If you are an aspiring model who lives in close proximity to New York, you can go in person to some modeling agencies. ”Open calls” take place at a set time each week, and during a 1 or 2 hour window, you can show up and wait your turn for a quick (usually) perusal of your photos. Some agencies have age and height limitations—you may have to be under 21 and over 5’8″ or 5’9″ (for women; men have  more flexibility in age range and generally should be over 5’11″ and under 6’3″).

Model Cara Delevingne’s striking features can turn heads in a top market like NY

Tips for Model Submissions and Agency Open-Calls

If you don’t live in the New York area, it’s wise to submit photos via e-mail first and see if you get a response. Showing up in person may slightly increase your odds of being signed, but the odds of getting representation in New York are always tiny. It’s a highly competitive market. Don’t drop $1,000 on a trip to New York unless you are eager to see the Empire State Building anyway and don’t have expectations of becoming a supermodel within the month!

If you do attend open calls, apply minimal makeup (but enough to downplay flaws and play up your best features), wear form-fitting clothing but be tasteful, show a sense of style and your unique personality! Girls, if you are under 5’10″, wear heels. You will live in them if you are lucky enough to be sent out on go-sees.

Open-Call Times (double-check on the agencies’ websites for changes/updates):

New York Model Management – Women on Thursdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at 596 Broadway, 7th floor   Tel. (212) 539-1700

Men, submit online (women can as well): Newyorkmodels.com

New York Model Management

Next – Wednesdays from 10:30 to 11 (women only) at 15 Watts St., 6th floor   Tel. (212) 925-5100

Submit online

Red – Men only on Wednesdays from 3 to 5 p.m. at 302 West 37th St, 3rd floor   Tel. (212) 785-1999

Submit online

Request Model Management – Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to noon at 156 Fifth Avenue, suite 1134   Tel. (212) 529-4130

Submit online

Wilhelmina – Click link for open call calendar.  300 Park Ave. South, 2nd floor  Tel. (212) 473-0700

Submit online

Wilhelmina Curve Division

Enter the Modeling Mentor Model Search—a great way to be seen by the top agents who receive my monthly Modeling Newsletter showcasing the finalists!

I’ve written about modeling scams before, but the questions about dubious modeling services, agencies, and scouts keep coming. As long as there are modeling scams (which there will be for as long as there are aspiring models), I’ll keep issuing warnings!

How to Spot a Modeling Scam

Often you can tell a legit website with photos of successful models from one with sub-par models featured on the home page.

IMG London: A Legit Model Agency Site

That’s one tip that could help this reader, as well as a reminder that alarm bells should go off if a company asks for money up front (in this case, even before meeting the aspiring model).

Her Question:

“I recently put up a pic and applied to a website in London (I am from Ireland); I received a text message saying they saw my application and would like me to ring them on a number he had sent me in the text. I did and he said they would like to see me in three weeks as my pic shows modeling potential. They sent me an email and would like to see me to assess me. They need 50 pounds deposit and I will get it back if I show up.”

My Answer:

Stay tuned for a blog post on model agency open call times, coming next week.

Don’t forget to enter the Modeling Mentor Model Search!

Subscribe to my free monthly Modeling Newsletter and be first to see the finalists, plus stay up to date on modeling tips and news!