To all aspiring models and concerned mums!

Occasionally I get letters from concerned mothers whose daughters are either with other agencies or applying to be with other agencies. Recently, I received a letter from a mother who was concerned that her daughter was having to pay to join an agency. She was also worried about so-called ‘ongoing costs’ like ‘Website pages’, ‘PR’, ‘Mail-outs’ and ‘Courier’ costs that she had heard other models were being charged- whether they were getting any jobs or not.

Here at Model Ethics, we have never taken one penny from any of our models for our own costs. The website, admin and other ongoing costs, we bear ourselves. Please, mums out there, do not pay for your child to join an agency! Please also ask, before signing on the dotted line, whether there will be any ongoing bills amounting to hundreds of pounds a year for hidden costs BEFORE joining, so you know what you’re in for!

On the subject, I get dozens of questions about photographers and test shoots. I recommend 5 or 6, not just one. Be wary of agencies attached to just one photographer, they are most likely getting a cut from the photographer’s fees and prints. All test shoots we have done here, we have done for free and compiled a CD for free to help the girls out.

If you are an aspiring model, an initial test shoot with a professional photographer should cost no more than £300 and a make-up artist should be no more than £150 for half a day. Normally the photographer and make-up artist come as a package. Unfortunately, I have heard of girls paying up to £1000 or more for a test shoot! My advice would be, unless you are happy to pay £1000 to start your portfolio, try and find a reputable photographer on Facebook with a bonafide address, who is looking to build his or her portfolio. They may offer their time for free in exchange for your images in their own portfolio, this bartering is a nice way of working as well as being cost effective for you. And remember, make sure you take someone with you when meeting anyone from a website for the first time, especially if you are meeting them at their home or work address.

One last point, in modelling, as in life, be wary of those who ONLY deal in cash. It is hard to prove that large amounts of cash were given or received on jobs. Your agent should pay you straight into your bank account and not hand you over a wad of cash for a job- this is a highly unprofessional and unaccountable way of working- unless your agent is also a market trader, sells sweets or works at the local casino! Your agent should always keep it electronic so you have a digital record of how much was given and received, not to mention for both your tax purposes. Likewise, a photographer should also accept electronic forms of payment. I would suggest, when working with a photographer for the very first time, to keep any payment electronic so you have a record of how much was given for his or her services.

I personally have never come across a ‘dodgy’ photographer but I’ve heard countless stories of bad eggs so just protect yourself!

Above all, parents and kids- trust your gut instincts! If someone is acting shady, avoid them and leave.

Be safe and have fun!

Daisy xxx