tampabayphotos wrote:
Ask them for the names and phone numbers/emails of at least 10 other recent models they worked with and contact those models BEFORE you commit yourself to anything.

Problem is, if you walk into a reputable agency and ask those questions they're going to blow you off.  There is simply FAR too much talent beating down their doors that will jump through hoops for them to deal with someone who's asking them to jump through hoops for the talent.

tampabayphotos wrote:
The best thing models can do to avoid problems with agencies and photographers is to NETWORK with other models to see what their experiences were.

Now that, is excellent advice, if you can learn who the models signed with that agency are.  Without firsthand knowledge of the industry though, it's going to be a little more difficult.

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I would add to this and say that you should just cold call the agency and ask them for a list of photographers they use for testing.  Take that list and find their websites, contact them, ask them questions about the agency and see what other work they've done.

Andy

Pa Model - Laura Mae wrote:
I'm starting to realize working with agencies can be almost as skecthy as booking my own work.

How so?

Nothing against you personally as it would apply to many with similar presentation, but based on your imaging package and stats if a land based agency were to accept you that in itself would raise some questions.

tampabayphotos wrote:
Ask them for the names and phone numbers/emails of at least 10 other recent models they worked with and contact those models BEFORE you commit yourself to anything.

The best thing models can do to avoid problems with agencies and photographers is to NETWORK with other models to see what their experiences were.

And make this site your Bible:

http://www.bbb.org/alerts/article.asp?ID=477

Don't ever do this!  Do not, I repeat.  Do not ask any agency for contact numbers
and or e-mails of any of their models.  Look at their talent book.  Do they
have a land based office?  Are they licensed and bonded?  Who are their clients?
Are they asking for money from you?  If they are a new or small agency they
may not have many clients but in most states they must be licensed and bonded.
This protects the talents from a non paying client.   If everything seems to
check out sign up with them and hopefully you will be sent to auditions.

Pa Model - Laura Mae wrote:
I recently thought I could solve all my stressful booking matters by simply working with one of the agencies that has offered to work with me.

I'm starting to realize working with agencies can be almost as skecthy as booking my own work. What are some good ways to see if an agency is good? (I apolozie if this was asked before... I scanned for this question)

I know to check the business beauru thing, I know not to pay any fees, but what else can I do to ensure it's good and solid?

Thanks you helpful people

Legit good agencies rep models that work on major campaigns, their models will have tear sheets from catalogs and ads, their portfolios will scream "PRO"  you won't find girls in snapshot photos laying around in bikinis, in lingerie, or naked.  Their models will primarily be tall (over 5'8 and thin)  They will not ask for money up front and they will not be scouting for models....they will be mostly saying "no" to model hopefuls that drop in or call.  They will have clients like Levi Strauss, A&F, Sony, etc. You will know who their clients are because you will see their models in those ads.  They won't try to sell you photos or classes. They normally won't be eager to sign you. 

Go to Elite, Ford, Next, one of the major agencies and watch how they operate...try to get an appointment...you will see how a real agency operates....then you should have no trouble spotting a shady agency.

Mary wrote:
Legit good agencies rep models that work on major campaigns, their models will have tear sheets from catalogs and ads, their portfolios will scream "PRO"  you won't find girls in snapshot photos laying around in bikinis, in lingerie, or naked.  Their models will primarily be tall (over 5'8 and thin)  They will not ask for money up front and they will not be scouting for models....they will be mostly saying "no" to model hopefuls that drop in or call.  They will have clients like Levi Strauss, A&F, Sony, etc. You will know who their clients are because you will see their models in those ads.  They won't try to sell you photos or classes. They normally won't be eager to sign you. 

Go to Elite, Ford, Next, one of the major agencies and watch how they operate...try to get an appointment...you will see how a real agency operates....then you should have no trouble spotting a shady agency.

That was simple enough!

Alan from Aavian Prod wrote:
That was simple enough!

Yes, too simple.  Models in mid-major markets should view the operations of Ford, Elite and Next.  Oops, they aren't located there! 

While it is important to study those agencies from their business model approach, there is nothing that says a legit agency must have national brand level clients (most don't), nor the fact there are fees (look books, comps, etc.) and that the agency owners and bookers aren't scouting all the time. 

Most modeling is local.  Agencies operate to satisfy their marketplace.  There are many legit agencies that operate under the same conditions of those with the highest name recognition, but it is a distortion to think that the clients, roster acceptance and total operation is on equal footing.  If it was they wouldn't remain in business.