Example photos

1. DON'T PAY FOR A PORTFOLIO - AVOID THE BIGGEST MODELLING SCAM OUT THERE
   I have been doing photography for over 10 years and I hear time and time again from men and women who are trying to break into modelling the same story; they are "enticed" to one of these companies for a portfolio. It won't help you at all and is a complete waste of money. Natural shots, un-styled, no make-up and simple standing straight onto the camera are best. A friend can take them against a plain background.
2. EVERYONE IS A "PHOTOGRAPHER"
   Anyone can buy a camera these days and call themselves a photographer, it's a pretty meaningless term. So worth asking is it a hobby or do they make their living from photography. There is no issues either way, but you should know these things:
   1. Model releases - Most model releases are what is called "open" so basically the photographer can do anything with them once you sign it. So think before you sign an open release especially if you are only paid a small fee.
   2. Photographer website and address - Any photographer making a living in photography will have a good website and place of work published on the website
   3. Taking a friend along - I can never see a reason why you cannot take someone along to a shoot. If a photographer says "no" you may want to ask them why.
   4. Nude work - Never do nude work unless you are paid well for the work being asked of you and you know where the photographs are going.
3. AGENCY REPRESENTATION
   Don't pay anyone to represent you
4. GENERAL ADVICE
   Models must work hard to look their best - a healthy diet, regular exercise and general TLC are all essential. What you wear is also important. But looking great is only half the job. Being professional is a must. This means turning up on time, having a positive attitude and generally getting along with everyone at the casting or on the shoot. If you can do all this, your chances of a good career will increase enormously. Remember that competition for work is fierce and standards today are higher than ever.
5. A LIST OF REAL MODEL AGENCIES
   
   If you are going to approach any of these agencies and you are male don't waste time or money getting photos done; be at least 16 years old and at least 5'11 and you are best to do a walk in casting, check each of their websites for the details or phone and ask about a walk in casting.
   
   
   • Base Models - www.basemodels.co.uk - Base Models 276 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London, SW1V 1BB - 020 7323 0499
   • Bookings Models - bookingsmodels.co.uk - 7 Cotton's Garden, London E2 8DN - 020 7033 2110
   • Boss Model Management - www.bossmodelmanagement.co.uk
   • D1 Models - d1models.com
   • Elite Model Management London - www.elitemodel.co.uk - 1 Islington High Street, London N1 9LQ - 0207 841 3288
   • FM London - stormmodels.com - 11-29 Fashion Street, London E1 6PX - 020 7422 0660
   • IMG - www.imgmodels.com - 97 Tottenham Court Road, The Network building, 3rd Floor, London W1T4TP - 0207 665 5500
   • Models 1 - www.models1.co.uk
   • Nevs Models - www.nevsmodels.co.uk
   • Next Model Management - www.nextmanagement.com/london
   • Oxygen Model Management - oxygenmodels.com - The Courtyard, 250 Kings Road, London, SW3 5UE - 0207 351 2000
   • Premier Model Management - www.premiermodelmanagement.com - 12 Macklin Street, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5SZ - 020 7025 4900
   • Select Model Management - selectmodel.com - 27-35 Mortimer Street, London, W1T 3JG - 020 7299 1355
   • Storm Model Management - stormmodels.com - 1st Floor, 5 Jubilee Place, London, SW3 3TD 0207 368 9900
   • W Model Management - www.wmodel.co.uk - 33 Charlotte Road, Shoreditch, London EC2A 3PB - 020 7683 0517
   • Wilhelmina London - www.wilhelmina.com - 9 Printing House Yard, London E2 7PR - 020 7613 0993