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Maybe start with making photo shoots of you wearing nice clothes and making nice poses. Posting them on the internet (Facebook,Twitter,etc.) can be an idea too, but it can sometimes be dangerous. Also, strolling around California with looks to the 10's would be great. They will quickly notice you if you find a way to make yourself known.

Search for 'Commerrcial Model Agencies 'area you want to search'. Apply at open calls, by email to agency offices, or by online application forms on agencies` websites, Apply with portrait & full length body images, front & side facing. Wear a fitted plain T shirt & fitted jeans. Girls, no make-up & hair off the face.

Under 18s need written parental permission to model & adult chaperones to all photoshoots, agency interviews & casting calls. Parents must ensure work is within government guidelines with regard to hours, pay etc. If applicable a youth work permit will be needed. The law states that only parents can make model agency applications on behalf of anyone under the age of 18.

Runway Modelling has measurement criteria (within an inch) - adult females 34"-24"-34" & 5'8-5'11". Plus Size - females 5'8-5'11", size 10-18 UK. Adult males 5'11-6'2 waist 30"–35" chest 36"–40". Weight is not important but models must be toned with a healthy BMI. Other modelling genres do not have measurement criteria. Modelling genres are : (All ages) Fitness, Runway, Catalogue, Fashion, Print, Magazine, Advertising, Promotional, Plus Size, Character, Commercial, Editorial, Parts Modelling, Hair, Photographic / (All ages but under 18s - catalogue style only. Over 18s only for provocative images) Swimwear, Lingerie, Underwear / (Over 18s only) Alternative, Gothic, Topless, Glamour nude, Playboy Nude, Concealed Nude, Implied Nude, Art Nude, UK Magazine, US magazine, Continental, Hardcore, Fetish

Include images in your chosen genres in your portfolio. Professional un-edited & clear amateur shots are acceptable. Use images from several photographers -you will need permission from them to include their images in your portfolio as they own the copyrights. Some photographers work TFP/TFCD i.e neither model & photographer are paid but both get to use the images in their portfolios. Some photographers charge for their work-ensure that the price they quote is all inclusive. Do not use portfolio studios - most are considered scams by the industry. For further portfolio information use this link http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/ind%E2%80%A6

3 out of 4 agencies are scams. The quickest, but not exclusive, check is to google 'name of agency scam'. Be aware that where there are negative reviews scam agencies often write bogus positive reviews. For further information on how to avoid the scams : http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/ind%E2%80%A6

Genuine agencies receive 1000s of applications direct to their offices & have no need to scout or advertise anywhere on the internet INCLUDING Facebook, FaceParty, Google Ads, YahooAds, Gumtree or any other classified ads websites. To make this clear, when making an internet search relating to modelling ALL the modelling adverts on the right of the screen & in the pink or blue shaded areas are ALL scams.

Avoid modelling schools, their remit is to make themselves money not to make models. They accept anybody willing to pay their high fees but give no guarantee of your being accepted by an agency. You are making them money - they won`t pass you on to make money for someone else. You are better off applying to the agencies & if you are accepted they will give you training for free & you know you are not wasting your time or money.

You can freelance for paid work. Use model networking sites such as Model Mayhem / Purestorm / OneModelPlace to locate photographers in your area that will pay you to model for them. Modelling is paid pro rata. Hourly rates can be high compared with many other jobs, but there is no guarantee of ongoing work. You`ll need to keep up with your messages, be professional, & keep your own paperwork in order for tax purposes if applicable.

Modelling is visual advertising of a product or commodity, whether it be for fashion in the runway, catalogue & fashion catagories, for products as in commercial, promotional & editorial modelling, or fantasy as in the glamour genre of the industry. Agents look for models with ability to advertise a product (whether clothes, a physical product or an idea) via the camera & the resultant image.

98% of applications to agencies are rejected. Looking like a model is not enough. You must be able to model.