Always be on the lookout for villainous scammers who prey on your desire to be famous or rich. We list some key precautions teenagers should take if they are in the modeling industry.
1. Vulgar or Over Revealing Photo Shoots
This has the potential to escalate into a very big problem such as using it for illegal pornography, threatening your dignity and extorting money from you, a potential for rape etcetera. Nude photography is a very artistic form of photography which only professional models can handle, and modeling agencies will never engage in such photography for newcomers or teenagers. Even if so, there will be proper paperwork and processes that need to be observed first before they are done. So a teenager should never succumb to sweet words or threats. You never have to reveal too much skin as well, so voice out the moment you feel uncomfortable.
2. Location of Modeling Agencies
If you agency is located on a dead street or a dark alley without many people around that could be a sign of a shady or illegitimate agency. Before you travel to an agency, you must research on their work and office location. Read up on their models' testimonials and make sure you trust them before you physically go there.
3. No Contract and Guaranteed Jobs on the first day
Some markers of a fake agency are they might take your personal details, but they will have no contract or they might offer you a job on the first day itself. This is particularly a problem, because any job offers take times, as they have to deal with their respective clients and so as their demands. Agencies have to facilitate this process, and will first be busy creating a good model out of you rather than giving you jobs instantly. Do not buy into scams easily.
4. Making Appointment at odd hours
A normal professional modeling agency functions in the day and mostly during office hours. Anytime at night after 10pm is definitely a cause for suspicion. Make your appointments during the day for your safety.
5. Parental Consent
If you are a teen below 18 years old, then a credible agency should require you to bring along your parent(s) to the interview too and would seek their consent together with yours. If not done so, it can be assumed the agency is doing so to make you a more vulnerable target for their benefit. But whatever your age, it is good to let your parents know about your modeling venture and get their support for your work too.
6. Research
This goes without saying but do proper research on all the modeling agencies you intend to apply for. Poor online presence, not having modeling reviews or testimonials, too many bad reviews on the agency online are all immediate red ticks. Try to also get hold of friends or people whom you might know have been engaged with that agency and listen to their experiences. You should be able to know the credibility of the agency you are engaging with.
