I want to get into modeling. Commercial print, and photo shoot. What's the best way?

Question

I've tried industry model and talent, they are a rip off. It's a scam, I gave them my money for nothing.... help!

Answer 1

I would start working with many photographers to just get a portfolio of photos going.  

A fairly cheap, or free way of doing this is through One Model Place ( online ) it is a site where models, photographers, actors, talent, etc....  have a portfolio and network around a bit.  But what they do on there is TFP - which is Trade For Photos. So, you get free photos from a photographer, and he gets a free model.  You can do this as many times as you like, because you want a lot of photos, and there are always photographers who want to work with new people to build up their own portfolio and experience.

Once you have a portfolio, I think you are more likely to get work as you can approach some modeling agencies to show them all the photos you have taken.  

Thanks for reading!

Answer 2

If you're really serious about getting into modeling:

First, stay away from Barbizon, JRP, Casablanca's and any of the other modeling schools posing as agencies. Any agency asking for money up front is a scam.

The best thing you can do is find an agency - which can be a little more challenging than you think.  Google searches and looking through the yellow pages will turn up more of the above scams than good legit places.  While it's not necessarily required to get a portfolio together first I would recommend it.  Having a portfolio shows your serious and it also gives you some camera-time experience which, when competing for an agency spot, can be valuable.

I would highly recommend visiting OneModelPlace.com or Model Mayhem. They're both huge online communities for the industry. You can network, find local photographers (many of which will help you build a portfolio for free) and depending on your area you may even find work. As with anything on the Internet DO YOUR RESEARCH. Check references before working with anyone and always bring someone with you to any shoot.

If you have any other questions feel free to contact me

Answer 3

start profiles on onemodelplace.com modelmayhem.com modelbigade.com and other legitimate model/photog/agency networking sites.

work tfp/tfce to build your portfolio

if you have a marketable look the work will begin to find you

BUT.... it is up to you to learn how to market yourself. Heidi, Gisele, Cindy and Tyra are not successful because they are more beautiful than other women. They are succesful because they learned how to sell themselves to the world.

Answer 4

I'm sorry to be blunt, but the modeling business is very tough. Only a small number of models make a living at it full time. There are a large number of models competing for a small number of jobs. Success depends on many factors, starting with you looks. Other factors include your height/weight, ethnicity, where you are based, your ability to travel and the type of photography you are comfortable in doing.

I generally agree with the other answers. Site like OMP and ModelMayhem can be good for getting general exposure and helping build a portfolio. I'd suggest joining some of these sites and using there forums to communicate with other models.

One request: don't put up a portfolio until you have some professional photos. I've seen too many model wannabe's using photos taken by a friend with a point and shoot camera or a self portrait using a cell phone and a mirror. These make you look bad.  

Answer 5

The fashion photographers I go to school with live by Model Mayhem- www.modelmayhem.com

They find all of their models on here, to help build their portfolios and in return give images to the model to build their modeling portfolios.