Do you want to be a Model? Diesel Models Scam Info

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about modelling, model agencies,model portfolios, modelling scams and promotion.

 

How much does the copyright cost for modelling photos? What are different types of modelling? What qualities are required for modeling? How tall do I need to be for fashion modelling? I had a photo shoot but don't want anyone to see the photos? An Agency want to sign me but I have to pay a fee? I've been scouted by a model agency on the street? Do I need to pay for pictures for a model portfolio? Is a Free Photoshoot at a London Studio really free? What are the key model portfolio shots? Do I need good quality photos for my modelling portfolio? Do I need to be signed by agency? What is a TFP/TFCD test shoot/time for prints shoot? How does a TFP/TFCD shoot work? Do you offer model portfolio test shoots? How do I apply for glamour modelling? What is a model release form? How do modelling test shoots work? Booking a test shoot? Scam emails offering a Fashion Shoot for £3000 pounds for well known brands? I've been offered a Webcam modelling interview? How do I spot scam/fake Model Agencies? How to complain about scam/fake/con model agencies? Diesel Models Scam?/Diesel Modelling Agency

 

What types of modelling are available?

There are many types of modelling from fashion (eg catalogues) to catwalk, lingerie and clothed glamour seen in magazines such as FHM or Maxim through to glamour such as Page 3 of the Sun. Beyond that there are many categories of nude and adult modelling. We shoot fashion and glamour photography.
For glamour modelling you must be over 18. Legally we are unable to work with anyone under 18 for any lingerie or glamour style shoots. We will require ID for proof of age for any glamour shoots.

What qualities are required for modelling?

You need to want to be a model and be committed to achieving it! It might sound obvious but it is amazing how many prospective models realise they can't do a shoot for many weeks and then give up. Having the right look and figure is also important but without determination you will not succeed. If you want to be a model then you should always be professional in your attitude. If you provide a phone number or email address you should always return contact promptly. If you book a modelling photo shoot then you should turn up! If for any reason you have a major problem that means you cannot attend a shoot you have booked then early communication by phone is essential. Text or email are not acceptable as you cannot be sure the other person has received them.

Are there any restrictions for different categories of modelling?

Different types of modelling do have different requirements. Fashion, in particular catwalk, have more specific requirements for size and you need to be at least 5'8" to be suitable. The requirements for glamour modelling are far more relaxed primarily just a figure that is in proportion. If you are under 5'8" it will be extremely difficult if not impossible for you to model full time for fashion work despite what some scam agencies may tell you.

I've done a photo shoot but don't want anyone to see the photos?

Once you have done any photo shoot the photographer owns the copyright to the images and can use them as they wish. If you do not want photos to be seen then the safest option is not to pose for them in the first place. If you have been paid for a shoot and the images published then the chances of getting them removed are virtually nil. However most models want as many people to see their photos as possible so this is not an issue.

A Model Agency want to sign me but I have to pay a fee?

It is very flattering to be told that an agency want to sign you onto their books but before you part with money we suggest you carry out a few checks. Firstly ask whether they are actually an agency. Many will state in their small print that they are not an agency but this may not be obvious from the front pages of their website. The BBC recently ran an expose on scam/con model agencies and can be seen here. If an agency want to sign you without actually meeting you then it is likely that they are not genuine.
If you are under 5'8" tall and are told that you are ideal for fashion work then be very cautious as they will almost certainly want a fee for doing so. Fashion models tend to be over this height and if a genuine agency think they can get work for you they will not charge fees. Suggest that the agency take their fees from the first work that they get you - it is very unlikely that they will do so if they are a scam.
If an agency want to sign you there should be no fee to pay upfront regardless of whether this is quoted as a charge to appear on their website, for copyright of your photos or for printing of comp cards. A good agency should make their money from commission as a result of getting you work. The Sun recently ran a story about bogus child model agencies.

An agency making their money from signing people onto their books doesn't need to find models any work! No agency can guarantee work but if they take on so many people purely to get joining fees then there will be very little work to go round.
As an example with Models Direct its a £125 fee, but assume an agency sign up 10 people per week, thats £1250 a week or £5000 per month just on sign up fees.

If they actually sign 10 per day then they would make £6250 per week or £25,000 per month in signup fees! To get that as 20% commission on jobs booked would require them to book models to the value of £125,000 a month - so you can see why joining fees could be a far better earner than actually finding modelling jobs.

Many websites that appear to be agencies such as Diesel Models are just photo studios not modeling agencies and others such as Zebra Collection are portfolio hosting sites when you read their small print carefully. More info about the way Zebra Management/Collection (now replay models agency) and Vanity Management operate is here. Alba Models website has useful info about genuine modelling agencies as well as scams to watch out for.

I've been scouted by a model agency on the street?

In the past being scouted by a model agency was a good way into modelling. Unfortunately some organisations other than model agencies now use scouting techniques to recruit people for expensive photo shoots that you will have to pay up to £1000 for. If you are genuinely scouted by an agency they will not require you to pay for your test shoot and will want to interview you. If an agency is keen to get you to pay for a portfolio shoot for their website before interview then be very careful to check out their details. Zebra Collection/Management appear towork in this way, for example scouting on Oxford Street (near Top Shop) in London and in Manchester and then talk you into a photo shoot at the studio The Light Rooms and promising offers of work according to those who have been. Unsurprisingly the offers of work disappear as soon as you pay them for the shoot. Yet again Zebra have changed their name and are now called Replay Models.

It may not be immediately obvious but some organisations appearing to be agencies are actually trading names for photo studios. A common word to look out for is Management in the name - for example companies such as Zebra Management, Zebra Collection or Vanity Management are not model agencies but will sell you photo shoots to feature on their portfolio hosting sites. Apparently Zebra Collection have now changed their name to Guava Talent Management and yet again to Replay Models. You may wonder why any model agency would want to constantly change their name!
Other hosting sites such as Purestorm.com do not charge you for portfolio photo shoots. Clive Hurst of the actor/model union Equity has some useful info about scam/fake model agencies on his website.

The BBC ran a documentary about Zebra Collection/Guava Talent Management (now Replay Models) showing how their claims of working with big brands are completely fake and a scam. You can view the BBC Model Scam documentary here.

While it is a fantastic confidence boost to be scouted unfortunately that is what these fake modelling agencies are preying on to charge you £1000 for photos. If an apparent agency are very keen for you to only have a shoot at their recommended photo studio then be very wary - many of these companies are not modelling agencies but are just photo studios selling modelling portfolio shoots regardless of whether they say you are paying for the shoot or for the copyright.

How much does the copyright cost for modelling photos?

Some fake model agencies are now claiming that their shoots are free but that you need to pay up to £800 for the copyright of the photos. This is completely untrue and is just an excuse to charge you for the photo shoot without saying so. You do not need to own the copyright of photos to use them in your portfolio. Most genuine professional photographers would never sell the copyright of their photos except for a very large fee. We do not sell copyright of our photos and it has never caused any problems for our models. You can read more about their tactics for selling photo shoot copyright here

Organisations such as London School of Modelling are offering model photoshoots, model assessment days and model boot camps. They state in the small print of their website that they are not a model agency which raises questions about the independence of their model assessment days the main purpose of which appears to be selling further model training courses or photos. Their website shows no information about the costs of their photo other than the shoot day being £99 but this does NOT include photos so we would recommend you get prices before agreeing to attend to avoid any surprises on the day. In our opinion a commercial organisation offering modelling advice and selling model boot camp courses has a big conflict of interest when they make their money from selling photo shoots and model training days to potential models. Models have been recommended to spend hundreds of pounds on model boot camp courses with no guarantee that this will gain them work.

What if I've been Offered a Free Photoshoot at a London Studio?

Many free photo shoots at studios in London do not make it clear that only the shoot is free;they are NOT Time for Prints so if you want the portfolio photos as prints or CD you will have to pay for the photos you want and this could be substantial - we have heard from models who have paid up to £1000 for photos at some London studios. At other studios it may be more so it could be advisable to check total prices before agreeing to a shoot to avoid any nasty surprises on the day of your shoot. You are likely to be required to pay a deposit to confirm the shoot but our advice is to carefully check the terms of any deposit before handing over your credit card number as some studios do not allow any changes and will levy additional fees if you need to cancel or are late. Photo studios such as Blue Rooms-Pure Space-Sugar Rush studios in London trading as Diesel Models are not model agencies and often in the small print you will find this shown. You can read the responses to the investigation into scam model agencies published in The Sun, article about model agencies/photo studios here

In our opinion you should find out the overall total costs of any shoot including how much each photo costs, how many photos are included and whether all images are provided on CD within the price before booking an appointment at any studio so that you can compare like for like prices. In our view if a company is unwilling to provide this information to you then you should proceed with caution. Once you have included the cost of your photos and the CD of images, a free shoot may work out more expensive than a shoot that includes everything in the quoted price. If you are travelling a long way to get to London then you should also take account of the travel cost for you and a parent. Remember that there are many very good photography studios around the UK that can produce suitable photos for an initial modelling portfolio and you do not need to travel to London for this.

If you are looking for advice about diesel models, also known as diesel modelling agency in London then this page by Reputable Model Agencies has some helpful warnings here as does the named and shamed page on Alba Models.

Modeladvice.info offers model assessment days in a similar way to London School of Modeling. You have to pay a £50 non refundable deposit but are liable for an additional £99 if you cancel. If you read the small print on their pricing page it shows that the full cost of their modelling portfolio is £1500 so make sure you are fully prepared before you go. You can find out more warnings about modeladvice.info on Alba model website who make clear that their model advice is not associated in any way.

Our complete starter model portfolio package including makeup artist, 10 prints and complete CD of images is only £275 with no hidden costs. This package is substantially cheaper than most studios that offer free shoots.
Many fake model agencies / photography companies promoting free photoshoots do not publish any prices for the photos or CDs on their websites so it would be sensible to ask prices before agreeing to a shoot to allow comparisons and avoid being scammed by high pressure sales techniques.

You may also find that you are offered free Time for Prints/Time for CD (TFP/TFCD) shoots in London studios or elsewhere which will not cost you other than your time and travel. These are only worthwhile if the photographer knows what they are doing. There is no point wasting time on a shoot if a photographer has no idea how to take, light and compose a photo and is purely using you for training as the results will not be of use for a portfolio. Our shots have been used by the finalists of Next Top Model and Page 3 Idol.

Diesel Models Scam?/Diesel Modelling Agency London

We are frequently asked about Diesel Models in London and if Diesel Models is a scam. Diesel models run various websites that state they are Diesel Modelling agency but this is untrue as Diesel Models are not a modelling agency and do not find models work. Diesel Models is the trading name of Pure Space & Blue Rooms studios and although their website states that diesel models are not a modelling agency they run other websites that say " diesel model agency I want to try modelling and keep coming across diesel modelling agency in my research." These fake websites include lots of made up positive replies. Check any website that appears to be a modelling forum to make sure other model agencies are listed; fake ones only list diesel models. The following websites are all run by diesel models (modellinginfo.co.uk,modellingscout.co.uk,modellingforum.co.uk,modellingmayhem.co.uk)
Despite what you may be told you do not need a modelling portfolio to apply to model agencies. In fact Mike Hannah of Diesel Models/Pure Space Studios said to The Sun "No model needs a portfolio to approach an agency." Check this page from genuine model agency Models1 with a list of requirements to apply to be a model.

We have been asked if you have to pay for a Diesel Models photo shoot as some people believe Diesel Models pay for the photo shoot - this is not true. Diesel Models state you have to pay at least £350 but some people have paid over £800. The answer is if you book a shoot with one of Diesel Models studios then they say that the minimum spend is £350 for the photos. The portfolio shoot with Diesel Models is not free or a test shoot but a shoot where you pay for the pictures. Diesel Models website has a list of UK Modelling agencies on it that you can apply to yourself. You do not need to pay diesel modelling any money to get this list and do not need to go for modelling portfolio shoot with their studios. When you register on the diesel models website you will get a sales call for a shoot at their studios. To apply to any of the model agencies all you need to send are clear snapshots of yourself so the agency can decide. As Diesel Models are not a modelling agency they cannot make any decision whether you are suitable for model work or not. You can see a warning about diesel models sales tactics on the Reputable Agencies website.

What are the key model portfolio shots that I need?

There are some key shots that you need as a model so that potential clients know what you look like. These include a clear headshot and full height picture. If looking for lingerie and glamour work then this should also include a bikini or lingerie photo. This page gives details of what a model portfolio is. More information about your modelling portfolio and advice on modelling scams to avoid is on our models3 Kent Model agency website.

Do I need good quality photos for my modelling portfolio?

Yes! You may be told that an agency only need amateur photos to judge your potential as a model. This may be true if you are applying to one of the top model agencies but these days much promotion of glamour models is done outside of model agencies on the web with online portfolio hosting sites where the best quality portfolio shots will give you an advantage. Your model portfolio should show a variety of poses in the different styles of modelling you are looking to do but include a clear head face shot and full length shot to show your figure. How much is a modelling portfolio shoot? You do not need to pay a fortune for your model portfolio and our shoot is only £275 for the shoot, makeup artist, CD and 10 prints. Some London studios charge £1500 for a similar package.

Do I need to pay for pictures for a portfolio/Paying for Copyright of Photos?

A common answer you may find is no but unfortunately like many things you get what you pay for. We all have bills that need to be paid but a photo shoot does not need to cost a fortune. Our prices for model test shoots & model portfolio starter packages are very reasonably priced and allow you to get a good selection of pictures to start your portfolio. Some portfolio photo shoots may be promoted as being free but you then have to pay £1000 for photos or a CD of images after the shoot at a hard sell sales presentation.

Do I need agency representation?

A modelling agency can help get work and to represent you for potential modelling jobs required by clients. However as a result of the internet a large number of glamour or nude models now are able to work freelance with their own websites or portfolio hosting sites to generate leads for work. If you are only looking for fashion modelling work it is highly unlikely that you could earn sufficient to live on without agency representation.

What is a modelling portfolio test shoot/time for prints shoot (TFP/TFCD)?

A model portfolio test shoot or time for prints shoot is where a model or potential model attends a shoot with a photographer or studio without having to pay a fee and may receive pictures to use for their portfolio. Although often described as Time for Prints (TFP) it is far more common now for images to be supplied on CD which allows easy use for web portfolios and is therefore known as TFCD (Time for CD). All images taken at a TFP/TFCD/test shoot are still the copyright of the photographer and must not be used or sold without their permission including submission to magazine competitions such as Nuts or Zoo. You may find that you are offered free Time for Prints (TFP/TFCD) shoots which will not cost you other than your time and travel. These are only worthwhile if the photographer knows what they are doing. There is no point wasting time on a shoot if a photographer has no idea how to take, light and compose a photo and is purely using you for training as the results will not be of use for a portfolio.

What does the photographer get from a TFP/TFCD shoot?

A photographer can test out new lighting setups that can't be done on a commercial shoot as the client may have specific requirements for pictures. It also allows photographers to discover new models and enhance their portfolios with more creative images. There is always a demand for new models and test shoots can help them begin. However there is also a risk that the photographer has no idea what he is doing and just wants a model for free to practice taking photos so it is essential that you check examples of their work to ensure it is suitable.
You should always check the quality of work by photographers offering test/TFP shoots and ensure that they carry out the types of modelling you are wanting to do.

NOTE: Remember that even if a shoot is offered on TFP basis there is still a cost to the photographer. Any shoots that are booked with us where the model does not turn up or cancels with less than 48 hours notice will incur a cancellation fee of up to the full cost of the shoot if it had been paid. In most circumstances this is limited to the studio cost/booking fee of £75. You will be invoiced for this amount if you no-show for your booked shoot or will forfeit your booking fee if you fail to turn up.

Why do you offer portfolio test shoots?

We need models for commercial work at the studio and always require new faces for shoots. Portfolio test shoots allow us to find new models that we can then book for future shoots at the studio. We are particularly interested in local models from Kent, Sussex and Essex.

I'm interested in glamour modelling but not sure if I am suitable?

There is no specific look for glamour modelling so let us be the judge of whether you are suitable. Some models who initially thought they didn't have the right look have turned out to be some of the best glamour models. Many photographers want to shoot real, natural models for glamour work so think very carefully before getting a boob job or lots of tattoos as they could affect the amount of work you get.

What is a model release form? Do I need one for modelling?

A model release is a form that formalises the details of a shoot between the model and photographer. In the UK it is not strictly needed as the copyright laws automatically assign all rights to the photographer so a model release will generally restrict photographers usage rights. If you want to be a model then you will normally be expected to sign a model release before or immediately after a photo shoot and normally be asked for proof of ID. We also always ask for a copy of ID such as driving licence or passport to ensure that you are over 18. Much concern over model release forms seems to be misplaced as photographers are within their legal rights to use images from a shoot with or without a release form. If you are not happy about your photos being shown then modelling is probably not the right career for you! Bear in mind that once your photos are published online then it is virtually impossible for them to ever be completely removed from circulation on the internet.

What types of modelling are available for test shoots?

The type of modelling depends on what you are comfortable doing. Our shoots range from fashion to lingerie and FHM style glamour to page 3 glamour depending on the model. However we have very limited test shoots available and potential models that are more flexible with their styles are more likely to be chosen for a shoot.

How do I book a test shoot?

Email with your details to info@photo3.co.uk and a full height and close up face photograph so that we can consider your application. If you don't send a photograph then unfortunately we can't consider your application. The picture doesn't have to be professional quality but allows us to decide if you have a look is suitable.

A test shoot or TFP/TFCD session can last for around an hour depending on the looks we achieve and the number of pictures taken. We can also arrange for a professional makeup artist to complete a stunning makeover for an additional fee. Details are available on request.

What are the Cheapest Ways of Travelling to shoots?

If you are hired for a modelling or portfolio shoot and need to find the cheapest ways of travelling then these are a few tips. Book as far in advance as you can for train, coach or flights. The price can be a fraction of the cost of booking a few days before your travel date. The best websites to use for comparing prices are https://www.qjump.co.uk/ and for flights Ryanair or easyjet can be very cheap. If you are using a car then our recommendation is to consider diesel models. Our preference is for the range from VW and Audi which are both extremely economical and have great performance. Other diesel models are a con being both more expensive than their petrol counterparts and barely any more fuel efficient whereas in our experience the Audi/VW diesel models can return over 60mpg, giving over 600 miles per tank. Using one of these cars can make it a very cheap way to travel even with diesel currently more expensive than petrol.

Scams, Warnings and Model Safety Advice

More advice on avoiding scams and general model help can be found here. Unfortunately the modelling world and associated industries are full of traps and scams that can catch out the unwary potential model. Please make sure you follow basic advice here and on sites such as model safety to avoid become a victim of a scam that could cost you money or risk your safety. We have met models who have sadly fallen for many of these scams please don't add to the list of people affected. We have listed photographer/agency as an interchangeable term below as we have now come across a number of so-called agencies that were just a front for a single photographer. You should also not assume that the person on email is who they say or even the same sex as the name they use. We have seen examples of emails answered by a female name that proved to be from a male photographer.

Received an scam email offering a Fashion Shoot for £3000 pounds for well known brand such as Diesel?

Unfortunately this type of email is a scam to get your details and then for you to cash a fake cheque for them. Well known brands such as Diesel or Coca Cola and genuine agencies will not email potential models directly. This kind of fee is not the level that would be offered to anyone directly off the internet by email, it just doesn't happen like that. The scammers are taking advantage of people wanting to believe that they can make it and have been selected for their looks. The brands, email addresses and amounts may vary but the basis of the scam is the same. Agencies and well known brands do NOT use yahoo or hotmail email addresses to contact potential models. If in any doubt contact the company directly to check if a message is genuine but do not reply to the message and above all DO NOT send any of your details or you will be bombarded with further scams as the scammers sell your details on.

Photographer or Model Agency Contact details

If you are going to a model shoot or meeting with a photographer or agency you should always have details of their contact address and landline phone number. Just because someone claims to be an photographer or model agency does not mean that they actually are one. Don't arrange to meet in a location such as train station or street to then move on to a "studio". A genuine photographer or agency will have an address and landline phone to work from. A common comment is to avoid photographers using internet based email accounts such as Hotmail or Yahoo. However in our experience although these accounts can be set up anonymously they are also extremely useful when you are travelling and allow email to be picked up worldwide. We would recommend only considering this fact in conjunction with other information such as extremely poor pictures, no website or contact details available. For example someone using Hotmail with only a mobile phone number, unwilling to provide an address and no website would immediately ring alarm bells.

Fake Webcam Requests/MSN Messenger Scam Interviews

A genuine agency or photographer will not conduct interviews over MSN or webcam. It is not something that happens in the real world. If a photographer or agency like your photos then they will ask you to attend an interview or test shoot. You are very unlikely to be paid for auditions over webcam so please do not fall for these scams by people pretending to be agencies or photographers. You do not need to send topless or nude photos by MSN or webcam as part of an interview process for any genuine modelling agency.

Chaperones / Parents at shoots

If you are new to modelling or meeting an unknown photographer/agency then it is advisable to take a friend with you. However if you are being paid travel expenses for the shoot don't expect your chaperone to be paid for as well. The person attending the shoot with you should remain in the background and not interfere or they may be asked to leave the studio.

If you are under 18 it is very likely that any genuine photographer will require a parent to attend your shoot with you or provide a suitable chaperone to accompany you to the studio. For any shoot with anyone under 18 we will always require a parent to be present during the entire shoot. We are extremely concerned to hear that Diesel Models in LOndon does not allow parents to accompany their children to shoots at their studios (Blue Rooms, Pure Space, Sugar Rush) in London despite claming they require a parent to attend with anyone under 22 for their safety. This appears to be purely to provide someone able to pay for your photos and not for your protection. One 16 year old girl we have heard about took her mother to a diesel models shoot in London but the mother was not allowed into the studio during the shoot. She subsequently found the photographer had encouraged the girl into glamour shots which could be inappropriate photos for someone of that age. We will not shoot any glamour style work with anyone under 18 and insist that a parent is present throughout any shoots with under 18s.

Websites and Examples of Work

Check any agency or photographer website and see examples of their work. Does it look professional and are the images high quality? Most photographers now have websites to showcase their work and to promote themselves online. If a website address can't be provided you should ask why.

So many people now have digital cameras that you have to be very careful that a photographer is real. As moderator of Purestorm, one of the top UK modeling sites I frequently see examples of people who have no photographic ability claiming to be photographers. Emailed examples of work should be treated with caution as they may not be genuine or produced by that individual. Also check that the photographer does the types of work you want to do - it is no use contacting a fashion photographer if you are looking to do glamour.

Photo shoot locations - Non studio photo shoots

Don't meet in locations such as a train station, deserted buildings or even houses to then go onto a shoot unless you are very experienced. Make sure you have the actual address of the shoot location, ideally a studio along with full contact details for the photographer and take someone with you. For your first shoots it is far better to only work in a recognised studio with full street address provided in advance to avoid possible problems.

Modelling Agency Fees/Paying a Model Agency money

A genuine model agency should earn you money by getting you work - not charge you money to be on its books. Some modelling websites such as Zebra Collection/StandOut Models/Models StandOut appear to be model agencies but are portfolio hosting sites. As of early 2008 their current list of pending work is over 6 months old. Some agencies will accept anyone who pays their fees and make their money from models joining their site. These fees may be shown as charges for Comp Cards but a genuine model agency will earn their money from commission by getting models work. In many circumstances composite (comp) cards are have been replaced by websites. An agency taking on hundreds of people per day cannot possible get sufficient work for them all. Even if an agency takes on 10 people per day (a very low estimate) that is 3600 other people per year that you are competing with which gives an idea of the likely chances of getting work. A mainstream agency may have 30-40 key models on their books that are being placed for work. If an agency makes their money from models joining their books there is no incentive for them to find any work for the model. Most top agencies are very difficult to join so it is a real buzz to be told that an agency want to sign you. Unfortunately some scams prey on this and will accept anyone who is happy to pay to join which is the first warning sign that an agency is not genuine.

How to complain about scam/fake/con model agencies?

If you believe you have been scammed by a company pretending to be a model agency and offering you work if you go for a photo shoot with them which then turns out to be a photo studio selling you a modelling photo shoot then the first place is to contact the company involved to ask for a refund for being missold.

If you have booked via the internet then the distance selling regulations should apply which mean you have a 7 day cooling off period to obtain a refund. With many of these companies the small print may well say that they are not a model agency and will not get you work which means that you need to be very clear what you are applying for. It is not a scam if the company has given you information and you haven't read it, although most people would consider it to be a con or a fake and want to complain about their treatment being conned out of money.

If the company do not resolve your complaint then you can contact the Trading Standards department for the council covering the area where the scam/con took place. For example many of the photo studios operating in London pretending to be a model agency would come under Westminster Council. You can find the contact details for registering your complaint with trading standards by searching the council details via Google or Bing.

Scam and Fake Model Agencies

Ensure that the modelling agency is genuine and has a track record. I have seen recent examples of a so-called agency site where content has been stolen from other sites (see comments from Banana Glamour on the illegal use of their content by Bluebell Models) and judge whether you would work with someone who acts in such a manner. You should judge the style and content of the website and consider whether it gives a professional impression to potential clients. If not then proceed with caution. Some internet sites that appear to be genuine agencies are not - watch out for phrases such as "we are not a modelling agency as we do not find models work" which may be hidden in the small print.

Some makeover shoot companies that appear to trade as model agencies suggest that you have "been specially selected for a photo shoot" which some people allege could mislead you into believing that you have been chosen by an agency when they are just a photo studio only interested in selling you a portfolio photo shoot. Just because someone claims to be a photographer or agency doesn't mean that they are - the internet makes it very easy to hide behind aliases so please check to avoid the scams, cons and rip offs.

More information here about modelling scams, makeover photo shoot complaints and high pressure sales tactics employed by some photo studios in London

To contact us to discuss options for arranging your model portfolio shoot, please use one of the methods below:

e-mail : info@photo3.co.uk

Phone : 07710-444227

Please bear in mind that we receive many emails per day and have to prioritise shoots so an email with incomplete details or emailing your phone number asking to be phoned back is less likely to get a quick response. It will also speed up a response if you send an email from the account you want a reply sent to.

We have no connections with any sites listed or links provided on this page. We recommend that you make up your own mind by asking appropriate questions to ensure any information is relevant to your circumstances. If you are speaking to a company that you believe to be a model agency make sure that they are not a scam and are a genuine modelling agency not a photography studio.

Information may contain change over time or contain errors and should not be relied upon to make any decisions.

We are often asked modelling portfolio questions by potential models who want to know more about modelling and portfolio photo shoots so compiled this Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) guide.

Our pictures are supplied to Celebrity Pictures photo agency. This page has details of model agency scams and information if you need to complain after being ripped off by bogus agencies.

Our main work is with lingerie/glamour models but we do also work with models for portfolio fashion shoots.