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!

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!

Our clients like to know that models are proactive. Not updating photos on your portfolio could be a major disadvantage, so we urge every registered model to keep their looks and talents current.

Most industries change; it might not be from year-to-year, but all companies progress at some point. This could be a re-branding campaign, a change in personnel, a move to a new headquarters…whatever the reason for change, you can be sure that it’s for the company’s benefit. And so, models, too, should explore new avenues and seek ways to elevate them from the others that are competing for the same successes. The best way to do that is to keep portfolios fresh and tell us if you’ve changed your looks or gained new experiences that will help you get noticed by our clients.

• 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

A lot of models ask how often they should update their details and photos on portfolios. Every model is different, but a simple answer is as often as is necessary. The worst thing any model can do is to leave photos in their portfolios, forgetting to add fresh images and assume that clients will be attracted to models who haven’t bothered to tell them how their looks have changed or what new skills they have acquired since the last time they visited their portfolio.

Broadly speaking, models should update their photos every few months. This gives us and our clients the confidence to models are taking their careers seriously, as negligence is a tell-tale sign that models expect to be offered jobs purely because of initially completing portfolios.

This is a common mistake. We have responded to some models who mention that they haven’t been offered as many jobs as they’d like. Whilst we understand their frustration, looking at their portfolio history usually suggests they haven’t kept their portfolios fresh, current and, most importantly, relevant.

Every few months is a reasonable timescale to update photos, even if you have the same look as you did when you registered with us. We want to see varied photos in different fashions. It should be apparent that if models change hairstyles or have added some new tattoos, then this must be reflected in portfolios.

In short, think of your portfolios as the first thing our clients see – much like a CV or cover letter. Clients are not mind readers, after all.

Check your contact details are still valid – if we can’t get in touch with you with the good news, it could jeopardise a fabulous Models Direct booking.

There are plenty of opportunities for all kinds of pets. It’s obvious that dogs and cats make up the largest part of our pet model catalogue – there are the two most popular pets in the world. With that popularity comes a demand for them to help brands sell pet products. The brands come to us in the first instance, and after that we recommend them the best matched pets as per their brief. It’s the same selection process for human models and it works well.

But whilst dogs and cats make up the bulk of our pet models, there are opportunities for other pets. We’ve placed rabbits in health and beauty assignments for Superdrug, and we’re always interested in hearing from owners of any kind of pet. Our client list means we can always put recommend the right animals to the brands crying out for them.

Some marketing campaigns are just that little bit more effective with animal models; our furry friends have a certain cuteness that really shines on camera. The demand has never lessened for decades, so we’re confident that pet modelling will remain as popular as it’s always been.

• 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

This is great news for pet owners who think their pets have what it takes to join the ranks of pet models that have already been placed with the brands we work with. 

Pet foods and supplements are a mainstay of pet modelling. For instance, we’ve had a great relationship with Pet Lab for a few years, and they couldn’t appeal to pet owners without real pets on board.

As mentioned, several non-pet specific brands get in touch with us to help them supply the ideal pets for their campaigns. A great example is the end-end fashion brand Mulberry, who selected gorgeous rabbit Puddin to advertise their handbags as part of their summer collection.

Another example is the fast-growing G Tech brand, which regularly advertising on TV. You might recognise the black and white dog from the adverts, supplied by us. When their products sell as well as they do, Bella the dog can be credited with a part of its success.

We’ve also been honoured to supply dogs for the Richard & Judy Show and for plenty of Christmas photo shoots. In short, more and more brands are looking for the perfect pet to appeal to a larger customer base – and YOUR pet could well be the next one our clients select.

Have a read of our handy do’s and don’ts pet guide before you make your application. Though your pets can’t speak for themselves, they’ll definitely thank you for it.

We like to make our processes as easy as possible, which is why applying to join us takes a couple of minutes, complete with two clear photos models may take with a Smartphone. Any registered model has access to their ePortfolio, which our vetted clients have access to, helping them choose the right models for the right job.

We cannot emphasise how important portfolios are. As we do not (and have never) pick models for jobs, models must regularly log into their portfolio accounts to upload current photos. Our clients want to see that a model is being proactive, the evidence being a full range of accurate, up-to-date images from which they can choose their preferred model. Simply uploading a few photos when you start with us isn’t going to be beneficial in the long term. We need to see that models have understood what is required from them; we’ll do all we can to recommend the right models to big brands, but models must also help themselves.    

And even a small tweak in a model’s appearance can make a big difference. Haircuts, hair colour, tattoos, piercings, new background scenery, adapting with the seasons, current fashions…they can all change, and our clients must know about them. It’s futile for clients to see what a model looked like months ago – assignments are built and created on true representations, so models need to visit their portfolios every month or so to keep them stocked up with the latest images.  

• 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 we recommend models to our clients, they rely on a model’s portfolio. A name, age and location alone aren’t that much use to them; most modelling jobs require posing / acting on film or in photoshoots, so portfolios are the primary source for clients to see what a model looks like. And this is where keeping your looks up to date is crucial in whether a models will be picked. Please don’t let your portfolio photos become stagnant and outdated! You won’t be helping yourself.

Additionally, please keep your contact details current in portfolios. Often we’ll need to contact our models, especially if it’s a last minute booking, or if there has been a delay with clients. Communication is key to bookings; if your details are not accurate, it could affect present and future jobs. Likewise, if you have to cancel a job at short notice, please get in touch with us immediately. Common sense and courtesy go a long way!

We’ve made the decision for two main reasons:

1. To oversee a surge in model bookings in our nation’s capital and its environs.
2. To expand our operation, fulfilling the ever-increasing demand for the very best commercial models.

The decision wasn’t a difficult one to make. We’ve seen a growth in all parts of our business, from our talented staff to the number of innovative clients who rely on us to supply the models they need for a diverse range of marketing campaigns. Additionally, when we considered the increase in models wishing to star in the finest commercial modelling jobs available in the country, we had to think about expanding.

• 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

That’s when we knew a new office was necessary in maintaining our high standards and assisting the thousands of brands that need our services.

Modelling in London

We’re fortunate to give models of all ages and backgrounds the chance to put their skills to good use all over the UK – and even abroad. We know that there are many brands looking to reach audiences and new customers wherever they’re based. The aim of using our commercial models is to present a captivating marketing photo shoot or film to appeal to those that might use the brand’s products or services. Using models is as effective as ever.   

But there’s something a little bit special about modelling in London. An obvious advantage is that many of successful brands are based in our capital. London is only one of two Alpha ++ cities in the world, meaning it’s at the top of the tree for decision-making power, innovation, financial institutes, media and communications, and education / research. The one city that can rival London is New York. London’s influence and reputation speaks for itself.

Modelling in London presents many benefits for our talent, namely:

• More opportunities to work with world-leading brands.
• Potential to gain more contacts.
• Greater modelling fees in line with London’s cost of living.
• Exceptional transport links.
• Greater chance to express diversity due to an unmatched multi-cultural environment.

The fast-paced nature of working in any bustling city can be an impetus to anyone’s schedule and can easily be the catalyst to bigger and better things. In London, anything is possible, and there’s arguably no better place in the world to realise dreams. As commercial modelling is more accessible than most other types of work, we have no doubt that a new office in London will open more doors for our models, whilst helping our clients in the process.

Whilst our Norwich Head Office will remain the hub of business, our new office in London will have positive repercussions for everyone involved.  

As you know, commercial modelling is not high-end fashion modelling. Commercial modelling in London means that just about any company, brand, charity and service will at some time require a Models Direct model, and we want you to be involved.

These are exciting times for everyone. Come and join our revolution!

Whilst there are certain restrictions to high-end fashion modelling, the diversity in commercial modelling is evident. We do not specialise in any type of model. Commercial models encompass everyone, from toddlers to mature models, males and females from all backgrounds. The one attribute for commercial models is that they must be dedicated to their assignments, from regularly updating their portfolio photos to representing themselves (and us) on set. The rest usually takes care of itself.

Some people fare better in modelling jobs than others. Not everyone is suitable for all our jobs. Age and gender are key factors, but thankfully modelling experience is not required. That’s equally critical, as it shows that anyone with the desire to become a Models Direct model can succeed.

What’s also important is knowing the range of different types of models we’re always interested to hear from. Some agencies specialise in plus size modelling, while others mainly have females on their lists. Some will have more of an emphasis on pets.

We’ve been the UK’s leading commercial modelling employment agency for a number of years, and we put all our effort into each booking, no matter what type of model we’re representing.

• 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

And which different types of models are we experts at putting forward to our numerous clients, giving them the best chance of being seen and ultimately being offered their dream commercial modelling job?

Here’s the list of the main types:

Commercial modelling – diversity is the key here, with commercial modelling appealing to everyone. We are always interested to hear from anyone with the desire to work with top brands all over the UK and abroad. Commercial modelling is totally accessible, well paid and fun. Read more about commercial modelling here.

Mature modelling – age is not a limitation. Instead, embrace your wealth of life experience by signing up with us and uncovering plenty of modelling jobs as a mature model.

Baby, child and teenager modelling – modelling is not just for adults. We’ve provided our clients with hundreds of youngsters in exciting shoots (accompanied by their parents and guardians, naturally). Babies are usually classed as infants up to two years of age, child models are up to the age of twelve, and the age of teen models should be self-explanatory. The range of assignments on offer for children is limitless; all we ask is that they are well behaved and have fun in a safe environment.

Pet modelling – perennially popular with several clients, household animals of all shapes, sizes and breeds are always welcome!

Plus size modelling – for those with a fuller figure, there are many chances to be seen by our clients. For the past few years, we’ve experienced a surge in plus size modelling, so we welcome anyone to join us and have the best chance to be selected by top brands looking to appeal to the public.

We cater for anyone and everyone – and it starts with having the desire to become a model. After that, registering with means we’ll show our clients what you have to offer!

We’ve grown rapidly since we started the business in 1990, and that growth has resulted from a rapid increase in both clients and models. This is beneficial for everyone, because more clients mean more modelling opportunities. But that doesn’t mean that every model who registers with us will be inundated with offers of modelling assignments.

The good news, however, is that joining a reputable agency remains the best way for models of all ages and backgrounds to be put forward to the decision makers: the clients.

We’ve never said commercial modelling isn’t competitive. There has always been competition for jobs – just like in every industry sector. Joining Models Direct makes it much easier for models of any experience to be seen by our clients, who then inform us which models they’d like to work with them.

Any model could approach a brand directly. There’s nothing stopping a model contacting a company and asking if they need models for advertising campaigns. The chances of that model merely speaking to the right person are slim; moreover, even if they do find the right person to talk to, communication would invariably stop right there, with the company telling the hopeful model that they only find models with their preferred agency.

• 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

Agencies develop a trusting relationship with their clients. It’s another solid reason for models to join a good agency. The chances of securing work with an agency significantly increase with an agency working on a model’s behalf. The reality is that, although we place hundreds of models per week in exciting modelling jobs, some models might not be chosen by the clients, even though they are a perfect match, and we put them forward whenever their talents are called for.

But the plus for models is that they can – and should – help themselves. We do everything we can to find our clients the right models for their specific assignments. It’s what we do, and we’re extremely proficient at doing it. Here’s a quick checklist of how models can increase their chances of being chosen by clients:

1. If any contact details have changed since you last registered with us, please ensure that they have been updated on your personal Models Direct portfolio.

2. Just as important, be sure to add fresh photos and reels to your portfolio. This is especially vital if you’ve changed your look. If you’ve had a new haircut or treated yourself to a fresh tattoo, don’t hold back! Take a few up-to-date photos and upload them to your portfolio. Make sure you stand out! Alternatively, if your current portfolio doesn’t include more niche images (e.g. in gym gear for any fitness modelling gigs), be sure to add them. We have plenty of jobs available requiring specific models for specific assignments. We’re not a generic modelling talent agency…

3. Keep up to date with the commercial modelling industry, and be proactive.

4. Don’t be shy in contacting us if you need any assistance. Our team are here to help all models, and we invite anyone to visit us in Norwich by appointment.

Any Models Direct model is in the best place to be seen by all kinds of brands who are actively seeking new talent for their campaigns. Keep at it, and keep the faith!

Suitability for commercial modelling encompasses everyone from any background and experience. Consider the following models our clients regularly ask us to provide them:

• Babies and toddlers
• Children
• Teenagers
• Adults
• Mature models
• People living with disabilities
• Individuals described as “plus size” in some circles
• Males and females
• Oh…and pets of all species!

There may be some specific assignments which call for models of a particular ethnicity or look, such as showing off tattoos or opportunities for wheelchair users. But in general, we’re always on the lookout for anyone with the desire to become a commercial model, and the process starts with a simple  registration.

We touched on the fact that that some would-be models might not be ready to become a Models Direct model, no matter how much the desire might be. That’s because we recommend that they research a little about us and how we operate. Additionally, they mustn’t apply with us without knowing some basic tips. Researching some aspects of our industry is just as important as performing well once you’ve been picked for your first shoot.

• 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

Although we’ll provide all the essential information and be available to answer queries ahead of a shoot, models need to be well prepared to make their modelling life that little bit easier. Preparation is key, and shouldn’t be underestimated.

Remaining calm, professional and confident are also key qualities for all our commercial models. If you thrive by taking directions from someone in a professional environment, whilst having fun and keeping to professional levels, you’ll fit in nicely with our extensive list of models.

Nerves are normal. Being filmed or photographed is not everyone’s ideal job, but for our models it’s perfect. Our clients know that everyone involved in the assignment must work together to produce the desired result, and so our models constantly tell us how relaxed everyone is on set, and how much relaxed they are made to feel.

Simone’s feedback for her second assignment with us is a perfect example. She said, “I had a great experience at my shoot at Leeds University. It was an amazing opportunity to get to go to a new city and the other models were very friendly, which calmed my nerves and made the experience more enjoyable. The environment was very relaxed, and the shoot consisted of a variety of stills and video. Staff were also very nice and informative throughout the shoot. I very much look forward to my next booking!”

Suitability for a lot of our bookings is about staying relaxed, enjoying the experience, and being keen to bag more opportunities to shine with our clients.         

Prior modelling experience is absolutely not required.

Take the first step and register your details with us. After that, our lovely team at Models Direct HQ will do the rest!

As another year passes, we strive to remain at the forefront of commercial modelling as an agency with everything to offer – both to our models and our clients who rely on us to supply them with the best talent.

We expect modelling with us in 2025 to be even better than that in previous years.

But what do we mean by “better”? It’s a word that has many meanings, and opinions can differ as to what “better” actually implies. No one can predict the future, so it’d be arrogant to say that everything in the world is going to be better in the new year. But in terms of modelling, we’re excited at the prospects 2025 can offer our models.

Modelling in 2025 may very well present some real benefits to our models that can be seen as “better” than the previous years.

Like we say, the previous years (decades, even) have seen substantial growth for us. We work with far more clients year-on-year, and we are able to offer more wonderful modelling assignments to our registered models. We don’t really need to advertise to big name brands, because they come to us whenever they require models to help them in their marketing campaigns and in their advertising needs. We’ve built up an incomparable reputation and our clients trust us to meet their needs. It’s a great two-way relationship.

As a model in 2025, what can you expect?

If you’re thinking about modelling for the first time with us, you should know that you’re in the best possible position to be put forward to our clients. The brands we work range from multinationals and high street retailers to smaller start-ups. They all have one common thing when they approach us: they know that we have the perfect models for their needs. If you’re curious about modelling, you won’t be in a better place to be seen by the brands crying out for models. That’s what makes our team tick.

Maybe 2025 will be the year you take modelling seriously and join our team of models. Maybe it’s on your bucket list – even if you’re happy with a solitary job. Maybe it’s not about you at all; you may be thinking that your beloved pet is on the right track to become one of our next Starpets. Whatever your reasons, you’ll joining the right agency.

For our models who have enjoyed jobs with us, what will modelling in 2025 bring?

Well, we’re confident that all our models can expect the following:

1. To be put forward to our clients for even more modelling opportunities when your look and skills are called for.

2. An increase to our already extensive client list.

3. Even more diverse jobs.

4. More travel opportunities.

We’re always looking for ways to make things “better”. Whether that’s placing even more models with top-notch brands, or receiving more 5 star reviews than ever, we’re looking forward to what 2025 will bring us, our models and our clients.