How to Avoid Modeling Scams...

How to Avoid Modeling Scams:

What’s the difference between a modeling agency and a modeling school?

A modeling or talent agency tries to get employment for models and actors. Some agencies require that you sign up with them exclusively, others allow you to register with more than one agency at a time.

A modeling or acting school provides instruction in exchange for a fee or tuition. The classes may be in poise, posture diction make-up etc. Schools do not necessarily act as agents or help you find work.

What are the dangers of being ripped off?

Some modeling or talent ‘agencies’ are simply scams to get you in the door to sell you modeling or acting classes, or to get you to pay for head shot photos or for screen tests. The schools may or may not be helpful in building a career and are designed mostly to take your money.

What are some common tip offs that an agency or school is not legit?

Stay away from:

*Agents who require you to use a specific photographer.
*Agents who ask you for an up-front fee to represent them.
*Schools that have a special 'referral' relationship with a particular agency. They could be working a scam together.
*Companies who will only accept payment in cash or money order.
*Companies that make claims saying you can make a high salary as a model.
*If you were approached by someone who wants to 'discover' you, in a place such as a mall.

What questions can I ask to help protect myself when talking to a modeling agency or school?

1. Call the Better Business Bureau, State Attorney General or a consumer agency and ask about the agency or school’s complaint record.
2. Ask for the names, addresses and phone numbers of models and actors who have secured work recently from the agency, or from the school.
3. If the agency claims to have placed models in specific jobs, call the companies and ask if they hired from the agency.
4. Ask if the agency or school is licensed or bonded. If so, check with the State to be sure the claim is true.
5. Get all promises in writing.
6. Shop for your own head shot photographer. Call several places and compare prices and services. If the agency requires you to use their "photographer" avoid them!
7. Never sign a document or contract without reading it and understanding it first. If someone is pressuring you, tell them you’ll think it over and come back later.
8. Keep copies of all the paperwork involved to help protect you later, if needed.

And MOST importantly use common sense! Check out their website, do all the links work? Ask to see "tear sheets". Ask for references. Do your homework.

Island Shoot { part 2 - behind the scenes }

Some "behind the scenes" images from the Island shoot. I love taking these shots. It's always fun to see what goes on during a shoot.

Jenn making her way into the water...



Desi killing a spider...

Jenn climbing through the hatch to pose on the bow...

Jenns turn for makeup...

A little mud fight at Three Mile...

The end of a very long day...

Oubon soaking up the sun...

Jenn and Chris going to shore at Three Mile...

Oubon doing Jenns' makeup...

Desi and Tanya cooling off...

Island Shoot

Another fun filled boat and island shoot. Three photographers, three beautiful models and our wonderful makeup artist Oubon. We launched the boat in Constantia and headed out to Frenchmans Island to shoot first. It was very hot, over 90 degrees outside. When we docked the boat Oubon started right away doing the girls makeup. Again, it was so HOT! The makeup was just melting even in the shade. As the girls were ready we paired up and started shooting all over the island. Then we would switch models/photographers and shoot some more. At one point, I had to take a swim. I was just dying from the heat. And hey, I could because I wasn't getting my makeup done, lol.

After a couple hours of shooting on Frenchmans Island and a great lunch prepared by my wonderful husband, we set sail for Three Mile Bay. Now there is a nice breeze blowing and the heat is more bearable. Much better for all of us, especially the models.

We arrive at Three Mile and it is quite crowded but we love an audience. So we all get in the water and start shooting. The models are finally able to get wet and cool off. And they have a little fun with the mud too. There are a few spectators watching. Then we walk to shore (stupid me I'm barefoot) to shoot because we are losing the sun. We find some great golden light near the peak of Three Mile Bay.

I shot mostly with Tanya throughout the day. Only shot once with Jenn and once with Desi. A great time was had by all! It was the perfect way to spend a hot summer day. We are already planning a couple more island shoots for next year. Can't wait.

And now for some pictures.... lots more on my Flickr

Molly - Downtown Syracuse...

How lucky am I? I keep finding all of these gorgeous, talented models. They make my job so much easier.

This is Molly. She's another model from Rochester. And also great to work with. Awesome with her facial expressions and posing. I had a hard time choosing the images for this post too.

We did a shoot in downtown Syracuse (sorry my favorite place). I just love downtown and prefer to shoot on location using natural light when possible. Just walk a few blocks and you find all kinds of cool backgrounds and locations.

I'm hoping to work with Molly again sometime soon.

I had this one printed as a 16x20. It is proudly hanging in my studio...

Trash the Dress...

My very first Trash the Dress shoot. It was fabulous. I was lucky enough to have new model, Jenn for this shoot. She was amazing and willing to get wet. She even wore my wedding dress.

The location was my favorite place in Oswego on the shore of Lake Ontario. The rocks and waves made it the perfect location.

Check out Jenn on Model Mayhem here.

Kendra - Oswego Shoot...

Another shoot with model Kendra. This time we went to one of my favorite locations in Oswego behind the power plant on the shore of Lake Ontario. It really is a beautiful location with a beach area, huge rocks and some other cool stuff.

I'm never disappointed when I shoot with Kendra. She always photographs so well and pink is a great color on her too.

Desi - Chimney Bluffs

Another great model shoot. This time with model Desiree, on a cool, windy, not so nice day. My second shoot with this model in two days. We were a bit tired. It was not the best for shooting but we managed to get a few keepers. The location was Chimney Bluffs State Park in Wolcott, NY. The location was suggested by a client and I'm so glad we made the trip there. It was well worth it.

I do plan on returning to the park on a HOT summer day with the family when I can enjoy it more.

I'm looking forward to another shoot with Desiree soon.

Desi - Oswego

A sunset model shoot on the shore of Lake Ontario in Oswego. I had a gorgeous sunset, beautiful model and perfect weather for this shoot. I couldn't have asked for anything more, except maybe more time. Some of my favorites from this shoot. It's always hard to choose which ones to blog about.

Model: Desiree