Hi Just a question for the gang.....

Ive seen recently some models who put on their profiles that they are signed with  Assets model agency but yet lack any real photos on their profile and are looking for work on the site , certainly ive nothing against someone looking for work but why mention Assets model agency??

I mean surely if you are signed up with them and have a contract with them you get your work via them rather then go looking your self?

Have things changed that much that people will try name dropping with out any proof of their relationship with these Agencys to get work ?

What is the point ? Surely your photos are merit enough ?

Just a thought and question...

PB 

i think the point they are making is that they are professional and want to be thought of in that way. 

Just because you are signed up with an agency does not necessarily mean that all of a sudden you are going to get a lot of work and i think that if girls in that position want to come on and try and get some work on their own then fair play to them!

A right ok now i get it , i thought though they were contracted though??

Surely an agency is not going to let one of its models to work with other Photographers ??  Otherwise what was the point in the contract in the first place ?

Just seems a bit odd to me....

PB 

not all agencies are contracted!

Some will just put ur pic on their website and then if a customer books u they charge a fee

Hey!

I do know where youre coming from though! Sure it can seem a bit strange, but Ive worked with models, and was originally surprised like yourself, at them joining various forums etc looking for work and to build portfolios etc.Thought it was odd at first until they explained it to me.

Some of the bigger agencies, kinda offer more work to the popular girls, and get more income from the larger names! The "new faces" find it difficult at first, and also have to pay for their own portfolios with some agencies. One model i recently worked with had been with  an agency (not naming names), and changed to another agency due to lack of bookings. They still had to put all their own shots together, and were expected to pay for photographer,makeup, etc. They did their own hair also.

Not sure about the contracts any more. I think youre contracted to an agency in that youre not expected to work for another agency, but dont know about getting paid work with photographers etc. I guess it doesnt make sense if a photographer can book you directly as opposed to paying the agency who then take commision. hmmm.anyone shed any light on this?Perhaps its ok with photographers trying to build portfolios themselves.

I think its great initiative and shows that somebody is dedicated if theyre actively seeking work themselves!!But i think its good you brought it up, as im sure a lot of other people were thinking it!Good on you keribabez for actively seeking work instead of sitting on your bum!

 xxx

Nope, sorry not referring to you directly ive seen it on at least 2-3 other profiles and im not talking about this site either. 

IM glad someone explained it to me, i was always under the impression that a Agency basicly owns your soul via a contract and that you cant work with anyone else unless they have given the go ahead.

Im just carefull when it comes to contracts as ive seen a lot of stuf happen over them when Models break out of them with other photographers, it can get very messy....

Kinda reminds me of the SuicideGirls issue that came up a while back if anyone remembers that mess??

PB 

Agencies are so varied and differ from country to country....from my contact and knowledge they vary so much.  

Some dont even have contracts with models....they work on a promise or as pointed out, a pic in a gallery.  Others have contracts and the models has to get their own professional shots whatever way they can, then the agency uses these to promote the model and secure work for then on a commission basis.    The 'creme la creme'.....take on models under contract (sometimes timebound), promote and develop the model's image and book plus secure work for them......they all varying in quality and abilities as most of your who are with them know.  Some are excellent and others are woeful.

And then there are the other variety who masquarade as 'model' agencies,  gutter snipes who trap 'illegals' into working for them, then control their work and income...thery usually end up modelling, dancing, etc, etc,. These are more like the Hotel California....you get in but you can never leave unless you go the authorities and then your deported....they operate on the european mainland from my information a few  are doing it in Ireland too, they prey on illegals (without visas or work permits).

Contracts are very important and new models should try and get some grasp of what they mean, as well as copyright issues, etc, etc,.  Especially if they are looking to make this a career. 

A good contract protects both parties legally.... Contracts are just part of the professional business path and you need to understand them or have someone who does....again these range from very simple, one page releases  to  a 25 page book...(my last client contract). They spell out everything that is expected and given from both parties.

Art