Steps to Take BEFORE Sending Photos to Modeling Agencies

I can't keep track of the countless times I've heard aspiring models talk about how excited they are to send pictures to modeling agencies but have no clue what to send. Getting into the modeling industry is a process, which means there are steps that need to be taken. Jumping blindly into things is a surefire way to put yourself out of the running.

Submitting your stuff to modeling agencies should be the LAST step in the process. Before you can send photos you have to figure out which agencies to send them to, right? If you have no idea where agencies are in your area, then it's time to do research and find them.

Are they not local? Then you'll also have to consider how seriously you want to pursue modeling. For aspiring models with no legit agencies within a 2 hour's drive, you'll have to make a judgment call as to whether moving/relocating to a larger modeling market is going to be a realistic possibility for you. I'll do a post on that very topic in the near future. Now back to the topic at hand.

After you have gotten a list of the agencies you can submit to, make sure you thoroughly go through their official websites to find out what pictures to send. Not all modeling agencies ask for the same types of pictures. While one may simply want a headshot and full body shot, another may want additional images, such as a full body profile, 3/4 pose, etc.

Treat each agency individually and prepare your submission accordingly. Sending the wrong types of photos or not following their instructions will quickly send your submission into the trash. Don't give them that opportunity so do it right the first time! One of the first tests agencies give is seeing how well you follow instructions and if your submission doesn't have what they're asking for, it makes a negative first impression even before you meet with them face-to-face. This is why it is important that you follow the right steps prior to sending in your pictures.

Once you know what kind of images the agencies want from you, create a checklist of the poses for each agency you plan on submitting to and set aside time to get those pictures taken care of. It's okay to submit the same images to different agencies if they ask for the same poses/types.

For example, if you have three agencies you plan on sending pictures to, don't take three completely different headshots. You can submit the same headshot to all three. Make sense? Remember, have someone else take your non-professional digital images for you--do not take them yourself in the mirror! If they happen to want professional images then it will be up to you to network with professional photographers and set up a test shoot.

Be sure to let the photographer know the images are being submitted to agencies and give them a list of the shots needed. Only give what the agencies ask for--no more, no less. Agencies are businesses first and the hectic nature of this industry means no room for error. When your submission is exactly what they are looking for, this will increase your chances of moving on to the next step, which is an interview!