The sneakiest breaking into a modeling agency story I ever heard. Guerilla warfare 101
Caution, I am not saying I condone this technique. I just want to share it with you.
About two years ago a guy called me to book a test shoot. We’ll call him “Roger”. Roger is an African American male model. He is approximately 5’8″ tall. When he called me he told me that he is represented by Ford models. He said he had heard about me through Ford and wanted to test shoot with me. Because of his height I did not believe him. I jumped onto my computer and logged into the Ford modeling agency website. Sure enough, Roger was listed there as a model with the agency. He was listed in the commercial department in Los Angeles.
Roger and I did a “Ralph Lauren Polo” style test shoot in the desert. During the shoot I asked him how did he get into Ford and he told me this amazing story.
“When I walked into Ford for the first time no one wanted me. None of the agencies in Los Angeles wanted me. I went to agency after agency and was rejected by every one and I felt frustrated. I decided to visit my brother in New York City. When I was there I got the idea to call Ford Los Angeles. I asked for the name of the men’s bookers and wrote them down. A few days later I was thumbing through a magazine when I got the idea to call Bruce Weber. I called his studio and said, “Hi, my name is Roger. I am with Ford Los Angeles (which I wasn’t) and Steve told me to go and see you. I have $4000.00 cash in my pocket right now and I want to know if you have time to see me for a quick model test.” One of his assistants put him on hold and within a few minutes he had an appointment with one of the best fashion photographers in the world.
The following week he visited another great fashion photographer for much less money and left New York.
When he returned to Los Angeles he reversed his game. He went to Ford’s open call and he said “Bruce Weber told me to see Steve at Ford.” The receptionist took the photos in and showed “Steve.” Steve responded, “Send him in! He’s perfect. We’re looking for a guy just like you!” A few minutes later our 5’8″ African American model had a new agent and has been working steadily ever since.
My point is this. Look at the movie, “The Color of Money,” or “Risky Business” with Tom Cruise. The movies are about hustling. Being busy. Trying hard. Same with “Rocky.” Hard work. Going for what you want. If you take the hustle out of these movies what do you have? A couple of guys playing pool and a washed up boxer. If your having trouble jump starting your career maybe your story should be interesting if you want to be heard. Go out there and get the best pics you can afford. Don’t sit on the couch if you don’t have an agent and wonder why the world isn’t being handed to you on a silver platter. Time to hustle.
Also, don’t forget to register your email address in the RSS form on my blog’s main page for future updates on “How to become a successful fashion model.”
Posted by: Fashion Photography Blog
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10 Responses to “The sneakiest breaking into a modeling agency story I ever heard. Guerilla warfare 101”
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I love to hear stories like this! Thank you for sharing. This is a wonderful blog! I will subscribe.
Do you have a link that talks about how to get a modeling agency?
Yes, there are a few. Try looking in the sitemap or use the tab “How To Become A Successful Model.”
I didn’t see that perfect!
Amazing content. Can I write for you?
I will have my studio manager contact you.
Smart Man! I love to hear stories like this!
Hi,
I loved that story, and I think your point is a great one, but what about the photographer that is trying to break into the scene?
Nice Reading. Thanks.
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[...] Work with the best photographers that you can… even if it means that you have to make an investment. As you learned from my story, Pros recognize other Pros’ work. And the reason they are Pros is because they make a living doing what they do, which is make commercially viable images. Don’t believe my experience? Check out what this one male fashion model did to get into Ford guerilla style by paying top $$$ to shoot with Bruce Weber: http://www.robertvoltaire.com/blog/the-sneakiest-breaking-into-a-modeling-agency-story-i-ever-hear… [...]