Models, Learn Your Business - Frequently Asked Questions

Models, Learn Your Business - Frequently Asked Questions

Models, Learn Your Business - Frequently Asked Questions

How much do models get paid?
It depends on the market. NYC rates are $250/hr. for consumer advertising, $200/hr. for trade advertising, $150/hr. for catalogue, and usually a few hundred dollars/ day for editorial. Other markets have other rates. Models also get "use" fees for certain kinds of advertising projects i.e., billboards, posters, in store etc. These use fees can run into the tens of thousands of dollars. National advertisements pay $2000 - $4000 a day. When your experience and portfolio grow your rates grow also. Supermodels now make up to $30,000 a day.

How much money necessary to get started?
The minimum is $400-$2000 depending on the market.

What kinds of advertising materials do models use?
Composite cards, portfolios of test pictures, tear sheets, participation in agency books.

Who pays for the advertising material?
The models always pay for his/her own materials.

How much do pictures and composites cost?
Digital composites are about $200/100 cards. Pictures are anywhere between $250-$500 for a test session that will produce 3-5 photographs. However, the cost of shooting with a good photographer is closer to $500.00 for 5 photographs.

How many photographs should include portfolio at the beginning of modeling career?
Please read info about initial modeling portfolios.

Copyright
The photographer or his client always owns the copyrights and negatives and other media of a photo session. Never expect to receive any negatives If you want to get your negatives, you have to negotiate it before your shooting session. Do not forget to include this condition to the shooting contract.

How often should I update my portfolio?
Your portfolio needs to reflect your current look. Since hairstyles and clothing styles change rapidly your portfolio needs to reflect not only your current look but also the current look of Fashion.
You have to understand that photos in your portfolio will compete with other portfolios. If your portfolio is great - you will win. But if your photos are not good enough - you will loose! What does it mean? You never get a good job and probably no job at all.

How long does it take to get paid for a finished job?
Usually it takes within 60-90 days of the work assignment.