Expert: Kitty Kavey - 6/26/2008

Question
Hello.  Have you ever heard of shootingstarsmodel.com or modellook.com, I guess they are one and the same.  It is magazine photography.  Robert Holmes is the owner, a commercial photographer based in Illinois. He produces fashion modeling jobs & magazine model assignments. He provides commercial photography, magazine photography, advertising photography, editorial photography and catalog photography for a variety of clients. Professional photography of teen models for magazines and magazine editorial photography are his specialty. They do not work through modeling agencies saving clients money.  Stock images are available for commercial use in corporate brochures, annual reports, advertising, calendars, editorial and website use. They are supposed to be a Christian organization.

Answer
I'm sorry, I haven't heard of either website you mention.  Since Mr. Holmes apparently publishes his own magazine and has his own clients, he is not operating quite in the capacity of a modeling agency.  He does also say on the website that he/his company does not hire models from modeling agencies.

As such, he and the websites/companies do not come under any of the regulations for modeling agents, and if he charges for something (such as photography or printing) then it's not against the rules or laws to do so.

I always suggest working through a legitimate (licensed) model and/or talent agency whenever possible - but there are both models and talent who freelance.  If that's something you decide to do, instead of going the more traditional route, I'd be interested to know of your experiences with the two websites and Robert.

Good luck to you,
~Kitty