Certain agencies may very well ask for professional photos. We can’t speak for the majority, but we know that some agencies do very little with the photos, expect keep them “on their books” and never have the intention of using them to get the jobs models want. Some agencies will charge models money for the “privilege” of doing just that.

Other agencies ask for expensive photos taken by a professional. If their intention is to use them to actively seek employment for models, then so be it.

However, we have never asked our models to submit professionally taken photos when applying with us. Nor will we.

We want to make registering with Models Direct as easy as possible, so that our clients can choose from the best selection of models for their assignments. We want clients to make their choices without prejudice; our job is to put forward the most suitable models which satisfy their requirements – be it age, gender or simply the looks they’re looking for. Professional photos are not crucial for clients to select models.

We don’t want prospective models to get too bogged down with a laborious system when all they want is to provide us with essential contact details and a couple of clear headshot photos. A model’s look is important, and so is the quality of photos they submit to us in their registration, but paying large sums of money for professional photos isn’t something we ask our models to submit.

Professional photos have their place, but we certainly don’t insist on them for our models to have the best chance of appearing in promotional shoots and in exciting modelling assignments.   

In short, enthusiasm and dedication trump expensive photos every time.

• 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

But what are the requirements for photos we do insist on?

First, we just need two, colour headshot photos. These can be taken with an iPhone or digital camera. The two photos must be:

• Headshots only, including the shoulders.
• Taken by another person – resist the temptation to take selfies, please.
• Taken in a well-lit room against a neutral background. 
• Clear, and devoid of shadows which take the emphasis away from your face.
• Of you smiling naturally.
• At eye level.
• Of a recommended height : width ratio 5 : 4
• Clear of make-up, excessive jewellery and headwear. Whilst you may love to accessorize your looks, we want to see your face and facial features.
• Of you, and you only.

If you want to approach a professional photographer to increase your personal stock of images, go for it. Just don’t assume you need them to apply with the UK’s no.1 modelling employment agency. We don’t want to deter a wealth of potential talent by asking them to pay good money for professional photos.

So, as long as you follow the above tips when you register with us, you’ll be giving yourself a good chance of being snapped up by our famous clients. Good luck!

Get outside 

Making the most of the natural light and multitude of outdoor options makes spring the perfect time of year to get those glorious images in. We’re thinking dreamy flower gardens, fields, and the rays of the sun can make for enchanting images. 

Capture the perfect light

We’ve mentioned the “golden hour” in previous blogs but as a gentle reminder, here it is again, in this blog, where we’re reminding you to perhaps utilise it if you can. The time to capture this is just after sunrise and before sunset, so grab this bonus and make your child model‘s collection of snaps illuminate.

Think angles and perspectives 

Amplify the images you’re creating by changing how you’re taking the shots rather than where and when. Think close-up, eye-level snaps or images with some greenery poking from a corner or two to compliment the season.

• 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

Important moments

When your child flashes the biggest grin, or swoops in and runs through a local park, you’ll know that these are the special moments you need to grab. 

Dress the part (but keep it simple!) 

It can be tempting to put on elaborate clothes in a bid to zhuzh up your child model’s portfolio collection but we’d recommend going for pastel or floral prints to go well with the season’s kaleidoscope of colours. 

If you’re ready and happy for your child to register, (aged 2-12) then you’re at the right place. Apply here and see which campaigns our modelling agency is getting ready to showcase your little one for.

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.

Enter everyday adult models – real, authentic people who are being included in marketing campaigns because brands are valuing something that’s beyond looks – it’s all about relatability. 
Take TikTok POV videos as an example of how reliability can play an important factor in marketing. These short clips are created with a point of view in mind and a potential audience who might be able to relate to it making it connectable and memorable. 

From a brand’s perspective, it certainly makes sense that adult models are used in marketing campaigns to help leverage it in a way that will get audiences’ attention. After all, adult models bring wisdom and lived experiences to the table in a way no other age group can. 

So, who can become a model over 18? Almost anyone interested, that’s who! You could be in your 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond and tap into a niche that makes you suitable for all those clients who want you to represent their customers. 

You don’t need to have a teeny tiny frame, strong jawline and high cheekbones. Adult modelling has taken off from there and you could easily just have a great smile, bubbly personality and be happy to try out different things. 

• 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

When it comes to working with our agency, here’s a roundup of what it’s like.
Our dedicated expert team encourages a thriving environment for models and brands alike where it’s all about positivity, confidence and achieving successful results. 

Our steps to becoming an model are simple:

Sign up with us
Fill in our online application and one of our modelling coordinators will be in touch.
Create a portfolio 
Our ePortfolio is an online 24/7 accessible hotspot where you can upload your images to for us and our clients.
Tell us your measurements
…or anything new about your looks. We want to know your height and weight so that clients who might be interested will be in touch with us if you fit the look they’re after. As for evolving looks (this could be an additional tattoo or hair transformation), just let us know! 

Keep yourself connected 

Stay connected with us, on our socials, over email and by telephone too! We love hearing about what our adult models are getting up to in their daily lives.  

Go for it! 

If a client calls for you, try out the new opportunity on the horizon whether it’s an editorial photoshoot or promotional work set on the streets of London. Grab the chance to try something out of the box no matter what your age is. 

As we draw this blog to a close, we wanted to share a few of our adult models’ testimonials so you can get a feel of what life is like as an MD model.

Our male model, Jerome, shared this with us and you!
“First shoot was a success!! Was booked for a video shoot and had a great time! Met loads of other models and actors from the agency with different levels of experience.
It was a day shoot and we had time to eat in the middle too which was good! All the staff and models were very friendly and I enjoyed speaking to everyone and hearing about the different kinds of jobs they’ve done in the past to get where they are now!
I had fun, learned a lot and got to work with amazing people so overall, the shoot was incredible considering it was my first one!!”

Isabelle, our female model said:
“Worked with interesting, lovely people! Well organised! Great experience and gave me extra confidence!”
If you want to read more reviews, head over to this page! 

Thanks for reading, and we hope that if you’re an adult interested in modelling, you apply with Models Direct! 

In a nutshell, it involves children (typically aged between 2-12) who are booked for photoshoots or video shoots promoting products or services. This could be for catalogues (physical and/or digital), commercials (TV or film), or promotional (live) work. With Models Direct, our jobs are so varied – take a look at our jobs board – there’s true diversity in the projects that are presented to us by our clients who call for our star child models.

Bonus info: what are clients looking for?

From our thirty years of experience helping to book our young models with clients, we’ve often seen brands and companies (micro to giant) look out for youngsters who enjoy being in front of the camera lens and are comfortable trying out new things and following directions. 

• 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

So, how do you get the ball rolling with Models Direct? 

We understand that we all want to keep our costs down so when we request you to take pics of your little one, we recommend that you do it yourself since using a professional photographer can be expensive. Quite frankly, you can do it just as well. Just remember to make sure the lighting is natural, the background is clear and your mini-me can be seen clearly (no fuzzy pics, filters and emojis, please).
Submit their application as soon as you’re happy with everything, and leave the rest with us!

What to expect on set

It varies from assignment to assignment but when child models are booked, they can generally expect a schedule from the client which will be shared with them (but it can sometimes not go to plan so being flexible with alterations helps!). 

Naturally, they can expect lights, cameras and action, alongside potentially other models being invited to the same campaign. There will be lots of hubbub and directions being called out to listen and follow. It’ll be a busy day/set of days but hopefully plenty of fun!

Capturing the charm, vitality, and authenticity that children can bring to a campaign is what pushes us to commit to our word: that child models can do it and enjoy a part-time career in modelling. If this sounds interesting, let us know!  

At Models Direct, we provide an ePortfolio account to all of our registered models – humans and animals. They can explore and experiment with images they’d like to showcase to our clients by directly uploading snaps either from their smartphone or device for ease, 24/7. 

The best thing of all is that they have the freedom to demonstrate their skills and personality their way and all under one roof. If they’d like to use a professional photographer to leverage their portfolio’s exposure, that’s perfectly fine but our team also agrees that they can take fabulous snaps themselves! 

Why does a model even need an ePortfolio? 

Ultimately, the ePortfolio’s purpose is to get clients sitting up, taking notice and moving onto the next all-important stage which is requesting to hire our models. 

• 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

Does this happen often?

It most definitely does – almost every time, in fact! Clients provide our team with a brief (sometimes it’s quite detailed and sometimes it’s not) but we’ll know what they want. Our team then deep dives into our modelling database, and zooms into the model’s ePortfolios to view their look (which should be current and reflect what they look like as of the moment) and see whether it matches what our clients are seeking. 

Clients want to see:

Clear images 
Uncluttered background
Simple snaps
Interesting poses and expressions 

Our MD team also drops regular blogs to gently remind our talent to keep their online collection fresh and current. So things like keeping up with the rhythm of the seasons and popular annual events are encouraged so that their portfolios reflect these time-sensitive moments which could capture clients’ attention and get heads turning. 

You can take a look at our models’ Feature Me section to see what kind of images our models have set up with us and are happy to share on our platform. Check it out here! 

And, as always, if you have any questions let us know and we’ll be happy to help!

This is extremely important in the selection process at Models Direct. All images and reels must be up-to-date and current, which means they’ll be relevant.

The best example we can use is that of a top brand looking for everyday models for their latest campaign. This scenario applies for most of our jobs. When a client comes to us with a job brief, it’s our responsibility to give them a shortlist of suitable models that fits their brief. We do this based on information included in a model’s ePortfolio: images, reels, geographical location, age etc. All information must be accurate, and all pictures must be current. If a model meets the briefs requirements but their ePortfolio hasn’t been updated for a few months, this can only minimise the changes of models being chosen.

Think of relevance / accurate information as a CV. Employers make choices based largely on three criteria: CVs, covering letters, and how candidates conduct themselves at interviews. Not all three need to “click” for the candidate to land the job, but it stands to reason that at least the information submitted by the candidate needs to be updated and accurate.

Your pictures are no different to a CV, in that they are an essential tool in gaining work. It’s a model’s responsibility to make sure they dip into their portfolios, updating personal information if required, and to refresh portfolios with different poses. If a model changes their looks, it must be reflected in their portfolio.

• 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

Keep the word “relevant” securely in mind. If a client looks at your portfolio images and decides to pick you, then your portfolio has done its job. However, if that selection has been done based on outdated photos, the client will be disappointed when you arrive on set. And it may hinder your chances of securing other jobs.

We cannot emphasise how important updating your pictures is. Try to update every month or so. Even if you think you look exactly as you did six months ago, ask someone to take fresh pictures of yourself and upload them to your portfolio (we don’t recommend taking “selfies”, as sometimes the angles are inconsistent, and the imagery can be blurred).

Clients need to see what they’re getting. We not suggesting commercial models are commodities; they are human beings with aspirations of achieving great thigs in the industry. But what use is a genuinely enthusiastic model to a client when they haven’t presented themselves in the truest light?

Plan ahead and decide which week you’ll start to add new pictures, and then continue this trend every month. The pictures don’t need to be taken by a professional, and it may only take half an hour every month.

Just show us and our clients that you can follow sensible industry advice. It’ll be your passport to more modelling jobs, so that alone should be all the motivation models need. 

Good luck!

What are we encouraging? For your babe in arms to register as a baby model! 

We’re keeping it simple and easy for all you busy people out there! If your baby is aged between 0-2 years, simply apply today using our online application form. As long as you’ve got a clear, fresh snap of your little one which you’ll need to upload, filling in the application is a fuss-free process. It’s straightforward so no need to worry about setting aside loads of time to set it up. After this, Models Direct will take it from there! 

Why do clients need baby models? 

Babies are tiny but their personalities are anything but!, and why brands and companies love employing them is so that potential consumers can relate to them. Whether it’s cooing over their images in a TV ad or relating to the company’s message, their tiny personalities can become huge and impactful. 
Just to give you an idea of some of our recent baby modelling projects which we’ve embarked on, will demonstrate the demand we see with this particular modelling category.

• 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

We had a calling for baby models aged 1-24 months for a well-known baby brand store shoot. 
Our team also had a request for family models to come forward for an organic, baby milk ad.
Models Direct has also worked with baby brands including Pampers, Mamas & Papas and Babies ‘R’ Us on sweet projects where babies have helped create delightful marketing campaigns. 

Our clients usually tend to ask for the bonniest baby and request diverse little people. They understand just how important it is to include all races and backgrounds so that audiences can click with what they’re trying to convey. 

Bonus info: Babies just need to be content (although we know that things can go up and down during the day) and comfortable in new places with new faces, sounds, and as do parents and guardians. 
If you’re interested in applying for your little one, or someone you know would make an awesome baby model, you’re definitely at the right place. Our agency has been doing this for thirty years now so if you wish to apply, you’ll be in safe hands.  

Models Direct’s love for animals is next-level adoration which is why, when we set up our agency thirty years back, our expert team made a solid decision that we would also focus on pet modelling. 

It’s an exciting industry but we’re not just saying this! We’ve seen so many of our cute furry friends, no matter what species they are, have the spotlight shine on them for different sorts of campaigns over the years and it doesn’t look like it’ll be slowing down any time soon either! 

We’re serious about getting our adorable animal stars featured in the next campaign when a client pops in a request with our team, and making it a successful one! But why do brands even need a pet model when they could just use any animal in their campaign instead of going through an agency with all that hard work involved?

With Models Direct, it isn’t hard work! What we provide is a comprehensive structure for both our models and clients and in this case, clients are presented with reliable models who understand the demands and expectations of the modelling industry due to their ongoing experience with our agency. This is why so many owners put their pet’s application forward with us. 

• 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

Firstly, our application is online making it convenient and easy for owners. It’s open 24/7 so you can apply any time. 

After this, one of our dedicated modelling specialists will be in touch with you via phone. They’ll talk in-depth about our agency and understand your goals, hopes and aspirations for your pet. They’ll also walk you through what a typical modelling booking looks like and if you’re happy to go ahead, they’ll begin the registration process where they’ll get your pet officially on their books as a Star Pet model! 

What follows could be a casting call or hopefully a call from your assigned coordinator informing you that a client has liked the look of your pet and they want to hire your companion. This stage could also involve you heading to our jobs board where we post regular ads for pet modelling gigs which you can directly apply for yourself.

Some examples include: 

Guinea pig/rabbit requested for a video shoot
Pet dog models who were required for a commercial
2-3 puppies needed for a project shoot
Pet cat models required for a commercial

There’s a wide variety of requests where we see not just cats and dogs getting booked with top-tier clients but rabbits, hedgehogs and other species. Our animal database is vast and our clients match this demand for diversity too! 

If you’re interested in your pet turning into a Star Pet model with interesting jobs such as commercials or photoshoots, apply here and join Models Direct on a pawsome journey you won’t forget! 

Experiment with angles

Shifting some parts of yourself or your entire body can create the best angles to capture. Set up your camera and get experimenting. Try not to take it too seriously, as you may end up stressing yourself out and not achieving the striking images you’re after. You might not get it the first time, but keep trying. Relax, stay in the moment, and most of all, enjoy experimenting.

Check your posture

Good posture is very important for your overall well-being—and more than you think! It encourages the muscles around your spine to be balanced and carry the body equally. It’s a beneficial practice as it’s great for reducing lower back pain, headaches, and neck and shoulder tension, and increasing circulation, lung capacity, confidence, and digestion. It’s also a great foundation for that distinct pose. Shoulder back, open chest, chin up, spin straight and stand tall.

• 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

Your eyes can do the talking!

Our eyes are the windows to our souls, right? They can indicate how we feel without verbal expression. If you want to strike a pose, you can connect with the camera and demonstrate different emotions with your eyes! If you’re finding this tip tricky, try the next one.

Practice facial expressions

Researchers say there are over 20 expressions a human can pull whilst other says there are only 6 which are happiness, sadness, fear, anger, surprise and disgust. Some experts have even said that the latter can combine into just 4!

So, however many you can create, go for it. You can try it out in front of a mirror and then transfer it onto camera. Once you find something you like, you’ll be able to remember it through the magic of muscle memory (yes, this really exists!).

Be inspired by others

Study what other models, influencers and people in showbiz are getting up to with signature poses. Check out red carpet debuts such as the Met Gala, the Oscars and the Cannes Film Festival for fashion delights and of course, an oasis of poses.

As a roundup, experiment with angles, and expressions, stand tall and be engaged with your eye contact, and be inspired by others.

This might be challenging for baby models and pet models but for everyone else, practice, be patient, and be open. You’re always welcome to get our team’s feedback too.