WNY Models

KHatch · by **KHatch** on May 30th, 2004, 9:21 am

I was wondering what everyone's position was on "model management." This is merely curiosity with no hidden agenda or trick questions. Nor am I thinking of starting an agency. I'm just wondering...

I know a lot of you are independent. How's that working for you? Do you feel that being represented would help you? Do you treat it as a business and are proactive in your own promotions? What exactly does that entail?

I see quite a few OMP models represented by so-called "agencies" or being managed by someone with a profile containing snapshots of models in front of a blanket hanging on the wall, or worst yet the model on the bed of an obviously cheap hotel room. For people who hire talent, what impression does that give you when you're looking for a model for an upcoming project? It's not just on omp, but all over the web.

I'm also seeing more and more models managed by photographers. What are your thoughts on this? If you're managed by a photographer, how's it working? Are they actively promoting you? Photographers - when you come across a model managed by another photographer, what do you think? Are you skiddish/skeptical about using another photographer as a liaison? Or are you more at ease going through a fellow photographer to hire a model?

If you're a photographer managing a model, how do you possibly have time? lol. Is business so bad you need to pick it up somewhere else or just supplementing income? Maybe you're just looking out for a model and doing it as a favor?

I know this mainly concentrates on internet modeling, but I'd like to hear from those involved with legitimate agencies and the commercial market too. Frank, Tori - you out there? I remember a couple posts by them on the old board giving some great advice for models on doing business and such.

What prompted me, in part, to post this is the fact that I get quite a few inquiries from models and/or their "agents" stating they'll be traveling in my area. In one particular instance, I was contacted 3 times regarding one model: once from her herself, once from another model who was managing her, and again by a photographer who was managing her. I was confused as to who to reply to, so I replied to her just to tell her I was all booked up and didn't have any current projects to use her for. I also get quite a few emails that just say something like "Hi, I'm a model. If you need me for any projects, please contact me." How does that help me? lol. Sometimes they ask "I want to get into agencies, can you help me? How do I go about that?"

Once again, I'm just curious. Post your thoughts, rants and kindly pass the soapbox onto the next person, no matter where you are on this.

Thanks,
Keith

alli_b · by **alli_b** on May 30th, 2004, 1:54 pm

im all independent here.....i only get approached if the offer is serious and whatnot and we work it around my pace and my schedule with work and school, it seems for those who are managed by "whomeever" want to be noticed or think that having a manager makes them feel important.....all that is too much work if ya ask me, just a simple one quick mail or if they had my number to make a phone call is all i need, i am not branded by anyone and nor do i plan on it

Michele · by **Michele** on June 4th, 2004, 1:52 pm

i think a lot has to do with your goals and how far you want to go with modeling... if it's just a hobby and you like to shoot and get pics, maybe get paid once in a while, you defintely don't need an agency. but if you want to go farther and get real work that's published an agency will make it a hell of a lot easier for you. not that it's impossible to do without an agency... i was the ONLY model in Tokyo without a mother agency... and in WNY sometimes I'll manage to find work on my own. So it's hard but not impossible... but to anyone who wants to make a career out of it.. I'd definitely say it's better to have an agency manage you! finding a reputable one around here is the hard part though

Kelly · by **Kelly** on June 4th, 2004, 3:36 pm

It's always possible to have both too. If you can find a non exclusive agency, it may benefit you to work with them to gain more experience and money and at the same time you can do paid work with other photographers and agencies. Just watch out for how long you plan on modeling and the length of contracts. I was signed with a two year contract, and thankfully my agency was very understanding in my decision to leave for the marine corps and I was able to do that without penalty. A lot of things need to be considered when choosing or not choosing an agency. My best advice, look around and ask around. If you get a couple of bad replies from different people on an agency, don't even bother with them. But if money is what you want, an agency is where to go. If you're more in it to get some experience and make a little side money, freelance may be better.

Shannon · by **Shannon** on June 5th, 2004, 12:10 am

My main goal is to get signed by the end of the year with an A list agency. I have yet to go to the agencies because given my age (24) shhhhh. Although that is perfect for the tobacco and liquor market. I need to go in there with a kick a#$ book to show. I have been talking back and forth with Richard from Elmer Olsen who has expressed interest and am looking forward to meeting him. So my plan is to go to New York test like crazy with agency shooters then visit the agencies and see what happens.

If it doesn't work then atleast I tried and won't look back ten years from now and wondered what could have happened. I will just finish my school and move on.

These so called agencies, I would be careful of. Models need to always ask for their agency id number which they must have. Look them up in the better business bureau. Another helpful hint is to post on Musecube or OMP about the agency and see what people have to say about them. Also, ask who their clients are. From that you can determine whether they are really worth it or not.

I say start with the A list agencies and work your way down. If they say no go to the B list, build some tears and go back to the A list.

Some girls are happy to freelance and if it works for them then great! If you want to be signed get your butt out there!
I wold love to hear other models intentions and or stories.

As well, are there any photographers on here who aspire to shoot for agencies?
Rep by an agency?
Already do or are?
Do you prefer freelance?
Cheers,
Shannon

Larisa · by **Larisa** on June 5th, 2004, 2:06 am

Been lurking for a while.... but I have to answer this question

I've gotten offers to sign with a few agencies, however at the time I was in school full-time and decided that education was my top priority. I do work freelance - I enjoy it. I love going out meeting people, finding out about oppertunities, networking... etc. Because of this I believe I had achieved some things others have not in their first years in this business. I would do this either way - even if I had an agent - it's the socializing, and showing people that you are determined, that will probably get you the farthest.

Also, with me, I am not your "typical" sized model - I have curves and more meat on me

It's worked out to my advantage in some situations, however, getting myself a top agent will be a little more difficult

Thekey is to just have FUN and to be professional - you need to find the perfect balance. You may have the looks but they won't call you on again if your personality sucks.

WNY Models

Model management, representation - And so called "agencies"

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