Expert: Kitty Kavey - 1/10/2005

Question
I've been considering modeling for a while. An agent said that I would be great to model and said that he would give me a thousand dollar certificate to pay for my pictures. I asked him for advice on what to do with my hair and other ideas to make me look better and he could offer no advice. I felt as though I was being scammed, he offered me a contract and I turned it down after giving it some thought. I'm very serious about getting into the business, but I dont have anyone to talk to about how to get started, where to go, what is needed, how to find an agent. I just want to be able to go somewhere in the business instead of someone dragging me around for there personal income and not making it to the commerical market. Please give me any advice possible, thank you Carl.

Answer
I suggest sticking with reputable well-known agencies to help avoid potential scams.  You can get one of the modeling agency directories (in your local library, bookstore or online) to obtain contact information for the agencies closest to you.  If you're looking into fashion agencies, you just need a couple of snapshots for consideration.  For commercial modeling, they may want to see a modeling composite card. You can get free photos all the time from photographers who do Time For Prints (TFP), although that is not something I'd recommend for new commercial models with no experience in the industry.  I'd try and get a commercial agent first, then ask them to recommend a list of local photographers who might be good for you.  If there is only one recommendation, or they appear to have 'their own' photographer, leave.  In some states it's illegal for a licensed agency to operate another (conflicting) type of business, such as a modeling school, photography studio or printing shop.  The only way your agent should be taking money from you is when they take their percentage (usually 10-20%) off of work they've booked for you.  For fashion modeling, if you stick with the well-known agencies (such as Ford, Elite, Wilhelmina, Boss, Next, etc.) you shouldn't have any problems.  They all have open calls you can attend, or you can mail in your information to them.  For commercial modeling agencies, stick with a list like the one on the Screen Actors Guild website (www.SAG.org, under Resources/Agent Information).  It is searchable by location in the US, and lists which agencies are full service, meaning they have a modeling division in addition to a talent division. Union franchised agencies have to adhere to union rules in addition to state laws, which can also serve you well.
Good luck to you,
~Kitty