Who Not to Network With

Videos by college students - for college students...

The world of modeling is filled with many scammers and you will meet them. Associating with these people will not help your career and might even harm it. Many of them target new or inexperienced models in order to take advantage of them financially, sexually and professionally. There are good and bad modeling agents and good and bad photographers. Many agencies are bad in small towns because they cannot earn enough money legitimately - so they scam aspiring models to pay their rent.

Be wary of agents if you are just getting started in modeling.

Modeling is a brutal business. Agents are salesmen who market you as a product. They are often cold and dollar oriented. Some agents are disreputable people who only want to separate aspiring models from their money. So beware of anyone you meet who tells you he or she is an agent.

Locate big-time photographers – who really hire models - not amateur photographers.

There are lots of so-called photographers out there, but only a few have genuine contacts in the retail or marketing industries. Only real pros can help your career.

Ask for references from any photographer who shows an interest in you. Ask for the names of companies or models he or she has worked with in the past. Then, check out these individuals.

Focus on networking with the "right" people.

Don’t pass up an offer, but don’t just quit networking when the first one comes along. This individual making the offer may just be preying on a lack of experience and an abundance of trust and ambition.

Believe advice from other male models, not agents.

This is the most important tip of all. Talk to guys your own age who have experience in front of a camera. These are your best sources for learning how the industry works. Make friends with other dudes who are involved in modeling and were in your shoes at one time.