Answering a Reader Question #294

Anonymous Wrote:


Hello! :) Well I'm 16 years old, Native American, and was thinking about doing "modelscouts.com" have you heard of it? but I'm not sure yet. I've had people tell me that I should be a model, but I just always thought I couldn't do it. I can also get insecure sometimes, but people tell me otherwise, so maybe this could be a confidence booster. Any tips? I always thought it would be amazing to model though. :) They are asking for photos and stuff and I'm not sure on what type of poses, do you have any suggestions? By the way, I don't have any experience with modeling yet, so any tips for starters?
Sorry for all the questions! Lol 

Hi, Anonymous! I personally and professionally would not recommend doing ModelScouts simply because there is a more direct and free way of breaking into modeling, which would be to submit yourself directly to agencies--you don't need to pay a "middleman." ModelScouts is not a modeling agency, they are a casting agency, which basically collects photos/portfolios and info about models and actors and puts them into a huge database, where you pay fees in the hopes that an agency sees your profile, likes you and signs you.

Since you are a new/inexperienced model, it is not necessary to invest in a professional portfolio or get headshots done. Agencies would prefer to review non-professional, digital snapshots, which really tell a person's true potential to model. Once you get offered a contract, the agency will then guide you in arranging your first test shoot. It is from this test shoot that the agency gets the images they need to put together your professional portfolio, headshots and comp/zed cards.

I don't know your height, measurements or city/state you live in so I can't really offer you advice that is tailored to your situation. But if you are between 5'5"-5'7" you can submit to agencies that represent commercial/print/teen models. If you're between 5'8"-6'0" then you can submit to agencies that represent fashion/runway/editorial models. It is best to go online and look up the official websites of the agencies that are within a 2 hour's drive from where you live. Their websites will tell you what types of pictures they want, how to submit your info and if they have open casting calls, where you can go in and be evaluated by the agency staff without the need for an appointment. All of this is free to do and puts you in direct contact with the agency themselves. Companies like ModelScouts mean well and they do have some success stories but again, they are middlemen who make a profit by accepting anybody that is willing to pay their fees. It's better to hear what your chances are straight from an agency themselves.

Should you need assistance with finding legit agencies in your area you can always post more questions to this post or email me directly at: daniadenise@gmail.com.