spray
* hair brush
* comb
* hair pins
* hair bands
* styling gel
* hair dryer
* curling iron
* hair straightener
* panty hose - various colors
* underwear - light & dark
* push-up bra
* safety pins
* sun block

for the next part click here!