How to determine scams from legitimate modeling searches

Everyone secretly dreams of being a model at least once in their life, right? Why not you? You could be the next high paid model by just being in the right place at the right time. But who has time to wait around forever to be discovered? Take the initiative and put yourself out there for the biggest names in talent to find you a bit easier.

The first step in getting discovered is finding your niche. Are you sporty and in great shape? Tall and slim with legs that go on forever? Curvy with excellent proportions? Or petite with a more “all-american” look? All of these areas in modeling exist and many, many more.

Use the newspaper, internet, and word of mouth to find modeling searches in your area.

Don’t fall prey to scams. This is the ugly side of the modeling world. Many modeling and talent searches end in heartbreak when young hopefuls learn that they paid big bucks for nothing more than a seminar. Here are some tips to help you look out for would-be scams:

• Do not ever pay up front for any kind of modeling and talent search. Good agencies do not ask for money, their search for talent is free.
• Never be talked in to paying for professional photography. A simple search of the biggest names in model management will show that they only require a few snapshots, no professional shots.
• Be wary of fashion shows that are many months in advance and require you to pay for runway coaching in advance. By the time of the runway show, the company may have already packed up and left town.
• Use common sense. Don’t look past something that your gut tells you is wrong, just because you’re eager to get into the business.

Now, the best way to find a modeling and talent search is to search for local and more mainstream modeling management agencies. They will often have a contact section where a list of upcoming casting calls will be posted. These are the most legitimate ways to get noticed. In this business, you have to learn how to take rejection. Just because one company does not have a space for you, does not mean you should give up. More often than not, these agencies will tell you what you’re doing wrong and give you advice for further casting calls. Take their critiques in stride, afterall, the name of the game is persistence.

Keep going to casting calls, and above all else, be confident. You’re selling your image and you want that image to be professional, personable, sociable, and confident.