Yes, you should avoid the following things: Modeling Agencies that charge application fees. Modeling Agencies that insist you utilize their photographer Modeling Conventions with limited representation of all modeling fields Fly in to town - Fly out of town agencies AVOID MODELING RIP-OFFS Take the time to educate yourself before you fall prey to the numerous pit falls. The modeling profession is full of dreams, hopes and disappointments. Everyone wants to hear that they are beautiful and they have excellent potential to making thousands of dollars pursuing the modeling profession. Realistically, one out of a million aspiring models make it a full time profession. It is frustrating to find so many companies making money by telling you exactly what you want to hear only to leave you with an unnecessary investment and resentment for the profession. "Fly in to town and Fly out" modeling agencies make a habit of advertising for a free interview to get as many people interested as possible. The advertisements are always emphasizing the amounts of money you can earn and the fame this company can give you. Once you attend the audition, you will hear other great success stories heightening your desire to pursue the next step. This company knows exactly what to say to get you excited. Normally, the last step to the audition is to see whether or not you were accepted. Companies normally make you feel as though you were among the few to be accepted again heightening your desires. After you feel so confident that you have what it takes to be a model, the company sells you photographs/comp cards, conventions, etc. Be leery of anything that sounds too good to be true. In order to make a wise decision, you must research before paying any money. Be Realistic and ask the agency's representative the following questions: 1. Do Labor and Industry license their agency? 2. Is their school licensed by Department of Education? 3. If so, may you see a certificate? 4. You would like to see recommendations from models and clients. 5. Who are some of your clients and may I contact them for a reference? 6. Where are your jobs located? 7. What is your office address? (Avoid P.O. Box addresses) 8. Can I supply you with my own photographs/comp cards? 9. If company is selling a convention, ask for a list of modeling agencies that will be represented. 10. Some last thoughts, research before making any decision. Refrain from making a hasty decision. Check references, Better Business Bureau and licensing. Remember, companies can tell you anything; but you have the power to call their bluff by asking legitimate questions. Modeling Conventions seem to be popping up all over the place recruiting aspiring models to spend hundreds of dollars to attend a large audition to meet with representatives from modeling agencies. My philosophy in attending such a convention would be "What are my chances of being chosen?" To try to figure my chances, I would need to know what type of agencies such as High Fashion and/or commercial would be present. High Fashion agencies normally are very strict with height (5'9 or taller), appearance (unique thin appearance) and age (normally age 12-19). Commercial agencies are on average accept "real people" less strict than High Fashion. The amount of agencies in each field would also be a large determining factor. After finding the amount of agencies, I would decide whether "x" amount of dollars is worth investing to meet with "x" amount of agents that my physical statistics fall under. A lot of times aspiring models do not realize that you can meet with the same agents for free on your own by attending open calls. You would need to call the agency and request when they offer open calls and you would be responsible for your own transportation to and from the open call. Ideally, it is best to schedule as many open calls as possible on one day. Or, you can send snapshots to the agency's scouting department for the cost of postage. You should not have any make-up on and your hair should be very natural for a Headshot, Profile - both sides, and Full body - Front and Back along with your statistics: females: Height, Weight, Bust, Waist, Hips, Hair Color, Eye Color, Dress Size, Shoe Size or males: Height, Weight, Jacket, Shirt, Waist, Hair Color, Eye Color, Shoe Size and do not forget to include your address and phone number. Do not expect to receive your photographs returned. If the agency is interested in you, they will contact you.  In summary, aspiring models should find a local licensed modeling agent to help you get started. The agent will guide you through steps necessary to make you marketable. Your agent will also guide you to making a decision on whether a convention would help you become more visible.  Clients expect modeling agencies to prepare talent before sending them to assignments. Modeling agencies must test, screen and prepare talent before representing as a professional model.