1)MODELLING CATEGORIES

1.1) FASHION/CATWALK/PHOTOGRAPHIC:

The normal minimum height requirement is 5' 8'' and dress size 6 to 8 and sometimes 10. Photo shoots could be formal or casual clothes, swimwear or underwear or shoes, or any of the categories below.

1.2) HAIR/FACE/HAND:

In theory you can be any size or shape so long as you have the "look" for a particular assignment. Good hair and hands are essential. Photo shoots could be of hair styles, make up, jewellery or nails.

1.3) GLAMOUR/TOPLESS/ARTISTIC/EROTIC:

Although you could be any height or size, this category is best suited to shorter models who have fuller and more curvaceous figures. It is more acceptable nowadays to not have breast implants and to be natural.

1.4) PROMOTIONAL:

Usually sales work at exhibitions, but you may be demonstrating make up application at Boots, or distributing leaflets.

All of the above could involve TV advertising, photo shoots for posters or magazines or test shooting for a photographer. 

2)MODEL SAFETY/SCAMS

2.1) NEVER GO ANYWHERE ALONE:

A good agency or photographer will allow you to be accompanied by a member of your family or a friend. Some agencies may provide  chaperones. If you already have a working relationship with a photographer, that's ok.

2.2) AGENCY SCAMS:

Do not pay registration or administration fees to any agency. You may have to pay an annual fee for entry into their model book (approximately £150 to £250), directory or website (approximately £35 to £75) which will guarantee you some publicity. Some agencies want this in advance, while others may take this from your first assignment. 

TTT Model Management & Promotions no longer charges a "model book/website" fee. With the introduction of various internet facilities, agencies should not charge this fee at all. 

You will be charged 15% to 20% of any fees paid to you for any work gained through the agency.

No agency can guarantee you work. Do not pay anything if an agency says they can guarantee you work. RUN!

If they can guarantee work then they can take their fees from your first assignment.

2.3) PHOTOGRAPHIC SCAMS:

Do not pay for test shoots. If an agency thinks you are good enough to warrant a test shoot, then they will pay for this.

New models: Do not have your portfolio made before you sign with a model agent! Your agent may want to market you in a different way and therefore require images to suit. 

Experienced models will have a suitable portfolio which should be accepted by model agents. 

Generally, have your portfolio made in the style/type of modelling you want to do.

The cost of making a portfolio varies throughout the UK. In London you might have to pay up to £600 for twenty to thirty photos (usually not suitable for modelling purposes), or £30 per photo printed and £100 for the actual shoot/photographers time. Outside London you could pay £50 for the photographers time and £15 per print.

At TTT, our in-house photographer charges £350 for a minimum  of  30 photos. You will receive a CD with all the photos (retouched) with nothing extra to pay. The shoot should take about three hours or longer if you have the time.   

Generally, the photographer may pass you on to an a model agency, but the photographer can't say you should be a model! That's up to the agency!

At TTT we believe that people wanting to be a model should sign with an agency first, then your new agent can decide on the style of photography needed to market you.  

2.4) CONTRACT SCAMS:

You will obviously have to sign a contract with your agent, but do not sign anything on photo shoots/filming without your agents prior agreement. In fact your agent should know in advance if you need to sign a "release" form and which territories the shoot/filming will be shown in.

This page has been published with a view to giving new models a guide of the pitfalls. If you would like additional information to advice about a specific problem, please feel free to email to the address below.

Good Luck,

TTT Model Management Ltd

Email address: admin@tttpromotions.co.uk