Model Discovery

A good agent only needs a few Polaroids, one of the face (headshot), and one of the body (bodyshot).

Model Promotion

Model promotion after a model is discovered does require professional modeling photos. There are basically three kinds of photos used to promote models: comp cards, portfolios, and tear sheets.

The scam: Scam modeling agencies make all their money or a significant amount of their income from modeling photos, not modeling jobs.

Photographers

Reputable agencies should give a list of top photographers but they will not require one photographer. The credibility of photographers can be checked by looking at the history of the photographer who is required or recommended. Get the photographer's name. Find the photographer's experience. Visit the photographer's website. Look at samples of previous work

Internet Comp Cards Exposure Services Illegal: For several years before the law was passed, the internet had been viable for commerce, and some companies or individuals had already charged consumers for putting their pictures on the internet for "exposure" or to be "discovered."

Modeling Conventions:

Basic modeling scams such as modeling photo scams typically set consumers back $500 - $1,000, whereas modeling conventions can cost $5,000 - $10,000. Despite the fact the financial risk of modeling conventions can be as high as 10 to 20 times greater than other modeling options for beginners, the media has done little reporting and even less investigating.

Modeling agencies make a commission from models and aspiring models whom they encourage to attend.

Many students or their parents who know little about the modeling industry are talked into spending thousands of dollars to fly to and attend conventions without ever suspecting the true motivation of the school leaders.

Modeling Schools?

"A modeling agency is also not a school. Specialists may be brought in to conduct occasional workshops but no in-house courses should be required. Modeling agencies which provide courses must be registered with the Ontario Ministry of Universities and Colleges. Models receive their training during on-the-job shoots." -- BBB Canada Consumer Tips