It’s estimated that there are between 29,000 – 36,000 recruitment agencies in the UK alone. These are general recruitment agencies, not specialising in modelling. Some of them don’t actively put a great deal of effort into finding job seekers work.

We’re different. We are a modelling employment agency, fully vetted and regulated by the government. We have thousands of clients contacting us for models. The very fact they come to us directly means the demand for models remains high. Great news for models.

More good news: not all agencies operate in the same way. So, when it comes to our payment process, again we like to think we do it slightly differently to others – and it favours our models. That’s because we secure the fee from our clients even before the assignment begins, meaning we always have the money for our models. No chasing up, no fuss. The fee amount is negotiated between us and the client, and it can depend on several factors: job duration, location, and experience of the model. These are minor factors – the main one is the client themselves, as they all have different budgets. It stands to reason that larger clients such as banks, supermarkets and global travel companies have, on average, larger budgets, so working for them usually demands higher fees.

We pay our models within 5 working days from completion of their assignments. We think this is fair and reflects the dedication our models put into every shoot. It’s counter-productive to have an inefficient payment system, with models waiting an eternity for their well-earned fees. Delaying payment also shows a ruthless lack of respect – something that other agencies might be ambivalent about. Not us – our models and clients are well respected, and we continue to have great relationships with them; it’s only right that all finances are accurate and released in good time.

To recap: we always have the client’s fees ahead of each modelling assignment, which enables us to pay our models within 5 working days. We’ve always been clear about our procedure, and models are quick to praise the speed of payment.

Another bonus is that we’ll inform models of the fee before the job. This means there are no nasty surprises upon completion of the shoot. Everything is open and upfront – just the way we like it.

Let’s talk about cold hard cash. We pay our models by cheque. We could pay by bank transfer, but opt for cheques for three main reasons:

1. A physical payment is like a reward or trophy for a job well done.

2. We print a short congratulatory note with each cheque.

3. Our models love to showcase their efforts in our payment selfie page. Readers can see a range of fees earned by our models here.

Our payment system has been in place since 1990, so why change a winning formula?

If you’re itching to star in modelling photo shoots and short marketing films with some of the most renowned brands around, register with us and we’ll be in touch. Your crowning glory for the year could be joining thousands of our models with selfie cheques. What an achievement!

For some jobs models might be paid £100 while for others it could be into the thousands.

What we can tell you, however, is that if you carry out work through Models Direct we will always ensure you receive a fair fee.

So, how are modelling fees worked out?

Modelling fees vary greatly depending on a number of factors. These include:

1 How experienced the model is.

2 The duration of the photoshoot.

3 The location of the shoot and how far the model has to travel.

4 The complexity of the shoot and the tasks the model will be expected to carry out.

5 The role the model has within the shoot and the amount of time they will be spending in front of the camera.

Any genuine, reputable company will discuss the fee in advance with the model.

They will make it clear whether any other expenses (travel, accommodation etc) will be covered.

The model will then be able to make his or her own decision on whether to accept the job.

At Models Direct, we not only ensure we negotiate a fair fee for all our models, but we also make sure they are paid promptly, within a few days of successfully completing the booking.

Regardless of what any other photographers or so-called agencies tell you, a genuine agency will always offer you a fee for taking part in a photoshoot.

If you are asked to work without payment – perhaps on the promise of something else, such as more prestigious jobs – be very wary.

Sadly, we also often hear about models who have been promised payment for taking part in a shoot, but then the cheque or bank transfer never materialises.

At Models Direct, we like to be upfront and clear about all financial matters.

We know our fees are fair and at industry standard, but if you feel the payment we are offering is not enough, then you have the absolute right to refuse the booking.

We do, however, have many, many happy models who are only too pleased to be paid a good fee for work they enjoy.

Find out more by reading some of our reviews here.

I’m new to all of this and a bit nervous to ask but how exactly do I get selected for work I’m not entirely sure, might be your thoughts!

Our modelling agency is kind and considerate to everyone we work and communicate with. Whether you come to us but don’t think that our agency is right for you or you like our fair-representation-of-the-population ethos so you join our tribe, then either way, our agency wants you to talk to us!

In this case, we thought that it’d still be a great idea to write this content so that anyone and everyone can refer back to it whenever needed.

So, let’s get started!

Generally speaking, models are usually selected for work through a combination of the following: agency representation, casting calls or auditions, or even direct bookings. When it comes to MD’s representation, we play a crucial role by showcasing our models to clients and building a strong relationship between them.

Our clients’ dream…

When clients come to hire models with us, they have a vision as to who will fit their marketing specifications. This could be anyone of any gender, any age, any size, any ethnicity, and any cultural background.

Our clients share this information with us so that we can source our models from our extensive books of talent.

Clients are spoilt for choice with Models Direct as our agency pushes the typical modelling standard boundaries and aims for modelling to be an attainable career for all, not just exclusive for those who fit in the strict modelling standard box.

…which we help bring to life

We then present our shortlisted models to our clients who can then choose who they’d like to select for their campaign, giving them control over the model-selection decision. A modelling agency should be putting everyone forward who closely matches the client’s requirements allowing everyone access to a fair chance of landing a role in the industry. This is an important area we are proud of fulfilling and continue to maintain.

Our models are repeatedly selected for all types of work with us; this isn’t a one-off opportunity, delving into a variety of modelling jobs such as lifestyle modelling, commercial modelling, catalogue modelling, and TV and film work.

However, being a model requires patience and positivity because it’s not guaranteed that models will be successively booked, one assignment after another, as the ultimate decision rests with the client.

Other areas which can help you get selected for work are:

Regularly updating your portfolio. We get new models complaining that they haven’t received any work and that our company is a scam. We don’t agree with this as our representatives ensure that we walk through how we work hard to put you into the selection process if your look is called for, but we cannot guarantee you’ll be selected.

Updating your measurements. Clients looking at your profile will want to see an up-to-the-minute snapshot of your measurements such as height, weight, shoe size and unique features. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to update them about your physical characteristics.

Inform us about any extra skills. Sometimes it pays off to be extra. If you have any interesting skills such as speaking another language, dancing, acting, or singing, let us know! Clients will want to know more about your abilities to help them filter through the selection process and pick the model that has what they’re looking for.

Models Direct hopes this reading helps you understand how work is selected for our models. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our specialist team who will be happy to help!

In fact, it’s often so exciting that you forget to ask the very questions you really wanted to know the answers to!

Our team members at Models Direct are all highly experienced and they discuss bookings with models every single day.

They know all the essential information that has to be passed over – where you need to go, what time you have to be there and what you should wear etc – and they will also always be available to answer questions as the shoot approaches.

But, there is nothing like being organised and making sure you are as well-informed as possible and that you are well prepared for the big day!

Your point of contact at Models Direct will, of course, confirm all the details with you by email, but, if you want to grab a pen and piece of paper when you chat to them, here are just some of the questions you might wish to ask.

Do you know whether the shoot will be inside or outside?

This is obviously important because you need to have some idea of how much you might need to wrap up – or to be able to remove layers if you get hot! You should be told what the client wishes you to wear for the shoot itself or whether you will be fitted with an outfit by the wardrobe team when you arrive. But discussing the possible need for sturdy footwear, coats, jumpers, hats etc is always sensible.

Are there any specific directions I need to follow when I arrive?

If you are attending a shoot in a large location, you may need to know exactly where to head to when you arrive. You may have to park in a particular place, enter via a specific door or ask for a certain person by name when you get there. If there is any doubt about any of these things, please do make sure you arrive in plenty of time.

What should I bring to the shoot?

You may be asked to bring items to the shoot – a beach towel or wellies, for example – or it might be that all props and accessories will be supplied. But sometimes it is a good idea to have items with you such as a book or snack etc – especially if it is going to be a very long day.

Will there be other models at the shoot?

It is always fun when other models are taking part too and it can be good to know in advance whether it will be just you – or you and your family – at the booking or whether other models will be involved. Models Direct often supplies all the models for a particular shoot and so we will be able to tell you whether others are going along too and possibly what roles everyone will be taking on.

This is what some of our models have said about how well prepared they felt they were before an assignment.

Imaan said:

“Working with Models Direct was very smooth and straightforward.

“Charlie was great throughout, reassuring me of what to roughly expect, and with a brief rundown of the shoot. 

“I had fun on the shoot working with another model and can’t wait to do more.”

Yasmina said:

“I had a shoot today which I really enjoyed! Everyone was so welcoming and a pleasure to work with.

“Charlie was so lovely and kept me in the loop of things, making sure I had all the information needed prior to the shoot.”