Expert: Kitty Kavey - 5/18/2009

Question
Hello Kitty,

I would like to know how and where to start the first steps in to male model career world here in The Netherlands.

- Who can help me to create a professional portfolio
- Where to find agent or agency
- Requirements or what they are looking for
 
Really looking for your help and advise.

Thanks in advance

Answer
I would suggest starting with Amsterdam.  There are a number of good fashion agencies there, although it seems that some of them only represent females.  London is also close by - an hour by plane - and has a larger modeling market (for males or females).

Try Ulla Models: www.ullamodels.com
Some of the agencies here are similar to America in that they don't ask for a portfolio from new faces, but rather a couple of snapshots for agency consideration.

However, if through your networking you come across a photographer/scout, they can help you with starting a portfolio.  But it is not a requirement for new faces to start with a portfolio in many places.

Like America, the agencies here also tend to set their own criteria for models - so there is some variation between agencies as to what they look for.  Ulla sees males ages 16-23, 1.84 to 1.90 in height, with a suit size of 48-50.

The only thing I am certain is universal, is that agencies look for models who are photogenic.  The camera either loves you, or it doesn't.  If you're beautiful but photograph poorly, it's much more difficult to get work.  If you're, let's say, "unusual" looking but photograph well, (and are at least close to an agency's height, size and age requirements) then it's possible to work a lot more.

Good luck to you, and yay Holland!
~Kitty