Friday, June 21, 2013

Model Representation and Contracts

Why Do You Need Glamour Modeling Representation?
The purpose of Glamour Modeling representation is to make your life easier and to maximize your chances of getting ahead in the Glamour Modeling industry. A Glamour Modeling representative works on your behalf to find you work in the spectrum of your specific interest areas.

It is important to have the representation as it shows that you are professional, committed and have been selected out of thousands of others to be represented by that company. The representative also provides you with important advice and guidance which can be invaluable to someone starting out in the industry. They can prevent you from making pitfalls and mistakes that many amateurs might fall for. The representative also knows all the legalities of working in the glamour modeling industry so they can read over any potential contracts to make sure you are safe and are getting treated well and getting the maximum salary that you are entitled to.

How to get Glamour Modeling Representation?

Getting represented is easier for some than others. If you have the right look and style that they are after then it can be incredibly easy. Some of the highly-regarded companies are notoriously hard to get representation by – but there are plenty of smaller ones that can be easier.

The first step to becoming represented by a company is to make sure you have a good, well written and presented resume and some professional photos. Most glamour modeling agencies require a minimum of three photos – usually a head shot, a nude body photo and a glamour or fashion photo of your choice. These should be professionally done as they are what the agency will be sending out to potential clients if you do end up being represented by them.

Once you have your resume and photos ready, you are ready to approach some glamour modeling agencies. It is best to apply to as many as possible to maximize your chance of getting an interview and then getting represented.

You should look in your local directory – either online or the hard copy version of it – to find listings of all the glamour modeling agencies in your area. Not all towns and cities will have an model agency and you may have to be prepared to travel.

Some Glamour model agencies represent talent from all around the country even if you are not close to their office. Usually you can find these by searching online – and they usually have online application forms to fill in where you can insert your resume and photos. While you may not get a lot of work out of these ‘online agencies’, if there is no glamour model agency in your area then it is a good option.

If there are glamour modeling agencies in your area then you can either phone them up or go to thier office in person to find out more about how to get representation from them. Even if they cannot offer you representation they may be able to offer you good advice on what you should do and who to contact in your area about representation. The best advice is just to put yourself out there – you won’t get represented sitting at home thinking about it!

Fees for getting a Representation

Glamour Model agencies, should not charge you a fee for being represented if they are reputable. Always be weary of agencies that try and charge you a sign-up fee. If the model agency thinks you have potential then they do not need to charge you a fee as they make money off of you when they get you work. Remember that you are making them money in the same way that they are helping you to make money. If they do try and charge you a fee then get them to justify why a fee is required. Commonly they want to push you to do a shoot with an specific photographer saying that yours will not work. Most of these cases is because the agency will get a commission from the client.

Although it isn’t for everyone, the Glamour Modeling industry is a fantastic career path for those that are flirtatious, outgoing and like baring it all! It can be an incredibly rewarding career path – with lots of benefits. If you want to get started in the Glamour Modeling industry the first thing you will need to do is upload your profile to several Glamour Modeling Websites. In this guide we shall look at how you can get yourself an interview with a potential client and what to do once you get to the interview. How do you get an Interview with an Editor? The only way to get an interview with an Editor is to ask! So don’t be shy. Be proactive and phone around different possible magazines or sites and apply to  as many as possible. But learn about the different types of contracts and how to protect yourself.

What to Look For

It is important that you do not just sign a model release or submission contract without reading through it thoroughly first. In particular – establish if it is an exclusive contract – you should always try and get a legal expert to read through it too. After reading the contract – always ask questions. Don’t worry about seeming annoying or picky, because this is a contract that could affect the next year or two of your life and your career. If you are unsure about any of the terms then just ask for them to be clarified.

Check exactly how long the term of the contract is. Exclusive contracts usually last for approximately a year – however some can be for up to 2 years. Non-exclusive contracts are usually shorter in length and can be as little as 6 months up to 1 year. Model release usually give the rights forever. Make sure that you are happy with the length of the agreement – and if not then say something.

Exclusive Contracts

Some Companies require you to sign an exclusive agreement or contract. This means that you can only work for them for the term of the contract– and you can’t shoot with other photographers. You should always be weary of this type of contract – as it can either do you a lot of good or mean you end up with no work. If you sign an exclusive contract you should make sure that they give you something in return. While they cannot guarantee that you will get work – they should include a get-out clause which allows you to terminate the contract should they fail to get you any work in a specific amount of time.

Be careful when signing an exclusive contract with a magazine that does not have a proven record of getting lots of tear sheets for their models. The big Companies that only put the best of the best in their publications are generally more reliable and signing an exclusive contract should not disadvantage you.

The highly-regarded model agencies can justify offering exclusive contracts as they put a lot of time and effort into finding work for their talent. Some smaller agencies will simply put your portfolio on an online website and do very little else, something that you can do yourself and you do not need to sign an exclusive contract with them.

Non-exclusive Contracts

Non-exclusive contracts allow you to work for as many glamour photographers or companies as you like and find your own work independently. These types of contracts are best when the company hasn’t got a fabulous reputation and the chances of finding you work aren’t as high as with one of the better companies. Many people prefer these contracts as it does not restrict you or tie you down in any way. However, while you are allowed to work with others – it is typically frowned upon by others in the industry.

Submission Contracts

There are certain things that you need to look for in a submission contract before you sign it. Some glamour photographers can take up to 50 percent from your wages. However, many photographers will not take any commission from you– they simply make their money from the Company who will pay the photographer for finding them talent for their productions.

Model Release

If you are hired by a company or glamour photographer and you’re getting paid for your performance as a model, you should sign a model release. But a Model Release must specify the photographer information, your information, the date of the shooting, the amount paid and what style was paid for (parts, lingerie, implied, nude, full nude, explicit nude, adult perform, etc), the duration of the agreement (usually forever) and the use of the images. If you’re getting paid in full it is at the sole discretion of the photographer whether or not they will give you copies of the images for your port. If you’re getting paid partly in cash and partly in images for your port/website make sure it is specified in the contract. And if you are paying the photographer you need a photographer print release signed by the artist.
The Glamour Modeling industry can be very exciting and rewarding. It is not for everyone, but for those with an outgoing and flirty personality – it can be a fantastic career path! In this guide we shall look at what you can expect when heading to auditions for glamour photographers.

No comments:

Post a Comment