Vulnerability in Modeling (Part 2)

People have their dreams of modeling, and sometimes they’re really not considering just how much work it actually takes to succeed and make a living financially. Some models just lack the initial motivation to get basic skills to pursue their goals and expect opportunities to just "happen".  Others who want to be a model and realize how many factors are involved may find themselves in positions where they feel vulnerable, too.  They may come across people who claim that they can "help" them break into the modeling industry, but there's always something involved like a FEE or some sort of opportunity where they just want the models clothes to come off for "photographic testing". 

There are so many different factors that contribute to whether a model will "legitimately" need to pay a fee for photographic testing...and there are models who have no problem just whipping off their clothes.  NOT ALL MODELS NEED TO POSE NUDE OR SEMI-NUDE IF THEY DON'T WANT TO.  There may be legitimate (artistic, commercial, or high fashion) occasions where there may be some nudity involved, but it's booked professionally.  Then there are the creepy people & scams within the modeling industry from individuals pretending to be photographers, videographers, scouts, agents, clients, etc. that claim they are scouting for famous names that you may have heard of...BEWARE.  If it sounds too good to be true...it probably isn't true.  NOTE:  Some photographers may be legitimately starting out, too, so you need to recognize the differences between shady situations and authentic career-building opportunities. There are many precautions a model can take to stay safer when approached with opportunities...especially if it's NOT through a modeling agency.

I'll be talking about "Tips on Safety" and what fees are "normal" within the modeling industry for models in a future blog, but for now there are many affordable books that you can read that can assist you with many questions on these topics.

Here are just a few, but there are many more out there...

How to Enter the Business of Commercial Modeling and Acting...Without Get ting Ripped Off!

The Glam Scam: Successfully Avoiding the Casting Couch and Other Talent and Modeling Scams

Wilhelmina Guide to Modeling

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Being a Model, 2nd Edition