Models Stand Out [TEXT DELETED BY FORUM TEAM]

Sammyantha

[TEXT DELETED BY FORUM TEAM]

I applied to their agency and today got this response:

[EMAIL="info@modelsstandout.co.uk"]info@modelsstandout.co.uk[/EMAIL] to Samantha
show details 3:30 PM (3 hours ago)

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Hi Samantha,

After some time in considering all the applications to our agency, your application has made it through our initial screening process and we would like to refer you to a photographer to have a test shoot done at a professional London based photographic studio. In order to book yourself into a test shoot we would need to receive a non-refundable deposit of £50. The shoot will include hair and make-up and you will have the choice of purchasing images from the shoot, with a minimum purchase of 5 images. The cost of each image will be £40.

Please call the agency on 0845 1087870 in order to be given a date for your test shoot and pay the deposit. You will then receive a confirmation email with details of times, location and clothing considerations for the day of the shoot. If you would prefer to pay your deposit online then click here and we will be in touch on receiving the payment. Once we have had time to assess your pictures we will be able to confirm your place with the agency. In this case, we will require a copy of the images from the shoot to create your promotional materials.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Kind Regards,

James Fleming
New Faces


Avoid at all costs!!!! No reputable agency will expect fees up front like this. If they think they can get you work, they will make money in commission fees, and sometimes a reg fee which they will take off your first or second jobs (I.e. once they already HAVE work for you!!).

mark1985_2

[TEXT DELETED BY FORUM TEAM] why should they provide a free photo shoot- modelling agencies are a business not a charity! When I went into modelling I had to pay for my test shoot and that was with Models One who are one of the worlds best agencies..Why would they provide free shoots just so people can get something for nothing, in this case free images to put on their face book page!?

davester

mark1985 wrote: »

[TEXT DELETED BY FORUM TEAM] why should they provide a free photo shoot- modelling agencies are a business not a charity! When I went into modelling I had to pay for my test shoot and that was with Models One who are one of the worlds best agencies..Why would they provide free shoots just so people can get something for nothing, in this case free images to put on their face book page!?

not what the bbc said about model one

Sammyantha

mark1985 wrote: »

[TEXT DELETED BY FORUM TEAM] why should they provide a free photo shoot- modelling agencies are a business not a charity! When I went into modelling I had to pay for my test shoot and that was with Models One who are one of the worlds best agencies..Why would they provide free shoots just so people can get something for nothing, in this case free images to put on their face book page!?

Because no reputable agency will have a hidden up front charge. Yes many charge a fee, but this is made clear to the applicant, and is usually taken out of the earnings from the first or second job.

Photographs at amateur level do not have to be professional in most cases. And where they do, there is no reason the applicant should not choose the studio themselves.

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mark1985_2

Ok, so this is a hidden fee? How is that- it says in the email that it will cost £40 an image? Thats not hiding the cost like some studios that provide *free* shoots and then only mention the charge after the shoot. Some modeling agencies (most in fact) I went too refer you to their own photographer (like Models One do for test shoots) because they want someone who is good to take the pictures! Different photographers have different styles and a good agency will not try to promote a model with poor old school pictures. The have standards! You say all they are trying to do is sell pictures? But if you look on thier web site its clear just how many assignments this agency has got for its models? Yes fashion photographers want paying for taking fashion shots.. Im getting married in 10 months and wouldnt expect a wedding photographer to take my wedding pictures for nothing...

andy.m_2

Fee is quite clearly in black and white, if nothing else you get shots for your portfolio.

The only [TEXT DELETED BY FORUM TEAM] element would be the promise of work on the back of the shoot.

davester

[TEXT DELETED BY FORUM TEAM] reputable companies take the fee from first earnings [TEXT DELETED BY FORUM TEAM]

sonyhamster

Definitely a good call.

Also, there's a company called 'double take' who pressures people into sharing their entire mobile phone book in return for a discount, in an attempt to recruit their friends to do it.

Name and shame!

Sammyantha

There are plenty of agencies out there who do not do this sort of thing. They are above board and have their fees & services well laid out. This allows applicants to see exactly what they can expect from the company and make an informed choice about applying to them.

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jimjames

Genuine model agencies do not work in this way. Genuine model agencies do not need to advertise on Google. Any agency that guarantees "we'll make it happen" is not genuine. Real model agencies are highly selective which is why other companies can come in accepting anyone who is prepared to pay for a photo shoot or a fee. You are extremely unlikely to get any work or to make money that will cover the costs you paid.

If an "agency" is more interested in you paying them for a shoot or for charging you a fee to be represented on their website (illegal now for model agencies unless you tick the box saying you also want to be an acting extra) then you should avoid them. Models Standout used to charge a fee to appear on their website but this tactic has now been banned by the government.

Real model agencies make their money from getting models work and the commission from this work. If they make their money from selling photo shoots or website fees then they have no interest in actually finding work.

More information about what to watch out for to find genuine model agencies on this blog here

http://modellingportfolios.blogspot.com/