How To Work With Modeling Agencies As A Photographer

[@robertgordonphotography]

😱 thank you thank you thank you. Although I’m kind of nervous because I’ve never worked with an agency. I took your advice and contacted the agencies. I sent out emails and within 20 minutes I started getting responses and now have pages of girls to work with from two different agencies. Not sure what I’m doing yet with them so time to get busy and put together some mood boards. Best advice ever!!!

[@TorrancePollard]

Would love to see the list of agencies you contacted.

[@robertgordonphotography]

@@TorrancePollard wilhelmina, stellar, next, las Olas and posche

[@TorrancePollard]

@@robertgordonphotography thank you

[@JessicaKobeissi]

GREAT JOB!!!! So happy to read this!!

[@robertgordonphotography]

@@JessicaKobeissi 🥰

[@nia.k304]

the blue eyeliner looks so pretty on you jessica

[@Hannah-ix3sw]

me: not a photographer, model, or any part of the industry also me: yeah these are some great points

[@ijyoyo]

Grape!

[@jakirakamaly]

I swear, you're stalking my search history or something because I literally just watched Kayleigh June's videos on how to contact models! I feel like you always upload exactly what I need at exactly the right time 👀

[@Ataraxia_Atom]

Launching my photography business this month. Let's go!!! This the season

[@caleblatreille8224]

this is one of the most helpful, constructive videos i've ever seen about the actual WORK of photography. thank you so much, Jessica!

[@hollyhockphotography9496]

This video is super useful thankyou so much!!! I've watched tour videos as a beginner and you've been my biggest inspiration. I've even started my own channel after years of watching yours! Thankyou ❤

[@MegumiHayashida]

I recognize this board 9:50 😆 this is NEXT Management right? I've noticed some of the most prestigious agencies commission like 1 specific photographer in charge of digitals/polaroids then they don't necessarily update every season yet they might keep the same photographer for years. So as you said, having a decent portfolio website showcasing some skills is definately the best way to get Test Shoot opportunities although nepotism is still prevalent especially in the fashion industry.

[@rayray4ever1]

As a Detroit photographer, I thank you dearly! ❤️

[@mnhdua]

I’m 12 and love photography. Your videos are awesome and the tips are great

[@pankovyury11007]

Thank you for this information! it was truly helpful! I have a couple of questions, though - it is free for both sides? and could you do a video, explaining what happens after the shoot (e.g. you send pics over to the agency or smith like that) thank you!

[@iunderstanphotography2780]

I'm glad you created an update to this; times are always changing and we have to change with them

[@pranilzaman5926]

Thank you so much for this Jess! I was literally wondering about this the other day 💕

[@yarelimacedo]

This is the video you said you’d put out when we spoke on CH!!!

[@havennevah6191]

Yesss! I need this advice. Thank you Jessica!

[@a-muse6567]

YES I have been waiting for this information! Thanks Jess!

[@variety8952]

I watch and rewatch your videos daily🙈 love you Jess!

[@RyHallPhoto]

Hey Jessica! Great video! I've been following you for years now, and after watching this video, I now have even more confidence in how I approach and work with modelling agencies as the methods are almost exactly the same as yours! I love it :-D

[@IAMWILLBROWN]

Thank you so much for this video! I’ll make sure to keep you updated on how it goes!

[@THEMYSTICYARNS]

Thanks you for you guidance I really love crochet fashion & photography

[@sammolett7271]

This is a very helpful video. I've been so nervous to branch out and go to an agency as a photographer. I have modeled myself, but I feel like it's different to approach as a photographer.

[@ijyoyo]

Yes

[@AStorybyMo]

You’re super talented, Jessica! Thank you for these videos and always just being real:)

[@byjovanmedia5212]

Yes Jessica ! Just the video I needed. This helps alot as I've been taking quite a lot of photos recently building my portfolio and this will soon be my next step. Thank You

[@williamb27]

You are so amazing 🕊🤍 And such a great photographer ❤️

[@shxbhangi]

Thanks a lot. You’re a gem.

[@Ammzkon]

This is brilliant I use square space and I don’t see any of the options you were showing is this based on different templates you choose?

[@JessicaKobeissi]

Yes! The one I use is called "Ishimoto", it's my favorite!

[@Ammzkon]

@@JessicaKobeissi thank you so much

[@NorwegianForestMeow]

Hi Jessica, would you mind adding information about costs involved to book agency models for test shoots? Should we assume they are all TFP? Or do agencies charge photographers for test shoots like these? What will be the agreement to showcase their models on your own website? How many photos from the final work do you send back to the agency? I normally work with freelance models on ModelMayhem or Starnow for test shoots as it is easier to deal directly with the model. Thanks so much!

[@charlielamare8684]

@Violeta Neamtu Thank you for answering her question, this was exactly the answer I was looking for as well. As a photographer freshly entering that world, how do you think I should approach the outfit parts knowing I most likely won't be able to bring anything on the table for that? Can you request your model to bring her own outfit for this shoot or smith? Ty

[@michael2968]

4 photographers shoot the same model but youre the model 😍😭🙏

[@RyHallPhoto]

Sweet talker haha

Gracias, mil veces: gracias. Amé este video porque explica de manera sincera lo que podemos hacer para trabajar en una agencia de modelos. Le envio un cordial saludo.

[@Dariusproductions]

Thank u Jessica

[@rheaganlee9684]

Thanks for making this video!

[@cloudsilver1]

Hi Jessica, I just wanted to say a big thank you for this! I was so inspired and decided to reach out to several modeling agencies and I got a reply! Hopefully this will get the ball rolling for more photo shoots in the future :) if you’re ever in NYC, I’d love to collaborate with you.. thanks again!

[@alexgoeke]

What’s the usual size and resolution you use when sending the photos in the email?

[@jennacarney8012]

I would think it would be around 1080p

[@iunderstanphotography2780]

I'd use dropbox and send a retina screen size image 2400px on the long side and 144dpi. Or you could send whatever your camera max size is ex 3456x5186 and make the 72dpi Play around with your settings to see what looks good. If your photos are chosen, the agency will upload them to their site, and you want it looking good on wordpress squarespace etc. plus next to other photos in that models port. Don't make the mistake of being the only one looking grainy.

[@pattysfilms]

This super valuable thanks Jessica!

[@mayarwael8157]

Awesome ❤️❤️

[@lssantore]

Square space is awesome. I've used it for years.

[@alonzo2k]

Hi Jessica thanks for the tips. Question what happens after the shoot?. we would love a follow up part 2 :)

[@ijyoyo]

Great information. I've always liked working with agencies but something is telling me to work with them more this upcoming year.

[@jesse4450]

Thanks for all the info!

[@Deri_Seh]

Where do you usually have the photoshoots with models? Do you need your own studio for that or do the agencies have their studios for that? Assuming you don't shoot outside. Where I live the weather is bad for 10 months

[@THEMODELGENE]

Most photographers shoot test shoots outside in order to avoid the cost of a studio rental, but sometimes you have to get creative with the location. You can always take a beautiful portrait inside an apartment if you have good lighting.

[@casandracarrettini-conentc1119]

Thank you! Do you think is okay to approach them if I want to do a test photoshoot of jewelry or beauty like a serum? Since there is a product I don't know if they want to do it. I could also take a few pictures just of the model for them. thanks!

[@zohair-lab]

Ayyyy 😂I asked that question for another video

[@TooGood79]

🤗🥰 Jessica!

[@maxim_vogel]

Thank you beautiful for your Chanel !

[@TheBrandonLeeCook]

🙌

[@ellaallakhverdi1529]

Hi, thank you for your video. My questions are, when sending that email to the agencies would that mean that i have to pay the models or the agency for the shoot or is it like free Tfp stuff? Do i share the pics with the model or the agency as well? 🤔 Could you please help me figure it out. 😅

[@Brotherhood-of-The-Skallywag]

Jessica - Outstanding content, but I have a question.... At what point can one expect to be paid for model shoots?

[@alansommer]

I'm a new photographer. Do you think it's a good idea to sell my photos on Getty Images?

[@aubreyburman7661]

for the ones in Chicago do you go to them or vice versa?

[@kxmilofficial]

Thank you so much for this, it is extremely helpful!! Can you go into a bit more on paid jobs though and how we can work with models and still get paid for what we do? I feel like we spend most of our time doing test shoots and need to stop at some point and start earning from this line of work. How do you go about that? Would be really interested to hear about this from you! Thanks once again! You're awesome! 😁 p.s. I've been shooting with test models after watching your last video on agencies. You're the most helpful person ever! 😭

[@toddmcvey7853]

Hi Jessica, Just came across your video, thanks for all the great info. Question, ( I noticed that most of your work is location) if I do get a chance to work with an agency and they want studio images, not owning my own studio will they kick in towards the studios rental fees?

[@familyvalues2020]

Question...What's the purpose of working with the agency? To work with models and make better portfolio/advertising content? To get in with the agencies for possibly paid referrals later? Thanks!

[@ShesThe1yup]

Jessica - How long did it take you to start getting paid work from this? and for this shoot do you usually have a regular makeup and hair artist for this shoot? (not asking who just curious around that)

[@Dindev]

Hello Jessica. I absolutely love all your video and especially ones like this which gives more insights. I would just like to ask is It possible to earn money this way? As in for example with New Faces is it a mutual agreement where the model gets to have photos for her book and you get photos for your portfolio, or you actually do get payed for doing these shoots.

[@creativereflections3426]

Yea but how do you get paid

[@zoelin1011]

How many agencies should i contact at a time?

[@dislikebutton1718]

What about the pay, how do you work that out. How much is this.

[@NA-du4sf]

Do you have to pay for this, working with the models? Do you get paid, for taking their photos? Or is it just, no one pays, but both benefit?

[@ijyoyo]

it depends. Usually they call this TFP , trade for print. But since they are newer models they need portfolio photographs. The photographer also gets portfolio images as well.

[@reikasaname3967]

Do you have to take care of the make up artist? and wardrobe? and is it paid?

[@TeenyWeeny]

what is something typical you cant negotiate with agents/agencies? Like I prefer to not give them a lifetime copyright usage rights, I rather give lifetime of the model being signed with them and once they're not longer signed they can't use the images anymore. I doubt many will agree to that unless I'm a big name right?

[@ChrisAdval]

In my very minimal experience working with agency models, they tend to be extremely strict with what images you're allowed to edit and release publicly. Do you have that same experience, is that common practice as photographers have minimal creative control with what can be released?

[@thirtyyearcosmetologist]

Jessica did you get paid work after testing?

[@esseestdeus]

hola te amo jaja

[@ari.miriam]

how many agencies / models would you recommend doing free test shoots before you start charging?

[@nataliecasebolt4960]

Would Instagram help as a portfolio

[@e.alanis]

I know you ask Jessica, but, yes instagram do help, but don't use that as your portfolio.

[@nataliecasebolt4960]

@@e.alanis okay thank you I appreciate it I just wanted to make sure

[@stephenedwards8855]

Why no mention of payment?

[@timdrake200]

How much to charge in these shoots? and do you charge models or the agency

[@dfxzzz]

That Love in your eyes is readble, Joke asaid remind like i think you are a sweet good girl with passion about somenthink other than music. And again im listening techno.

[@tcastro84]

is this free or paid work we are attracting with this stratagie

[@NicoParkUp]

But I have one question. Did the agency pay you? Or you pay them? How that works?

[@princem7700]

HIIIIIIIII

[@theunpopularopinionGodTalk]

what is the average cost?

[@hsaid3263]

I'm you're 10 liked 🤣♥️

[@misssunny9460]

Can you get payed to shoot agency models? and if so how?

[@emanuelgarcia7397]

why do they call them models ,do models go through a severe process of school to become it or is model just a word for the person in the photos. Can anybody be called a model?

[@HelloPho]

Thank you for this informative video Jessica. I understand this language is probably normalized in the industry, but isn't it degrading to call grown women who are doing their job "girls"?

[@ljeeh]

Contacted like 5 agencies and none responded lol I think I'm doing something wrong at this point

[@THEMODELGENE]

If your work does not look similar to what is in the portfolios of their models, they will be less likely to agree to send a model to do a test shoot with you.

[@Miss.ducharme]

Almost first comment

[@BuzziestofBees]

First!!

[@kovacz4433]

If you take it seriously, you should think about taking some courses. There you can make your portfolio and learn another stuff.

[@dfxzzz]

im out

[@hsaid3263]

FIRSTTTTT

[@byron6002]

You're only a youtuber not a great photographer. That's it!!

[@stevenmeansphotography3861]

Do t have any siblings 🥲

[@Yulfi]

How much do they pay?