Of course, you can respond to adverts for models yourself, but having a reputable agency to represent you and act in your best interests at all times has many benefits.

Firstly, you know they will investigate every client and every assignment carefully, ensuring the safety of their female, male and child models.

Furthermore, they will negotiate a fair fee for you – and ensure you are paid promptly after completion of the booking.

Sadly, we at Models Direct hear all too many sad stories of people who have responded to advertisements for models but never end up getting paid.

An authentic, modelling agency such as Models Direct will not only do all of this on your behalf but will also actively seek work for you.

Any individual or company that is not a legitimate employment agency is not legally allowed to seek work on behalf of those working with it.

• Do I need professional photographs to be a model?
• From Blossoms to Big Smiles – Spring Photography Tips for Child Models
• How do I find modelling work?
• Our Guide to Modelling with Models Direct
• The Ultimate Models Direct Guide to Getting Your Child Into Modelling

Any experienced models or new models who are wondering how to find work should always do their research thoroughly – and should read the small print on any website carefully.

By digging deeper, they may well find that a so-called “agency” is actually nothing of the kind.

Other ways of finding modelling work include networking with other models and putting the feelers out to marketing companies and photographers.

You can also follow the relevant people and organisations on social media and keep an eye on jobs boards.

And please, please remember that even if the job you find has not been offered to you through Models Direct, we are always happy to represent any of our models.

Once you have joined us, you are part of our team and if you see a modelling job that interests you, let us know and we can check it out for you.

We can also negotiate on your behalf and ensure you are paid.

Here at Models Direct, our agents are also always busy receiving requests from our incredible range of clients and finding just the right models to put forward for their assignments.

We build on the strong relationships we have developed over the past 35 years with the many, many companies, brands and organisations that use models.

And we reach out to new clients on a daily basis, pushing out in every direction to find all kinds of different and exciting assignments to offer our models.

Read through some of our other blogs and reviews to find out more about these and what our models enjoyed about them.

Modelling is a competitive industry and – like any genuine agency – we can never fully guarantee to match every model with a job.

But joining a longstanding, reputable agency like Models Direct will give you the very best chance of finding work, while also ensuring you are looked after at all times.

This is what Natalie said after an assignment through us:

“My whole family did a shoot for a global tech company and everything was so perfectly organised.

“The staff members at Models Direct were so helpful, especially Marie, and everyone on set was lovely.

“We had our children with us and we were all looked after so well.

“It was a great experience which we thoroughly enjoyed.

“I would definitely recommend Models Direct!

“Thanks again for the opportunity!”

For more information on finding work with Models Direct please contact us.

Modelling is one of those jobs that welcomes families. More than that, some modelling jobs specifically requires families. And even better news – no one in the family needs modelling experience. And there’s more – family modelling usually demands a higher modelling day rate. What’s not to like for fun-loving, camera-friendly families?

Your family could get into modelling, no question. It’s a very real possibility, and the first step is to make a quick application with us here. After that, we’ll have a look at what your family can collectively offer our clients and then our wonderful booking team will be in touch. It’s counter-productive to make the application process too complicated. All we need is for a family to submit their interest and contact details and we’ll do the rest. If you’re reading this after registering with us, have a quick look at the FAQs to give you a little inside information.

There are many benefits to modelling as a family. Firstly, we’ve mentioned the potential group fee (usually taken charge of by mum or dad). For a family of four, and average fee for a days’ modelling might be £250-£1,000. We’ve seen much larger pay cheques than this, though. A read of our family reviews will tell you that the fabulous Friend family collected £6,000 over seven bookings. This demonstrates that if clients like a model, then they can easily work repeated bookings.

Secondly, modelling is fun. It’s often a new experience and nerves can affect anyone. But once families arrive on set – having been prepped by us – and then speak to the set managers and photographers or film makers, they quickly settle down and thoroughly enjoy being in their modelling environment. Families feed off each other, each member comfortable with their surroundings. Family modelling is hugely rewarding, and they cannot wait for their next job.

Thirdly, modelling families are as natural as they come. There isn’t a great deal of acting on assignment, as a family’s instinct is to be sociable and radiant whenever they come together. It’s what our top clients are looking for: down-to-earth, close-knit families to help them market products to other families.

Fourthly, some of our families have worked abroad. Yes – they have been paid to go “on holiday”! Well, it’s a working assignment, but just try telling the Golding family that. They were chosen for a four-day job in the South of France, starring in a commercial for Oliver’s Travels and their luxury villas. Talk about hitting the jackpot.

If you’re an ambitious family who love to spend time together, modelling is the perfect job for you. It can be done part-time, and the pay is usually great.

Now, to that registration page.

Firstly, we always respond to our models and would-be models, telling them that they WILL get paid.

This is in a marked difference to many of the so-called agencies who either expect you to work for nothing, claiming “this will give you valuable experience” or never actually getting around to paying you.

Yes, we hear about this happening time and time again…

Models Direct is a fully government-registered employment agency.

We operate within the law at all times – and we are experienced, professional and reliable.

This is why we are always happy to be inspected by the government; why our clients return to us time and time again and why our models stay with us.

If you join us as a model, we will be your agent.

We will negotiate your fee on your behalf, discuss it with you before you accept any job and then ensure you are paid swiftly after completing any assignment with us.

How does that sound?

Well, now to the exact amount you are likely to be paid…

Well, this depends on a variety of different factors from how experienced a model is to the amount of time they will be required in front of the camera.

You may be taking part in a day’s shoot where you are needed for one hour or a five-day shoot where you are required for every shot.

Your role may be a simple walk-on part or much more acting may be required and there may be lines to say.

You may have to travel to the shoot (all expenses paid) or it may be right on your doorstep in your home town.

All these factors will be taken into account when we negotiate the fee with the client – and then you can decide whether you are prepared to carry out the assignment for that sum.

Read reviews from our models to see if they feel happy with both the work we offer and the fee negotiated on their behalf.

Here are just a few of them…

Terry said:

“I have just finished a fun photo shoot for the Salisbury group. The views across London were amazing and the crew were even better.

“I always know when I get an assignment from Models Direct that it will run smoothly and we will get paid on time!

“I am a massive fan. Bring on the next job!”

And Beau said:

“My two children loved their first paid photoshoot yesterday.

“All staff were professional, friendly, approachable and thoughtful.

“The communication we received from Models Direct prior to the shoot was faultless.

“The studio and staff exceeded my expectations – toys, snacks and drinks were provided for the children, and the atmosphere was so relaxed.

“They really enjoyed themselves and earned money in the process!

“We are really hopeful for more bookings to follow.

“Thank you Models Direct.”

Tapuwa also felt the work was fairly rewarded:

“I had my first shoot with Models Direct yesterday and I had so much fun.

“It was an all-day shoot for a pretty exclusive client and I’m glad I was part of it.

“I even made a new friend and it’s well paid too!”

To find out more about modelling with us, including the kinds of assignments you might be offered and how we will pay you, fill in our form and we will call you for a chat.

We work with some of the most recognisable brands in the world – McDonald’s, Sky, Sony, Amazon, BMW to name just a few – and we send models to assignments right across the UK and beyond.

Models Direct is as professional an agency as you will find and is justly proud of the reputation it has earned for its professional and efficient service.

Unlike many other organisations (and even individuals) claiming to be agencies, we are government-verified and registered.

We are an inspected and accredited employment agency that focuses on finding paid part-time work for its models.

And we are there to respond swiftly and effectively to source just the right model (or models) for our clients.

You only have to read our many blogs and the wealth of feedback we receive to see just how successful we are at doing this.

Yet there is so much more to Models Direct than simply being a proficient, fast-paced business.

We are also a team of real people, genuine agents who love their jobs and work tirelessly to match models with clients and assignments.

Our team members have all worked with us for years; they know the business inside out and they take pride in the exceptional care and high-quality service they offer everyone.

This includes, of course, our clients, our models and all those other people we liaise with on a daily basis.

Our team members all love the variety of what they do…

One day they could be sending a family along to a local supermarket for a photo shoot – the next they could be discussing flights for male and female models who are jetting off abroad.

As you peruse the reviews our models leave after each assignment, you will gain an understanding of just how much pride our individual team members take in each model and every booking.

Once someone has been offered and accepted a job, our agents will be in touch every time they have additional information to convey and they will be available on the end of the phone if needed.

They will also check in afterwards to make sure the job has gone well and will ensure our model receives the agreed fee within days of completing the assignment.

Models Direct has been a key part of the British modelling agency for more than 30 years now – and we hope to be here, working with you, for another 30 to come.

And what teenager doesn’t like having fun – isn’t that what this period of our lives is all about?

Here at Models Direct, our teen models are aged between 12 and 17 and can be of any background, size, body shape and appearance.

Our clients approach us for teen models in all their wonderful variety – after all, they want real-looking models who reflect our young people as they truly are.

Our teen models might be asked to model teen clothing or other products aimed at their age group or they may be required to form part of a modelling family for a shoot.

Here at Models Direct, we have vast experience of working with babies, toddlers, children and teenagers.

We are fully vetted and accredited by the UK government and are a genuine, registered employment agency.

We understand all the safeguarding issues around working with youngsters and we investigate each and every new client and assignment thoroughly.

We also require our teen models to be accompanied on each modelling job by a parent or guardian.

So, what should you do if you are a teenager or the parent of a teenager who is interested in modelling?

Firstly, we would ask both parents and potential models to read the reviews left for us by our existing teen models and their parents.

This will give you all a good insight into the kind of work we offer and what our models and their families think of it.

Then, if you are interested, fill in our form and wait for us to get in touch.

Please note down any questions you might have to be sure you feel our friendly agent has answered all of your queries during the discussion.

If we decide your teenager is suitable – and you decide we are the agency you are looking for – then we will give you an e-portfolio.

This completely secure portal is where you or your teen can regularly upload images so we can see exactly what they look like at any given time.

This is vital – especially with teenagers who change so often – as we can only put young people forward for work if we can see their photographs are recent.

If this is the case, then when clients approach us for a teen model meeting your younger’s description we will include them in a selection for the client to choose from.

Our teen models love having new experiences with us.

After his very first assignment, Rashan told us:

“As this was my first modelling assignment I didn’t know what to expect but Models Direct put me at ease from start to finish.

“I was given all the information I needed to understand what was expected of me and what I could expect on the day.

“Everyone was very friendly and it was a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

“I really enjoyed the whole experience and can’t wait for my next shoot!”

And Rianna said:

“I was a bit nervous to be working with other people who were older than me, however, once I got there and met everyone, it was so fun.

“It was so exciting and I had lots of fun meeting new people.

“It is something that I would be very happy to do again and again.

“The most enjoyable part of the assignment was getting to meet other models like me who were doing their first job as well.”

To find out more about teen modelling, fill in our form.

Many models love to model because of the sense of accomplishment. Some adore modelling because it breaks up their routine; many model with us as a part-time activity, which suits some people perfectly. Being the star of the shoot appeals to several models, who enjoy being in the limelight amongst the photographers or filmmakers under studio lights. All these are understandable, but we know not many people would model without a nice pay cheque at the end of the day.

So, we appreciate that earning money is important. After all, as the largest modelling agency in the country, we earn money from our duties. The burning question for models everywhere is: “How much money could I earn?”

It’s a question that we can easily answer, but with lots of answers. That’s because different modelling jobs come from different clients, all with different budgets. Remember – we collect our client’s payment before each and every job, so it means we have, in effect, collected our model’s fees before they’ve even started their assignments. That fee is largely dependant on the type of job (simple photoshoot, acting role, film etc) but – most crucially – the client.

It stands to reason that a model can expect to earn slightly more working for a larger client than a smaller one with a limited budget. Whatever the amount a model will earn, we always have it “in the bank”, so that means we can pay our models very promptly, unlike some agencies who might pay their employees after one or two weeks.

Getting down to the brass tacks – but how much? It could range from £70 – £100 for just an hour’s work, or up to £300 for a day’s work. For a family booking, it could be as much as £500 for a day’s work. That figure is possible for some our Starpets, too. For more pet fees, please click here. The key is the client.

To give precise examples, our wonderful model Neri collected a £700+ fee for her work with Ideal World TV way back in 2018; she’s since earned thousands of pounds in her starring role.

Ever since our wonderful Friend family had been our books they’ve earned over £6,000 over 7 assignments – quite an achievement and a pretty good fee per job.

We’re very open in revealing our model’s fees – providing we get their permission, of course. Readers can view some more modelling fees to give some idea of how fees can vary from model to model, client to client.

Just a note on why we take photos of models with cheques. Simply, we like to revel in their success, and showing people the reward of their success is more effective than saying we paid directly them into their bank accounts. Our models seem to like posing with cheques, too!

Being prepared will help you feel more confident and at ease and as a result you are sure to enjoy the whole experience much more.

This means having a clear understanding of where you need to be on the day, when and whether you need to dress in a certain way or bring anything.

Our highly experienced Models Direct agents will ensure you know all of this but do ask them any questions and heed their advice.

Furthermore, it is also worth preparing for the specific character role if possible as this will also help you to feel more relaxed.

Here are some of our tips for getting into character:

• Find out as much as you can about the role. This isn’t always possible but our team members may have an idea of the part you will be playing in the film or photo shoot. Are you a member of a family, someone at work or a passerby, for example? Will you be posing for still photographs or acting in a film – how big will your part be? And, if you are being filmed, will you have anything to say?

• Once you know more about your role, then do your research. Spend time browsing the internet, finding images and watching video clips of people doing what you will be doing. Even if you will be doing something as simple as walking down a street pretending to be a shopper, keep your eye out for people playing the same part on television.

• Get out and about too. Watch real people doing the things you will be doing. Look carefully at the expressions on their faces as well as the way they move. Perhaps you are going to be a builder on a construction site or an assistant in a supermarket. How do they concentrate on what they are doing? What are their facial expressions?

• Do you know anyone who in real life does what you are going to do? Or have they done so in the past? If you are going to play the part of a groom in a wedding ceremony but have never been married, then ask a friend how they felt when they tied the knot. Are you going to model as a mother with three children in the park but don’t have youngsters yourself, again, talk to someone who does.

• Take time out to practise in front of the mirror. Practice facial and body poses if you are taking part in a still photography shoot or move about, act and speak if you are to be in a film. Pretend you are that person and emulate the expressions and mannerisms of the people you have seen on screen or about you.

• Finally, ask a family member or friend to take some pictures of you or to film you while you are in character – or use a tripod and do it yourself. Then spend time looking at the photos or final video and think about how you could improve or enhance the character you are playing.

Remember, however, not to get too anxious about your role as there will be plenty of people there on the day to help and support you.

Other models will be playing their parts, which will help you to play yours.

The director, photographer or lead crew member will give you lots of instruction and you may have a costume or make-up that will also help you to get into character.

Contact your agent at Models Direct too if you are worried as they are there to help you.

Read the reviews from our other models – hearing how much they enjoyed their experience of taking on another character, will help you to ease into your more.

And most of all, remember to have fun!

This is what Maria told us after an assignment through Models Direct:

“When I was shortlisted to take part in this assignment to be an extra on Doritos Christmas commercial, I was really excited as I didn’t know what to expect.

“When I arrived on set I was quite nervous to find out what my role was. My role was to take a selfie at a Christmas party.

“Once I got into character I really enjoyed it and started having fun with it.

“It was a great atmosphere and the best part for me was the final part of the party where everyone was dancing and rocking to the live band performing.

“I would definitely recommend signing up to Models Direct even if it’s just for the experience of being part of a great production.”

And the thought of seeing the final photographs or film footage generated from a shoot is also something to keenly look forward to.

Here at Models Direct, we love to see the final images or video too – in fact, nothing gives us greater pleasure than seeing just how well our models did on an assignment with us.

This is why we always encourage our clients to send them through to us if at all possible.

When photos and film arrive with us we love to share them with our models or their parents.

And, of course, we also like to use them on our social media platforms and online on occasion as well.

It is important to us to celebrate the work our models have done and to give would-be models and clients a taste of the projects we are involved in.

We might use examples of photos or clips of films in our blogs and in the main body of our website so everyone can see just some of the results of modelling with us.

Unfortunately, however, not all clients are able to send final images or video through to us and while this is unfortunate it is not something that is within our control.

Sometimes we are able to track down the final images or footage ourselves, perhaps when it appears online or in a publication.

If one of our models has been employed for a major national campaign, for example, then we are likely to see it when it goes live.

Our models themselves might also be told by the client during the assignment when and how the images or footage from the booking will be used.

Models Direct has been a leading and respected player in the industry for over 30 years now and as such we have a deep understanding of how the modelling business works.

We are a fully government-vetted and accredited agency and we have developed strong relationships with major national and international clients over the years.

We love to promote the work we do and highlight the great projects our models are involved in, which is why we do our absolute best to obtain final photos and film if we can.

But, at the end of the day, even if this is not possible, then we are always pleased to have feedback from our models so we can hear how they found the experience.

And as long as they are happy and our clients are happy with how the shoot went, then we will be happy too.

While at Models Direct we receive a steady stream of requests every day from clients seeking a wide range of models for all sorts of bookings, we can never predict who we may be asked for – or when.

As a fully vetted, government-registered employment agency, our job is also to actively seek work for those on our books – and this is what we do.

But whether a client has approached us about an assignment or we have sourced work for some of our models, the final choice as to who goes along to the booking is always made by our client.

So what can you do to improve your chances of being picked?

Well, to start with you have to be on our books in order to be put forward on any shortlist.

This means making the decision to join us and then waiting to see if any of our clients require someone like you.

If they do, then you will be in with a good chance of being selected by us and put forward to our clients.

Our clients examine the shortlist we provide them with and decide who they would like.

And if you are on that shortlist then, of course, you are in with a chance.

We have clients seeking all sorts of people from babes in arms up to mature models. They want male models, female models, child models, teen models and plus-size models.

They want models who look like everyday members of the public, as well as people who stand out because they have an unusual or interesting appearance.

We have models who join us and happen to be chosen within days and others who may have to wait weeks or months before being offered their first assignment.

Those who wish to further their chances even more can then ensure they keep their e-portfolio up to date with recent photography.

Models with a full, varied and recent collection of images not only showcase themselves well to us and our clients but also reveal how eager they are to work and attend assignments.

We can also rely on the fact that our models will still look as they do in their most recent photos and will not therefore disappoint the client if chosen.

Finally, we ask our models to make sure all their details are correct and up-to-date on their e-portfolios.

If you change your phone, you must give us your new number or we won’t be able to reach you.

If you are an adult and your body shape changes then we need your new measurements.

If you are the parent of a child model, then we need to know if your little one has shot up.

If we can see the parent of a junior model has not updated the e-portfolio for a time, we will be hesitant about putting that particular child forward for a job in case they no longer match requirements.

While waiting does require patience, it really is worth reading through all the reviews from our other models who waited a while before being selected.

And then to see that many of these models go on to be offered more and more assignments.

Models Direct offers part-time modelling work to those who want to be paid to have fun.

And it is certainly true to say that good things often come to those who wait!

Yes, the whole point of being represented by an agency like ourselves is that we will take the weight on our shoulders when it comes to promoting you, seeking the kind of work you are looking for and negotiating the best fee for each assignment.

So where do you begin?

First, be very sure that modelling is for you.

Read the reviews on our website from other models and find out more about the kinds of assignments we send those who work with us on by reading our blogs.

Spend a little time thinking about whether you would enjoy this kind of part-time work.

If you think it could suit you, then read on…

Firstly, ask a friend or relative to take some good, sharp shots of you, then fill in our form and send us one.

If you already have professional photos, please feel free to upload one of those – but if not, then we are very happy with home snaps, as long as we can see you clearly.

One of our professional team members will then give you a call to explain all the ins and outs of working with us.

You can ask them any questions you like and they will do their best to help you.

They will explain that we never guarantee to be able to place any of our models in work because it is our clients, not us, who make the final choice for each booking.

Once you have joined us you will be asked to keep your e-portfolio up to date in order to give yourself the best chance of being selected for the kinds of jobs you would like to accept.

If you are chosen, we will call you to explain more about the assignment – and you can decide whether or not you would like to go along.

As a fully vetted, registered government employment agency, we adhere to all the necessary rules and regulations for placing models in work.

We also go that extra mile in investigating each and every assignment and new client and in supporting our models as the booking approaches.

And you only have read a handful of reviews from those who have worked with us to see just how far we go!

For example, Monique said:

“It was my first ever job and I was so excited – practiced in front of the mirror until I got to the venue. I was nervous, but as time progressed I got more confident.

“When I sat in front of the camera, I was so shy but the model who was there with me was talking to me which helped to overcome the anxiety.

“The Models Direct team was great – they assisted and directed me in preparation in front of the camera.

“Overall, the shoot went well and I can’t wait to do more jobs with Models Direct.”

Gary said:

“Initially I was nervous as this was going to be my first proper model assignment.

“I had received full information about the shoot and Gemma from Models Direct had called me a few days before to go through the itinerary which put me at ease. 

“The client was great they were very welcoming and made me comfortable.”

And Keith told us:

“This was my very first experience working with Models Direct and the whole experience was fabulous.

“From the initial booking enquiry to the shoot itself, I personally found the whole process flawless.

“Gemma kept me personally updated prior to the shoot of how the day would run, which I found very reassuring.

“The shoot day itself was fabulous – a great atmosphere and a great team carrying out the shoot.

“A bonus was also the wonderful people I met who were also on the shoot.

“As far as I’m concerned it’s a five from me, well done Models Direct!”