Submitting to Model Agencies
The best description for many models online regarding their method for starting out in the business is, "Cart before the Horse." What this means is that a wonderful portfolio should begin to be constructed AFTER securing representation, not before (unless you intend to self represent freelance).
Understand in advance your type and limitations. Fashion models are required to be within a prescribed age range and certain height minimum. Commercial print models have a little less stringent set of requirements, while models for promotion are often the least restrictive type as far as fitting in specific “molds.”
To models starting out, as well as those established, TFP can have great value. For models starting out, it's a good way to get your feet wet and get in front of a camera. It helps you learn while you pose and you can obtain some nice photos often from a good TFP. Many models use TFP as a method for building a portfolio to freelance in the business, which is okay if that is the direction you are intending.
When seeking model agency representation, it's best to put what you read and learn online TFP aside and be prepared to start anew once signed. A good agency will arrange test shoots (similar to TFP, but with photographers that understand the agency's style, needs, and client base). It is possible even then still to find TFP on your own as long as you know what it is you are after and work with TFP photographers who are open to your needs as well as their own.
Submitting to agencies is a lot less glamorous than one might think. In fact, the larger agencies that are more in tune with modeling usually have pretty basic submission guidelines (note, talent agencies for actors may submit print as well, but are more specifically designed for acting expectations). Nice images shot in TFP, photo-shopped to remove blemishes, accentuate curves, and with great wardrobe, styling, and locations are not generally what an agency wants to see submitted.
To submit, in many cases, what is required is a set of snapshot photos. These should be shot against a solid background - a wall inside our out your home, for instance. Do not send photos taken with camera phones or that you shoot yourself standing in front of the bathroom mirror. Ask a family member or a friend to shoot these photos for you. Submit them as prints (in the old days, they'd say, "Submit Polaroid’s") by mail. Some agencies today accept electronic submission also. Most agencies state their submission guidelines on their websites. Follow their requirements.
Three photos should be sufficient. The first should be a close-up of your face. The face should fill most of the frame of the photo. Think traditional headshot as an example. The second photo should be a waist up, three quarters shot. The final one should be a full length photo wearing tight, form fitting, clothing (or a swimsuit) that helps define the shape of your body. In all photos, you should have little or no make up. Your hair style should be relatively simple, no fancy hair designs. Your face shot may be a smile, but the other two generally should be without a smile. Do not accessorize with hats, jewelry, scarves, or glasses. You should be the only person in the photo and it should be shot in focus, well lit, and without fancy or creative angles. Any post production done to the photo in the computer should be simple resizing and contrast/curves adjustment. Do not smooth skin, sharpen eyes, over saturate, etc.
A basic cover letter should include your vital stats (height, weight, hair and eye color, measurements). List any tattoos or piercing that you have (these should be minimal, if not non-existent). Your location (city/state) and contact information (phone and email) should be included, as well as any information about your availability.
Many agencies have open calls that you can attend. You might call asking when the next open call will be held. If you are planning to visit a large city that has established model agencies (Los Angeles or New York, for instance), you might attempt to obtain an in-person interview for while you are in town.
If you are an established model with TEAR SHEETS of your published work, then you can often drop off your portfolio for the agency to review (picking it up again a few days later).
Do not call and pester the agency. If you don't hear anything, wait a month or two and submit again. Try other agencies. Accept rejection and move on to the next. Rejection is not always due to your not having what it takes... the agency might simply just not need your particular look at the time you are submitting.
If you are going in person for an audition or agency go-see, dress simple and without makeup and accessories, much like you did for the photos you submitted. A trained agency professional can tell if you have what they need or not without doctored up photography or glamour shots makeup on.
Most agencies will require that you live in the area that they represent. Be prepared that if you live in small town Ohio and want an agent in New York, you may need to be ready to move there if you are signed with them. Once signed, the agency will work with you to build a portfolio that is fitting their needs to represent to clients.
Agencies should not sell you photo shoots or photo printing. At the same time, you are responsible for the cost of test shoots (if there is any), as well as for portfolio images and/or comp cards. Bigger and/or better agencies may advance these costs and then remove them from your first paid job.
Once signed, be prepared to follow the agencies rules and guidance and defer all questions or interest in you to the agency, as it is their job to manage the business end of your bookings, the way you are marketed, and the direction that you take in your career.
07-15-2007, 05:38 PM
Re: Submitting to Model Agencies 
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