Modelling? I'm Naive. Please Advise...

[pixie373]

Unknown to me, my 16 yr old daughter has done an online application to UK Models in London. She got a text asking her to get a parent to ring. I was very sceptical that it might be just an expensive photo-shoot, but have rung them, for her sake.
They don't want any money, but want me to take her for an assessment photo-shoot at Pure Space Studios, Oxford Circus. No make-up or hair products and to take 5-7 outfits. If she's not suitable, they delete the photos, if she is, we buy some for a portfolio and they match her up with agencies (magazines, posters, catalogues).
I don't mind if it just turns out to be a fun experience or if they try to make us buy lots of expensive photos, but i don't want to turn up anywhere too dodgy or seedy.
Any thoughts? Thank you xxx

[nungate]

Saw something similar to this on TV last week. Don't do it. It'll cost you a fortune and they won't do anything for your daughter. Reputable model agencies say that the best thing to do is take a few polaroids and send them in to the agency and if they are interested they will take it from there.
This is a scam - two girls and their mums were conned this way, it cost them a packet and eventually they took the "agency" to the small claims court, they won the case but I'm pretty sure they are still waiting to have their money back

[FredPuli43]

By the way, I once outbid everyone in a charity auction for a photo shoot with a firm at Oxford Circus. It was not for me, it was for my wife ( I make such an uncritical husband!). The set-up was as you describe; I bet it was the same place. It must have been a fair bit of money ordinarily for anyone to offer it at a charity auction in a big 5 star hotel 'do' in London. That does not bode well

[ummmm]

I think I watched that, Nungate.

It's been said many many times that all model agencies require is basic photographs. They know from looking at an unmade up face whether it's photogenic or not.

[pixie373]

I think that's made up my mind! Thank you, all. She's 5'7" at moment and still growing. She is stunning. But i suppose i would think that, wouldn't i? :-)

[FredPuli43]

My own daughter was stopped in the street by an employee of a model agency; I forget which, but it was a big one. She was seen by them but they decided not to take her, to great dismay and tears (from me: I was thinklng that she be paying her own rent for once. She was sanguine about it). But she is only just 5' 9" now, and that is seen as borderline at best for catwalk work.

[shoota]

Son #2 was 'scouted' at Camden Lock, few polaroids taken in the street and he was offered a contract with Prada.
He turned it down - it was the shooting season.


That's ma boy!

[237SJ]

If your daughter walks into a modelling agency with some photo booth style pictures and she has "the look", the agency won`t let her out of the door without wanting to sign her. Those places know exactly what they are looking for and you don`t need a middle man.

[pixie373]

Lol. It would be good for her to have some focus. She's a bit of a whirlwind.

[pixie373]

Thank you. I will speak to her again when she comes in. I think it would definitely be better to go directly, if that's what she wants to do.

[CokeTulip]

pixie.. Shoota's idea worth thinking about I feel - nothing to lose.(He's right)

& watch out for where Fashion degrees (final yr)- always have fashion shows! + they get coverage and she would enjoy it.

[pixie373]

Yes, they should be easy enough to find locally, too. Sounds a much better idea. Thank you x

[lady-janine]

personally i would not bother. most agencies do not chaarge for photoshoots. i have the felling that they will say she is suitable just to get you to pay for the photos and you still have to do all the hard work of distributing.

[Slapshot]

Pixie my sweet....... Whatever you decide, if you go and YOU feel uncomfortable at any stage you pull her out and walk away. If it looks seedy it probably is. If it's clean and professional looking it might be okay but unless you are 100% happy at all times....walk away.

I did a few glamour shoots a few years ago and whatever else was going on both me and the model had simple caveats, if either of us felt uncomfortable they could walk away, I did once and a model did another, she just couldn't do what she wanted to do. I always had someone with me as well.... If nothing else ensure you have that option.

[pixie373]

Yes, you're both right. I know i need to be careful, as it's not something I'm familiar with (much as that might surprise you:-)). So i want to be careful, while still letting her try it out, if she wants to x