12. WHAT TO DO IF YOU CANNOT FIND A MODELING AGENCY TO REPRESENT YOU
Remember, rejections are an integral part of the modeling business. Never let rejection divert you from finding your special place in the industry. A modeling agency might already be representing models of your type, and adding another person to the pool might not be fair to you or the others. Keep revisiting model agencies that you like at least once a month. Your repeated visits will tell an agency that you are seriously interested in a modeling career, making it more inclined to represent you. If after a few visits nothing has happened, openly ask for advice. You might obtain some very useful hints.
FREELANCE MODELING
Freelance Modeling is an alternative way to work as a model. As a Freelance Model you are responsible for your own billings, promotions, safety, etc. Here are some ways you can promote yourself as a Freelance Model:
- Get a composite and resume done.
- Call professional photographers in your area to find out if they use Freelance Models. If they do, visit them and leave your composite and resume.
- Do test shoots. Sometimes a photographer recommends a model to an agency if the test shoots turn out well.
- Visit businesses that use models, telling them of your interest in modeling. Leave them your composite and resume.
- Visit commercial film developers and camera stores used by photographers. Tell them your interest and leave your composite and resume.
- Call camera clubs. Deliver or send your composite and resume.
- Advertise your services in photography magazines.
PRECAUTIONS FOR FREELANCE MODELS
These precautions apply to all models. However, modeling agencies take most of these precautions for the models they represent.
- Don't have your own phone number, address, or real name on your composites and resumes. If you must leave a number, use a pager number or cell phone number that cannot be traced back to your home address!
- If you get a job offer, find out the address and phone number of the job location. Somebody you know must have the name of the person you are working for, the location of the job, and how you can be reached. The person you are working for must be aware that your whereabouts are known.
- Have a friend or relative drive you to the job location. If they can't stay, then have them ask the person you'll be working with the approximate time they should be back to get you. If that is not possible, drive yourself to the job location. NEVER agree to be "picked up"!
- Know exactly what kind of modeling you will be doing, the pay rate, and the duration of the session, before accepting the offer.
- Prior to the job, get a copy of the model release agreement. Study it carefully, or seek assistance.
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