How do I become a catalogue model?

[Winter Thorn]

I'm 5'9
133 pounds

How do you start becoming a catalogue model? Who do you go to? Where? Is it safe to put pictures up online? How do I know if a site is legitimate? Any help would be great, thanks.

P.S. I'm in the UK.

[Alycya B]

Contact model agencies (via email, phone even post) with the contact details on their website, and say that you wish to become a catalogue model, they will ask for more info on you and some pictures (professional ones not needed). Good luck!

[PORK FAT Rules !]

..."catalogue" model...? (like the Farm Journal ? ...or... Poultry Quarterly ?)

[John Lassle]

no, you can be a model for exta tall giants

[Hazle W]

Dont go into the business saying what kind of model you want to be. You need to let hem tell you in which field of modeling you will succeed.
GOODLUCK!

[Jake]

Most legitimate agencies have application forms on their websites. You can also apply via email or attend open calls. If you have a specific genre of modelling in mind, you can state this in your application. This will be further discussed should you get to interview. Anyone under 18 must have a parent make the application on their behalf.

When applying to agencies send 4 pictures- front & side facing both head & shoulder and full length, fully clothed (plain white T shirt, fitted jeans) If they are interested they will contact you (may take a few weeks) and ask you to attend for interview and a test shoot. If you have a portfolio they may ask to see it. They will then decide whether to sign you or not. 98% of applications are rejected. Anyone who tells you otherwise does not work in the industry.

Portfolios should include images in your chosen genres. Professional and/or clear amateur shots are acceptable. Use shots from several photographers. You will need permission from the photographer to include his/her images in your portfolio as they own the copyright. Professional images should be un-edited.

3 out of 4 agencies are scams. Proper research can save you financially, may save your dignity & reputation, & if the scam agent is a sexual predator - it will save you. An easy (but not exclusive) search is to Google the model agency name followed by the word 'scam' and/or 'review' & read the results. Be aware, some scammers will write positive feedback on their negative reviews.

Genuine agents make money by taking a percentage of a model`s fees. They do not have handling fees, signing fees, agency fees (outside of their cut - as noted above) or any other kind of up front 'before-you-can-be-signed' fee. Bogus agencies may insist you pay fees (often extortionate) for a shoot with them to be accepted.

Genuine agencies do not ask you to pay for test shoots or for the development of portfolios but may arrange specific photoshoots with a reputable or in-house photographer.

Genuine agencies do not expect payment up front for your Z card or website profile. Some may deduct costs from the proceeds of the first paid assignment. Some do not charge fees for these.

Legitimate modelling agencies give a 30 day cooling off period for photographic and audio visual services when these are provided as an additional service.

Legitimate modelling agencies are, by law, registered as employment agencies.

No legitimate modelling agency will ask you for nude or suggestive photographs so that they can assess your suitability as a model. No legitimate agency will ask you to audition via webcam.

Legimitate modelling agencies do not hold mass casting calls / auditions in hotels or shopping centres. Any attending 'scouts' are part of the scam team.

Legitimate agencies do not entice you to join with an immediate offer of work nor do they guarantee you paid work at any time.

Legitimate model agencies have bona fide offices & employ staff who you can talk to on the telephone. Beware, anyone can set up an agency website with a telephone number so further research will also be needed.

Genuine agencies DO NOT ADVERTISE ON GUMTREE, GOOGLE ADS, YAHOO ADS, FACEBOOK OR ANY SOCIAL NETWORK SITE (other than casting calls on bona fide model networking sites) Agencies receive hundreds of applications direct to their offices and have no need to waste valuable time trawling the internet for potential models.

Genuine agencies may have Facebook profiles where people can view information and news on the agency. This does not constitute scouting or advertising.