Avoid Scams

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Instructions

Avoid Scams

1. There are really two modeling industries: the legitimate one that pays models a fair price for their services, and the evil one that preys on the hopes and dreams of young people. To avoid getting snookered, you have to remind yourself again and again that you're getting into modeling to make money, not to give it away. This is business, so be stingy. There are lots of con artists posing as photographers, and there are lots of shady organizations calling themselves "agencies" and "schools."
   
   Beware of photographers who try to sell you expensive portfolio shots before you approach any agencies. This is a common one. They tell you that you'll never get anywhere with an agency unless you have a professional portfolio to show. That's not true. Agencies are connected with photographers who understand and express a particular style, and they usually just end up trashing any pictures you walk in with. That's why snaps are best. Let the agency you sign up with arrange all the portfolio photography for you.
   
   Also watch out for fly-by-night "agencies" that charge so-called "registration fees" and are more interested in getting you to pay for expensive portfolios than finding you work. In such places, the phones aren't ringing as they should be, and the pictures on the walls are of models that have no connection with their business. So when you approach an agency, check them out; make sure they've been around for more than 3 months and have a nice big ad in the phone book. Contact the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been leveled against them.
   
   Also look out for modeling schools. Some people believe they are an outright scam, while others believe they're a pretty good way to gain a little experience, as long as you have money to burn. It's your call to make. Just don't let anyone tell you that you must go through a school before they'll even consider you. No one absolutely needs to go to modeling school to become a successful model.
   
   And then there are outright sleazeballs. Flattery, promises to get you working immediately, unusual fees and high-pressure tactics are all signs of a sleazeball operation. When they ask you to pose naked or to have sex in exchange for jobs, alert the authorities. And keep in mind that, although this sort of thing is more common in less classy operations, it is not altogether unknown at a higher level, so watch for the signals no matter where you sign.

Next: Build Your Career

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[starlet67]

on 3/14/2009 This article really uncovers the truth about breaking into the modeling scene!5*