In a world where everything seems to be based on looking young, has society progressed with embracing and celebrating the natural process of ageing? Let’s take a look at this popular topic and question whether it’s true that the modelling industry only prefers younger models. Let’s go!

Youthfulness is often linked to being attractive and healthy. But as ageing happens, so do many other expected (and unexpected) physical changes. This doesn’t mean that the spark or good health has to diminish!

The industry was indeed best renowned for only depicting young people but diversity is turning on its head now with age being celebrated rather than being shunned. With age comes a wealth of experience, wisdom, charisma and confidence to share and the modelling industry is embracing this.

Models Direct has been part of the age-positive change, not just now but for the past thirty years that we’ve been in the industry.

So, no, the modelling industry isn’t just focusing on the youth –  mature and senior models are getting the spotlight shone on them too.

Modelling has no age limit and we’re seeing this with fashion houses casting models over 50 or 60 such as Jerry Hall, Iman and Maye Musk.

Models Direct is all about breaking down barriers, eliminating fear and liberating people so that they can access amazing opportunities in the modelling world. It’s happened for thousands and thousands of our registered models over thirty and so many have been satisfied with our services. Don’t believe us? Check out our models’ feedback to see what they have to say about working with us!

Our mature female model, Nalini [Reference: VFPK-3897], was booked with ECL Care, a south-east England service for at home and in-community adult support. Here’s what she shared about her jam-packed day:

“One very wonderful day. From the time I joined Model Direct I have felt supported and informed as my application progressed. Today I had my first experience of a photoshoot. It didn’t start well as there was a major incident on M25 and I was delayed. Both Charlie from Models Direct and the staff from the company the photoshoot was for were very supportive and assured me not to worry. On arrival I was welcomed warmly and through the process until I left I felt special and accommodated. There was no rush though I was late . My role covered that i needed assistance in my home towards independent living and was receiving guidance encouragement and support by Care Supporting Staff to gain this eg by showing me on how to cut vegetables vegetables, make a sandwich and such. The venue was just breathtaking and the aura was very calming. This experience was very different from being an extra on film sets. Everyone present were so friendly.”

Our agency believes that we all deserve to feel comfortable in our own skin and to feel beautiful regardless of our age.

Owning who we are, inside and out, is important so that we can uplift ourselves, embrace self-empowerment and redefine ageing. That’s why our agency zooms in on silver foxes and trailblazers who have a wealth of life experiences to share as well as charisma and confidence.

We understand the strength of having modelling talent to leverage new campaigns which is why we’re always about getting new models to sign up with us and request that our existing ones continually update their ePortfolios, reels and measurements/skills so that brands have a holistic overview of what they have to offer.

Our team has seen that brands have a knack for curating innovative products and services that aim to captivate and inspire their target audience, and they do it incredibly well. Shaping their brand’s visual identity is an exciting process and a long-term opportunity to collaborate with agencies like us as we value creativity, innovation and authenticity.

What brands may look into investing  when building their campaigns could include:

Product shoots – they will plan, style and request for high-quality product photography which may include models who will appeal to their target audience. This will mean recruiting models of all ages and even pets!

Lifestyle shots – brands will want to create beautiful lifestyle imagery that reflects the personality and vibe of their brand, weaving products and services seamlessly into real-world scenarios.

Content creation – they may intend to produce a steady flow of on-brand, engaging content for use across social media, websites, and marketing campaigns.

• 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

Video content – brands may create video content, long and short-form for reels, TikToks, and ads, blending campaign-forward style with eye-catching storytelling.

Building a brand will take time. Whether you’re a new or established brand seeking models for your next campaign, Models Direct can help. We’ve got diverse models – baby models, junior models, teenage models, adult male and female models, mature models and pet models.

We really did think this through and understood how brands will need models of all ages and from all backgrounds. So here we are, over thirty years on, still recruiting and providing models fit for different scenarios our brands suggest.

Here is a snippet of some of our client’s reviews. There’s more of this which you can take a look at here:

Focal Point Digital

“Everything went fine, and the models were great. Very happy with the service provided.”

Marc Cain

“Just to say that Terry was lovely! I’m very pleased with the service – quick, efficient,and everything was sorted very fast. If I need something similar again in the area, I wouldn’t hesitate to contact you guys again. Best Sarah”

The Avid Seamstress

How was your talent booker – friendly, efficient, quick? Yes, great responses and very thorough.

How did the assignment go on the day? Very well, model was on time and fantastic to work with, great energy and very flexible.

How did our talent(s) perform – did they do a great job? See above.

Are there any changes you would like to see? None.

Would you use us again, if so, why? Yes, cost effective.

Are you a brand looking to hire? Let our MD team know and we’ll be happy to help – always! We look forward to hearing from you.

Here at Models Direct we have a rich variety of all sorts of models of all ages.

Our models start as young as newborn babies and can be as old as those in their 80s or 90s!

Our clients, who promote a wide range of different products and services, need people of all ages to help them do that.

They need models who can pose as mums, dads, grannies and grandpas and they need people to help them advertise products specifically aimed at consumers of the same age.

These days, marketing teams not only need to tempt a broad swathe of potential purchasers to buy everything from cars and food to clothes and home accessories, but they also have specific items and services aimed at certain age groups.

Mature models might, for example, be required for promotions focusing on retirement, older people’s holidays and certain health products.

• 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

Some of our mature male and female models took part in photo and film shoots in their earlier years and are simply continuing to do what they enjoy.

For others, who are new to the industry, it is about discovering a different pastime that brings them new experiences and additional income.

But, let’s hear feedback from some of our older models themselves to see what they have enjoyed…

Ian accepted an assignment with Greene King. He said:

“After a few years spending time behind the scenes, I thought it was time to try to get back in front of the camera.

“The whole process with Models Direct was straight forward and the team were great while getting me on-boarded.

“A few months in and today marks the date of my first assignment. The shoot was well run, organised, and professional whilst relaxed and informal.

“I had the opportunity to meet many great people, some aspiring to make modelling and acting their career, while others were using it as an opportunity to earn some extra income and have fun at the same time.

“Gemma from Models Direct has been a star from first contact to the end of the shoot, remaining in communication and being accessible if needed. I look forward to the next time.”

Anthony said:

“It was a very good day…a learning curve.

“All the people I worked with were very welcoming and friendly – thank you to all.

“As I was playing the part of a client for a caring company, I was showcasing what this company offers to its elderly customers.

“I had photographs taken with a number of their carers and many other things, like exercising, cooking, gardening and going out for entertainment, including eating out and going to the cinema.

“It was a very good and enlightening day.”

And Karen modelled as part of a pretend family for Red Tractor. She told us:

“From start to finish, Gemma was fantastic at keeping me informed about the day and how best to prepare myself.

“She told me who would be there and everyone made me feel very welcome.

“My choice of outfits was appropriate and I felt we bonded well as a ‘family unit’ as per the comprehensive brief!

“The photographer was really calm and gave us useful prompts and guidance so we all felt very comfortable.

“The house setting was lovely and we were able to relax between our sessions.

“Lunch was also excellent. I’m really looking forward to my next assignment!”

To find out more about mature modelling with us, please fill in our form and we will contact you to explain more and answer your questions.

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.

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.

Becoming a commercial model starts with realising three key points.

1. Desire. No one is going to force you to become a model. You must want to be one, and to be involved in our client’s assignments to help them make a real difference. Commercial models shouldn’t register with us without being fully committed.
2. Confidence. Modelling can undoubtedly increase self-esteem, but models should have some confidence before thinking about joining any modelling employment agency. Models need to be comfortable around strangers and be able to take directions from professionals involved in the shoot.
3. Being realistic. By assessing the industry, improving your portfolio and knowing that success isn’t always instant, you’ll be more grounded and have more realistic aspirations.

All these characteristics apply to models of any gender and age (pets and babies excepted, of course), and all females should bear these points in mind.

But there are some pointers that we – the UK’s largest and most trusted commercial modelling employment agency – can offer females to help them stand out from the rest of the modelling pack. Read on…

First things first. Read our website and study our insightful blogs. For more blogs about the jobs our models have embarked on, please click here.

If it sounds like the sort of job you’d like to be involved in, we are only one application away. By applying with us, you’re giving yourself the best chance to be seen by our clients – who make the final decision.

Once you’ve registered with us, you need to focus on your Models Direct portfolio. This is personal to you, and only you have the power to alter personal information and the crucial photos of yourself. When your looks are perfect for any of the hundreds of available jobs we have, we’ll put you forward to our clients who can then peruse a model’s portfolio to see what models can offer. You’ll be at a severe disadvantage by leaving your portfolio untouched for months – we strongly recommended uploading fresh photos every few weeks.

So, you’ve done your research, and then applied with us. Female models should then keep up to date with modelling trends, and to keep looking at our jobs board. Models should not rest on their laurels, and they must keep evolving their looks via portfolios.

Female models look stunning in reels on social media. Don’t be shy at promoting yourselves. Show off new clothes and new hairstyles. Modelling is a two-way process. We’ll do our best to recommend you to our clients, but models need to put in their own work in the form of self-promotion. Don’t be big-headed, but do be brave and self-assured.

Be aware that there are different types of models. You may feel that you could excel as a sports model, or that your glossy hair or fabulous hands and nails are your best feature. Maybe you could rock your curves as a plus size model or be snapped up as a mature model.

There are plenty of opportunities for females of all shapes, sizes and ages. Those opportunities for talented females up and down the UK start off by joining Models Direct.

The time is ripe for a few new beginnings and among the possibilities might be modelling…

Modelling is a fantastic pastime for older people because it fits in well with other work, hobbies and activities.

It is a pastime that can be considered at absolutely any age at all, especially as there is always high demand for people in their 50s, 60s, 70s and over to feature in campaigns and advertising.

So, if you are an older man or woman and have considered modelling, where do you being?

Firstly, have a good think about whether modelling might be for you.

Are you sociable, friendly and easygoing – and would you like to meet new people?

If the answer is yes, then consider how part-time modelling might fit in with your lifestyle.

Can you see yourself accepting the odd assignment between your other commitments?

This might be any other full or part-time work you might undertake or looking after or spending time with family, as well, of course, as the other things you enjoy in life.

Then look into the agencies that offer the kind of modelling work you are interested in.

Here at Models Direct, mature modelling has been among our specialisms for the 30-odd years we have been in existence.

Many of our clients approach us regularly looking for older people for their photo shoots as they need individuals of all ages to reflect spending consumers as they really are.

We therefore have a great swathe of older models who have worked with us time and time again and just love the fact our assignments are so varied and set in different locations.

If you are interested in finding out more about working with us as an older model, then take some time to read the reviews from others who have worked with us.

Browse our blog pages too and have a look through our client list.

Then, if you are still interested, fill in our form and send us some pictures of yourself.

And remember, we need people of all heights, sizes, shapes and appearances…

Once you have sent us your form, a member of our team will call you and you can ask them anything at all about working with Models Direct.

If you decide to join us and we think you are right for our team, then you will be put forward whenever a client requests someone meeting your description for bookings in the locations you are happy to work in.

If the client then selects you from the shortlist, we will contact you to discuss the assignment, the fee, the location and the travel arrangements.

And then you can decide whether or not to take the job!

Your contact at Models Direct will keep you informed as the big day itself approaches – and you can always call them too.

And when you get there, an assigned crew member will look after you and tell you what will be required of you.

After the booking, we will ensure you receive your cheque within a few days.

You can also tell us whether you enjoyed the experience and would like to be put forward for more modelling work through us.

Of course, we hope you will enjoy it and that, like our many other mature models, you find this an interesting and rewarding activity.

This is what a couple of our other mature models have told us…

Karen said:

“From start to finish, Gemma was fantastic at keeping me informed about the day and how best to prepare myself.

“She told me who would be there and everyone made me feel very welcome.

“My choice of outfits was appropriate and I felt we bonded well as a ‘family unit’ as per the comprehensive brief.

“The photographer was really calm and gave us useful prompts and guidance so we all felt very comfortable.

“The house setting was lovely and we were able to relax in between our sessions. Lunch was also excellent.

“I’m really looking forward to my next assignment!”

And Kenneth said:

“This was a very fun day.

“The photographer was great, made me feel totally at ease.

“Directions were very clear and we both tried to create the best pictures we could for the client.

“We had fun trying out different ideas, different costumes and props.

“It was a very positive experience. and I’ll happily work with them again.”

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.

At Models Direct we specialise in placing everyday models in a wide range of very different assignments for our very varied clients.

This means we have a constant requirement for models of all types, ages, sizes, backgrounds and looks.

We need male models, female models, babies, teens and children – we even place model pets!

If you are considering modelling, then you must have at least an inkling that you will enjoy it.

And this is the very place to start!

Modelling with Models Direct might involve taking part in photo and film shoots or helping out at a promotional event.

We offer paid, part-time work that may be close to where our models live or could involve travelling (with expenses paid) to another location.

Our models have differing levels of availability and are therefore always free to turn down any assignment when they are offered it.

Equally, because it is our clients who make the final choice as to who they would like to employ, we are very transparent about the fact we are never able to guarantee work.

But if you join us, then you will be put forward for consideration whenever a client requests someone with your look and abilities.

The vast majority of our models are normal people – just like you – who have other jobs, commitments, interests and pastimes but also enjoy doing something a little different.

Although they have to be confident enough to pose in front of a camera, most of them are quite nervous before their very first job.

But, if you read the feedback they give us, you will see they are quickly reassured by our agents, the other models and the professional production crew on the day.

So, put quite simply, almost anyone can be a model – and if modelling is something you would like to try then you will almost certainly be suitable.

But, why not let us help you to make that decision?

Fill in our form, upload a picture or two of yourself and one of our agents will call you.

You can then ask them for their professional advice and you can also find out more about what modelling with us entails.

Good luck! We hope to decide to give it a go!

We’re sure you have but a gentle reminder from our side is always helpful, just in case you haven’t had the chance to review your portfolio, which is why we’re sending this blog out to you.

For our baby models, child models, teens and adults, and even for our Star Pets, we need up-to-date pics and details as part of your ePortfolio profile. Our MD team needs your current look to accurately represent you, right this very moment, and if we need to get a hold of you, we’re dialling the right number or sending an email to the right address.

Our booking process happens behind the scenes where our expert modelling coordinators put forward our models who match our client’s modelling brief and requirements.

So, if yours aren’t current, then we might be putting a version of you in the past that the client would have been interested in then but not now.

This can be disappointing for models to learn if they’ve reached close to closing a modelling deal but are yet so far and have to be turned down.

Modelling requirements can vary from client to client quite drastically as everyone is requesting a different talent so being as close to the look that represents you, your baby, child or teen right now is essential.

We also want to avoid trying to get hold of a selected model and either their number is out of service or the registered email address has bounced. Luckily, this doesn’t happen often, and we usually do get in touch with our talent to let them know the good news.

How often should you update your ePortfolio?

Babies – every 6-8 weeks

Children – every 3 months

Teens – every 6 months

Adults – every 6 months

Young pets – every 3 months

Older pets – every 6-12 months

Measurements such as height, weight, and shoe size, should be updated along with photos, especially for babies and children as they change so quickly. For more information on how to check these, head over to this blog.

If there are any specific changes such as hair cuts, hair colouring, piercings, tattoos, braces, weight loss or weight gain, let us know by sending over pics and updating your measurements section.

The takeaway

Models should make sure their photos and details are up to date so that their chances of being matched to a client’s marketing vision doesn’t end in a no deal.

Sometimes our models are booked as soon as they’ve registered with us and sometimes it takes time. Just remember to keep those images fresh, and fun and show off your personality. As for your contact details and measurements, be sure to let us know of any changes too!

Thanks for reading and thanks for being a registered MD talent!