How do I get started in the modeling business?
Before you sign up with a modeling agency and spend a lot of money, I recommend a test shoot. Find
a good photographer who is willing to do some Time For Print (TFP) work. Spend some time in front of a camera working with
a photographer to decide if you like modeling. If you are sure that you like modeling, then you will need to start building
a portfolio and marketing yourself as a model. While you can do this by yourself, a modeling agency frequently has resources
that can make your life much easier.
How do I find a good modeling agency?
Look for an agency that offers the services that you need. I recommend that you look for an agency
that is going to make money using your skills, rather than an agency that is going to try and make money off of you joining
their agency. Personally, I would avoid agencies that force you to attend their schools and classes. See my resource and link
page for links to reputable agencies in the St. Louis area.
Why should I pay money to join an agency or to become a model?
Becoming a model is like starting your own small business. If you want to make money, you generally
have to invest some of your own money. New models need portfolios, business cards, comp cards, and marketing in order to find
good paying jobs. Frequently, modeling and talent agencies have relationships with printers and photographers, which allows
an agency to provide the model with services at prices better than what a model will find on his or her own.
How do I find a good photographer?
Modeling and talent agencies can generally provide you with a list of photographers that they work
with. Once you have a list, narrow the list down by looking at their pictures. Look at the number of models that the photographer
has worked with and the variety of pictures. Good photographers normally charge for their services, so be prepared to hire
a photographer to help you build your portfolio.
What type of pictures do I need in my portfolio?
In my opinion, the wider the variety the better. A good portfolio will contain pictures from mulitple
photographers. Avoid using two pictures of you in the same outfit. At the very least, you need a good head shot and full
body shot. I recommend a couple of artistic pictures that will capture the attention of the person looking through your portfolio.
Make your portfolio interesting, you want whomever is looking at it to remember you.
