Modeling Agency Photo Galleries: A Good Resource

You know how adamant I am about browsing through modeling agency websites? There's a reason. The main ones are to find out what an agency's requirements are for its models, the types of models it represents and locating information related to open calls and/or submission instructions and guidelines.
But that's not the only reason why thoroughly going through agency websites is so beneficial for models seeking agency representation. Oftentimes, new models wonder if they have what it takes or if their look is one that would interest agencies. Other models--typically the ones with experience--worry that their look might not be in demand or may have even been told by agencies before that they already have too many model with their look currently on the roster.

To alleviate these types of concerns, it's helpful to actually look at the photo galleries of the models an agency is currently representing. In a few cases, you could be asked to "login" to view the pictures or some other type of limited access message might pop up. If you find yourself in this situation, move on to a different agency website or, if you choose, follow whatever steps are necessary so that you can view the models' photos.

What's to be gained by looking at models' photos on an agency website? A lot. For one thing, it gives you an idea as to whether or not you'd be someone they'd potentially sign. If you're a male model, view the male models' galleries--same for the ladies. View the photos of the models in the division you're hoping to pursue professionally. That means if you're a male model hoping to do runway, you should be looking at the photos of the male models in the runway division of the agency's website, not the commercial/print or lifestyle division.

Do none of the models look like you? That could be a good thing--meaning that an agency might be looking for a fresh face that stands out from the others. Do a lot of the models look like you? That could translate to an agency not wanting to take on another model with a look they already have a lot of...or they could totally be willing to bring you on board. But even if a majority of the models have a resemblance to you that doesn't mean you shouldn't still submit--because you should--it just means being prepared for the possibility of having an agency reject you because their division with your look could be too full at the moment.

Remember, when I say "look like you," that doesn't mean your identical twin. If a model has the same height, measurements, hair color, skin tone and hairstyle, that translates (in the modeling industry) to having the same "look." Keep that in mind when looking at the models' photos on an agency website.

It's not easy looking at the "competition" that's already reached a point you've hoping to achieve--a modeling contract--but viewing modeling galleries on agency sites are a great asset in doing research to see if you'd be a good fit for a particular agency. Not to mention that oftentimes, they'll also post the non professional snapshots or Polaroids of the models. It's always fun, in my opinion, to see how agency represented models photograph when they're in a "natural" state without all the makeup, fancy clothes and retouching.

So if you want to see if an agency would like your look, you'll more than likely get an answer by seeing who they've offered contracts to so far. But don't let this step prevent you from submitting, use it as a research tool.