The path to landing a modeling contract can seem complex. This guide provides a step-by-step process to navigate the industry, from preparing your submission materials to understanding the final legal agreement. A professional approach is required at each phase to structure your efforts and secure representation.
Prepare Your Essential Materials
Before approaching any agency, you must prepare “digitals” or “polaroids.” These are simple, unedited photos that show your natural appearance without professional styling or makeup. To take them, stand against a plain, light-colored wall in natural daylight to avoid harsh shadows. Wear form-fitting clothing, like skinny jeans and a tank top or a basic swimsuit, to clearly show your body shape.
Your set of photos should include several specific shots. Capture a few expressions, including a neutral look and a natural smile, with some photos showing your hair down and others with it pulled back. The required shots are:
- A headshot from the chest up, looking directly at the camera.
- A full-length body shot from the front.
- A full-length body shot from the back.
- Full-length body shots from both sides.
Alongside these photos, take accurate body measurements with a soft measuring tape, including your height, bust, waist, and hips.
Build a Professional Portfolio
Once you have digitals, the next step is developing a professional portfolio. Unlike digitals, a portfolio is a curated collection of high-quality photos showcasing your versatility and range as a model. It demonstrates your ability to convey different moods and styles in front of the camera.
A cost-effective strategy is to seek “Time for Prints” (TFP) collaborations with new or student photographers building their own portfolios. In a TFP arrangement, the model and photographer work together without payment, and both receive the images for their books. You can find these opportunities through social media and local photography communities.
Your final portfolio should be a carefully selected group of your best images. A concise collection of 6 to 12 strong and varied photographs is more impactful than a large album of mediocre ones. This presents a polished image that signals to agencies you are serious about your career.
Find and Contact Reputable Agencies
With your materials prepared, the next step is to find and contact legitimate modeling agencies. Research agencies using online databases like Models.com to identify those that align with your goals. An agency’s website and social media also provide insight into the models they represent and their clients.
There are two primary methods for contacting agencies: online submissions and in-person open calls. Nearly every legitimate agency has a submissions page on their website where you can upload your digitals and measurements. Follow their instructions precisely, as failure to do so often results in rejection.
The second method is attending an open call, a designated time when an agency meets aspiring models without an appointment. Information about open calls is posted on the agency’s website or social media. For these events, dress in simple, form-fitting attire as you would for digitals and wear minimal makeup. Expect to be seen briefly and have new digitals taken by the staff.
What Modeling Agencies Look For
While physical attributes are a factor, agencies evaluate more than just a person’s look. Different niches like high fashion or commercial modeling have varying requirements. Agencies are businesses looking for marketable, reliable, and professional partners, so a model’s attitude is as important as their appearance.
Agencies are interested in your potential for long-term development. They look for a unique quality that helps you stand out from the thousands of submissions they receive. This could be a distinctive feature or a compelling presence that they can help shape and market to clients.
Agencies value professionalism. This includes being punctual, prepared for meetings, and having a positive, collaborative attitude. They want to sign individuals who will represent their agency well in front of clients, as unprofessionalism can damage business relationships.
Navigate the Modeling Contract
Receiving a contract offer is the final step. This legally binding document establishes your professional relationship with the agency, and you should approach it with a clear understanding of its terms.
A typical modeling contract outlines the agency’s commission rate, which is the percentage they take from your earnings. This rate is commonly around 20%. The contract also specifies its duration, which usually ranges from one to three years, and may include clauses about automatic renewal.
Another term is the type of agreement. An “exclusive” contract means you can only be represented by that single agency, while a “non-exclusive” contract allows you to work with multiple agencies. Given the legal implications, read the entire document thoroughly and consider having a lawyer review it before you sign.
Avoid Common Industry Scams
While pursuing a modeling career, be aware of potential scams that prey on aspiring models. Recognizing the red flags of these operations is fundamental to protecting your finances and personal safety.
One of the most telling signs of a scam is a request for upfront payment. Legitimate agencies earn money by taking a commission from jobs they book for their models; they do not charge fees for representation. Be wary of any entity demanding money for portfolio shoots or training classes as a condition of representation.
Professionalism in communication is another indicator. An “agent” who uses unprofessional email addresses, pressures you into a quick decision, or guarantees stardom is likely not legitimate. Any request for nude or inappropriate photos is a major red flag and not standard industry practice. Always research an agency thoroughly and trust your instincts.