I have had a lot of people recently share their scam stories with me. "Agencies" charging their talent ridiculous amounts of money to be signed with them, agencies forcing talent to work with photographers that charge stupid amounts for test shoots, and don't get me started on modeling "classes". It's really too bad that some people are ok with taking advantage of others, but that's life, it happens. All you can do is know your facts and do your best to not get screwed. Here are a few simple rules to live by-
1. All agencies that are claiming that they will book you jobs need to have a license. You can easily find out if an agency is licensed by doing a quick internet search. It is against the law for an agency to give you a contract if they are not properly licensed.
2. All agencies must have a commercial space. If you're scouted while out and about or attending an open call at a public place, make sure to find out where the actual brick and mortar office is located. Rent by the day offices and someone's residence doesn't count- the state from which your agency is licensed will inspect the commercial space prior to giving them a license. It is against the law for agencies to do business without a commercial space.
3. You do not need professional photos to get signed by an agency. Most agencies would prefer you don't have them so that they can recommend you to people who know what they're doing. Not all photographers are created equal. And side note- you can work with AMAZING photographers for anywhere from $300-$500. If someone is trying to tell you they're worth more, they are lying.
4. Do your research. Has your booker ever booked before? Who are the clients they have booked work for? Do a circuit court search on the people working there- if they've run out on bills before, what's to say they won't do it when your checks come in?
Trust your gut. If it seems shady, it is. If it seems to be too good to be true, it is.
