And that is the ultimate differance between and good looking girl and a real model, good models have that something extra that transfers over to a photograph and i for one are always searching for it.

PB 

I think one of the key points made here which is something new models should remember is that you do not pay to be with an agency, you only pay the agreed commission for any work they secure you.  And if you have a contract offered with one read it carefully before signing. 

There have been some classic scams run around the modeling industry and many girls, in Ireland too, have lost several hundred euros, on promises. 

Art,

 it seems that in my case, this young person wanted to kill two birds with one stone.  She wanted to join an agency in case she could get some work done and also join a site where she could ask photographers that might be interested in working with her.

 The use of an agency can also be in terms of security, as the model will be able to recommend the photographer again or could also complaint regarding issues that could arise while on location. Also the fact that also someone else knows the whereabouts of the model, who is she meeting, the coordonates, the times and places. 

 We all heard about stories where would be photographers met the young models but instead of a camera there was a knife in his backpocket...

 So better be safe than sorry,  so the more people know about the shoot the better.  I would say I a final word that,  practice safe sex, but also practice safe shooting..:)

 Guy

Kerri! You have to be professional if you want people to take you serieously as a model, you're a lovely girl but keep the text talk for phones. Use capital letters 

I'm thinking of might joining assets soon but im not in a rush yet but of course its true what some of you said, you can be non exclusive from an agency and still get work and thats how i plan on doing because id like to get my name out there freelance aswell

Fair question I think...As a semi-pro photog. I  always feel a little intimidated at the idea of approaching a model agency to hire a model for a shoot because...

 1. I usually don't have a client paying me for the shoot, so the fee is coming out of my own pocket. Like many of the folio photogs. I'm trying to expand my knowledge and my portfolio, and if I'm to be bluntly truthfull I'm saving money where I can so I can continue to invest in more/better studio equipment. (Not that paying a fee to a model is in anyway a poor use of money - If I am paying I prefer if it goes directly into his/her pocket and not a chunk to an agency for taking a phone call)

2. I completely undestand if a new model starting out is trying to promote himself/herself, independent of the agency. The problem is that by default the photogs will have to go through the agency to book him/her or he/she could risk losing their contract. Plus new models in an agency are competing with the Big names in the agency. If a client books a model for a launch, they want models who will attract the press photographers to the lauch - the mention of the models name is often enough on the Press Release!

3. Its worth stating that there are fundementally three markets for a model...
the first is "AMATEUR"- Lots of good photographers, with good equipment, knowledge and enthusiasm, but little or no money (for the photogs or the models) who generally do it for the love of the art.
Next "SEMI=PRO"- Models will be paid based on their level of experience and the photographers will be making money from shooting the models, either by selling the prints or having the shoot paid for by a client, but neither are doing the work full time. Finally "PROFESSIONAL"- photographers get contracts from clients(money), they approach an agency to select the models that suit the theme/look of the shoot and they pay the agency (money), and then the agancy pays the model (money).

If my absolutely simplistic overview version of our industry is offensive or patronising to anyone, then please feel free to bludgeon me with the nearest hard object. However I have a foot in the Amateur and a foot in the Semi pro area and I have to be selective about how I spend my cash, I usually choose to pay models directly and avoid agencies (Until the big bucks start rolling in LOL)

All that said Kerribabez is enthusiastic (and beautiful) -fair play to her for putting her name out there and actively seeking work. I fully intend to approach Assets and book her for a shoot in the near future (if I can find some way to finance it....Sean, Paul, Trevor, Mike...anyone interested?

Im on the same boat as these gals. Im with a couple of agencies but I still source alot of work off my own back too as Im not earning enough to pay the mortgage on my agency work lol!!

I have no interest in joining an agency for a few reasons:

+They take a percentage of your wage, yet they obviously aren't very helpful at getting work for models in the first place seen as most models search for their own work anyway.
+I don't feel the need to have a "name" other than my own.
+I can chose WHO i want to work with and WHEN i want to work with them (well obviously ag=fter discussing it with the photographer involved!)
+I don't feel obliged to "do what i'm told"...by working freelance i make my own rules, set my own dates and work around MY lifestyle and ideals.
+There is too much bitchiness within agencies, and too much pressure to "fit the mould"...I say break the mould and be unique..get a name for yourself and steer clear of agencies. At the end of the day it's just a money making racket. If you want work..go get it!!



That's just my personal take..love it or loathe it

I agree completely with you on all yo have said , so i guess i love it!!

Look forward to seeing more of you.

Peter