It is quite common for models to do test shoots to higher levels that they normally undertake, should they be looking to advance across another level. For example a model that currently undertakes topless modelling may want to undertake a test shoot with a photographer to try nude shoots.

Given that the photographer automatically gains copyright over the photos, it is important that if you are testing a new level that you have an agreement signed and only use a photographer that you trust. 

Following a review of the modeling industry, we have now advised that there should be no fees charged up front to models to cover 'admin' or setup fees.   Unfortunately many firms that charge up front have little to no modeling experience and will probably never find you work. Often these companies are actually photographers fronting as agencies to get work.

If the agency suggests you need professional photos doing prior to joining the agency, booking with an 'associate' photographer should not be part of a requirement. It is often cheaper and more effective to work with new photographers on a TFCD basis.

update Oct-10

Following years of campaigning the BIS under the Employment Agency Standards directorate has banned all upfront fees paid to employment searching agencies in respect to annual listing fees etc.  If you have been asked to pay an upfront fee please advise the Institute of Modeling so that we can take action against the firm.

Fashion and Catwalk work often have very specifc requirements, one of these requirements is on height. If you are under 5'8" it is very difficult (not impossible) to be suitable for professional level work.  We have identified this mis-conception as being one of the leading lines used by scam artists.  No professional agent will suggest you aim for full-time employment in fashion/catwalk modelling if you are under 5'8".

Yes. A model release form in a contract that sets down the details of the agreement of the shoot between the model and the photographer.  The law across the world differs in relation to ownership (particularly in USA where laws change from state to state.  In the UK photographers have the right to use your images, unless there is a restriction within the release.

Members have access to model release forms for download. Be sure that a model release covers your agreement.  It is common for a photographer to insist in having a release signed either prior to the shoot, or just after.

Always ask about a model release prior to accepting a shoot. If you are concerned you may ask for a copy of release prior to attending, which you’re welcome to fax to our team.

Many Scam companies will tell you that you must have representation by an agency to get work, this is not true.  However, having agencies (often in different areas), can help in exposing your portfolio to clients and ensuring that you get maximum bookings. Be aware agencies will take between 15-40% of your bookings as a commission!

In today’s Internet driven industries, a large number of models are working freelance without any representation.  These models tend to be in glamour, nude, topless and adult industries, as these tend to be more centred within the internet.  It is unlikely that you will be able to self represent in part modelling, fashion and editorial industries without representation, although some models have had limited success.

I have just received a job but have to travel to the shoot, how can I organise and pay for the travel?

How to Travel

If you are not lucky enough to have your own transport, its always a good idea to ask if a friend or family member will take you to the shoot, that additional support is always useful at a shoot.  If you are unable to travel with anyone else we suggest you have a look on http://www.thetrainline.com  or other discount providers.

How to Pay

Do not expect to receive payment upfront for going on a shoot - if the photographer has agreed to cover your travel costs, then you will need to charge the photographer.  Do not assume you will get paid on the day (although that is the ideal solution), you need to cover all possibilities so ensure you have the money for a return trip.

No-show

If a photographer has organised a shoot and you have the confirmation order of date, time and location and does not show, you are due money to cover your costs.  If the photographer does not pay at this point, we will chase them (if you're a member of The Institute of Modeling), to obtain compensation.

Do not meet a photographer for the first time at remote locations such as deserted buildings.  Although rare sexual and physical attacks on models by photographers does still happen. If you are shooting a location you're not comfortable with either refuse the job or ensure you take a chaperone with you.

For your first shoot with a new or unknown photographer insist that it is undertaken at a recognised studio, which you should be provided with details of prior to the day so that you can checkout the venue.

We get asked this on many occasions, “what can I do if an ex posts private photos of me online” – the answer is simply risk reduction!

Unfortunately with the way the internet works, once an ex has posted a picture of you, within minutes its been copied probably hundreds of times, within 24-48 hours it will probably have been posted on other ‘forums’ and the cycle continues.

There are a few things you can do in any event;

1.    Try and contact the forums/websites displaying your pictures, inform them that the posted did not have any permission to post these pictures and that they must be removed immediately or you will take action against the site.

2.    If the websites will not remove your pictures or do not respond, please feel free to use the complaints system on our website and we shall chase the company for you.

3.    Inform the person that took/uploaded the pictures that you will be taking legal action against him/her and request in writing for all pictures to be destroyed and for them to remove all and any posting online containing photos of yourself.

4.    Seek legal advice, your ex partner can be prosecuted under a number of laws and fined to recompense you.


If this has happened to you, you’re not alone!  Celebrities this has happened to include Vanessa Hudgens, Paris Hilton, Pamela Anderson, Namrata Shrestha, Eve Jihan Jeffers (rapper), Dustin Lance Black, Chu Mei-feng, Fred Durst, Ulrika Jonsson and Abi Titmus to name but a few.


Will it effect my chances of winning contracts

Unfortunately the answer is, yes it may.  This really depends on the area of work you’re trying to go into and the type of photos that have been released. Unfortunately if you have had hardcore private photos released the chances of you working within mainstream fashion is much lower.  

On the upside the photos may actually improve your exposure and demand, although in such an uncontrolled way that it’s a little like playing roulette with your career.

What can I do to minimise the risk

There is nothing wrong with simply saying no to photos.  Explain that you’re in the model industry and that you cannot risk the ‘fall-out’ should any photos end up in the wrong hands.  If your partners can’t understand this then they probably aren’t all that concerned with you as an individual anyway.
If you do decide to send photos to your partner, or allow them to take photos; then remember to make any split clean and friendly and ask for any photos back.  If they refuse, take legal action at this point, don’t just ‘wait and see’ – because its not worth the risk.

No geniune agency will conduct an interview or casting over a webcam; this is just not something that happens in the modelling industry. Anyone that asks to do a interview or casting over the internet will not be a geniune agent.

You are unlikely to be paid for any such interview and the usual format is that the person conducting the interview will keep pestering you to take off more clothes/reveal more for their own sexual gratification.  With advanced software that is also able to record video feeds even from MSN / Yahoo messengers it is likely your casting will end up on an internet porn forum.

If you are in doubt, please contact the Institute of Modeling on 0879 495 8923

Adult shots can include anything from nude to open leg shots, boy/girl or girl/girl shoot.   This type of work may restrict the type of work you will be offered in the future. Often once a model has moved into Adult work, their future within any other section of modeling will be harder to promote. This is not to say that once models have done adult shots that they will never do any type of modeling, just that some agencies will not take you onto their books if you have done adult work.

Overall, its important to remember that you still need to be proud of the work you are doing.  If you are unsure at this time as to whether adult shoots are right for you, then they probably are not.  Never feel forced into doing anything that you do not feel happy to do, regardless of money offered.

This can range from country to country and depends on experience. You should expect the following levels of pay

                                

* Rates taken from a survey undertaken by the Institute of Modeling during 2009, sampling 500 models in UK and USA.

Yes. It is quite common, some models that have photogenic faces and bodies do not necessarily have photogenic hands and feet.

Hand models, for example, are difficult to find and frequently a photographer uses one model for the face while another model's hands may be reaching into the picture.

Parts modeling is common place in advertising.

However, be aware that not many can make a living from Parts Modelling and the rates tend to be much lower than that of other type of modelling.

As a standard guideline;

Women     5'8" - 6'
                34B - 24 - 34
                Dress Size 6

Men         5'9" - 6'1"
           


Although, these are general guidelines and change with fashion and social impacts on the industry.