Print Modeling (Atlanta: wedding, buy, movies)

[aries4118]

What is the best way to get started in print modeling here in Atlanta?

Recommendations from anyone who is knowledgeable is highly appreciated!!!

Thank you in advance for all who can give advice!!!

[sweettea1]

Best way is to send 1-2 great photos (one close up, one full body) to REPUTABLE (read: DO NOT PAY ANYONE ANY MONEY FOR CLASSES...and YES I AM SCREAMING THIS) agencies in the area. There are a few good ones in town but you need to make some calls and do some Internet research to find them. I think Atlanta Models and Talent is one as is People Store.
If you've got the goods, you'll be asked in for an interview. The only thing you'll pay for is headshots/comp cards from an established photographer once the agency decides they like you. If they ask you to pay for one other thing, get up and walk out.
So start sending your photos and a nice (but short) cover letter to the agencies that you find. Or, better yet, check their websites to see if they have specific submission policies.

[Vintheland]

I believe Elite has a division in Atlanta and they hold open calls once a week.

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by sweettea1

Best way is to send 1-2 great photos (one close up, one full body) to REPUTABLE (read: DO NOT PAY ANYONE ANY MONEY FOR CLASSES...and YES I AM SCREAMING THIS) agencies in the area. There are a few good ones in town but you need to make some calls and do some Internet research to find them. I think Atlanta Models and Talent is one as is People Store.
If you've got the goods, you'll be asked in for an interview. The only thing you'll pay for is headshots/comp cards from an established photographer once the agency decides they like you. If they ask you to pay for one other thing, get up and walk out.
So start sending your photos and a nice (but short) cover letter to the agencies that you find. Or, better yet, check their websites to see if they have specific submission policies.

Thanks!

You mention Atlanta Models and Talent and People Store, do you know of any others?

You mention cover letters as well...is this the standard "job-seeking" cover letter or is it something different? What about a "resume?"

I'm totally green about the print modeling industry...

Thanks again in advance!

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by Vintheland

I believe Elite has a division in Atlanta and they hold open calls once a week.

Thanks! I've heard of Elite...would they be interested in print models or are they more runway/high fashion?

[Vintheland]

I think the Elite division in Atlanta probably does more print than runway. But I'm just guessing....

[sweettea1]

Yes, there is an Elite. I'd be very wary of big 'open calls' unless they're at the office. Don't go to those ones at the Airport Marriott or wherever they usually hold them. That's a clear sign for 'guess what? you're so hot but not hot enough for me to hire you until you take my classes!'
Resumes are good. If you're sending in standard headshots, they go on the back. If you're sending in snapshots and haven't done too much, I'd just list it as a separate page. Green is fine, but don't be naive. Modeling is a business, not just a place for pretty people. If you've got the looks you're a step ahead of the game. If you've got the business savvy, you're ten steps ahead.

[aries4118]

Thanks, Vintheland and sweettea1! Y'all's advice has told me exactly how to get started...I really didn't have an idea.

Everyone else, if you know stuff...keep the advice coming!

[netdragon]

Avoid the scams. Get some comp cards done by a professional (and NOT someone who does only wedding photo type stuff -- it should be commercial quality) and ask to see some of their work. Make sure you can buy rights to the photos. Look for reputable agencies. Do your research. Find out how many of the people the agencies represent get regular work. If they expect you to pay money to join an agency, or want to take more photos for your comp, it should put up a red flag. Make sure the kind of work coming from the agency fits your look. Don't pay for classes and don't take classes until you are making some good money. It's "finishing school" and a waste of money for beginning models. Also, you can do some extra work for movies, but make sure it's something that will actually be released (experienced director, properly funded, etc). Hit the pavement and don't miss or be late to appointments. However, ALWAYS have someone go with you. Be careful about the contests that are sometimes just meant to get free work out of a lot of people and only reward a few (sometimes this stuff happens at night clubs, though some stuff going on in nightclubs is legit). For instance, there was an Apple Bottoms model search contest a couple years back which was handled very unprofessionally and seemed more about getting reels of "hot" women dancing around in a nightclub, and hitting on women, than about finding a model. However, another talent search at a nightclub was very professional and they were meeting each person one-by-one and taking test photos and such. You just gotta be able to develop a keen sense for bull****. :-)

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by netdragon

Avoid the scams. Get some comp cards done by a professional (and NOT someone who does only wedding photo type stuff -- it should be commercial quality) and ask to see some of their work. Make sure you can buy rights to the photos. Look for reputable agencies. Do your research. Find out how many of the people the agencies represent get regular work. If they expect you to pay money to join an agency, or want to take more photos for your comp, it should put up a red flag. Make sure the kind of work coming from the agency fits your look. Don't pay for classes and don't take classes until you are making some good money. It's "finishing school" and a waste of money for beginning models. Also, you can do some extra work for movies, but make sure it's something that will actually be released (experienced director, properly funded, etc). Hit the pavement and don't miss or be late to appointments. However, ALWAYS have someone go with you. Be careful about the contests that are sometimes just meant to get free work out of a lot of people and only reward a few (sometimes this stuff happens at night clubs, though some stuff going on in nightclubs is legit). For instance, there was an Apple Bottoms model search contest a couple years back which was handled very unprofessionally and seemed more about getting reels of "hot" women dancing around in a nightclub, and hitting on women, than about finding a model. However, another talent search at a nightclub was very professional and they were meeting each person one-by-one and taking test photos and such. You just gotta be able to develop a keen sense for bull****. :-)

Thanks a lot, net-d! This helps. One question...why is it a bad thing (red flag) if an agency wants to take more photos for a potential model's comp (if it's free of charge)?