DOs

• Ask questions of any prospective modeling agency about the clients they have worked with, references, and any costs, hidden or otherwise that you may have to cover in order to get your career started.
• Aside from your agency, have a friend or family member know about the details of any shoot you go on, even if someone is coming with you.
• Have any prospective photographer show work samples and ask for references prior to paying them for portfolio pictures.
• Be certain that any photographer or agency with whom you are in contact has a real address (not just a P.O. Box) and a real phone number (not just a mobile).
• Find out EXACTLY what a photo shoot/job will entail before accepting.  Clarify once you arrive on location, and if at any point you feel that you have been mislead, immediately tell the photographer/client or call your agency.  Walk out if necessary.  Your safety and reputation are more important than any job or paycheck.
• When traveling for an assignment, NEVER stay with the photographer or the client.  Always arrange for your own accommodations.
• Until you establish the legitimacy of a client/photographer, have them contact you by email or through your agency or other third party representative.
• Check out any claims made by an agency in advertisements or in their initial interview with you.
• Ask if the agency is licensed or bonded as an employment service in your state.
• Call your local Better Business Bureau to check on any agency you are considering.
• Read everything, including the small print, before signing anything you get from a client or agency. 
• Keep copies of all paperwork you receive or sign in a safe place.
• If you ever do feel that you have been mislead or cheated, contact your local Better Business Bureau, your State's Attorney General's office, and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

DON'Ts

• If you are under 18, don't even THINK about trying to start a modeling career without your parent's/guardian's permission.
• Don't pay any kind of fee to an agency in order to be represented by them.
• Don't pay for modeling classes in order to join an agency. Although they may claim that you need the classes before you can work, anything they need to teach you should be free of charge.
• Don't shoot your entire portfolio with one photographer, ESPECIALLY if the agency recruiting you pressures you to work with that photographer in order to be listed.  A good portfolio will be shot over time, not in one or two afternoons, and will include the unique perspectives of several photographers.
• Do not use your complete real name or real address when marketing yourself over the Internet.  Use email and if possible, a pager or mobile phone.
• Do not be lured by agencies that advertise that you can earn a high salary as a model.  You might make a decent salary, but most models don't strike it rich and disreputable agencies use enticements like this to get people into their offices.
• Do not sign with an agency during or immediately after your first meeting.  If they are a legitimate agency that wants to represent you, then they won't mind if you walk out the door and call them back in a few hours or the next day.  This way you can take some time to think about your decision.

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.