Model of the Month Em Marie and me at her appointment with NY Model Management (my old agency!)

So you’ve beaten odds that rival winning the lottery and have actually secured an in-person interview at a modeling agency. First of all, you need to know that this never happens. Agents are busy. It’s much easier to browse through photos submitted online and drag them to the trash than actually have a full-on conversation with a model wannabe. If an agent is willing to meet you, they see potential (or they aren’t legit and may be scam artists—more on that in a minute). This is BIG. Especially if you are in a big-time market like New York. Make sure you are prepared and prompt. Follow the agent’s instructions carefully if they ask you to bring photos. Often they will want to see natural snapshots and do not require professional photos (but bring them if you have them).          5 Tips for Taking the Photos Agents Want to See

Plan what you will wear and do not load on the makeup or hairspray. Think natural! How to Dress for an Agency Open Call or Casting.

Em Marie at the airport after signing with NY Model Management. Totally model chic!

What to Expect From the Agent

1. Your meeting will likely take less than a half hour (5 or 10 minutes is more common). There probably will not be a lot of small talk. As I said, these people are busy (which is good; you need to worry if they aren’t). The more time they spend with you, the more likely they are interested. A quick perusal of photos and adios is not out of the question and remain polite if this happens. It’s business. It’s not personal. I have been rejected by an agency that later signed me. They will remember if you dissolve in a puddle on the floor or punch the door. Save it for after you are out the door. Or better yet, go without expectations and with a firm understanding that you should be proud of yourself for just getting in the door. No tears necessary.

2. The agent may take some digital photos of you. If you have a fake looking smile and need to chuckle to make it look real, figure this out beforehand (yep, that would be one of my flaws). The selfie generation should be pretty attuned to their best expressions and angles!

3. They may take measurements. How Modeling Agencies Will Take Your Measurements

4. They may start discussing their business approach and expectations and ask if you have questions. This is a very good sign!

5. They may offer you a contract. Bingo! You’re in!

Beware: Signs an Agent is Not Legit

1. If they ask for a fee to interview you or represent you.

2. They want you to sign a contract on the spot. Take it home. Look it over. Have a lawyer look it over if you want to be extra cautious.

3. They promise you stardom or a big income. Agents can predict you will do well but can’t promise you will.

4. They want you to take any photos or do any shoots, shows etc. that feel sleazy. I recently heard about a woman lured into “lingerie modeling,” which actually turned out to be work for a lewd website.

5. If they contacted you online and asked to see you (reputable agents really don’t have time to scour the Internet for talent; aspiring models flock to them), especially if they have a name which is deceivingly similar to the name of an actual top agency.

Enter the Modeling Mentor Model Search and get discovered by top agents!

New York Models’ Tear Sheets

Their walls are covered with proof of amazing talent and clients.

Next Models’ Tear Sheets

But there are far more “agencies” that are really just scams. Shysters love to prey on aspiring models. People with stars in their eyes are easy targets!

Here are some signs that a so-called agency is not on the up and up:

1. They require a fee along with your photo submission to consider representing you.

2. They charge a fee for you to sign with their “agency.”

3. They charge a set monthly fee to represent you (this is not the same as charging you for expenses they incur to rep you, like postage, FedEx, courier fees etc.—and often a fee to maintain your photo on their website. Legit agencies do deduct these costs from their models’ earnings).

4. They found your photo on the Internet, and even though their agency is located nowhere near you (several states away, or even overseas), they claim they will get you work, as long as you provide…yes, some kind of fee.

5. They require you to take any photos that make you uncomfortable (e.g. in skimpy clothing, or, worse, pressure you to take your clothes off) or require you shoot with a particular photographer and pay exorbitant prices for photos (I’ll get into what “exorbitant” is in an upcoming post).

Have you been the victim of any of these scams? Comment and fill us in.

There are many more scams out there; I’ll have to do a part 2 to this post. Getting informed is your best defense against scam artists. For now, read all the model posts on this blog and all the Model Articles on my site. Also, check out this great info from the Federal Trade Commission on avoiding model scams.

Don’t forget to enter the Modeling Mentor Model Search if you haven’t yet (of course there is no fee!). And sign up for my Free Monthly Modeling Newsletter.