Forums > Model Colloquy > wilhelmina harrisburg

Model

Amy Eli

Posts: 36

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US

i'm nervous now that i've been scammed...

i've been asked to come in for an appt with wilhelmina harrisburg (saying they are an eastern branch of wilehelmina) and have been seeing threads about "fake" agencies claiming they are wilhelmina. i submitted professional photos and they said they were interested. they did not ask for any money, but now i don't know what i'm getting myself into! i know too well not to pay anyone anything, but i'll be really pissed if this is a scam!!!

anyone know?!

cheers,
amy

Nov 17 09 07:19 am Link

Photographer

Edward

Posts: 332

Bowie, Maryland, US

No.  But I would recommend you to take some one with you.
Good luck.

Nov 17 09 07:25 am Link

Photographer

MEK Photography

Posts: 6571

Westminster, Maryland, US

Edwardv wrote:
No.  But I would recommend you to take some one with you.
Good luck.

Take someone with you???? 

Like you wold take someone with you to a job interview???

yeah, that's bad advice.

Nov 17 09 07:27 am Link

Wardrobe Stylist

Belle_Morte

Posts: 1075

Moorestown-Lenola, New Jersey, US

It is a legitimate branch of Wilhelmina, albiet a very small branch. I have worked with thier models before.  They are a mostly commercial branch located in a very small market.

Nov 17 09 07:28 am Link

Makeup Artist

DeLuca Sol

Posts: 1136

Dallas, Texas, US

I used to work for them here in Houston and it was a scam. I needed the money and was paid to do the makeup so I didn't feel like the scammer just a part of it once I figured it out. They sound great at first and I was hooked but then I noticed I was getting paid 35 to do the makeup the photographer was getting 50 and they were getting like two grand.

they never once promoted anyone it was just a really expensive photoshoot. Then they changed their name 3 times then they shut down. This was about 5 years ago I can't believe they're still pulling this shit.

I did get alot of experience in the makeup trenches because a lot of people fell for their b.s

Nov 17 09 07:28 am Link

Photographer

DAVfoto

Posts: 2324

New York, New York, US

if it was a small branch, i think they'd list their number on the site, only LA, miami and NYC have their contact info on the site.

even the robert black/ford division in arizona is listed on fords site

Nov 17 09 07:30 am Link

Photographer

DAVfoto

Posts: 2324

New York, New York, US

im not even sure why you are asking this on the forums

not like most of these people would know

just call wilhelmina ny and ask, i have a phone number for you.

212-473-0700

Nov 17 09 07:32 am Link

Photographer

MEK Photography

Posts: 6571

Westminster, Maryland, US

Jaywellen studios wrote:
if it was a small branch, i think they'd list their number on the site, only LA, miami and NYC have their contact info on the site.

even the robert black/ford division in arizona is listed on fords site

http://www.modelingpa.com/Contact.php

Nov 17 09 07:32 am Link

Photographer

Tat Leong

Posts: 181

New York, New York, US

Easy, go to the Wilhelmina website and look under affiliates

http://www.wilhelmina.com/licensees.cfm

Harrisburg is listed but you can call number at the bottom of the page to verify.

WILHELMINA HARMAN AGENCY
101 S. 38th Street
Harrisburg, PA 1711
Contact: Kelli Harman
T: 717.234.4417
F: 717.233.7689

Nov 17 09 07:35 am Link

Photographer

DAVfoto

Posts: 2324

New York, New York, US

MEK Photography wrote:
http://www.modelingpa.com/Contact.php

edit: didnt see it under affiliates

Nov 17 09 07:35 am Link

Photographer

DAVfoto

Posts: 2324

New York, New York, US

Tat Leong wrote:
Easy, go to the Wilhelmina website and look under affiliates

http://www.wilhelmina.com/licensees.cfm

Harrisburg is not listed but you can call number at the bottom of the page to verify.

didnt see it under harman, guess i wasn't paying attention

Nov 17 09 07:36 am Link

Photographer

MEK Photography

Posts: 6571

Westminster, Maryland, US

Jaywellen studios wrote:
that doesnt change my tune

So, you missed their address and contact number, right there in the middle of the page?

However, I do agree with your second post...  most on this site aren't going to know much...

Nov 17 09 07:36 am Link

Photographer

Tat Leong

Posts: 181

New York, New York, US

edited my initial post, they are listed under WILHELMINA HARMAN AGENCY.

Nov 17 09 07:39 am Link

Photographer

Edward

Posts: 332

Bowie, Maryland, US

MEK Photography wrote:

Take someone with you???? 

Like you wold take someone with you to a job interview???

yeah, that's bad advice.

You right.

Nov 17 09 07:51 am Link

Photographer

Kevin Greggain Photography

Posts: 6769

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

The association with Willy is correct, but this seems to be a reason why they needed another name. Used to be called the Harman Agency with Kelli Harman.

http://www.easybackgroundcheck.com/kelliharman.html

Nov 17 09 01:13 pm Link

Model

QuietAsKept

Posts: 5935

Baltimore, Maryland, US

To the OP: Did you submit to modeling agencies in Philly first?

Nov 17 09 03:03 pm Link

Photographer

Bill Mason Photography

Posts: 1856

Morristown, Vermont, US

Amy Eli wrote:
i'm nervous now that i've been scammed...

i've been asked to come in for an appt with wilhelmina harrisburg (saying they are an eastern branch of wilehelmina) and have been seeing threads about "fake" agencies claiming they are wilhelmina. i submitted professional photos and they said they were interested. they did not ask for any money, but now i don't know what i'm getting myself into! i know too well not to pay anyone anything, but i'll be really pissed if this is a scam!!!

anyone know?!

cheers,
amy

Be very careful about labeling something a scam. People are quick to use that word to describe anything that they don't fully understand. Getting advice on MM to determine a course of action is not the wisest thing you can do. Everyone will tell you their opinion as if it is the gospel truth. Most of those opinions will be based on assumptions, stereotypes, ignorance and not facts. I know a photographer that conducts portfolio shoots for this agency and he dispelled many myths surrounding the agency and their affiliation with Wilhelmina. I, too, had my doubts about the agency and their business practices. While I still think they may not be as upfront about a model's true potential before they reccommend classes, test shoots, etc (as do many agencies), they do appear to provide legitimate opportunities for models. I am told the NY office of Wilhelmina is in touch daily with the Harrisburg folks. Wilhelmina recently signed two male models out of Harrisburg with five year contracts. That is more than other agencies I know in this part of the PA. One in Allentown boasts about one or two models within the past ten years. If they can't produce more work than that for their models, I think you would have a legitimate concern about their effectiveness, but it isn't necessarily proof that they are a scam.

Nov 17 09 06:51 pm Link

Model

Ronny Burns

Posts: 1

Wilmington, North Carolina, US

Bill Mason Images wrote:

Be very careful about labeling something a scam. People are quick to use that word to describe anything that they don't fully understand. Getting advice on MM to determine a course of action is not the wisest thing you can do. Everyone will tell you their opinion as if it is the gospel truth. Most of those opinions will be based on assumptions, stereotypes, ignorance and not facts. I know a photographer that conducts portfolio shoots for this agency and he dispelled many myths surrounding the agency and their affiliation with Wilhelmina. I, too, had my doubts about the agency and their business practices. While I still think they may not be as upfront about a model's true potential before they reccommend classes, test shoots, etc (as do many agencies), they do appear to provide legitimate opportunities for models. I am told the NY office of Wilhelmina is in touch daily with the Harrisburg folks. Wilhelmina recently signed two male models out of Harrisburg with five year contracts. That is more than other agencies I know in this part of the PA. One in Allentown boasts about one or two models within the past ten years. If they can't produce more work than that for their models, I think you would have a legitimate concern about their effectiveness, but it isn't necessarily proof that they are a scam.

Well Said, Bill Mason. 
I know the Wilhelmina "people" in another market.  I know one of their "models" very well.  I won't tell too much information, but I know for a Fact that he has an Agent, he was recently in Cosmopolitan Magazine, and is currently on a national tv commercial. 

@OP : I'd go to the "interview".  You have nothing to loose.  Bring your best smile and attitude.  Leave your "scam" thoughts at home.  You never know.

Like You Said,
Be very careful about labeling something a scam. People are quick to use that word to describe anything that they don't fully understand.

Nov 17 09 08:47 pm Link

Model

Laura UnBound

Posts: 28745

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Wilhelmina lends their name out to smaller "affiliates" that usually end up being portfolio mills, that take your money offer you "classes" and help building your book, but never get you the work. Theyll do this for anyone who walks through the door with the cash.

You have almost all the right stats to be signed with the actual agency, Call the NY division and ask them about it.

Nov 17 09 11:29 pm Link

Model

Laura UnBound

Posts: 28745

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

MsDarlyn wrote:
To the OP: Did you submit to modeling agencies in Philly first?

Greer lange and Reinhard are the only ones that pop up for philly when googled that sound even remotely familiar, and I havent heard the best about either of them in terms of legitimacy. Shes kind of in the middle of nowhere, shes going to have a hard time finding some place close that isnt in NY

Nov 17 09 11:30 pm Link

Photographer

RSM-images

Posts: 4226

Jacksonville, Florida, US

.

Wilhelmina Harrisburg is *not* a "branch" -- it *might* be a franchise operation.  It does *not* appear as an affiliate at wilhelmina.com.  At the website, select affiliates and at the bottom is a contact name and telephone number where you can ask about that operation.

You will do well *only* if you are booked by a good agent with good clients and a track record of getting their booked models good and plentiful work -- otherwise....

Do yourself a favor and submit (Polaroids by regular mail) to Wilhelmina in NYC.  Their address can be found at www.wilhelmina.com .

.

Nov 17 09 11:42 pm Link

Model

Amy Eli

Posts: 36

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US

thanks everyone for the input...

most of this i figured, but was on the lookout for major red flags.

i am still going to attend the interview (solo) and see what they have to say...

as for other agencies, i am signed in PGH, just wanted to expand.

i am also looking for agencies this Jan in NYC...

Nov 18 09 05:28 am Link

Model

QuietAsKept

Posts: 5935

Baltimore, Maryland, US

Laura UnBound wrote:
Greer lange and Reinhard are the only ones that pop up for philly when googled that sound even remotely familiar, and I havent heard the best about either of them in terms of legitimacy. Shes kind of in the middle of nowhere, shes going to have a hard time finding some place close that isnt in NY

Reinhard is legit. I went to their open call & they didn't ask me to pay any money or do anything fishy like that.

I know of somebody that's with Greer Lange and they never mentioned anything about any fees besides the fee to appear on the website which is a normal practice.

I agree that the OP isn't gonna find a good agency that isn't close to NYC.

Nov 18 09 05:37 am Link

Model

Amy Eli

Posts: 36

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US

Well I solved my own problem!!!

Definitely a scam!!!

I have been modeling for a few years and did not recognize this at first... I felt it was an opportunity for myself to expand out of my area...

Here's what happened, for all of you people considering doing this "Wilhelmina" open call, since there have been many posts about it.

1. CATTLE CALL
I showed up for my "appointment", which was an open call. They acted as if I had a real appointment, and there were about 70-80 people in my time slot. I believe there was another time slot that same day probably with that same amount of people. I also believe they do this twice a month. So we signed up, took measurements and stapled our photos to an application. I already wanted to leave.

2. PRE SCREENING?!
I emailed the agency for this "appointment" and had to send photos, measurements, etc. The people that were there along with me DID NOT look like model material. Not to be rude but there were all sizes, shapes, ages, most of which did not fit any type of modeling criteria I have ever seen. Red Flag #2.

3. RAZZLE DAZZLE
We were taken to a room and sat down in front of a projector with runway music blaring and all kinds of glamourous Wilhelmina people talking up the name. Barf. Then Kelli Harman spoke to us about how greatly connected to the NYC office they were and how much opportunity was in store for the chosen ones. Blah Blah Blah. She went on to say what an INVESTMENT modeling was and how Wilhelmina specializes in packaging their models up and marketing them... Then there was a list of prices. Seriously, how tacky. Then she had us introduce ourselves and I heard about 50 sob stories from around the room. The whole time I'm thinking, this is suchhh a waste of time. Then we walked the runway, even the people who weren't really out to be fashion/runway models, whatever. Red flag #3.

4. CALL
I received a phone call the next day, Kelli wanted to sign me. I agreed to go in for a second appointment. She reiterated on the phone the fees I need to pay attention to.

5. APPOINTMENT
So I just got back from my lovely appointment. I went for the benefit of the doubt. A girl rearranged my portfolio to make it seem like she knew what she was doing and was talking about all their clients (I was asking lots of questions). I was handed a contract to sign right as I walked in the door. RED FLAG #4. I did not sign anything but read what looked like a normal modeling contract. When Kelli was ready for me, she literally spoke of the fees within one minute of the conversation. She said I owed $1100 for website, training and comp card fees. Then she asked if I'd pay in cash or check. WTF. I think that is tacky and rude. On top of that she was trying to pull me into workshops that cost $600.

So I walked out without paying, signing or anything. I am tempted to email them all the dirt found through this site and other testimonials, but only if they email me again.

I am not naive in this business but I am just so PISSED off that I was sort of victimized like this. Even more, that this happens to tons of people everyday and people actually do pay. It's sick and sad.

OK the end.
Sorry for the long thread...

Nov 24 09 05:34 pm Link

Model

avee

Posts: 363

Scarsdale, New York, US

Amy Eli wrote:
Well I solved my own problem!!!

Definitely a scam!!!

I have been modeling for a few years and did not recognize this at first... I felt it was an opportunity for myself to expand out of my area...

Here's what happened, for all of you people considering doing this "Wilhelmina" open call, since there have been many posts about it.

1. CATTLE CALL
I showed up for my "appointment", which was an open call. They acted as if I had a real appointment, and there were about 70-80 people in my time slot. I believe there was another time slot that same day probably with that same amount of people. I also believe they do this twice a month. So we signed up, took measurements and stapled our photos to an application. I already wanted to leave.

2. PRE SCREENING?!
I emailed the agency for this "appointment" and had to send photos, measurements, etc. The people that were there along with me DID NOT look like model material. Not to be rude but there were all sizes, shapes, ages, most of which did not fit any type of modeling criteria I have ever seen. Red Flag #2.

3. RAZZLE DAZZLE
We were taken to a room and sat down in front of a projector with runway music blaring and all kinds of glamourous Wilhelmina people talking up the name. Barf. Then Kelli Harman spoke to us about how greatly connected to the NYC office they were and how much opportunity was in store for the chosen ones. Blah Blah Blah. She went on to say what an INVESTMENT modeling was and how Wilhelmina specializes in packaging their models up and marketing them... Then there was a list of prices. Seriously, how tacky. Then she had us introduce ourselves and I heard about 50 sob stories from around the room. The whole time I'm thinking, this is suchhh a waste of time. Then we walked the runway, even the people who weren't really out to be fashion/runway models, whatever. Red flag #3.

4. CALL
I received a phone call the next day, Kelli wanted to sign me. I agreed to go in for a second appointment. She reiterated on the phone the fees I need to pay attention to.

5. APPOINTMENT
So I just got back from my lovely appointment. I went for the benefit of the doubt. A girl rearranged my portfolio to make it seem like she knew what she was doing and was talking about all their clients (I was asking lots of questions). I was handed a contract to sign right as I walked in the door. RED FLAG #4. I did not sign anything but read what looked like a normal modeling contract. When Kelli was ready for me, she literally spoke of the fees within one minute of the conversation. She said I owed $1100 for website, training and comp card fees. Then she asked if I'd pay in cash or check. WTF. I think that is tacky and rude. On top of that she was trying to pull me into workshops that cost $600.

So I walked out without paying, signing or anything. I am tempted to email them all the dirt found through this site and other testimonials, but only if they email me again.

I am not naive in this business but I am just so PISSED off that I was sort of victimized like this. Even more, that this happens to tons of people everyday and people actually do pay. It's sick and sad.

OK the end.
Sorry for the long thread...

Good for you for being smart!!

Nov 24 09 08:31 pm Link

Model

QuietAsKept

Posts: 5935

Baltimore, Maryland, US

Amy Eli wrote:
Well I solved my own problem!!!

Definitely a scam!!!

I have been modeling for a few years and did not recognize this at first... I felt it was an opportunity for myself to expand out of my area...

Here's what happened, for all of you people considering doing this "Wilhelmina" open call, since there have been many posts about it.

1. CATTLE CALL
I showed up for my "appointment", which was an open call. They acted as if I had a real appointment, and there were about 70-80 people in my time slot. I believe there was another time slot that same day probably with that same amount of people. I also believe they do this twice a month. So we signed up, took measurements and stapled our photos to an application. I already wanted to leave.

2. PRE SCREENING?!
I emailed the agency for this "appointment" and had to send photos, measurements, etc. The people that were there along with me DID NOT look like model material. Not to be rude but there were all sizes, shapes, ages, most of which did not fit any type of modeling criteria I have ever seen. Red Flag #2.

3. RAZZLE DAZZLE
We were taken to a room and sat down in front of a projector with runway music blaring and all kinds of glamourous Wilhelmina people talking up the name. Barf. Then Kelli Harman spoke to us about how greatly connected to the NYC office they were and how much opportunity was in store for the chosen ones. Blah Blah Blah. She went on to say what an INVESTMENT modeling was and how Wilhelmina specializes in packaging their models up and marketing them... Then there was a list of prices. Seriously, how tacky. Then she had us introduce ourselves and I heard about 50 sob stories from around the room. The whole time I'm thinking, this is suchhh a waste of time. Then we walked the runway, even the people who weren't really out to be fashion/runway models, whatever. Red flag #3.

4. CALL
I received a phone call the next day, Kelli wanted to sign me. I agreed to go in for a second appointment. She reiterated on the phone the fees I need to pay attention to.

5. APPOINTMENT
So I just got back from my lovely appointment. I went for the benefit of the doubt. A girl rearranged my portfolio to make it seem like she knew what she was doing and was talking about all their clients (I was asking lots of questions). I was handed a contract to sign right as I walked in the door. RED FLAG #4. I did not sign anything but read what looked like a normal modeling contract. When Kelli was ready for me, she literally spoke of the fees within one minute of the conversation. She said I owed $1100 for website, training and comp card fees. Then she asked if I'd pay in cash or check. WTF. I think that is tacky and rude. On top of that she was trying to pull me into workshops that cost $600.

So I walked out without paying, signing or anything. I am tempted to email them all the dirt found through this site and other testimonials, but only if they email me again.

I am not naive in this business but I am just so PISSED off that I was sort of victimized like this. Even more, that this happens to tons of people everyday and people actually do pay. It's sick and sad.

OK the end.
Sorry for the long thread...

Thanks for informing those MMers who were thinking about going with one of those scammy affiliates

Nov 25 09 08:21 am Link

Model

Nikkie D

Posts: 182

Naples, Florida, US

SOOO many of them do that same process!  I worked for a company and it was the same thing!!!  YIKES!  But hey, you have to keep on trying or you wont know and maybe one of them will be legit and a great start for you!  Good luck! smile

Nov 25 09 08:27 am Link

Photographer

pullins photography

Posts: 5884

Troy, Michigan, US

MEK Photography wrote:

Take someone with you???? 

Like you wold take someone with you to a job interview???

yeah, that's bad advice.

+1

Nov 25 09 08:34 am Link

Photographer

pullins photography

Posts: 5884

Troy, Michigan, US

Jaywellen studios wrote:
im not even sure why you are asking this on the forums

not like most of these people would know

just call wilhelmina ny and ask, i have a phone number for you.

212-473-0700

amen!

Nov 25 09 08:36 am Link

Photographer

pullins photography

Posts: 5884

Troy, Michigan, US

Amy Eli wrote:
Well I solved my own problem!!!

Definitely a scam!!!

I have been modeling for a few years and did not recognize this at first... I felt it was an opportunity for myself to expand out of my area...

Here's what happened, for all of you people considering doing this "Wilhelmina" open call, since there have been many posts about it.

1. CATTLE CALL
I showed up for my "appointment", which was an open call. They acted as if I had a real appointment, and there were about 70-80 people in my time slot. I believe there was another time slot that same day probably with that same amount of people. I also believe they do this twice a month. So we signed up, took measurements and stapled our photos to an application. I already wanted to leave.

2. PRE SCREENING?!
I emailed the agency for this "appointment" and had to send photos, measurements, etc. The people that were there along with me DID NOT look like model material. Not to be rude but there were all sizes, shapes, ages, most of which did not fit any type of modeling criteria I have ever seen. Red Flag #2.

3. RAZZLE DAZZLE
We were taken to a room and sat down in front of a projector with runway music blaring and all kinds of glamourous Wilhelmina people talking up the name. Barf. Then Kelli Harman spoke to us about how greatly connected to the NYC office they were and how much opportunity was in store for the chosen ones. Blah Blah Blah. She went on to say what an INVESTMENT modeling was and how Wilhelmina specializes in packaging their models up and marketing them... Then there was a list of prices. Seriously, how tacky. Then she had us introduce ourselves and I heard about 50 sob stories from around the room. The whole time I'm thinking, this is suchhh a waste of time. Then we walked the runway, even the people who weren't really out to be fashion/runway models, whatever. Red flag #3.

4. CALL
I received a phone call the next day, Kelli wanted to sign me. I agreed to go in for a second appointment. She reiterated on the phone the fees I need to pay attention to.

5. APPOINTMENT
So I just got back from my lovely appointment. I went for the benefit of the doubt. A girl rearranged my portfolio to make it seem like she knew what she was doing and was talking about all their clients (I was asking lots of questions). I was handed a contract to sign right as I walked in the door. RED FLAG #4. I did not sign anything but read what looked like a normal modeling contract. When Kelli was ready for me, she literally spoke of the fees within one minute of the conversation. She said I owed $1100 for website, training and comp card fees. Then she asked if I'd pay in cash or check. WTF. I think that is tacky and rude. On top of that she was trying to pull me into workshops that cost $600.

So I walked out without paying, signing or anything. I am tempted to email them all the dirt found through this site and other testimonials, but only if they email me again.

I am not naive in this business but I am just so PISSED off that I was sort of victimized like this. Even more, that this happens to tons of people everyday and people actually do pay. It's sick and sad.

OK the end.
Sorry for the long thread...

sorry that happened to you...but it  made you stronger, so now you know what you need to do in the future!

Nov 25 09 08:37 am Link

Model

Dashhhhh

Posts: 496

Germantown, Maryland, US

I'm so sorry that it happened to you and that you had to waste your time dealing with jerks like that.
They invited me for an "interview" as well, it should've been December 5th, but I'm not even going to bother now. 
I had experience close to yours, where the agency signed me and promised me work on fashion/runways in NYC...um I'm only 5'4 and then they told me that I had to pay $1000 for portfolio. How awful!

Nov 25 09 08:46 am Link

Model

Amy Eli

Posts: 36

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US

I'm glad I went and checked it out.

It was a good example of what NOT to get myself into... They also told me 2 different things... one person told me I could not stay with my current agency if I signed with them, but Kelli Harman said I could. My mom thinks she could have came back and sued me for this, which I wouldn't put past her. She "modeled", or so she says, but definitely looks like she was a model, but what I don't understand how she could do that to aspiring young people.

I guess bad economy calls for desperate measures...

I just wish more people would shine light on this issue because I'm sure they bank a ton of money from people who don't know any better.

And maybe it would be a good opportunity/start for me in certain markets, but I just can work with an agency I don't trust. Especially when they want $1100 + from me!!

No thanks!

Nov 25 09 02:56 pm Link

Photographer

Divo Models

Posts: 5469

Atlanta, Georgia, US

Amy Eli wrote:
i'm nervous now that i've been scammed...

i've been asked to come in for an appt with wilhelmina harrisburg (saying they are an eastern branch of wilehelmina) and have been seeing threads about "fake" agencies claiming they are wilhelmina. i submitted professional photos and they said they were interested. they did not ask for any money, but now i don't know what i'm getting myself into! i know too well not to pay anyone anything, but i'll be really pissed if this is a scam!!!

anyone know?!

cheers,
amy

Wilhelmina was a popular agency during the 1970's, but lately they have been whoring out their name for money...to not so great agencies and to "supposed" modeling scouts.

Wilhelmina Cooper is probably rolling in her grave with this nonsense bearing her name:

http://www.ehow.com/about_4655499_what- … twork.html

Because of Wilhelmina's reputation, I tend not to suggest for models to see them...unless it was 1973.

Nov 25 09 04:19 pm Link

Photographer

Divo Models

Posts: 5469

Atlanta, Georgia, US

Amy Eli wrote:
I'm glad I went and checked it out.

It was a good example of what NOT to get myself into... They also told me 2 different things... one person told me I could not stay with my current agency if I signed with them, but Kelli Harman said I could. My mom thinks she could have came back and sued me for this, which I wouldn't put past her. She "modeled", or so she says, but definitely looks like she was a model, but what I don't understand how she could do that to aspiring young people.

I guess bad economy calls for desperate measures...

I just wish more people would shine light on this issue because I'm sure they bank a ton of money from people who don't know any better.

And maybe it would be a good opportunity/start for me in certain markets, but I just can work with an agency I don't trust. Especially when they want $1100 + from me!!

No thanks!

It's professionally acceptable if an an agency asks you to pay for pictures.  They know what looks right...and they are not going to develop you for free.  You have to make an investment to make a return.

Nov 25 09 04:46 pm Link

Model

QuietAsKept

Posts: 5935

Baltimore, Maryland, US

Model Instincts wrote:

It's professionally acceptable if an an agency asks you to pay for pictures.  They know what looks right...and they are not going to develop you for free.  You have to make an investment to make a return.

In the OP's case, I think she was talking about the agency getting her to pay them directly instead of giving her a list of recommended photographers to work with.

Nov 25 09 05:01 pm Link

Model

Rhiannon Davis

Posts: 945

Dallas, Texas, US

Laura UnBound wrote:
Wilhelmina lends their name out to smaller "affiliates" that usually end up being portfolio mills, that take your money offer you "classes" and help building your book, but never get you the work. Theyll do this for anyone who walks through the door with the cash.

You have almost all the right stats to be signed with the actual agency, Call the NY division and ask them about it.

I was waiting for someone to say this. Wilhelmina has been notorious for the past few years at franchising out their NAME. There was actually a thread a few weeks ago about this same Harman/Harrisburg agency that has bought the Wilhelmina name rights. Long story short, OP said they wanted her to pay a bunch of money for classes and all this bullshit that she didn't need (she already had a rockin portfolio, and they were just going to set her up with a less than agency quality photographer for $$$$).

Nov 25 09 07:06 pm Link

Model

Dashhhhh

Posts: 496

Germantown, Maryland, US

Try to google Kelli Harman's name and see what comes up....it's quite interesting.

Nov 25 09 08:49 pm Link

Model

Amy Eli

Posts: 36

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US

I know photos are an investment as are comp cards. I am willing to pay for both to help my career. They told me I actually did not need any more professional photos, they'd use my own but they wanted $1100 off the bat for comp cards and "model development" classes. I am not paying for a comp card until they put one together and I'll make the check out to the printing co.

Nov 27 09 01:02 pm Link

Photographer

Divo Models

Posts: 5469

Atlanta, Georgia, US

Amy Eli wrote:
I know photos are an investment as are comp cards. I am willing to pay for both to help my career. They told me I actually did not need any more professional photos, they'd use my own but they wanted $1100 off the bat for comp cards and "model development" classes. I am not paying for a comp card until they put one together and I'll make the check out to the printing co.

Uhhhh...you don't need classes and comp cards do NOT cost $1100!

Nov 27 09 01:04 pm Link

Model

Amy Eli

Posts: 36

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US

Model Instincts wrote:

Uhhhh...you don't need classes and comp cards do NOT cost $1100!

exactly!

Nov 27 09 01:05 pm Link