Modeling Schools Article

Modeling Schools, “Managers” and other Miscreants

Modeling is a tough business. If you want to succeed as a model, it requires not only the looks and the height. It also requires amazing perseverance, self-discipline and more than a little luck.

More and more, it also requires that you avoid the scams in the industry. And, there are many to avoid. In my opinion, two of the worst are modeling schools and photographers who “manage” models.

Let’s cover the photographers first. The typical photographer “manager” doesn’t actually do it for money, they don’t take a cut, they get no financial boon for the “services” that they provide. They just do this out of the goodness of their hearts.

So, exactly what services do these “managers” actually provide? Primarily, they are very good at limiting your exposure. Now, normally more exposure (and we are not talking about a lack of clothing) is what a model strives for. More work, more ads, more “getting your face out there”. This is the primary goal of an aspiring model. But, it is not the goal of a photographer/manager. His goal is to promote his work, not that of the model. Of course, he might share you with a very limited number of his photographer friends, but it will generally be limited to his small circle. This is not the way to get exposure for a model. It is however, a wonderful deal for the photographer/manager.

Many photographers, myself included, refrain from working with models that are “represented” by a photographer. It is for our own protection. Imagine that we have a commercial client that wants to hire a specific model. Why should I involve another photographer (the “manager”) into the negotiations with a client that uses my photographic services? Will that photographer try to somehow undermine my relationship with the client? I have no idea, so, as a photographer, I won’t risk it.

In Texas and many other states, you must be licensed by the state to be a talent agent. That designation includes modeling agencies, talent scouts and talent and model managers. In my experience, practically none of the photographer/managers ever actually bother becoming licensed (check if they are licensed here). In other words, not only are they likely hurting the model’s career, they are illegal to boot.

Modeling schools are another pet peeve of mine. I often get asked how to find a legitimate modeling agency. The first thing I always offer as advice is, in my opinion, any modeling agency that has a modeling school attached to it, is not one you want to represent you. You want an agency that makes its money from commissions, not from fees paid by you for “classes”. I have never found a modeling school that I would not consider an out and out scam.

Modeling schools service two types of clients. The first is a potential model that has what it takes to make it as a model. She (seldom is it a he) has the height, the body type and, well, the look.

The second is a girl that would like to be a model but falls short in one department or another. She thinks that, with some work, she just might have a shot though.

If you have what it takes to make it as a model in this very competitive industry, a modeling agency will sign you whether or not you have gone to a model school. In my experience, they honestly couldn’t care less if you have attended Sue’s Model School or not. So, for this category of student, it was a waste of time and money.

If the student falls into the “not quite there” category, well, what will it take to get them there? Here’s a hint, it isn’t that “one more class” that they will keep trying to push on you. It isn’t anything that the school can offer at all. So, again, don’t waste your money.

Very few modeling school graduates (my educated guess is well under 5%) ever make more money modeling than they paid to the school in the first place. The models that do would have likely done so without the school.

If you want the best “teaching” that a school can offer a prospective model? Well, here it is. Work on your posture, read a good nutrition book or three, exercise, and practice walking in very tall heels. Oh, and avoid photographer/managers. There, the equivalent of several classes at “Bubbazon Modeling” and it didn’t cost you a dime.

Now, get your face out there.

Richard