Modelling agency - scam or real?

I apologise if I am wrong  but if it is a reputable place that can and does actually get models work they will not ask for upfront fees until you get work there cut then gets paid not before :)

Not quite a scam, but not an agency in the true sense, its a subsidery of a photographic studio
from the website
"Online Models, a subsidiary of Digital Fashion Photography Ltd., was established with the primary objective of providing complimentary guidance and support to aspiring models who are looking to break into the highly competitive modeling industry. Our comprehensive range of services includes assisting models in identifying reputable agencies and casting companies to whom they can independently submit their portfolios. By doing so, these agencies and companies can effectively promote the models and secure paid modeling opportunities on their behalf. Furthermore, we offer an additional service where we thoroughly review and provide constructive feedback on any contracts received by the model. It is important to note that this service is provided completely free of charge, without any obligation to purchase from Digital Fashion Photography or any of its affiliated entities. All we require is the model's dedication to succeed in the modeling industry, their willingness to put in the necessary hard work, and a professional modeling portfolio. "

Hi Courtney, the website is suitably vague but am I correct in that essentially they want to charge you for creating a portfolio?

You might want to take a look at this https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/warning-would-models-dont-fall-24841774

Edited by Allesandro B

Edited by Allesandro B

This is what I would expect to see for a reputable agency - PHA

(Originally Pamela Holt Agency I think, which was one of the main agencies in Manchester during the 1980's)

On their website is a catalogue of available talent for the creative industry - models, actors, make-up & stylists.

BOSS is another Manchester agency which displays a catalogue of it's talent.

This may help find a reliable agency - British Fashion Model Agents Association

Heya, so a golden rule for agencies is if they mention ANYTHING about joining fees then yes, they're a scam. I think some take digitals almost right away for you to basically set up a little port if they immediately wanna hire you, but I know the latter is for certain.

Agencies work on a mutual basis: you join them, they give you work, THEN you both get paid.

Good luck! x

Edited by Laurella Rose

Edited by Laurella Rose

Edited by Laurella Rose

Avoid. As Spike says - it's a subsidiary of Digital Fashion Photography Ltd. A quick search of Companies House shows this is owned by Oliver James, the guy referred to as a 'parasite' in that Mirror article.

I would search all photography/model websites with the person named in Mirror both names in different order too. 

Spike said

Not quite a scam, but not an agency in the true sense, its a subsidery of a photographic studio

Well, it's a scam in the sense that they do not ever deliver what they offer, they use a fake network of agencies who "express interest" while the customer is in the studio and can be pressured into buying more services.

It's a high-pressure sales shakedown, like all of these are.

Chances are good the studio will either be Whitechapel Studios or a Regus-type office in the west end.

The fact that the "portfolio" section is full of stock images is not a good sign.

Edited by Unfocussed Mike

Run for the hills... unless they are coming from the hills in which case, run the other way.

B.

I didn't even look at the website, just the URL alone was enough for me to say it's a scam. 

Then I thought, 'sod it' and looked... stay well clear and, as Buddygb says (he's a wise man) get your trainers on! 

They sound very arrogant, incredibly stupid and looking to share you for a portfolio... agencies don't care about portfolios that she ingrate will charge you thousands for, they care about the right look and a few photos taken from your phone... and these days a sizeable social media following helps. 

Kirk Schwarz said

They sound very arrogant, incredibly stupid and looking to share you for a portfolio. 

They aren't incredibly stupid, unfortunately. They are cunning.

Allesandro B said

Hi Courtney, the website is suitably vague but am I correct in that essentially they want to charge you for creating a portfolio?

You might want to take a look at this https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/warning-would-models-dont-fall-24841774

This perfectly describes the scam that has directed literally hundreds of models here over the years -- because part of their thing is they help you write a biography you could have written yourself and submit it to sites you could have submitted to yourself.

At any one time I could probably find you a dozen recent signups in the greater London area that fit a pattern I recognise and have posted about here over the years.

These guys were particularly voracious during the pandemic.

Unfocussed Mike said

Kirk Schwarz said

They sound very arrogant, incredibly stupid and looking to share you for a portfolio. 

They aren't incredibly stupid, unfortunately. They are cunning.

Allesandro B said

Hi Courtney, the website is suitably vague but am I correct in that essentially they want to charge you for creating a portfolio?

You might want to take a look at this https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/warning-would-models-dont-fall-24841774

This perfectly describes the scam that has directed literally hundreds of models here over the years -- because part of their thing is they help you write a biography you could have written yourself and submit it to sites you could have submitted to yourself.

At any one time I could probably find you a dozen recent signups in the greater London area that fit a pattern I recognise and have posted about here over the years.

These guys were particularly voracious during the pandemic.

It looks as though it describes (names) the people involved in the website the OP is referring to....

Unfocussed Mike said

Kirk Schwarz said

They sound very arrogant, incredibly stupid and looking to share you for a portfolio. 

They aren't incredibly stupid, unfortunately. They are cunning.

Allesandro B said

Hi Courtney, the website is suitably vague but am I correct in that essentially they want to charge you for creating a portfolio?

You might want to take a look at this https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/warning-would-models-dont-fall-24841774

This perfectly describes the scam that has directed literally hundreds of models here over the years -- because part of their thing is they help you write a biography you could have written yourself and submit it to sites you could have submitted to yourself.

At any one time I could probably find you a dozen recent signups in the greater London area that fit a pattern I recognise and have posted about here over the years.

These guys were particularly voracious during the pandemic.

Sorry, stupid when you know what to look for. I'd probably say more manipulative than cunning, I like cunning. 

Wouldn't touch this 'agency' with a barge pole....... portfolio looks vary amateurish 

Another scam (on Facebook) is there is a competition for a boudoir photoshoot. Guess what - you win. You do get the photo shoot; the photos are quite good - but you then have to pay (quite a lot) to get the images. To me, it seems those with a 'poor' body image get sucked into this