Do I need to pay for professional photographs to send to you?
No, we can tell by simple snapshots if you have potential.

What sort of snapshots should I send?
Clear snapshots of you looking natural and relaxed, on your own. We do not want to see photos of you with your friends on a night out, don’t trowel on the make up and no sunglasses.

But what if I have already paid for a portfolio to be done?
Unfortunately you did not do your research and contact us first. We always advise not to spend any money on having photographs taken without knowing if you have any potential to earn back your initial investment. If you have already attempted to create a portfolio without knowing firstly if you have the potential to work as a model, secondly the knowledge and/or understanding of the industry and what is expected from you as a model and thirdly the markets you are best suited to then we are sorry to say that there is a possibility that you may have already spent a large sum of money on photographs that may not be beneficial to you.

Being in possession of a portfolio that you have created in a day does not qualify you as a model; you also need to have the abilities and skills.

But I thought I needed to have a portfolio?
Yes, as a model you do need a portfolio but it is not achieved in a day, it is built up over several years, by undertaking test shoots with photographers recommended by your agent and later when you are working as a model your work shots. We advise not to go directly to a photographer and spend money on photographs without firstly knowing if you have potential. Think about it a minute…..

You want to be a hairdresser – you therefore go to a hairdresser
You want to be a builder – you therefore go to a building firm
You want to be a model – you go to a photographer – NO!!

How can I tell if I have potential to become a model?
Send your details for us for a genuine honest answer. If you have the right look, you can probably model. Modelling is a result of skills training. If you are tall enough, you could possibly be a fashion model, if not then there are other categories such as commercial and character. It will save a lot of time and heartache if you are honest with yourself. Good skin, teeth and hair and a well proportioned frame are a must.

Do I need training?
Only you can truly answer this; do you have the abilities and skills? How will you feel when you are on your first job and you can not perform?

To enhance your chances of success in any chosen career path you undertake some form of training. So again, think about it a minute….

You want to be a hairdresser – you therefore undertake a hairdressing course
You want to be a builder – you therefore undertake training and apply to a building firm to train as an apprentice on site
You want to be a model – it will be beneficial for you to undertake coaching with The Model Academy, a real, hands on experience that will provide you with good solid foundations to set you on the right road.

Remember, being in possession of a portfolio does not qualify you as a model; you also need to have the abilities and skills. On a photographic assignment you will be expected to perform on your own and without guidance so you must be very competent and confident.

Does The Model Academy coach anyone that wants to become a model?
No, the company is built on ethics. The Model Academy only offers coaching to those that we feel have the potential to work in the industry. It would be unethical of us to provide our services if you do not have potential as we do not believe in giving false hope.

What happens after I have applied?
We don’t mess around; you will get a straight answer either way. If we think you have potential you will receive an information pack containing further details.

Is there a cost for the coaching?
Yes, the cost is £352.50. You may think this is a considerable amount of money, however, you have to look at the bigger picture and compare the amount to the fees you are able to earn as a model; it is possible for you to earn it back in one job. As a model you will be self employed, so you will be able to claim the amount as an expense in your year end accounts.

Why do I have to pay?
Lets put it another way; Why should you receive a high quality service from professionals without paying for their time and expertise? After all it is for your benefit, because you want to learn. I doubt very much you would ask the same question to your dance teacher, horse riding instructor or college tutor. Nobody works for free and I am sure that as a model you will want to be paid for the work you do. The question you should ask yourself is can you afford not to do the coaching if it is something you really to want to do.

What are the costs involved in becoming a model?
As a model you are self employed, therefore running your own business, for which you will need material to advertise your product, the product being you. When you start out modelling there are costs, as there are set up costs for any business and like any new business it takes time for you to get on your feet and start to see the rewards of your investment.

As a model it is your responsibility to provide a model agency with suitable photographs to market you with, an agency can not promote you without any images. Clients choose models from images, so the better the images the better your chances of being booked. As the photographs are for your benefit and are your advertising, you are expected to pay for them. Further information available on model expenditure

But I thought a model agency would pay for my photographs?
Many like to tell people that they are models but are actually only ‘playing at it’ wasting their time, the agencys and the clients. Which is why you will find that very few agencies will fund your career, as in the past many agencies have had their fingers burnt; having invested their time and money in a potential model only for them then to decide they no longer wish to do it.

You may be lucky enough to find an agency that will fund your career initially and then deduct it from your earnings, in which case you will be tied under a contract until you have repaid them. Remember this could mean that you will be working on a number of assignments and not actually receiving any money because you are paying back the agency.

Why should I undertake coaching with The Model Academy?
Because you want to succeed and we want to help you succeed. We offer you the opportunity to enter the industry the right way, a direct avenue into the industry, fast tracking those with potential to legitimate agencies without wasting time and money.

How do I know The Model Academy is legitimate?
It is designed by someone who is bothered by the level of skills lacking in new models and concerned about the welfare of newcomers to the industry.

Each and every creative at The Model Academy is just as passionate about the industry as its founder. All of our professionals have spent many years building very successful careers and all have very good reputations which have taken many years to gain. We would not jeopardise our good name and standing in the industry which has taken a lifetime to achieve.

What if I don’t have potential?
Then hopefully we have saved you from being ripped off and exploited.