How to Contact Modeling Agencies for Fashion Tests

[jackieluo]

I'm a fifteen-year-old aspiring photographer, and I'd really like to start testing models for agencies sometime in this year. However, I'm not sure how to go about it. If some of my questions could be answered, it would mean a lot!

1. Do I still need a physical book, or is an online portfolio enough?
2. How do I contact the agencies? Phone, email, or in person?
3. When I do contact the agency, what should I say? Do I ask for a specific model?
4. How much say do I actually have over what occurs during the shoot?
5. Do I need a makeup artist?
6. Will my age be a significant problem?

My portfolio is here, if you'd like to see. Thanks so much!

[bondarnes]

1. Yes, no.
2. In person and good luck.
3. Just be yourself.
4. You are in charge of tests, but have a lot less say on a real gig.
5. Yes
6. Definitely

[jackieluo]

Originally Posted by bondarnes

1. Yes, no.
2. In person and good luck.
3. Just be yourself.
4. You are in charge of tests, but have a lot less say on a real gig.
5. Yes
6. Definitely

Okay, now that I've spoken to the person I emailed from Neal Hamil, she clarified a few things for me! I don't need a book and my age shouldn't be a big issue for them. :] Thank you so much for your help!

[pbyd]

Jackie,
I just wanted to say I viewed you work and I must say that it is wonderful and fresh. Do not stop what you are doing, grow but do not change. You have more personal style than I have see in a long time.
Best of Luck in you Photography Dreams,
Wayne
Photography by Design

[ChristopherCoy]

Originally Posted by jackieluo

Okay, now that I've spoken to the person I emailed from Neal Hamil, she clarified a few things for me! I don't need a book and my age shouldn't be a big issue for them. :] Thank you so much for your help!

Wow... snarky much?

[oldfotopro]

My advice would be to accept the advice you get and if you find out something different might be acceptable at ONE agency don't expect the same treatment from other agencies.

It's highly unlikely an agency will enter into a contract with a fifteen year old.

[jackieluo]

Originally Posted by ChristopherCoy

Wow... snarky much?

Sorry, I really don't mean to be! I just called someone from the agency today and she was able to clear up a lot of my confusion. That's what I meant when I said that I was told I only need an online portfolio and that my age shouldn't be a problem. But I do appreciate the advice, immensely.

[jackieluo]

Originally Posted by oldfotopro

My advice would be to accept the advice you get and if you find out something different might be acceptable at ONE agency don't expect the same treatment from other agencies.

It's highly unlikely an agency will enter into a contract with a fifteen year old.

Yes, I do completely understand that. But I'm hoping I can work with at least one agency for some beginning experience! And I don't mind trying one at a time. :]

Are contracts involved? From what I've read so far, I thought that agencies just refer models to photographers for tests to start their portfolios. Again, I don't have much knowledge about this, though, so any information anyone has would be incredibly helpful.

[texxter]

Just wanted to say that your work is strong and you are on your way. Good luck!

[Daniel W.]

On Neal Hamil...

I know lots of pretty gals who invested lots of time and money into NH. They aren't modeling, hate the idea of modeling, or regard that "a long, expensive joke." From a modeling standpoint, I've never worked with them as a photographer but have been contacted once, but was too busy with other work. However, in many occasions, business practices on one end will often carry over to another side. YMMV, as always.

[csa]

Impresssive start. I will warn you that you will face discrimination because of your age. My daughter is 20 and shoots with me full time. Last night at a wedding the dj kept saying my assistant because of her age and petite size. When she was working in photojournalism, she had to prove herself as a young woman in the field. When it comes, just hold your own. Good luck with your growth in photo.

[Wil_Bloodworth]

Ask Scott Watters. He probably knows everything you could possibly want to know about this subject.

- Wil

[Damon]

You have a really nice portfolio, but I didn't see much to show that you know what to do with strobes/monolights/etc.

If you haven't learned that part yet, you need to. It will come in handy one day when you're faced with a very uncooperative environment.