modelling agency fees

simpywimpy

My daughter wants to get into modelling and we registered with an online agency (stand out) which was free

they now want £125 to produce a5 cards that they send to clients.

is this usual or should we try elsewhere?

kfaulks

You might be better off having here a portfolio done and then going to various model agencies face to face! I'm not sureif the bigger agencies charge their models for that service as they are usually pleased to have found someone who can make them money...!

Definitely worth asking around, especially the more known companies to see what they do...

Plum_Pie

It's not usual - have you met these people? Has she signed a contract? Who will own these photos? Do you know which clients this agency means?

You don't have to pay for a professional portfolio to get signed by a legitimate agency. Model scouts works from polaroids they take on the street!

An amateur close-up of the face and a full body shot (clothed) will be adequate for an agent - they know what they're looking for. There was a thread on this in the Arms recently as someone was ripped off by an agency who keep changing their company name and scamming people.

Be careful - check any company thoroughly before you part with any money.

nick_and_em

Sorry if this is a bit of a late reply.. currently going through old posts for information!

I work in this kind of thing and I would always tell models never to pay an agency for anything (except their fees for paying gigs!)

Find a list of reputable model agencies in London or Manchester, take some digital shots (good lighting, not blurred or Photoshopped) and email them with brief details (age, height, etc.) They will then make a decision whether or not to call the model in for a chat/meeting. No money passes hands at any stage!

Hope that helps.