Essential Models

Welcome to the Modeling Agency division of Essential Photography and Model Management.

Please be sure to check out the "Events" page to see what's coming up and to find out what's new at the Agency.

Welcome to Essential Models Inc.....

For information on how to submit photos to Essential Photography and Model Management Inc., please see our "Submission Guidelines" section on this website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a reputable Modeling Agency require any money up front?

Do I need professional pictures?

Do I need training to become a model?

Will my agent pay for my training?

Will my agent pay for my pictures?

What about the bad things I read about model search events?

What warning signals should I be on the lookout for?

Do I need a portfolio?

How often do I need to contact my agent?

Do I need to be on a website?

What other fees will I have to pay?

Will a reputable Modeling Agency require any money up front?

No, an Agency will not require money upfront for you to start modeling. However, some expenses that a model will have to cover are photography sessions and composite cards. Modeling is a career. It is not something that is done just for fun and it should be taken seriously.

Do I need professional pictures? YES
As with any job, you need the proper tools to be able to secure work. A portfolio is the models most important tool. Professional photographs that are outstanding will put you leaps ahead of many models.

Do I need training to become a model?
This is a question that is not so easy to answer. You do not need training to become a model. However, without training you could potentially impact your chances for success if you do not know anything about the industry. For example: If you are sent out for a job without training, chances are you won't get asked to work again if you don't have any idea as to what to do and the job goes bad. Only a handful of people can simply step in front of a camera and start working, the rest of us need work.

Will my Agent pay for my training?
This is something that has to be discussed between agent and model in person.

Will my Agent pay for my pictures?
At Essential Models, we will not pay for a models pictures, especially if the model is new to the agency. Many times it happens where a model will come in, pictures will be done and then the model decides that this is really not something he/she would like to do. This could potentially cost an Agency a large amount of money. Having said that, on the rare occasion, we do shoot TFP for certain models.

What about the bad things I read about model search events?
Model search events can be very beneficial, providing you are attending an event that has a good reputation and that has been around for some time. We do not recommend our models attending model search events that start out in a hotel room. Chances are this may be a scam. If you are seriously interested in attending a model search event, contact us directly to discuss it further.

What warning signals should I be on the look out for?

You should be wary of Agents who say things like:

"We can guarantee you work."

     "As soon as you are trained, you'll be working."
     "We are the largest and best equipped school in the country."
     "We'll have you working immediately."

and my personal favorite.....

"You are exactly what we're looking for."

If you hear anything that sounds remotely like this, be cautious.

Do I need a portfolio?

Every model should have a portfolio. The Portfolio is the models #1 tool. Cost for portfolios range depending on quality of product. Essential Models current portfolio price is $120.00 + GST (does not include enlargements).

How often do I need to contact my agent?

You should maintain open contact with your agent, at least once a month (more often if you are working on a plan). Models must take their career into their own hands as well as relying on your agent. For accuracy of your personal stats, you need to contact the Agency every 6 months with your current measurements.

Do I need to be on a website?

It is necessary to be on a website. This will increase your exposure and possibly provide give you with more opportunities. It also helps your agent with overseas contacts. Every agency charges a fee for this.

Essential Models current price for this service is $45.00 + GST for one year on the website. We bill annually for February 1 to January 31.

*Remember, Agents have special access to the Essential website which contains a separate page for every model on the website. This page contains numerous pictures and your stats. If you would like to see your page, make sure you send us an email request and a link to your page will be sent.

What other fees will I have to pay?

There are some expenses that a model will encounter. Next to the portfolio, tests and enlargements, Comp cards are the models business card. Every market will make the model produce a new card at the model's expense. Essential Models current price for this service is $45.00 + GST for 30 cards. There is also a small expense for snapshots and casting videos.