Five Things No Legitimate Modeling Agency Will Ask of You

1. No legitimate talent agency will ask you for money to represent you. If they do, RUN – don’t walk – away! Now re-read that last sentence. Read it again. Never,  ever pay to be represented. Legitimate agencies will expect you to pay 10 % of the amount of the fees you earn from the jobs/work they secure for you. But you only pay this after you are paid – not before – and not because of the promise to get work. Any agency that is not ready to take you as a client and represent you without charging you money upfront is an agency you do not want to use.
2. No legitimate agency will ask you to pay upfront for test shots or photography sessions. This is a huge sign something is wrong. When you are directed to go to a specific photographer, you are likely being scammed.
3. No legitimate modeling agency (or photographer) should suggest you consent to explicit photographs. No matter how “tasteful” they promise the photographs will be, this is not how a legitimate modeling agency works.
4. No legitimate modeling agency will demand that you buy comp or ZED cards from them or their supplier. You will need cards – but you should be able to supply them from any source you want. Your agency may want their contact information on the cards, but you should be able to have them produced by your supplier.
5. No legitimate talent agency will be charging you fees for suggested items, like modeling lessons. No matter how legitimate it may sound, don’t do it.This is a sign that they are in the business of selling modeling lessons, and not finding their clients work. Some agents might suggest coaching or lessons, but you should be able to choose your own coach or school.

For more information and a warning from the Federal Trade Commission, download and review  this alert.