Is Edge Model Agency a Scam / Dynamic Models Scam/Who are Models Divine?

Questions about Edge Models/Modelling Extras/Dynamic Models/Divine Models
(plus photo studios, model agencies, model portfolios, modelling scams)

Are Edge Models any good? Do Edge Models get any work? How much do Edge Models pay? Are Edge Models and Dynamic Models the same agency?

NOTE : Edge Models are NOT the same as Edge Model Management. Edge Model Management are not connected to the scam model agency called Edge Models in London. Click here for more info on Edge Model Management Edge Model Management were not Dynamic Models or Divine Models, they are a totally separate organisation that actually gets models work and makes money from commission not charging models for portfolio shoots.

The people behind Edge Models now appear to be trading under a new name: Models Divine Modelling Management or Divine Models. The way they operate appears to be identical to the way Edge Models worked and they even have exactly the same website content down to the false and untrue information they claim about copyright requiring you to pay for your photos. Paying for a professional photo shoot DOES NOT give you the copyright to your photos!

Edge Models claim to be a model agency in London. Their address has been linked with many other agencies such as Dynamic Models/Model Essence that stopped trading in 2009 but still has a website running. See Edge Models & Extras UK Agency thread on Model Mayhem

Click here for the Edge Models complaints about the information on the Edge Models website . Edge Models are giving out fake, misleading and false information about copyright of photos on their website and to their clients. Is this to promote the photo shoots that they sell to models?

"You do not need to buy copyright of photos. The advice from Models Divine is totally wrong."

Edge Models state that you need a professional photo shoot to own the copyright of your photos. This is totally untrue and this seems to be a scam by Edge Models to sell photo shoots to models. Paying for a professional photo shoot DOES NOT give you the copyright to your photos! Most models do not need to own the copyright of their photos; all you need is to be able to use the photos which is very different legally. Does this mean that Edge Models is a scam to sell you photos?

The Edge Models website is registered to a company called Model Essence Ltd. This company ceased trading in 2009. The contact details for Edge Models are for a company called One Step Ahead Ltd. This company ceased trading on 18/1/2011 and used to run Dynamic Models. The Dynamic Models website is now unavailable. Would you trust a company that keeps changing its name and ceasing trading?

Edge Models have as recently as Feb 2011 created a new website registered using Dynamic Models email address and the details of a company that has been closed down - the mark of a genuine agency or is Edge Models a scam?

"Companies behind Edge Models have been repeatedly closed down for breaking UK trading laws."

As of 18 Jan 2011 the company behind Edge Models are breaking UK trading laws as their company is in liquidation and is not legally allowed to trade any more. Edge Models are also operating illegally under UK trading laws by not displaying their company registration details on their website. This is information legally required to protect customers - yet Edge Models are not showing it - what do they have to hide? The fact their company has stopped trading perhaps?

Edge Models / Modelling Extras have also been posting fake and scam replies on Yahoo Answers to pretend that they have got work from models. Notice how all the replies are posted on the same day from profiles that have only posted once and only ever posted about Edge Models. Would you think that Edge Models created all these fake profiles to pretend that they get models work?

The names of companies/businesses linked to Edge Models/Dynamic Models

Model Essence, Modelling Extras, Dynamic Models, One Step Ahead Ltd, Model Goals, Modelling Goals, Edge Models and Extras, Edge Modelling, Essence Models, Model Essence Ltd

Edge Models are also breaking the UK Data Protection Act by collecting information on models when they are not registered with the ICO.

"Companies behind Edge Models are breaking UK laws by not being registered under Data Protection Act"

What Edge Models/Modelling Extras/Edge Modelling say - our views

Edge Models say "You will receive a refund of your deposit if you turn up for your shoot."

Models attending the shoot at Skylite Makeover studios have reported that the deposit has not been returned if they did not purchase any photos. If this happens to you report it to your bank and trading standards. You can cancel the shoot within 7 days of booking it under the Distance Selling Regulations. Edge Models may claim that this does not apply as it is a leisure activity. This is untrue as they are clearly promising you joining their agency as a result of the shoot. Edge Models are breaking UK trading laws as the company behind them stopped trading on 18 Jan 2011.

Edge Models say"it will be your responsibility to pay for the portfolio as you’ll ultimately own it, the copyright and thus around 80% of the income from the photos should a client wish to use them for their campaign"

This is the most ridiculous statement. Models do not need to own copyright of their portfolio. Model agencies do not sell photos of their models; the chances of selling any of your portfolio photos are NIL. Companies just do not buy photos from model agencies and makeover portfolios shots are of no use to anyone wanting to promote a product. Model agencies should be getting work for their models not selling them over priced portfolios that they do not need. If Edge models are suggesting that models can really make money from selling their porfolio photos then they are scamming models.

Edge Models say" Please note that in reaching this far, it essentially means that as long as you acquire yourself a portfolio from the studio, you are guaranteed to be accepted onto our books as a model."

We say - it is very misleading and against government regulations to insist that you have to buy a portfolio from their studio to be guaranteed onto their books. If they will accept ANYONE who pays for the portfolio regardless of their chances what does that say about them as an agency!

Edge Models say" Edge Models & Extras Agency requires a minimum of 5 pictures & a maximum of 40. This will enable the agency to select your best 30"

30 photos in a modelling portfolio is WAY over the top especially when they are from a single shoot at one studio. The only reason they seem to be specifying this number is purely to increase their sales of photos. A modelling portfolio should ONLY include your best photos not padded out to 30 to boost their sales commission.

Edge Models say"We will pass your name to a blacklist with other model agencies if you do not turn up"

Edge Models are not a real agency and no genuine agency would listen to them. If they did do such a thing then they would be breaking the UK Data Protection Act and would be liable for prosecution - it is a completely empty threat and shows the type of people behind Edge Models. There is no central register of models so Edge Modelling cannot pass the details on. If anyone is threatened by Edge Models in this way then they should report them to Trading Standards and to the UK Data Protection Registrar.

Edge Models / Model Essence /Essence Models all operate from the same address and all have ceased trading

Edge Modelling Agency, One Step Ahead Ltd, 2nd Floor 145-157, St John Street, London, EC1V 4PY - stopped trading in 2011
Essence Models, Model Essence Ltd, 2nd Floor 145-157 St John Street , London EC1V 4PY - stopped trading in 2009

On Google Ads Edge Models say: "Want to do Modelling?
Over 18? We’ll make it happen.
No fees. Start earning good money!
www.edgemodels.co.uk

An experienced model has posted "Remember, legitimate agencies do not advertise online, have banner ads, sponsored ads, etc. Legiitmate agencies NEVER mention photography until after you've been to their office 2-3 times and the agency did their own test shoot at NO charge to you. Legitimate agencies and photographers do not ask for deposits - I've worked in the industry for 13 years and have never heard of a model paying a deposit."

If you have a question about modelling scams and want independent advice we would recommend one of the modelling sites like Purestorm, Net-Model or Model Mayhem, but make sure you have the correct website as some scam model agency companies are creating similar sounding names. To avoid legal action against any of the sites you should avoid calling any of the photo studios that appear to be model agencies a scam as they operate within the law. As with many things it is what they don't tell you that is more important that what they do say!

Unlike Edge Models a real model agency does not need to advertise on Google for models; they have queues of would-be models that apply without needing to advertise.

Edge Models state on their website that "The UK modelling industry is akin to an island surrounded by an ocean full of sharks out to take your money. There are numerous companies out there who portray themselves as companies out to give independent modelling advice yet, in doing so, ask you to come in (having paid them a deposit of course) so they can see whether you have modelling potential. "

Yet this is exactly what Edge Models themselves do! Edge Models send applications to photo studios SkyLites Makeover Studios or Model Goals for their "model assessment" We are not aware of any genuine agency that uses a photo studio to conduct assessments of models applicants and to sell them portfolio photos. Real model agencies make their own judgements on which models they want to represent - they do not rely on photo studios to do this for them. A genuine model agency will do this assessment before considering sending the models to a photo shoot - it should never be a condition of being signed to an agency.

Edge Models Complaints, Is Edge Models a scam?
Edge Modelling Agency give False and Untrue Information

Click here for the Edge Models complaints about the information on the Edge Models website . Edge Models are giving out fake, misleading and false information about copyright of photos on their website. Is this to promote the photo shoots that they sell to models?

"You do not need to buy copyright of photos. The advice from Edge Models is plain wrong."

Edge Models state that you need a professional photo shoot to own the copyright of your photos. This is totally untrue, both legally and factually and Edge Models only appear to be saying it to sell photo shoots to models. Paying for a professional photo shoot DOES NOT give you the copyright to your photos! Most models do not need to own the copyright; all you need is to be able to use the photos which is very different legally. Does this mean that Edge Models is a scam to sell you photos?

A genuine model agency ought to know exactly what the status of photo copyright is - which begs the question why do Edge Model Agency not know this basic information? Are Edge Models really a model agency? Model agencies do not sell photos of their models; they are meant to get models work.

The people behind Zebra Collection have started a new company now called Replay Models.

Edge Models clearly state on their website that the portfolio shoot with them is £300+ but that they will not guarantee any work for anyone that joins them. Is this just an excuse for Edge Models to be able to sell you an expensive modelling portfolio photo shoot?

Edge Models send you to Skylite Studios in London but strangely companies House show that Skylite Studios is no longer a trading company and was liquidated in 2010. There are many complaints that Skylite Makeover Studios are a rip off as they are a makeover studio offering competition prizes of free shoots - exactly the type of makeover photo studio that Edge Models advise you not to use? Do different rules apply when they are getting your money?

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.
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.

"You do not need to pay for a portfolio to apply to a modelling agency."

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 Dynamic Models Agency London 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.

"Paying a fortune for a modelling portfolio does not guarantee work or agency representation."

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 have now changed their name to Guava Talent Management. 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 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. 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.

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

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.

This is the most ridiculous statement. Models do not need to own copyright of their portfolio photos. Model agencies do not sell photos of their models; the chances of selling any of your portfolio photos are NIL. Companies just do not buy photos from model agencies and makeover portfolios shots are of no use to anyone wanting to promote a product. Model agencies should be getting work for their models not selling them over priced portfolios that they do not need. If Edge models are suggesting that models can really make money from selling their porfolio photos then they are scamming models.

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

"You do not need to buy copyright of photos. The advice from Edge Models is legally incorrect."

Models and Modelling Portfolio Questions Model agency questions and Modelling Photo shoot prices

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.

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.

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.

Modelling Portfolio test shoots

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.

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.

Facebook Scams : Photographer or Model Agency Contact

We have been made aware that individuals are posing as Photo3/Models3 employees to scam potential models on Facebook. We only ever use Photo3 email addresses - not Hotmail or Yahoo accounts and do not request photos to be sent by email or via MSN. Please contact us via our contact page to alert us to any scams using our name.

If you are contacted on Facebook by someone supposedly representing a big model agency or photo studio then make sure that you get ALL their details so that you can check. In general major companies DO NOT recruit models via Facebook. Any email addresses provided should be for the company NOT a hotmail, live or Yahoo account.

We have found fake photographers and agencies on Facebook pretending to be from Photo3. If you receive any message from us then it will be from an email account at photo3.co.uk. If you have any doubts that an email from us is geniune or need to check out any contact received then send a message to info@photo3.co.uk

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. Someone using Hotmail with only a mobile phone number, unwilling to provide an address and no website would immediately ring alarm bells.

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.

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 relevant questions to ensure any information is relevant to your circumstances. 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.

Modelling Scams info and Glamour/Fashion Model Portfolio Shoots

modelling portfolio info and model agency scams

Is Edge Model Agency a Scam / Dynamic Models Scam/Who are Models Divine?

Questions about Edge Models/Modelling Extras/Dynamic Models/Divine Models (plus photo studios, model agencies, model portfolios, modelling scams)

What Edge Models/Modelling Extras/Edge Modelling say - our views

Scams, Warnings and Model Safety Advice

Questions about Edge Models/Modelling Extras/Dynamic Models/Divine Models
(plus photo studios, model agencies, model portfolios, modelling scams)