In modeling how do you tell if a modeling scout is legit?

[LittleRedKat]

What questions can you ask to see if they are legit?

[Val_Valiant_Thor]

First and foremost, your safety is paramount. My best female friend was a model for a few years and she "NEVER" went on a meeting or a shoot with out someone with her... Never.

Then you can research them sometimes by asking if they are part of any guilds or groups so you can look them up an see how people feel about them. If you're on Model Mayhem be careful and look at feedback.

And make sure you read the expectation of every job if they have a pre-written agreement. One example is there was a shoot my friend went to and I remember the photographer kept telling her that if she wanted to reveal more of her chest to go ahead and do it. He was very persistent and I she looked at me and I just gave her the "Don't listen to him, do only what you feel comfortable look" and she was good. But later that evening he sent an email of disappointment saying how he was expecting nudes and tried to make her feel bad.

Don't fall for that crap there are many people trying to be sly and take advantage of you. Be safe.

[theharlequin]

Get as much information from the scout about the agency s/he works for so that you can research and confirm that info with the agency itself.

Agency name, location, contact information, what type of models they hire, what type of marketing and products their models typically model, what sort of employment contract is required, and if they hire by contract, what sort of restrictions and obligations are included in that contract. Modeling contracts will often include things like exclusive employment (you can’t model for anyone else during the term), required insurance on your body, and prohibition or restrictions of any type of body alterations like piercings or tattoos.

And *don’t* sign or commit to anything until you have all that information and think it’s something you want to do.

[Rainie_]

Even in legit modelling agencies you may end up in reallt dodgy and uncomfortable situations such as having to sleep with the photographer or designer if you want the job (what I’ve been told by friends that model). Just saying so that you are aware.

Make sure you truly look up the agency before you sign, check if there’s any blogs or people calling them out on YouTube etc. I know there’s a whole lot of scammers out there. Also be wary of those that say you need to pay a massive amount of money for your portfolio shoot, it’s generally a scam just to get money out of you (happened to someone I know).

[Anonymous]

For starters he won't ask for money from you, won't ask you to pose naked for photos. Won't bring you to his pad where you are both alone where he will ply you with drink for the purpose of having sex with you with the offer of a modeling career or by coercion or by rape. The modelling industry is known for the rape and abuse of young women, think Harvey Weinstein but much worse.

[InfoBot]

Find out the name of the modelling agency or agencies that they are representing, look up how legitimate and established those agencies are and then call them and verify that this scout is working for them.

[AG900]

Show proof. And avoid nudes. Charge for the session. And he should give you a release form for the photo shoot

[WiggleWasser]

You can ask all the questions you like, but if they're not legit they will simply lie and tell you whatever they think the correct answer is that you want to hear.

It's up to you to be on guard. If they even suggest you giving them money for anything, cover shots, etc turn around and walk out. And, obviously, don't go to any meetings in a hotel room

[theventrsomeone]

If they want money up front, they are in it to make money no matter if they think they can really place you. Yes, photos cost money but that can just be a way for them to make money too. Do you have a portfolio?

[Anonymous]

the agency they represent actually has an office and does actual work.

They don’t demand you pay money for stuff before you’re actually working.

[christopsya]

They will have a reconized business that will back up their story call the agencies to verify that person works for them

[Coconut_Man]

You need to do a background check on the company he/she works for.

[slatyb]

Legitimate model scouts work for legitimate companies. You can look up the company name on Google and see what others have said about it.

[bennythedog]

I have a sister who haa done some modelling and shooting. Basically, what she's done is searching for any kind of valid info through the net or society.

[1derfulguy]

My guess would be portfolio, maybe referrals from other models. Ask him about the shoot. The less prepared he sounds, the more likely he has other things in mind.

[gavacho2014]

If the don't try to convince you to have sex with them to better your career would be a good sign.

[OatsnWhey]

I've scouted girls for my friend's fitness apparel company and I'm not really legit at all lmao.

[2opaz]

Ask to see a portfolio and a list of clients he's worked with.

Ask for any reputable websites and publications of their work with their clients.

[Demos2r]

References. And actually call and verify them/meet them. And if he wants to have sex, he's probably fake.

[TheUsername27]

Be careful or you will end up on Faki taxi or something

[dragon9669]

Never pay! If they want you let them absorb the cost

[Kobalt2525]

Ask to call some of his clients... get there number.

[RaysFan73]

They won't ask you for upfront money. An agency is different

[Richareens]

When they don’t make you pay, that’s bullshit!

[sykotic]

If you see a black sofa start running

[brown31366]

Age. And the feeling to really do it

[Anonymous]

If he ask for a bj... red flag

[CT_CD]

I'm a modeling scout

[LittleRedKat]

Cool! Do you have any advice for people who are interested in becoming models?

[CT_CD]

KNOW YOUR MARKET. One of the most important steps to becoming a model is knowing your market. Find a good agency. The best thing you can do for yourself is to find a good agency to work with. Agencies should not ask for money up front, or be sketchy in terms of signing anyone possible, which could mean that they run off with the models' earnings later. Get online and search The Better Business Bureau’s website to find a modeling agency you can trust. A good agency should understand your personal needs as a model, lift you up, and never take money from you. Be aware. One of my top tips for becoming a model is to be aware of what you’ll face. Know that girls can be cut-throat, the wrong agencies may ask you to sacrifice your morals, integrity or beliefs just to obtain certain photos, and know that it can be a very tiring job. Also be aware that the idea of modeling is not to give you fame, but instead to create a certain wanted look by photographers and companies.

[CT_CD]

Make sure to get some practice. Don’t expect to walk into a modeling agency, do a few twirls and expect them to sign you. Anywhere from 10-20 people a day walked through the doors unexpectedly asking to meet with the owners of the agency. Agencies are extremely busy and usually have girls fill out paperwork and submit photos for review. They almost never see girls by just walking in. Know this ahead of time and get some practice behind your belt. If you do get called in for a meet and greet, you need to keep your look casual, yet also have a confident walk and not look fake. Practice, practice, practice!

[CT_CD]

Also, get a good head shot. When it comes to the modeling industry, you won’t get anywhere without a good headshot to get you started. Have someone you know or a photographer take a natural headshot of you. No photo-touching, hardly any makeup, and simple hair should be the top three key points of your photo. I’m serious, girls! Modeling agencies hate Photoshopped pictures, makeup, fancy hair styles, or overdone looks. They want to see you in the raw to see if you could transformed into a variety of looks.

Be aware of the odds. The modeling industry is one of the hardest careers to achieve and maintain. Most models who haven’t been modeling up to age 22 are almost guaranteed they won’t make it in the runway industry unless they seek out commercial modeling options, which I’m actually more fond of anyway.

[CT_CD]

The most important thing you can do to become a model is to be yourself! Never change who you are on the inside or outside to make someone else happy. Modeling can be a great way to gain self-confidence and can help you make money on the side of a regular day job. Never sacrifice yourself, your values or your self-esteem to do so.

Good luck

[LittleRedKat]

This helped soo much!! Thank you very much!

[CT_CD]

You're welcome

[Ericthebarberic]

Google search

[bernabie03]

Hillo