Tag: modeling agency

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Is My Agency Legit?

8 Signs you Should Seek a Different Agency Option

  1. The “agency” has a tuition. This is the biggest indicator that what you’re looking at is not a real agency. It’s a modeling school. Yes, maybe they’ve had some girls come out of their system into the industry with success but this is rare. The time of the modeling schools has come to an end.
  2. They are newly established and have bad online reviews. Ripoffreport.com is a good place to check out. Ask around. Ask the models on their board about their experiences. Us girls love to talk about ourselves… Amirite?
  3. They seem slightly desperate. Even if its just a hunch or gut feeling. Desperation is never attractive.
  4. Be cautious if they’ve scouted you organically. Make sure to do thorough research on their name. You could be scouted by a big name, but just make sure you know exactly what you’re getting into. Most established agencies will mainly recruit via open calls, online, and with you coming to them.
  5. The type of agency that they are does not match what you are looking for. Small town agencies may not be what you’re looking for or their clientele and opportunities may not be what you’re expecting.
  6. They do not have a steady list of clients. Often, higher end agencies will list their impressive array of clients. Note that some agencies don’t list clients, so this isn’t always the best indicator.
  7. They are not listed on models.com. The more established legitimate agencies are all listed here. For smaller cities, this may not be the case. But generally, there is one or a few main agencies for an area. You should find out which ones these are and stick with those as options.
  8. If you are already signed with them and they are not paying you. This could be a sign that their company is struggling. Or not. Many agencies take long periods of time to pay their models. Some are worth the wait and will eventually pay you, some are not. If this is something you’re struggling with you may want to consider small claims if its been well over the amount of time your contract allows for an agency to pay a model.


Be Fierce!!


Briauna Mariah (:

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Do Modeling Agencies like Natural Photos?

Do Modeling Agencies like Natural Photos?

Someone asked this question, and, though the question yields similar answers that are contained in my model polaroid post, it can be approached in a slightly different manner.

This question can be answered in two parts. Polaroids, and portfolio. If you’re looking to be signed, these are some good things to keep in mind whether you have a portfolio or not.


Polaroids. 
Polaroids are solely for showing off what you look like without all the smoke and mirrors (aka photoshop and makeup). Clients and agents want to know what you look like and how you photograph. My Polaroid post goes into more specific depth. However, one thing that can be added to the conversation is the definition of “natural” in the fashion world these days.

When taking and submitting Polaroids to an agency, keep in mind that there is a such thing as too natural. You want good polaroids. If you’ve ever heard that your submissions don’t need to be professional, that would be wrong. There’s a clause to that statement. They don’t need to be taken by a professional, but they should look clean and somewhat professional. Because bad lighting, blemishes, and bad photos in general will not look good. I definitely went through this phase myself, early on in my modeling career. To the left is an example of a poor Polaroid on my part. It should be obvious but to someone new to the industry, as I was at the time, I thought that all the agencies wanted was to see a picture of me. This is incorrect, they wanted to see me looking fresh, in a quality photo that enhanced my assets. Poor (especially indoor, like my example) lighting and low quality images are definitely a no! Compare the lighting of the two photos in this post (see above). See the difference in quality?

For examples of a good Polaroid, visit the Polaroid post.


Portfolio.
In regards to your portfolio, natural, raw photos in should usually be the main component, unless you have very high quality images that are more styled/editorial/avante garde/etc. Things you would see in a magazine with the photography quality of a tear sheet. If it doesn’t attain that impeccable high quality, you could probably do without.

The photos in your portfolio should showcase your modeling and your look, if they’re not showcasing an advertisement or clothing. Consider them Polaroids 2.0. A little more makeup, a specific clothing style style, and high quality photography are great to have. Your photos should show emotion, mood, and your raw beauty. Naturally.

Now, consider a different definition of natural. Natural movement, and a sense of ease. Agencies look at this as well. Though, if you don’t have this, but you have the right look, agencies could still take you in for polishing.

Having high quality “natural” photos in your repertoire of images will help brand you and attract clients who are interested in your look. I think it’s safe to say that the more natural your professional images look, the cleaner the slate you become, and the easier it is for a client to see you  in their project.


What about conceptual photos?
Lastly, if you need to decide what to do with your edgy, cool pictures, that don’t really have the word “natural” attached to them, don’t fret! Supplement your portfolio with only the best of the best and aim to get really good tear sheets. While natural photos showcase you, tear sheets showcase your experience and look insanely good in your portfolio.

When in doubt, read up on Polaroids or on how to put a portfolio together.

Be Fierce!!

Briauna Mariah (: