Expert: Kitty Kavey - 6/2/2009

Question
QUESTION: I want to break into commercial modeling, but I have a question to ask. I was wondering which would be best: should I do my research and find a reputable photographer to shoot my comp cards OR should I first find an agent to represent  me and let them choose a photographer?

If you say yes to the first part, who would you recommend as a good photographer in the NYC area?

Any advice would help. I appreciate it! Thank you!


ANSWER: I suggest that you look for an agent first.  Every agent/agency have personal preferences of what type of comp card they think is good, and some are a bit different from "the norm."

So before you spend the time and money on a photographer or photographers, see if the agencies you are interested in will see new faces without a comp card.  

If they will, you can ask them if they will give you a couple strong comp cards as samples from models who are similar to your look.  Many times they will, and the photographer's info is on the comp card, or you can also ask for it.

Then when you decide to get photos done (or later when you have a variety of images from jobs you have done to add to your card) you know exactly what your agent would like to see.

Also, you can ask your (prospective) agent what type of shots they think would work best for you.  Photographers too have their own styles and opinions, but in the end, you need to satisfy your agent (and they in turn usually know what works best with their clients.)

Good luck to you,
~Kitty

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for answering my previous question! It was extremely helpful. I also have another question to ask.

If I do find an agent/agency that will see new faces without a comp card, what types of questions will the agent ask me? What should I know to be prepared for this interview?

Answer
Again, each agent may have their own questions and individual style - but generally they will be trying to determine if you are a good fit for their agency.

Of course they will want to make sure you are photogenic, and that you fit any agency criteria.  If they make an appointment with you at a specific time, they will want to see you show up on time and looking prepared.  That would be much the same for most types of job interviews - although casual dress is okay rather than a suit.

Since they need to be able to clearly see your look, bulky or loose clothing, excessive jewelry, lots of makeup, elaborate hair styles, or outfits that distract from the person underneath may not work as well in your favor.

Many agents try to see if a model might have a range of looks - and if you have a few clear snapshots that can often be enough to give an idea to them.  The agencies that you visit are businesses, so if you treat them as if they were similar to any other profession or job interview (sans suit) then you'll do fine.

You'll also want to make sure that they will be right for you - does your look/interests fit with the type of work they book most often?  Assume that you may be asked to sign a contract for a year or longer - do you feel comfortable working with them for what might be quite a length of time?  It's more-or-less a two way interview.

Both of you have career goals, and both of you are looking for the best matches to achieve those goals.  If you have a marketable look for them, appear to be reliable and professional, then you're already ahead of a lot of other prospective models.

Good luck to you,
~Kitty