Hello all, I've just started using Model Mayhem and it feels a bit overwhelming at the moment! Any good tips for me and other newbies?

Many Thanks
-Tamyka

One great feature of the site is the casting section, you can search photographers seeking models, or post your own to look for a photog.

https://www.modelmayhem.com/casting/search_casting

Welcome to the Mayhem! You want tips? We got 'em!

This site is full of useful tips for beginning models; it's well worth reading over.

You can search for casting calls in your area, or post your availability or travel plans, via the Casting/Travel link in the site nav bar.

And this thread (stickied at the top of this forum) has some useful information on common scams and how to recognize them.

Welcome to MM!
Some of the different ways to get photo shoots and work are through browse, availability/travel notices, casting calls, and bulletins.
Looking under browse is good for finding TFP shoots and finding photographers, designers, stylists, MUAs and hair stylists in your area. You just click when you're looking for and select your location and the amount of distance you would  be willing to travel then browse through and you can send a message to whoever you would like to work with or send them a friend request.
Availability notices are good for being considered for local projects and finding paid work. Generally, photographers don't like it when you message them saying, "Hi I love your work. Let's shoot. Here are my rates." It's perfectly okay to contact them about TFP but, they'll contact you if they want to pay you. Remember, a lot of things on here are personal projects so it comes out of their pocket and if they're paying, they want to make sure it's the right model.
Travel notices are good for when you travel, they're also good for being considered for paid work in the area.
Both of these can be found at the top of the "casting/travel" page.
Casting calls, you can see what's going on in the area. Just select what you're wanting to be casted as (in your case female models) then your location and search.
For bulletins, this can be found under "my stuff" and will be available for your friends to see. 
Beware of scams out there! Check for references with photographers you work with and read over this:
https://www.modelmayhem.com/education/u … the-basics

Welcome to the Mayhem

Good ways to network are:

Post an availability notice letting people know that you are available (under the casting/travel tab). This is for when you want to charge money. You can offer trade as well.

Search for Casting Calls in your area based on criteria you select. Post a Casting Call letting people know about an idea you have and want to put into a work of art. This is for when you are willing to pay other people. You can offer trade as well.

Search or Post Casting Calls and Travel/Availability Notices
Official Casting Call Rules - Read
Find the talent and resources you need on Model Mayhem

Browse for photographers in your area and leave comments on images you like, send a friend request or message. Start a list of photographer's photos that you think are top notch for photographers in your area. This can become something of a Rolodex. Make sure that you select the Advanced Options and select an appropriate Logged in within:. I typically use 30 days, but you may want people who respond faster. Otherwise you will get photographers who haven't logged in in over a year. There are a lot of inactive accounts.

Make an announcemnet. Look on the front page for members offering comments for comments, and comment on their photos. Also make an announcement yourself.

Post a bulletin by going to My stuff > bulletins. Friends can see the bulletins you post.

Be active in the forums, but avoid trolls who start threads just to watch the ensuing flame war. Avoid threads that beat the over GWC's, flakes, escorts, ..., etc. Make positive constructive comments. Whenever you get published, add some new photos, or accomplish anything in general, post an announcement in the Accomplishments, Achievements and High Fives forum.

Share your other accounts on the Social Media User Name Sharing Thread.

Rinse and repeat.

Good luck in your search!

Avoiding Scams: The Basics

Modeling Scams

How to use the Model Mayhem forums

MM FAQ

A lot of useful information is at New Models.

The Self-Made Model: Success Without Agencies

Model Safety

3rd list Mentor in Modeling

New theLIST & Top Drawer help Newbie Models

And of course you must memorize this entire list MM Smiley List

Welcome to the Mayhem!    All that / up there  /

Points to the advice given above.

Just like to add, enjoy the adventure your embarking on and welcome to MM.

Welcome on Model Mayhem