Modeling

[indieanna86]

Hi all, is it easy to get in to modeling? I don't mean becoming a supermodel, catwalk, everybody loves me kinda model, just the occasional catalogue type thing. So that I can make a bit of extra money to go travelling with. I know there's an agency in London where you can just walk in, no need for photos or anything. What do you all reckon?

Anna x

[Pippa68]

Modellng is pretty hard to get into ~ agencies require certain 'looks' and these vary...

A lot of agencies charge you money to go onto their books, too. Avoid these like the plague. If you have what an agency requires, they won't ask you for any money. You will need a decent portfolio.

[indieanna86]

As I said, there are agencies who welcome walk ins, they don't need portfolios. I was just wondering how easy it was to get work. It's not exactly a lifes ambition so I'm not spending money on photos

[Pippa68]

I would assume that the 'walk in' agencies will be charging you for photos they take ~ if you don't have a portfolio of photos they won't be able to find you work.

I am not sure about how easy it is to find work..that is something te agencies should be advising you on.

[Hellion]

You could try approaching commercial photographers. I used to work for one and I did quite a bit of modelling for them. It wasn't glamorous - I did a medical catologue once modelling surgical splints lol! But they are often very pleased to employ someone direct without paying the high cost of agencies.

[Jay70]

Well I started with basic Aifix kits - my first was a Stuka dive bomber. After that I progressed on to the bigger stuff i.e the Avro Lancaster. I used to hang them from my bedroom ceiling. I hope you have as much fun as me.

[indieanna86]

I'm sure I will Jay, I'm sure I will.

Thanks for your input guys, its a great help. That sounds like a good idea Hellion. I really don't mind if I'm a sock or glove model to be honest. Even if I make a fiver its all good!

[joko]

why not approach a local collecge and ask a photohraphy student to take some pics for yyou?

good practise for them and you get copies - you could split the cost of the film etc

much cheaper and you are sure to get afew good shots

[sue11]

Just be careful whatever you do. I understand that any decent agency will only require a standard photo and will not need you to spend hundreds on portfolios etc. Also I have recently read a few books about the modelling industry and have been shocked at what goes on behind the scenes, young models only 14 or 15 are plied with drugs and raped by the agency bosses. Only the top 4 or 5% ever get to earn any real money, some of the rest turn to prostitution to supplement their earnings. Some models are 'picked' by rich arabs to service them and their friends at private parties, some of these have disappeared when they protested over their treatment. Drug abuse is ripe within the industry as the pressure is so great to remain thin that the only way to do this is with the support of drugs to take away hunger pangs. What I have read is about the fashion industry and you are not necessarily looking to do that, but I bet they are all linked together, so please be careful!
Cheers, Sue