SUPPLIES
- Head shot with no make-up on
- Full length body photo in tight fitting clothing
- Full length body photo, side view, in tight fitting clothing
- Photos from previous modeling jobs
Overview
Becoming a teen model requires a lot of hard work and determination. Prospective models have to pound the pavement in search of the right agent, have the right photos on hand and be able to ignore rejection.
Becoming a Teen Model
Step 1
Photos are essential to getting an agent and landing future modeling jobs. A model's portfolio showcases her versatility. The photos, when taken by a professional photographer, will show a model in different clothes and settings. These portfolios usually include commercial, editorial or beauty shots. The more versatile a model appears to be, the better his chances are to land future modeling jobs.
Expensive photos are not always necessary when looking for an agent. Agents that have been in the business for a long time, such as Ford Models, will accept clear head and body shots taken by friends or family members to make an initial evaluation.
Step 2
Start looking for an agent locally. Using a local phone book, check the yellow pages for "Talent Agencies" or "Modeling Agencies." Alternatively, use the Internet to look for modeling agency listings. If there are no agents in the local area, look for one in the next largest nearby town. Many agencies will represent models as long as they live within 100 miles of their office.
Step 3
Make an appointment to meet with a modeling agent or find out where to send in photos. Even if an agent receives photos that they like, she will still want to meet the model in person before they agree to represent him. Some agencies have specific days of the week where they will see new models on a walk-in basis. Most national modeling agencies also have websites that allow prospective models to upload their photos for evaluation. This can help put prospective models on the fast-track to modeling success.
Step 4
Legitimate modeling agencies will have a model sign a contract with them when they agree to represent them. The contract outlines the percentage that the agent charges for representing a model, as well as any other stipulations. Some modeling contracts are exclusive, which means that the model cannot sign on with any other modeling agencies until the existing contract expires.
Step 5
Rejection is part of the modeling profession. Perseverance is another. Successful models understand that rejection is just part of the business. A model determined to work in this profession will continue to look for an agent until she finds the right one.
Step 6
It is important for models to keep in touch with their agents by phone or email to ensure you'll be first on your agent's mind when new modeling jobs become available.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- WARNING : There are always scam artists masquerading as modeling agents. A legitimate agent will not require a fee to represent a model, nor will he demand that models have their photos taken by a specific photographer. An agent is paid when she finds work for a model and the model should be free to choose any professional photographer she wishes to take her portfolio photos.
