There are a number of things you can do to get into the modeling industry. First of all, if you're under 18, make certain that you discuss your modeling interests and goals with your parents/guardians before doing anything.  You'll need their permission in order to work legally, and you'll want their help since beginning a modeling career can be tricky and confusing.

What to do first?  Well, the most direct thing you can do is simply to go to local agencies with a few very good snapshots of yourself:

• a headshot clearly showing your eyes and jaw-line
• a full body shot, preferably with the person taking the pictures from a low perspective

You can find local agencies by using your local phone book, the library, or the Internet.  Check up on the agencies you're interested in by calling your local Better Business Bureau.

Once you decide on some agencies to visit, call them first to see if they have a designated day each week or month for open calls.  This is when they bring in prospective models to look at their pictures.  Before signing with any agency, you might want to check out a few different agencies in your area before signing up with one.  Once you're ready to sign with an agency, be sure to check and double check all contracts/materials the agency gives to you.  Take them home if you have to.  They should not mind if you take some time to read/think things over.

If an agency tells you that you need new pictures, don't be afraid to meet with photographers they recommend to you (bring someone with you when you meet with them), but be sure that you meet with a couple of photographers before deciding on one to shoot with.  Many agencies have a short list of photographers who they know will be able to get exactly the picture they want you to have in your portfolio.

There are some costs that an agency may or may not ask you to cover in the beginning:

• printing costs for your zed/composite cards (a large card containing pictures from your portfolio and information such as your height, weight, etc.)
• listing you in a model book/headsheet, or online database (a listing of the agency's model roster)
• a resume containing your modeling work experience
• additional photographs for your portfolio

And what can you do if you don't find an agency to represent you? 

• Make certain that you have applied at all of the reputable agencies in your area 
• Re-apply to those agencies who either wanted you to come back after a period of time or when you had different pictures to show them
• You can decide to work as a freelance model

As a freelance model, you must be prepared to cover all startup costs (may include having a professional website designed for you), and to treat yourself as an independent business person.  Do all the research you can on tax and legal issues before starting, and do everything you can to protect your name, your reputation, and your person.

Take care and good luck!

DISCLAIMER

 Stock Models provides the information contained on this page "as is" and makes no representations or warranties of any kind regarding its accuracy or reliability. Stock Models disclaims all liability of any kind whatsoever arising out of your use of, or inability to use, this page and the information contained on it.