Interview with
a modeling agent
My objective was to hear directly from an agency
what they look for in models and photographers.
Here's what I learned.
Picture format:
They prefer to get actual
pictures instead of looking at images on a computer screen. Kathy (the
agent i interviewed) does not really care about the format of the picture
because she is not looking for great photography when she is looking for models.
A couple of 4x6 prints is sufficient for a first look. Once she thinks you
have potential you then go out and get more pics and compile a book and comp
sheet. She spends time with you on what your look should be and the style
of the photos she is after that she knows will get you work. She has many
clients and knows what each one is looking for so she positions the models to
meet the clients needs. She showed me 3 model's books. A male and two
females. The male was on the edge of the guy next door and a hot stud.
One of the women was "Miss everyone" and the other was a drop dead
beautiful European with the best photography I've ever seen in a portfolio
(models or photographers). The guy and Miss everyone work consistently in
the Boston area. The High fashion beautiful Model is limited in the Boston
Market. Some clients will use and appreciate her look, however the
straight forward commercial clients would not be the ones booking here. Here
look is more conducive to high fashion clients and editorial rather than Talbots,
TJ Max etc.. Very interesting !
What should be in a models
book? A full range of location
shots, head shots and commercial type (with props, jewelry, etc.) The
format (digital prints, silver prints, tear sheets) does not matter. A mix
of all is just fine. The photos should have a clean look. The content
should look very natural. The scene should fit the clothes. Her
clients do mostly location type stuff and if it's done in a studio a white
background works well.
Models age:
She has had models start as teens (15+) up to 30 something's. It depends
on the models look and on her client's needs. The 30 something's often
play family members or moms.
Should a model include body
parts only in her book such as
hands, legs etc. ~by all means if they are great. There is a requirement
for hands etc.
How much do Photographers cost?
From $150 to $500 for a test. She recommends that a young model (under 17)
do several test with the $150 photographers since their look keeps changing and
they do not need to hit the ground running like a 30 year old might.
Why is there such a huge
range in Prices?
The $ 500 photographer provides a stylist, makeup person and an entire range of
outfits for the model to wear during the shoot. I asked who did this in
Boston and Kathy said that total service usually happens in NY. She also said
that you should expect more useable shots/session from the more experienced
photographers so it saves time.
Do models generally sign
exclusives with you?
Yes. the Dept. of Labor now requires that a contract exist between a model
and her/his agent. It does not have to be lots of legalese just a
statement of responsibilities and terms. It also does not have to be exclusive
but according to Kathy the better agencies in Boston require exclusivity.
Contact sheets vs. 4x6
proofs: Some photographers do just
contact sheets while others do 4x6 proofs. She thinks it's a benefit for
the model to get proofs since they are easier to see and scan. The
disadvantage for the photographer who makes his/her money on enlargements is
that there may not be any enlargements ordered.