Is this a modelling scam or for real??

Question

I know it is hard to tell, but here are the details,,My wife is very attractive and has a great body and has always dreamed of modelling (she is 21) In the paper was an ad for persons to come and interview at a place that they made clear was not an agency, but only supplied people to agencies. Their references seemed to support that they had in fact had clients that had gotten work,,they required no up front fees other than needing a card with her headshots that could be done with a local photographer that they of course contract with, for around 700 dollars or we could have them done anywhere we wanted, just bring them the headshots and that was it. They made no promises just said "bring us the photos (or schedule with their photographer) and we think she has a good chance of getting some work when we send her to the calls." Is this for real? How can I identify a scam and if this is something questionable, what is the best way to get started? Thanks so much!!

Answer 1

Well,
I can't say for sure, but my gut feeling is, if she has a great look and dreams of modeling, she should go to a local Agencies open calls.

Those "scouting services" will require "mother agency" contracts, some that take 20% from 5 years to the rest of your life! Why do you need a middle man? Just do some homework.

There are also a lot of photographers (Especially up and coming ones) that test for free or reduced rates (they are looking to fill their books too)

Look in your yellow pages or on line for modeling agencies and go to an open call, or submit snapshots to them with all your stats.

If they are not an actually agency, they are a middle man/another step before you get to the actual work.

Once you get your photo shoot you can send your pics off to various companies to get the actual comp card made. various places include ISGOphoto, grandprints, to name a few (they all have web sites)

Things to consider, how tall is your wife?
High fashion/runway models need to be 5'9" in bare feet (yes they will check)
Commercial print models tend to be in the 5"6 - up range (there is more room for flexibility here)

I hope this helps.
I don't think there is anything wrong with scouting services, but it will cut into some of the money you can make, and limit your ability to explore all your options.
Good Luck!!

Finally, stay in the market your in, NYC, PARIS, or LA gets tons of new faces every day, most who already have lots of expericene. get the experience in your home market before you dream too big.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

IT's a scam. Headshots do not cost $700. A complete model portfolio only approaches that. Real modeling agencies only require snapshots. Don't get me wrong, a complete portfolio is nice to have and so are comp cards but there are better, easier, and cheaper ways to get that.
First of all, there's a thing called TFP and TFCD in which a model and a photographer exchange talents at no cost to the other. Example: If I'd have a project that I'm working on and I have specific shots in mind but can't afford a model to experiment on the shots I would advertise for a beginning model to shoot TFP. I would get the model that I need and in exchange for that service I would provide the model with approximately 10 good/great shots on 8X10 prints to put towards her portfolio. That would be provided at no cost to the model. Beautiful models are hard to come by and models don't have to pay for anything , they get paid for their beauty.
I would recommend going to > If you want to check out my site on one model place my Photographer Id is : ID=133298. You can also check out and posting a couple of snapshots on there. Models are allowed on those sites for free. The sites also have a list of jobs that are available. If you need shots of yourself or help posting shots I can offer my assistance. Just email me or call me or simply go to and lookup my website. You can also plug my name into a search engine and come up with different things that I do to verify my standing in the modeling world.

Answer 4

One Model Place Reviews

Answer 5

Sounds like the ads that Jown Powers Agency puts out. SCAM!

Answer 6

Wilimenia was found to be a scam and Modal Mayhem is just a porn site. Find a real agency.

Answer 7

IT IS A SCAM. LIKE TYRA BANKS SAID YOU SHOULD NEVER HAVE TO PAY FOR A MODEL SCOUT WHO WANTS YOU. DONT PAY THAT MONEY!! GO TO SOME REAL ONES LIKE WILIMENIA MODELING OR GO ONLINE TO MODEL MAYHEM. THEY'RE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR RAW TALENT.