Bethany Elyse wrote:
When you approach any agency which is better to use? I don't want to waste money doing one or the other if it's not correct.
Thanks!

I would say a book with a range of pictures, but nothing overwhelming. 

Honestly, I don't think they really care.  All they care about is how you look and photograph in pictures.  Don't be surprised if they don't even look at you or give you eye contact.

Bethany Elyse wrote:
Thanks - Instinctive - your shots are to die for! Great work :-)

Thanks, but most importantly, go into the agency with a good attitude...chin up...posture straight.  They may come across mean as hell, but don't let your emotions show...take it like a trooper.

Out of 50 girls, 1 or 0 may get called back...it's the reality.

Bethany Elyse wrote:
When you approach any agency which is better to use? I don't want to waste money doing one or the other if it's not correct.

It depends on the orientation and policies of the agency.

If they have open calls, a book is better than a card.  If they don't, you have to send them something, and they may not care about the book, since they are likely to want it completely redone anyway.

Some agencies specialize in fashion, others in commercial.  Some go to a lot of trouble to guide their models (mostly the fashion agencies who sign models to exclusive contracts).  For them, the "Polariod-like" approach is best.  Others would prefer to deal only with models who require little development.  These tend to be commercial agencies, or those with non-exclusive contracts with their models.  For them, good professional pictures of the type and quality they use are the best way to approach them.

If you send in pictures, do not call and ask about your submission.  Notwithstanding what was said above, most agencies don't know whose submissions they have already reviewd and tossed.  If they like you, they will call you.  It's a pain in the ass for agencies to have to answer "Did you get my pictures?" calls.

Bethany Elyse wrote:
When you approach any agency which is better to use? I don't want to waste money doing one or the other if it's not correct. (re: Book or Comp)

Have been shooting with agencies for some time now & each has its' own personality ...

... but likely if you're just coming in to introduce yourself, even a handful of snapshots might work (i.e., include a nice, clean headshot & a full-length).

If the agency is interested in you, you will be helped ("Model Development") to find the right photographers (most agencies keep a list) to acquire the specific type photos your agency uses for marketing purposes, then to develop a Comp card along the same standards.

FML