Modelling agency warning (First Step Modelling / Distinctive Model Advice)

Hey all,

Just a warning regarding modelling agency First Step Modelling.

In my case, they dangled a "modelling job" and say that professional photos need to be taken to apply for the job. The photoshoot cost from £290, and afterwards, they said that the photos cannot be used unless retouched and it cost £350 (£35 per photo, and they said they must have 10 photos). I felt very pressurised to make these purchases as they said I need to decide immediately or the modelling job will be gone. They also said I was 100% guaranteed for the job, which never happened.

Unfortunately I had to learn the hard way and have lost the money. So I am here to warn anyone who is new on the modelling scene.

I did further research on First Step Modelling and found out that:
(a) Southwest Studios (where FSM said would be a professional studio for doing a retouching) and Hyde Park Studios (where FSM said would be the professional photoshoot studio) seemed like it was connected to the FSM operation because the owner of both domains is the same person who owned the First Step Modelling domain.

(b) FSM is not registered with Companies House. The organisation registered at the same address (text removed by MSE Forum Team) is VenusLondon, and they used to be registered at (text removed by MSE Forum Team). I then learned that there were many so called modelling agencies/support organisations, e.g. Dio Models, Nexus Models, Fashion Mode London, and now Distinctive Modelling Advice, which had their address at (text removed by MSE Forum Team).

(c) In addition, I have google imaged on their images on their web sites, and found out that they have taken those images from other web sites or stock photos.

Personally, I feel that "agencies" or "modelling advice" organisations that are resident at the above addresses should be approached with caution. You should also keep checking Venus London's companies house file to see if they have moved address again, and then check whether an agency that has gotten in touch with you is resident at that address.

No reputable agency will charge you money in order to get a job. So please be aware, and never part with your money. Google BBC newsbeat article on modelling {text removed by MSE Investigator}.

I have learned a hard lesson, and just want to warn those new on the modelling scene to be aware. In summary:
1. If they are trying to get you to buy photos, say no. If a person is truly a good person, they would not be pressurising you as well to part with your money.
2. Check whether images on their web sites are genuine via Google Image
3. Check whether they are registered on Companies House, and whether there are other "modelling agencies" in the past that have had the same residency
4. Check carefully their testimonials and reviews, as many positive reviews may not necessarily be genuine
5. Be wary of Gumtree posters that advertise/promise modelling jobs (I learned about their open casting on Gumtree)

NOTE - update 4th Sept - FSM has contacted me. Please see my post below.
NOTE - update 12 Oct - FSM tried to pull down my review from TrustPilot again - this time claiming I am not a genuine customer.
NOTE - updates 12 Oct:
(a) thank you Clive Hurst for reporting FSM's misleading Gumtree ad to Advertising Standards Agency
(b) thank you Mirror for investigating and reporting First Step Modelling and Distinctive Models Advice. The title of the Mirror article is "Gushing compliments, promises of riches, and then the hard sell – what happens at a “no fees” model photo shoot" and it was written by Andrew Penn.
(c) I have submitted my own complaint to ASA on FSM, and will update when I hear from ASA.
NOTE - update 16 Oct: communications with FSM for evidence regarding authenticity of job advertisement, otherwise to refund the money for photoshoot and retouched services - FSM agreed to refund the money and has done so.
(d) Report on how ASA dealt with my complaint on FSM has been summarised and posted - see post on 18 January 2018.

All the best.