And in this latest blog, we’ve got an announcement to make:

Families, we need you to sign up with our agency so that you can enjoy our family modelling services, as our lovely families have done too. You don’t need to be a traditional family to apply nor do you all have to be part of the package if anyone decides to opt out.

Our agency’s viewpoint is: whatever your formation is as a family if you’re happy, we’re happy. Nor do you need to have previous modelling experience. All you need is a passion to work together, be professional but enjoy yourselves and be ready to try something new every time your family is selected for a modelling assignment.

If this sounds like something your family would like to try, then you’re at the right place because Models Direct can help represent you and put you forward for work.

• 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

Here are some of the reasons why we need you!

The demand for family models is high among our clients
Clients want families to make their marketing more relatable and impactful
Families are a great structure of society to tap into appealing to a target audience by building trust and enhancing an emotive narrative.

We’ve got a lot of models in our books but we believe that we can never have too many families who are willing to join us either. Every family is different – in looks, age, size, and ethnicity and we appreciate all the differences.

Here are some of our current superstars, alongside the three mentioned at the beginning, who’ve been part of successful campaigns:

The Friend family
The Burton Family
The Karlsen family
The Sanghera family
The Goulding family
The Simpson family
The Agyemang Family
The Bakshi family
The Moore family
The Grimsditch family
The House family
The Rizkalla Family
The Walton family
The Ezobi family
The Norwood family
The Coombs family
The Vadlir family
The Saddigh Family
The Yusuf family
The Tavares family
The Dawson family
The Harewood family
The Vyakaranam Family
The Hillier family
The Bond family
The Priestley family
The White family

There are certainly quite a few families, and they all deserve a shout-out for the brilliant work they’ve done with our UK-based modelling agency. We’ve collected feedback from so many of them and here’s a compilation of what they’ve had to say about working with our team.

The Bakshi left us with this review:
“Ace and I really enjoyed shooting for TFL. Molly’s communication was flawless prior to the shoot & all the team on the day were very lovely & accommodating – we had great fun wearing the outfits and they even gifted Ace with a cute pair of dinosaur wellies! Excited to see how the pictures turn out and really looking forward to our next job J”

Whilst the Rizkalla family shared this:
“We had a really lovely time at the booking. The videographer and photographer were really friendly and gave lots of constructive direction. The director kept time and made everything run smoothly and efficiently. They were all very kind and professional, very considerate and patient of our daughter on set. The venue for the shoot was beautiful, luck was with us and the weather was absolutely amazing. We were fed and watered throughout the day and my daughter was even given a little freebie at the end of the day. It was hard work but the whole family had a lot of fun.”

Our team loves connecting new and existing family modelling units with all sorts of campaigns. We’re very proud that we wake up doing a job that we love, and hopefully, you’ll share some of this positive energy with us by placing yourselves in front of the camera and readying your family for a new modelling adventure! Sign up or if you have any questions, contact our team.

Maximise your relationship with us

We’re here to always help and support you which is why we encourage you to approach our Models Direct specialist coordinators any time. It’s our job as a modelling agency to provide our models and clients with comprehensively led, tried and tested services. Our goal is to satisfy your representation needs but it doesn’t stop there. We encourage you to communicate with us actively. We’ll never get bored or tired of listening to you. That’s our promise.

It’s important to us to know your expectations as a model and client. It’s not just about us. You play a big role in building our agency, so talk to us. Goals, new skills, your interests in modelling divisions and clients and models you’d like to work with – let us know. For models, we ask for your feedback after working on your assignment, but you can request our clients’ feedback about you too. It can be a bit nerve-wracking to learn how our clients feel towards your modelling skills but it’ll help shape your progression into your modelling career. Constructive feedback is a good learning curve across all professions and as a Models Direct model, it’ll benefit you moving towards more assignments.

Expand your skills

As you already know, modelling doesn’t just rest at being in front of a camera, it stretches beyond that with promotional modelling. Other interesting skills our agency is on the lookout for are acting, dancing and singing to name but a few. Our “Feature Me” section includes a spotlight on our models’ online profiles for clients to see. If you’re looking for January to look differently from your previous years, then set a goal for learning a new skill to help your self-development. From anything like football skills to learning a new language, start setting something up so you can stand out from the crowd.

Are you interested in taking a worthy cause to the next level?

We’re all passionate about something [or several things in life]. Whether it’s promoting charitable causes for the planet or people or both, there’s something we can all do to help. If you haven’t been able to explore ways you can participate, perhaps this January is your chance to do just that. Not only will this help you grow as a person, giving you the opportunity to be hands-on and proactive, but network with others and learn more about what you can do and where you can help. It’s a rewarding investment.

There’s a lot you can do this January and we say that once you’ve established your goals and what you’re hoping to achieve, start setting it up in the first month so you can start as you mean to go on. You can make it a productive 2025 so dive into different areas to elevate not only your personal growth but as a model too!

We offer paid, part-time work to a range of different models who may be seeking all sorts of different modelling work.

From lifestyle and commercial modelling to promotional modelling work, our assignments also vary between jobs of just a few hours up to work for several days.

Our clients come to us with bookings that are right here in Oxford, as well as jobs that may be in area parts of the UK or even abroad.

Once models are signed up with us, they may be put forward to any client offering the kind of work they have requested and requiring a model of their age, look and body type.

Our clients then make the final decision as to who they would like and then we discuss the job, the fee and all other details, including duration and location, with the chosen model.

It is entirely up to our model whether or not they would like to accept the booking.

We have child and teen models on our books who are still at school, as well as students at college or university.

We have female and male models who have full or part-time jobs, families to look after and busy social lives.

They all accept work from us as and when it fits in with them – after all, it has to be right for them, as well as for us and the client.

One of our young male models accepted an assignment modelling football kit for Oxford United.

This is what he told us afterwards about how modelling for Models Direct works for him.

“Models Direct is absolutely easy to deal with and leaves any model (beginning, starting out in the industry or professional) at ease.

“They plan and book everything, which makes being a freelance model a lot easier.

“It also makes keeping a part-time job or working full-time much more realistic.

“I really embrace the process of Models Direct.”
Apply here to find out more about working with us.

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.

Instead of placing images up to cut corners, humans are keeping it real

You may or may not already know but showcase agencies can only literally do what their name suggests – showcase models’ images online or in print. Their capacity as an agency quite literally and legally stops there and moves no further. For them, it’s all about waiting and seeing who will notice and book their models. There’s no grit or hard graft behind this process. It’s a very laid-back approach and is almost as though if it’ll happen, it’ll happen and if it doesn’t, then it doesn’t!

Models Direct on the other hand is a long-standing UK modelling employment agency that has a team of professionals all working together to get our phenomenal and diverse models noticed and booked by tried and trusted clients. Our team has core principles we follow when working towards securing jobs for all of our models. They are:

Building rapport with brands and businesses

Having a specific agent who really knows their models, not just someone familiar with their model’s portfolio images.

Having an agent who they can trust and contact whenever they need help, advice and support.

From our client’s perspective, we know that they’re busy people who are often pressed for time. This often happens to be the reason they turn to a modelling employment agency just like ourselves who can fulfil the following:

Search for suitable and reliable models

Set up casting calls, auditions or self-tapes

Negotiate fees

Organise modelling logistics

Our passion for modelling truly shows with the challenges, grit and perseverance our booking team demonstrates every day when it comes to finding our model’s work.

Clients are fully screened

The difference when it comes to clients looking to hire a showcase agency vs an employment agency is that the latter conducts specific checks on not just a few of our clients but ALL of them regardless of whether they’re renowned or not – which MD does too. Showcase agencies do not guarantee these checks as it’s not part of their typical business duties.

Models receive timely payments, every time

No hiccups here! Our agency ensures that our models are paid on time with the negotiated payment within five working days after completion of the modelling gig – without fail.  

Showcase agencies cannot guarantee this which makes releasing payments that much more volatile when working with this type of agency.

Regulated by the Department of Business, Innovations and Skills BIS

This important factor demonstrates that our agency adheres to operating ethically, fostering innovation and investing in skills such as training programs to ensure that best business practices are followed. Showcase agencies look over this and do not follow this making them an unstable modelling to rely on.

Annnnnd, there you have it, loyal readers. Thanks for sticking around to the end to read this all-important blog for those who were just wondering what the difference between us and showcase agencies was. We hope that we’ve cleared up some misconceptions but as always, if you have any burning questions, please let our team know and we’ll be happy to help – always!

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!

And if we plan to introduce them to the world of modelling, we need to know they will be well looked after at all times.

So, with that in mind, Models Direct wants to highlight 10 of the most important things to understand in this guide to baby modelling.

1 Make sure you sign your baby up to a reputable, genuine agency. Models Direct has been working with tiny tots for over 30 years now. We are fully government-regulated and accredited and we treat all our beautiful baby models and their parents with the utmost care.

2 Read the feedback from the parents of baby models who have actually worked with an agency before deciding whether or not to put your own bouncing bundle of joy forward.

3 Take lots of lovely photos of your precious treasure, then fill in our form and send the pictures to us. One of our friendly team members will then be in touch.

4 Our agent will explain how important it is that you update your baby’s e-portfolio regularly. We and our clients need to be sure we are seeing the very latest photographs otherwise it might be hard to put your little one forward for assignments – after all, babies change so quickly!

5 Have a good understanding of how our process works: clients approach us for baby models, we offer them a suitable selection and they make the final choice. This does mean we cannot guarantee work to any of our beautiful baby models. But, the more diligent you are about maintaining their e-portfolio, the more likely it is that your little one will be selected for work.

6 If you’re offered an assignment, your point of contact at Models Direct will give you all the relevant information and keep you updated as the day approaches. You are very welcome to call them too if you have any questions or concerns.

7 You may well be offered refreshments on the day but take snacks and drinks for yourself, as well as everything your baby might need. Bring a few toys and books so you can keep your tot entertained when necessary. We will require you to be with your baby at all times.

8 The professional production crew on the day will be experienced at working with babies and will guide you and offer support as needed.

9 After the event, Models Direct will contact you, so you can tell us how you found the experience. We take all feedback on board and strive to improve at all times.

10 Our team will also ensure you are paid promptly. We hope you and your baby will enjoy modelling with us and that the fee you earn will be a welcome extra.

Modelling may not seem like an obvious choice to add to the list above, but we often receive many jobs requiring couples of all ages. Pretty much all our clients have at some point needed two models for a variety of assignments, so we’re appealing to real-life couples to realise their dream of earning good money working with top brands throughput the UK.   

The merits of modelling as couples are obvious. Modelling is an incredibly fun way to earn extra money – the plethora of reviews highlight this. Often, couples have even more fun, as they can make memories by trying something new, or indeed continue to strengthen portfolios by adding more photos to attract the attention of more clients.

Whether you’re an experienced modelling couple or new to the industry, our clients are always eager to see what you have to offer. We have had plenty of requests for couple models, and we’re lucky enough to have a list of talent that can pose as couples. However, as smoothly as those assignments have gone, requests for real-life couples regularly land in our inbox – the demand is there, so the only question for couples is, “Why couldn’t we do that?”

The answer is that you both could, and it’s probably easier than you’d imagine.

We’ll highlight three different requests from clients requiring two models apiece to give you an idea what couples can expect:

• Earlier in the year we were asked to source a real-life couple between the ages of 20 – 55 years. They were needed for a bridal photo shoot, so clearly the chemistry a real couple has was essential for the assignment.   
• A recent promotional shoot required a mother and daughter to pose in front of the cameras. Family modelling is always an effective way to reach out to audiences, so whether two models pretend to be a real couple, or a genuine family couple is chosen, these types of assignments are always popular.
• We were asked to put forward a parent-and-child combo for a health and fitness shoot. Couples can really bring a shoot to life, crammed with smiles, hugs and genuine affection that shines on assignment.

We’ve provided numerous couples for our clients, and their popularity is increasing – just as most other types of models are. We’ve seen no slump in the demand for models, and couples are as highly sought after as they’ve ever been.  

As much as two strangers can pose as a couple with great results, there’s no substitute for real-life couples. Same gender couples, mature married couples, newly-weds…we’d love to hear from any couple that wants to dip their collective toes in the world of commercial modelling. All it takes is a little confidence, a dose of research, and a quick application. Before long, we could be recommending you to hundreds of our clients, and who knows, you may get the nod and be rocking it in real life as a modelling couple.

That’s why the chances of securing work from us and our clients remains a very real goal if you have the confidence and dedication to make it work. At Models Direct, we’re not a fabricated dream factory – we actively place thousands of real people in modelling jobs every year. Why? Because we know who has the looks to make it happen, and we have the clients that are itching to accept models to fulfil their advertising needs. The question is: why couldn’t YOU be one on them? The answer is: you COULD be, and far easier and quicker then you think.   

Everyday models are essential to all modelling jobs. Forget the mainstream names, forget the fashion shows, and forget the catwalks. They have their place, and we all know it. The big fashion names are there for a reason, and most of them have achieved global recognition because of one or all of the following: knowledgeable agents; fantastic talents; a solid character; media following: multi-million brands backing models to increase profits…we could go on.

Not that’s a bad thing. It’s business, after all. But the fact remains that just about anyone can be a model – and if you’re reading this, it means you have at least a more than passing interest in commercial modelling. You probably have thought about it before, and if so, then great. If you haven’t, but are keen to know more, you only need to be aware of one piece of information:

You are who we need!

Though we’ve progressed to the no.1 commercial modelling employment agency in the UK, our popularity means we’re still very interested in receiving new applicants for models. Joining us will give every model the best opportunity to work with forward-thinking brands on the lookout for new modelling talent.

Modelling is easily one of the most accessible jobs around. Our models are not required to have had experience. All our openings come to us via our clients, who personally pick the models we put forward to them. It’s a simple tried-and-perfected process that sees thousands of Models Direct models shine on assignments in every part of the country. We’re proud to work a vast array of clients, so we’re not selective when it comes to geographical regions. We’ve placed just as many models in large UK cities as we have in rural (and less hectic) settings. This gives our models more of a chance to get selected for the work they want (and if they do get picked, they can decline the opportunity if anything crops up).

As well as the vast range of jobs available, all our jobs are organised by industry professionals. They are fun, exciting, creative and also well paid (we obtain fees from clients before each assignment, so we’re able to pay our models within 5 working days).

There are so many aspects to modelling that appeal to both experienced and new models. We have the jobs, and we have the clients. All you need is the desire to become one of our next successes!