Seeking modeling representation can be
a daunting task. There are lots of agencies out there
both legitimate and fraudulent. You must be cautious when seeking
representation.
A referral from someone you
respect in the industry is the best method. If you cannot
find anyone, Google
Fashion/Agency/Talent, etc. Call to find inquire how they
meet new talents. Some agencies hold open calls
and some only take mail submissions. Open calls are on a given day
where agencies set aside to meet prospective talents.
Some agencies will ask you to send a
Polaroid snapshot or a composite/zed card and will contact you
if they like what they see. If you're new to the
business, they require a simple snapshot of your face and body
with statistics. Statistics include: hair
color, eye color, bust size, waist size, hip size, dress size
and shoe size. Your face should be a plain frontal shot with
minimal makeup and hair pulled back. The body shot is an
athletic/swimsuit/lingerie style shot that shows off your shape.
This method is very inexpensive and you can get anyone with a
camera to shoot you. The agencies' logic is that if you
can look good without anything on (make-up, hair-stylist,
professional photographer) then you must have what it takes to
be in this industry.
If you have a comp card or tear sheets,
it is much easier to get signed. Many newcomers go this
route to increase their odds for acceptance with an agency.
A basic model composite card is called a flip card. It is
a 6" x 8.5" 2- sided photographic card that features 4
different looks. This card will portray how you
could appear in different product shots. The most common
looks are: 1 Headshot on the front of the card, and 3 style
shots on the back including a Body shot, Lifestyle shot, Fashion
or Business shot. It can be in black and white, color or
both depending on your location. It's less expensive to
print your composite cards in Black and White and tends to be the preference
with some European agencies.
Composite
Flip Card Front: Composite
Flip Card Back:
Be cautious in selecting a photographer.
We're not talking of the quality found at your local
Mall or wedding studios. Ask to view his portfolio
and/or website. Ask what the turn around time is from the
day of the shoot to when you actually receive the work in hand.
Costs range from $600 to $2500 for a complete comp card.
You must clarify what is included
before hand (make-up, hair-stylist, clothing stylist, location
fees, print fees). Is the photographer shooting digitally
or still using print film? Digital has the benefits of
quick turn around and instantaneous proofing. There's no
guess work as you can see the results the day of the shoot.
How much are the retouching fees if required? Ask
everything prior to the shoot!
Never book a shoot without
viewing the photographer's work unless your agent recommends
someone they trust. Note that I specified your agent, not
the agency you're seeking representation from. Some of the
popular scams demand that you shoot with a particular
photographer and take umpteen classes in how to pose for the
camera. The photographer and training school are linked to
the agency.
The first step in submitting yourself
is to submit flattering images. If your photos look good,
then the agent could contact you or sign you immediately.
Some agencies will even invest in your first set of comp cards
and deduct the costs from your first paying job. This
honor is reserved for few models.
Be honest with yourself or you could
waste a lot of money. It is best to start out
conservatively and later spend more as your bookings warrant the
additional investments. You can gauge the interest
level for your "look" by your first batch of comps or
headshots. If they're leaping off the shelves than you're in
demand. If they're just sitting there after months, than
that agency doesn't warrant any additional investment on your
part. Ask them for a non-exclusive contract as you've not
been booking any work.
Do not jump through hoops for any
agency if they have not begun booking you or setting up go-sees.
Go-sees are when they send you to visit various photographers
for upcoming jobs. It's the modeling world's version of an
acting audition. It's amazing how many people will do
anything to become a model. They will deplete their hard-earned
cash before facing the facts that they don't have what it takes
to be in this tough business. Such is the allure and
danger of this glamorous world. Never forget that this is
a business and as in any profession, you must assess your
investment by their return.
Be very weary of scouts who pester you
on the streets. Unless you are of a rare beauty, anyone
gushing uncontrollably over your looks is either getting paid a
fat referral fee or is trying to pick you up. Real
agencies don't freak out over anyone as they're used to seeing
the world's most beautiful people. They're too busy
booking talents than harrassing people on the streets.
