Introduction

So, you've wanted to be a model for as long as you can remember.

You've found a modeling agency you're comfortable with. What happens after you've made contact with them?

Our Advisors

Our hosts to modeling career lift-off advice were Jessica Aufiero from Elite Models and Lynn Venturella, Director of New Faces for LA Models. Thanks Guys.

The following is based on the advice they gave.

Seeing More

You need to be seen by a modeling agency in person. Make your preparations to do so as described in part 1 of this article. Be there. On time.

At your initial interview they may ask to see you again at a later date - a common procedure in the business called "Seeing More". This will happen if the agency sees some potential, but considers that your prospects would be improved at a later date. They will then ask you to come back in maybe 6 months time. Don't despair, the reasons for this are many and varied; perhaps you need to get into better shape, or should come back wearing no make-up. The agency may simply feel you are too young, not quite ready, need some grooming, need a hairdo, or just need your head transplanted.

Only a small percentage make it in a big-time major league fashion modeling career, maybe around one in a thousand. But there are many other areas of modeling to consider; high fashion, editorial fashions, catalogue modeling, mature modeling.

Whatever your field, if you're finally accepted, the agency will set up a photo shoot.

The Photo Shoot.

When the agency decides to put together your portfolio, it will send you to a photographer for a 'photo shoot test'. It's called that because that's just what it is - a test. In the process of putting together your portfolio, you may be sent on anywhere from 6 - 10 shoot tests. Since modeling is a fast-evolving industry with commercial requirements changing constantly, it may be necessary to try you in a few different settings.

Salaries and Expenses

Modeling is one of the few careers in which women receive higher salaries than men because the work for men is limited. What you will actually earn depends on the agency. For fashion you can earn US$1,000 a day - for other areas of modeling like editorial, the rate will be more like $150 per day. Tests cost an agency anywhere from $125 to $400 so once you've started modeling it may take 2-3 months or more before an agency sees a return on its investment in your portfolio.

Lynn at LA Models has a last word of advice. Getting accepted should not cost you any money. If an agency sees your potential they will take care of your expenses from when they arrange for your photo session. LA models recently flew a girl the 2,500 miles out from Indianapolis.

Lynn didn't say whether or not the girl got the job.