Put together a portfolio of 20-30 images of the style you see on their website in the section where they show their models
make an appointment to talk to the booker
bring your portfolio for him or her to evaluate, along with any biz cards or brochures
if you've shot their models before you need to find out first if the models were under exclusive representation in your market - if so you could be getting them in trouble by showing images you have taken of their models - if not, include the images - if they see that you are already working with some of their models and this is allowed it will be a plus
then if approved -
congratulations - you get to shoot agency new faces and do their model development work for them for free....
AlyssaMichelle Photo wrote: Thank you so much, what a helpful answer!
I really appreciate it!
you're welcome - good luck -
addenda:
agencies like good legit and beauty headshots so being good at those and having some to show is a plus - they also really like the sort of shots you will see on their model's comp cards - showing that you would be able to shoot comp cards to their taste and style is a big plus....
Keep in mind, you will be testing with new faces. Many of whom have never been photographed professionally before at all. Many of whom will be 14-16 years old. With that in mind, assemble a portfolio that fits the agency and also fits that market. Clean makeup, t-shirt and jeans, tank-top and shorts, etc. Eventually, if the agency likes your work, you may be able to start requesting tests with models who are not new faces, or transitioning from new face to the main boards.
AlyssaMichelle Photo wrote: I know this may be a dumb question, but I would love to start actually going THROUGH my models agencies to test with them, how do I go about that?
I think your work will fit right in! Contact a couple agencies and take in your book and cards. Have a promo piece you can leave with them.
PS..TDL teaches workshops on this very thing....see below
Email the generic email on the site. Have a link to a real website (DON'T mention ModelMayhem) with work that is of the same standard as that on their website. I don't recommend phone calls, as they're usually busy booking real work...tests are on the bottom of the totem pole as far as importance goes. Let them get back to you at their convenience.
Fotografica Gregor wrote: Put together a portfolio of 20-30 images of the style you see on their website in the section where they show their models
make an appointment to talk to the booker
bring your portfolio for him or her to evaluate, along with any biz cards or brochures
if you've shot their models before you need to find out first if the models were under exclusive representation in your market - if so you could be getting them in trouble by showing images you have taken of their models - if not, include the images - if they see that you are already working with some of their models and this is allowed it will be a plus
then if approved -
congratulations - you get to shoot agency new faces and do their model development work for them for free....
Exactlly. Note the mention of a portfolio in the style of what they need, it's often more simple images with less styling. Also the in person meeting and a phone call, every wanna be photographer is sending them email and I suspect it all goes to the junk folder
T-D-L wrote: Email the generic email on the site. Have a link to a real website (DON'T mention ModelMayhem) with work that is of the same standard as that on their website. I don't recommend phone calls, as they're usually busy booking real work...tests are on the bottom of the totem pole as far as importance goes. Let them get back to you at their convenience.
I'd also suggest to not include any nudity or risque shots in your presentation.
When you call ask for the booker for new faces.
Be honest about the level you're at - your images matter a whole lot more than your resume.
If you can - get a person to person meeting, but it's likely they'll just talk with you a bit and ask for a link to your website or an email with some representative photos of your work (don't give them MM).
Phil Drinkwater
Posts: 4,233
Manchester, England, United Kingdom
T-D-L wrote: Email the generic email on the site. Have a link to a real website (DON'T mention llamaMayhem) with work that is of the same standard as that on their website. I don't recommend phone calls, as they're usually busy booking real work...tests are on the bottom of the totem pole as far as importance goes. Let them get back to you at their convenience.
Sorry - I totally disagree.
Make an appointment to see them or ring them and get a definite email address. Don't just send them an email using the generic email. You're much less likely to get somewhere.
Your initial phone call doesn't need to take long - just get the right persons email and then send them some of your work directly if that's what they want.
I've seen so many people email the generic email and they hardly ever get a reply. To me it would show you're not that serious about your offer.
Phil Drinkwater wrote: I've seen so many people email the generic email and they hardly ever get a reply. To me it would show you're not that serious about your offer.
Maybe the agency looked at their work and it wasn't what they wanted - then didn't email back as to not waste any more time in something they weren't interested in.
Phil Drinkwater
Posts: 4,233
Manchester, England, United Kingdom
Andrew Thomas Evans wrote: Maybe the agency looked at their work and it wasn't what they wanted - then didn't email back as to not waste any more time in something they weren't interested in.
In at least two cases I know that wasn't the case. One of them was me. Same person. Same work. Different approach.
I have literally no idea why you wouldn't make contact.. It's almost unconcievable that emailing the generic address would result in more likelihood that they would favourably reply so I just don't get why you'd suggest that.
Ask a sales person why they pick up the phone and get the contact details of the right person.
If you want someone to bother with you, bother with them.
Call the agency, introduce yourself. Let them know that you want to test and ask for their preferred method to receive your material. If they say E-Mail, then send a link to your online port. If they want to meet, come up with a port to show them.
I've always been told E-Mail. I followed up with phone calls and each time they claim they have been busy with booking season, so I just stopped.
RAY JOHN PILA
Posts: 137
West Hollywood, California, US
I test for alot of agencies- I enjoy it. I see them go through alot of photographers, and there is usually no pay. Limit of photo usage is an issue. Also, the amount of edits. The llamas are good. Unlike free llamas, Agency llamas, are better:) but there are limitations, on nudity, free usuage, ownership of photos- or getting a release- its mainly for your book, you can't sell them to magazines in most cases-
First ask them to test the new faces for free. And go in person.
Testing with agencies is all about quick turn around times and consistency. Proof sheets should be delivered within 2 days. Agencies tend to pick the worst images so I usually do it myself. But for first time shooters let them pick the 2 best shots of each look. Specify how many you do other wise they will ask for a crap load if decent. I approached Next without any work, just said "let me shoot any new faces you have to see if we can work more together in the future and establish some relations". They sent me two models who are now some of my favorites in my port. Soliciti and Sonja.
Just show confidence and have the equipment and editing technique to make it look professional, your competing with a lot of other guys. Technically anyone can shoot a new face for a agency, even students. Just don't ask for pay because agencies only pay a handful of photographers who are actual professional testers and shoot magazine quality images which sets them at a very high bar with the agency relations.
Catalog and commercial/ lifestyle are always easy go to images for agencies. I don't shoot that style i'm more of the swim guy, but its an easy way to deliver. For Miami there is only 4 agencies who are legit or worth shooting for. So I don't what your market is in your area, But Miami is Next, Ford, Elite, and Wilhelmina.
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