So You Want to Become a Model? (PLEASE READ POST #1 BEFORE POSTING)

[cologne_rocks]

but there were no agents with Ehren or Hailey in the documentary

and 25% (of gross) motheragency commission sounds ludicrous (unless you mean 25% of the commission that the placement agency takes - that would be around 10% of gross)! If it was 25% of gross the motheragency would find it impossible to place any of their girls in NY.

I've worked with them, they are the girl's motheragents not just scouts.

 

[Fontenrose]

A mother agent is not that different from a scout in the case of a girl in which the NY agency thinks can make some real money. While the NY agency is interested, they will make the decisions, since they know best.

Models should realize that the mother agent-major booking agency is the more important relationship here. MMM must be very tight with Next since they let Next take away Karlie Kloss from Elite, burning that bridge. I wonder if that caused damage to the careers of some of MMM's other Elite girls, who had to be abruptly moved as a result.

 

[TwentiesDream]

Sorry to interrupt this MMM discussion going on...
but does anyone know anything about OMG Model Management (Placement Agency) in Los Angeles? I got contacted by them today. They seem to be a new agency which could account for the fact that I can't find a lot of info on them... but I'm not sure.

 

[ModelMommy]

I haven't heard of them but since you live in Chicago, you have Ford and Factor Women (previously Elite Chicago) right in the area! Typically your mother agent would then place you into the other markets.

 

[cologne_rocks]

Yes i second that, try factor.

 

[BetteT]

bothsidesnow,

I'm going to start a new thread in Fashion In Depth about this: "The Revenge of the Blips" and the short careers of models, nowadays. I will move your post over there to start it. I think it's better suited there for a real discussion about this subject ... and I hope the members join in.

 

[VivaLaReine]

I really want to send my photos to some agencies, but the thing is i wear contact lens. I'm nearsighted and can't have lasik, 2 doctors said i'm not eligible.
Will that be a problem ?

 

[MikChick]

Contacts are no problem
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[BetteT]

Exactly ... in fact many models wear contacts just to amp up the color in their eyes ... or even change it for different clients.

 

[cologne_rocks]

^Yes, (most infamous) example for a model wearing colored contacts is Lera Sheremeta. But usually it isn't a big deal.

 

[MikChick]

Unless you have very sensitive eyes and can't deal with makeup because of chronic eye infections or something, hihi

 

[LJ07]

Hi everyone, I was hoping to gather some advice. I was scouted by Premier models in London for a model search...a reception of some sort hasn't been finalised for the contestants yet from what the model agents have told me.
My question is should I wait it out until I have to go down to London for them? Or should I go down relatively soon independantly to meet with other agencies and show them my book? Also do you think it would hinder my chances/or improve if I mentioned about the model search to other agencies.

 

[BetteT]

IMO ... I'd say don't mention the model search. Telling them about it will not enhance your chances with another agency. If an agency likes how you look and think that they can actually book you and make a commission from you, they will snap you up and get you going. And, yes, do go to as many agency open calls as you can ... this is the best way to get noticed by the actual bookers who work for agencies.

If you have a book ... and it's professional (from another agency), it's OK to show them. But if it is something you did on your own ... don't bother ... it won't impress them at all. The are interested in what you really look like ... just natural. So, they would be interested in having you bring a few snap shots of yourself ... against a plain background, in good light (outdoors, in light shade, no flash is best) ... and since you are a guy, do one with your shirt off or at least just a sleeveless tank top. Put your name, your stats (height, chest, waist, pant length, shoe size) and your contact information on the back of each. If they are interested they will take these for their files. And they might take a few polaroids on their own. If they do that ... you have got a chance with them.

However, if there is a delay, then they are not that interested. And if you don't hear back from them within about a week ... it's a "no", most likely.

Be very, very careful ... don't pay an "agency" or any "scout" any money up front ... it's not done that way. You don't need lessons or a web site.

If you get signed (actually sign a contract that lets them represent you) by an agency they will direct you to get professional photos done ... but only after they sign you. Then, they will send you to a good testing photographer (testing means taking photos for your portfolio), who knows exactly what kind of pictures they want. You will probably have to pay the photographer ... but never pay an agency directly ... that's a red flag that they might be a scam.

Agencies are supposed to make their money on commission ... you pay them (well, they collect the money from the client then take their commsission and any expenses you owe, out of that) only when you get paid for a job that they found for you ... period.

 

[MikChick]

If you have a book ... and it's professional (from another agency), it's OK to show them. But if it is something you did on your own ... don't bother ... it won't impress them at all. The are interested in what you really look like ... just natural.

I don't totally agree on this.
I used to send only "polaroids" I made myself to agencies, and then I got rejected by every single one of them. Then I arranged some TFP shoots by myself (for example my avatar) and I sent them - along with some polaroids - to agencies and suddenly I got 4 positive emails and I met with those agencies.
So it COULD help sometimes.

 

[cologne_rocks]

I completely agree with Bette. Only use digitals - First of all, 99% of "hobby" photographers produce imagery that is not intendet for the business of modeling. These photographers may take more of less beautiful pictures (for personal purpose), but they don't have the eye on how to make a girl look modelesque. In fact, their photography style makes the girls look even "worse" than they really are. So makes sure to use digitals.
The best bet is to shoot them close to a window or outside as the natural light softens your features and makes you look fresher. Also try to wear something black, it emphasizes your bone structure. Here a few examples on how you could make them. The more natural light, the better. And also try to show expressions.

(via Marilyn)

(via M4)

(via Next)

 

[MikChick]

Yes I agree that there are a lot of hobby photographers with pictures that doesn't make any sence. But if you do very good research you can find some photographers who aren't that bad at all (for example if they mainly shoot with girls from agencies). But in that case you have to be lucky and have quite an interesting look before they do a TFP shoot

 

[cologne_rocks]

^ You have a point but usually good photographers get to shoot models from agencies. There is a reason why those hobby photographers only shoot want-to-be-models: Simply because no agent is willing to give them the "real thing". Their signature is neither appealing to industry professionals not qualified for the usage of fashion modeling portfolios. So I'd be rather careful when sending TFPs to agencies.

 

[Deleted member 130879]

From my own experience: I got rejected by 3 agencies with pictures from TFP's shoots (only 2 said they would see me). I decided to just travel to the agencies with some prints and got signed NOT by my "book" but actually for the way I looked there. They told me there that they don't want to see photoshop and pose: rather a real girl with model looks. But I guess it depends on what you want: to be a commercial or a fashion model.

But from what I can tell: If you can't travel to the agency just send them GOOD polaroids.

 

[fritmayo]

I don't totally agree on this.
I used to send only "polaroids" I made myself to agencies, and then I got rejected by every single one of them. Then I arranged some TFP shoots by myself (for example my avatar) and I sent them - along with some polaroids - to agencies and suddenly I got 4 positive emails and I met with those agencies.
So it COULD help sometimes.

the question is, did they select you after meeting, do u work now?
if not so that means the opinion they had from the pola was good and so test was just waste of money (if u had to pay).
what matter are not pola or pictures, at the end it is how u look in real when u meet agency which counts , so yes, with some test, you might fool the agency a bit and pass the first step of rejection, but i dont see the point as when you meet agency u finnaly are like on pola, not like on the test.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[MikChick]

the question is, did they select you after meeting, do u work now?
if not so that means the opinion they had from the pola was good and so test was just waste of money (if u had to pay).
what matter are not pola or pictures, at the end it is how u look in real when u meet agency which counts , so yes, with some test, you might fool the agency a bit and pass the first step of rejection, but i dont see the point as when you meet agency u finnaly are like on pola, not like on the test.
Posted via Mobile Device

Yeah you're right. I don't work. I got rejected because I don't really fit the measurement standards (except for height). I could go back though if I was able to.. you know. We aren't allowed to talk about it. But it's very very hard, so I kinda gave up.