Teen Modeling - Anyone Have Any Experience with Agencies?

My stepdaughter was in modeling in Minneapolis and we learned some hard, and expensive, lessons. She photographed excellently, the photographers loved to work with her, she is 5'11" and a size 6, which put her as "too big", not too tall, for many of the possible assignments.

Here's what to do - take some photos of your daughter with your own camera. Very little if any makeup, and a simple hair style. Pick the best headshot and the best full-length shot. Send them to the Moore Talent Agency - http://www.mooretalent.com/

Along with the pictures, send her name, phone number, address, birthdate, height, measurements, and shoe size. If she has a chance of getting any work in the Mpls area, they will call her. If not, give it up! Do not spend any money on classes, or anything else. Moore is the most respected agency in this area. Their biggest client is Target, and they supply models for the weekly ad. They have other local clients, too.

Overall, there is VERY LITTLE modeling work anywhere in the midwest. The real modeling work is done in NY and LA. The competition is fierce, the pay is low except for the very, very few. The look that has been "hot" for the last few years is an "ethnic" look. If your daughter looks too "midwest girl-next-door" with no unusual features, her chances of work are less. If she doesn't fit into the rigid height/size requirements, she won't get work. (I have a friend who was able to model for several years, back when there was modeling work in Mpls. She is 5'11" and was a size 2.) A size 4 is about the biggest a model can be, size 6 is pushing their limits.

I think Sue W gave you some excellent advice!
Don't spend any money, your daughter either has "it" or she doesn't. There are many ways to have a career in fashion, I'm sure your daughter will find her way whether it's modeling or something else :)

when working for an agency YOU don't have to pay THEM anything. so nothing like John Cassablaca, etc. All they do is teach you how to walk and put on make-up for a fee. They don't get you jobs. I also "worked" for a few weeks for a company that would take your pictures (for a fee) and then keep them on file for modeling agencies who might want to use you. Have you tried the BBB to see if there are any modeling agencies in or close to your area? I would take a full body shot, and a beauty shot. No make-up. then also try to get a portfolio together with professional pictures to show the agencies. Be friendly and personable and show knowledge of the industry.
Good Luck

I dabbled in modeling for a little while..After my dancing career had been put on hold.

I got really freaked out about having to memorize lines for an ad spot( this ad spot was a requirement that had to be placed in my portfolio...I realize I could have probably gotten around it...my mind was made up though)..After that I knew it was not for me.

I did however apply and get excepted in to FDIM....It is based out of California...They offer anything from design to runway.

I didnt end up going. The cards didnt line up right for me...When I was excepted..We didnt have the funds to send me...When I had the funds...I had changed career minds again....

Be very careful with any agency that asks for money up front. ther are alot of scams out there.

I would get a portfolio started. Take her somewhere that does really good head shots. Have them do ''Live Action'' shots as well. The more she has in her file the better chance she has of getting placed into a reputable agency.

Above all educate yourself fully. Ask as many questions that you have too.

If this is REALLY where her Passion lies, be as involved as you can be. So, often girls get into the Glamour or the Idea of modeling and they end up selling them self short...or get roped in with the wrong crowd!!

How exciting that she has such drive! With a lot of help outta the gate with this..she will have an unending amount of opportunities:)

Good luck mama.

I attended Barbizon Modeling School. there are several around the country. we paid about 1000 to go, about 15 years ago.
It's pretty harmless. taught us how to be professional, and some etiquette, as well as makeup and runway practice.
They also can put you in touch with photographers, and help you to build a portfolio to show to agencies.
They are also an agency, so if you have potential they may sign you and you can get some local work. Then they can work as your advocate for larger agencies like Ford and such.

If you want to contact larger agencies your self, you need a portfolio and a contact sheet.
Your portfolio should contain professional photos for a variety of different looks (this is a tool to show your range, step out side your box!!) and a good head shot (head and shoulders)
and you need a contact sheet.
this is usually a 8x10 ish card. This card should be 2 sided. one side a full head shot. the other should be a full body shot with your accurate measurements! (very important) You print MANY of these, they are to be given away.

but keep in mind, if she is not 5'8" + it is next to impossible to make High Fashion modeling a career. Harsh, but True. If she is sorter than 5'8" look toward commercial work and acting.
good luck

I have modeled most of my life and my 16 yr old has modeled as well. She personally does not like it so she stopped. It is a brutal business. She too, is very much into the fashion, design and business and plans to study in Italy as well.

As for modeling... you pay NOTHING, NO classes, NO nothing.

I am not familiar with agencies in your area. Most will accept snapshots online (not professional shots.. you do not need those). If they are interested, they call you.

It is a very hard business. You have to have a thick skin because rejection is a part of life.. you are never right for every job. It gets mean and ugly as well. When you are called for an audition, you go, no matter what plans it conflicts with... you may be there for hours to audition and walk in only to be told... "you don't have the look we are looking for". It is not ALL bad... I have had some wonderful experiences as well.

After you get agency names in your area, check them out thoroughly and check with the BBB. Many places (such as the John Cassablanca) are NOT agencies. They want you to think they are but in reality, they want your $$ and they want you to sign on with them to take classes, etc.

You can upload photo to fordmodels.com. I have a friend who is an artist rep for musicians and gets requests for models all the time from Ford Models. They have offices all over the place.
Going to a modeling school helps. You learn how to walk, sit, hold your hands, put on make-up and what hairsyles look best with your face. It not only helps if you want a career in fashion but with anything. You present a more polished professional appearance when job hunting etc. Taking an acting class or two helps also, you get used to getting up in front of a group and speaking, how to use your voice, what diction you need to work on.
Good luck, she could make enough money to pay for college and could model for many years.