Answering a Reader Question

This is in response to Anonymous, who posted the following comment on my post "The Runway Walk":

Anonymous said...

Hey
I was wondering..I am really young and wanted to get started in the modeling business but doesn't know how?. Also, is there any way you can become a model without spending any money?

To answer your first question about how to get started, check out this post I did about the very subject: Where Do You Start?

To answer your second question, you can definitely get started in modeling without throwing away a load of money. First, since you are young and inexperienced, agencies will not expect or require you to have a professional portfolio with photos. Just take regular snapshots of yourself according to what photos they ask for. When you sign with an agency that is legit, there are no upfront fees or anything like that so you're still in the clear when it comes to not spending money.

However, it is normal for an agency to require you to pay for your professional photoshoot to put together your modeling portfolio. Go with the photographer(s) you agent recommends. Expect to pay anywhere between $100-500...BUT you are paying for a makeup artist, the photographer, hair stylist and wardrobe stylist so your money will go a long way. You may pay an additional $100 for printing costs for your comp cards. Other than that small investment, the rest of your career won't come at the cost of you or your parents' wallets and paying for your portfolio is a smart investment in your modeling career. Once you start getting hired for gigs, you'll make that money back right away.

Hope that answers your question and thanks for reading!