How To Contact A Modeling Agency as a Photographer - Fashion Photography

[@connorg.5488]

I legit just contacted IMG development and we are planning a test shoot for march!! Sometimes it does work!

[@chaimaachouchou3123]

Nice

[@chaimaachouchou3123]

Can you show me the way you contact them

[@teamjacob2388]

What month did u contact them?

[@nagol5178]

For those who don't have a portfolio to start, what I did was just post on Craigslist that I would help models with their portfolios for free, just so I could take the pictures and I got like a thousand emails, most of them were professional models as well. Then you can charge money or get hired, but don't go in without the portfolio!

[@silvalox2846]

Never thought of that. I always wondered how do you find a location to shoot after you book the model if you're not shooting In a studio?

[@JessicaKobeissi]

I appreciate the comment trying to help aspiring photographers find models but can I just say I would recommend against using Craigslist. Using facebook/instagram is much safer in my opinion and actually more effective as the models can see your work right away and you can verify their identity faster through there. Heard too many shady things about Craigslist and there are just better places to look. I worked with MANY models just through direct messaging them on instagram.

[@JessicaKobeissi]

Honestly I just pick a general location and find nice walls/textures. I have been challenged the past few shoots by having random locations and I've had to just make it work. I think the challenge is just how you photograph around your surroundings and make them work. But definitely scouting locations beforehand or researching parks and nice areas before shooting is always a good idea. Google maps is great too cause you can street views and how things look before you shoot!

[@thecuretoinsomnia]

I did the same thing in the UK with Gumtree... It's great, my best work has come from those shoots!

[@sersastark]

@@silvalox2846 I did my first shoot inside of the library downtown (in the US it's the oldest public library in the country, in Boston). It has an amazing and beautiful atrium and rooms decorated like English royalty. 2nd shoot I did, we went to an arboretum and did shots among the trees. I lucked out using a male model tfc I met on CL and the photos I shot with him he used (along with my advice) to get signed to one of the biggest agencies in New England. I did this for the first time ever with a camera I didn't know how to use (it's 13yo Nikon D80 DSLR but it's still badass). Sometimes you gotta leap.

[@graystyleproductions8337]

Jessica you are seriously so helpful! I just wanted to let you know that I am working with my first modeling agency after taking your advice and I am so grateful for your help!! :)

[@alanajoldersma4443]

Hey Jessica, I just wanted to say thank you for sharing all these tutorials and advice with us. I know a lot of photographers don't want to "share their secrets and tricks", and I really appreciate all that you share with us to better our own photography! You're awesome, keep it up :)

[@KeoArts1]

How i made my portfolio was gathering no name ladies slowly building up my port till I was able to get models who do this for a living, sitting around not shooting anyone because they are not a model is not a way to go you still need some form on training and evolving your skills. I like this video a lot because it's showing me I need to step out there a little more then I am right now, I feel like sometimes I'm not doing enough I need to do more with whats in my city thank you for making this video I took some notes in my photography book.

[@brittneybyus]

Yes yes yes yes to this video. OMG thanks Jess, you're always listening to your followers & are soo down to earth! Please never change. Love your work, so inspiring.

[@Chilupiano]

Wow thank you! I watch many many KZbin photographers, I learn so much from all of them. But you are so honest and transparent. "15 heart attacks" that's me. The info provided here is so valuable.

[@soulincolor]

Thank you for making these videos and investing your time and energy into uplifting other aspiring photographers. This channel is teaching me so much, and your friendly, down-to-earth personality is refreshing. Love from Florida! ❤️

[@josephmoela4991]

JESSICA YOUR THE BEST, IN FACT I WOULD GO ON TO SAY YOUR MY FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPHER,YOUR VIDEO'S has helped me overcome so many obstacles in the past few months

[@annaking7593]

As a young photographer you actually helped me in some way to decide on what i would want to focus on in photography. Starting out I actually ask local stores if they need photos taken of there product and also I usually take some photos for people at my high school for when we have dances or just a event they want taken of. I also took up yearbook and that how I've been working on my portfolio and your videos help me see a visual of editing thank you so much.

[@valeriacabello9889]

Thank you so much for uploading this! Could you do another video that's a little more in-depth with the whole test shooting process? Like would it have to be done in a studio or could you take a little more creative control and do it outdoors or something? Also would those pictures have to be sent to the agency? I want to start shooting with models but I want to learn as much as I can about actually working with them

[@JaretJamie]

My question is how do you look up modeling agencies in your area, without the agency just being a scam? ..I live in the LA area

[@outccastfilms1383]

Jaret + Jamie You got it easy your in LA man their are plenty out there

[@celinasison4627]

Could you show an updated version of your print portfolio? I follow your IG, and I think you have BEAUTIFUL work!

[@kasiakolmas]

So I'm super late to this party, but I've been going through your back catalogue of videos as a way to teach myself more about fashion/portrait photography. I originally found you on KZbin when I needed to learn from re-touching skills so a massive thank you for that! A question on test shoots - is it possible to just test shoot super natural? i.e. natural face and hair, a basic white or black t-shirt or tank top? Or do you always have to also find a make up/hair artist to join in on the shoot?

[@davide7345]

Great advise Jessica, the first step is always intimidating.

[@nataliekennedystudios8932]

This was so helpful, i think this is what i want to try next but am definitely not quite ready yet. I will be working on my portfolio for now and then once i have honed my skills a bit more i am 100% going to try this

[@elisahunter719]

You inspire me, I love your videos and work you are so helpful as I try to get my own photography business off the ground. Thank you so much ❤️

[@jessica_1811]

Thank you for sharing these Jessica!

[@joshuawnr]

Thank you so much for doing this. Very helpful. Could you also do another vid on how you are supporting yourself financially in this journey of putting your work out there? Thanks in advance!

[@JessicaKobeissi]

I shoot weddings and engagements!! :)

[@isabeauoliveira2034]

would love to see you talking more about that!

[@JessicaKobeissi]

I have a whole series coming up soon! Been working on it :P !!

[@isabeauoliveira2034]

+Jessica Kobeissi shit shit shit shit thank you so much! That's so awesome! Can't wait! Fashion photography is my passion but I don't think I'll be going anywhere with that here where I live. I need something else to pay for the investments I have to do to reach the spot I want. Thank you so much!

[@YokoshimaSTAR]

I love what you're wearing. You look so elegant.

[@gunsec3117]

Could you do a video on creating a website?

[@christophercmosley]

I Really appreciate this advice. I was going through this just a few weeks ago. It's definitely very intimidating. I am going to use your tips.

[@olivia-bx5lz]

Ugh thank you for this! So helpful!!

[@pelikulabyfrance]

I will be doing this as soon as I'm done with my website!

[@ForeverYoungMinds]

I don't know if you have done a video on how to enhance hair in a photo, but if not can you PLEASE do one. In your "natural light portrait" video, your edits were so detailed with the hair and it looked AMAZING 😍. I would love if you can do a video on how to achieve that look. Thank you 😊

[@codm_fire820]

Lot of stuff to read between the lines. Great insight

[@pelikulabyfrance]

This is really impactful!! Thank you thank you!

[@stephaniegaines310]

Thank you so much for you videos, they help me out so much and give me inspiration when I start feeling like some things aren't possible for me.

[@FeerSer]

Jessica i love you! thank you for all these videos

[@edgartorres4449]

Thanks for the tips! Can't wait to see your latest work!

[@ImAlecPonce]

Thanks a lot n.n I don't know why but I just like knowing things and your videos are very enjoyable. I started in photography a few months ago and am loving it.

[@Lashawnb]

Hey Jessica quick question! I understand if you reach out to an agency it'll be free of charge ,but if an agency reach you should you charge them? or will that not look so good. and if so when should you start to charge?

[@jennyruiz1785]

that's a good question. i'd like to know that too.

[@Lashawnb]

@@jennyruiz1785 coming back to this question now I’d say it depends on the situation & where your at with photography. If your portfolio is already great an you have models to reach out for your own already an don’t necessarily need that agency that reached you then charge. But if you need to build your portfolio & overall look then instead of asking for a charge come to an agreement that will have them maybe say instead of paying they’ll add a few extra models to help you build your portfolio if that makes any sense. For example they reach you for a model you wouldn’t use for your portfolio come to an agreement that you can choose maybe 1 or 2 models that’s part of there agency in a form of a payment instead of actual cash.

[@jennyruiz1785]

@@Lashawnb This makes perfect sense. Thank you. :)

[@kass7218]

Hey Jess can you do a video on how to set up a styled shoot even if its just for a model portrait session, getting stylist involved for trade how do you go about that?

[@MRangelodario]

in just one day you have answered so many questions i had, thanks a lot! u would be hearing from me later when i become famous. LOVE FROM MEXICO

[@jonathanacuna]

Amazing insight. Wow learned so much. Thank you for taking the time to create this

[@Tmaxtt]

I really appreciate this information... I am at the place where I need real models to shoot with to diversify my portfolio and I have been thinking about reaching out to agencies.

[@mytoyworld5450]

Your awesome Jessica...very helpful

[@sapardue]

I am wondering about pricing. When we ask for a "test" is this basically working TFP, meaning, everything is free all the way around? Is the goal to eventually have the agency contact you for a paid shoot? I'm just wondering how you go from the "test" to actually getting paid work.

[@giorgiabisanti6909]

Hi Jessica! Thank you for this video! I would ask you how many photos do you give to the bookers usually and how do you send them to them

[@jeffwalker1347]

Love this!! Thank you!!

[@goorgev]

Thank you Jessica!

[@joseluisrosales9226]

great tips and video! thank you very much.

[@thejuanvieraexperience]

I needed this

[@pauldoherty6529]

This was so helpful!!

[@capturethephotons2078]

Hey I just checked out your website and I admire your work. That Disney Girls Collection is awesome. I'm an amateur photographer myself but would love to build up a business and Do It full time. I get lost behind that camera. I'm sure you know the feeling✌📷❤

[@PanchoCohen]

Neat video. I had one great photoshoot this weekend and am thinking of working harder at this. Followed you on IG

[@rahuldev642]

Truly helpful 🎈

[@johnnyrinsma]

hi great video! do u also have a template of that email where you show those two pictures?

[@neymath88]

Those are some good tips... thanks

[@VictoriaVillaphoto]

Hi! Thank you so much! Sorry, my english is not so perfect... Did you try also in another countries? Thanks!

[@thecuretoinsomnia]

Another great Video Jessica. Do you watermark your images for the agencies or leave them completely unmarked?

[@JessicaKobeissi]

i don't watermark my images for the agencies, since I know they won't be posting them unretouched anyway. most would prefer cleaned up images. but then again just depends on the agency!

[@thecuretoinsomnia]

+Jessica Kobeissi I see! thanks Jessica.

[@emilysuttle3857]

Do you have to find your own hair and make up artists and outfits? Or would the agency supply this?

[@nayelivaz]

I've been wondering this for months! please do tell if you found anything new about this :)

[@agentmon11]

Hi I don’t know if you still need this info? I’ve worked with a agency out in LA for awhile and I’ve had to have my own Hair, makeup, and outfits they wouldn’t provide me with one.

[@emilysuttle3857]

are you a model or photographer? and if photographer how do you source clothing and stuff on a budget? thanks x

[@agentmon11]

Emily Suttle I’m a photographer. I get my models clothes usually through sales in stores. I pay one person at the moment for hair and makeup so I spend maybe $150 on a shoot for style and my team. It’s kinda hard sometimes if you want to spend as little as possible. You could of course always ask the booker to have the model to show up already done with makeup and they’ll bring outfits from their own closet but may not be what you vision.

[@gonzalez239]

great video thanks for the help Jessica!! here goes nothing wish me luck 😬

[@sebjean7793]

Hi from France ! awesome advice ! what was the name of the parisian agency? the photos are great and the model looks beautiful

[@maddiemover5894]

Some really good tips

[@Santafefashionweek]

Great information

[@angelaramos4713]

how do you know when you're ready to contact modelling agency?

[@daking73]

jessica, how will you know when you are ready (skill wise) to move forward with contacting an agency?

[@MrSyafiqnag]

Thanks for this video.

[@STENCHOVDETH]

Thank you Jessica. I sent my first email today! xxx

[@HectorMerced]

Great tips! Good luck!!

[@lapourda]

Yeah do you pay the agency or the agency pays you?

[@HectorMerced]

+lapourda sometimes you have to spend money to earn money.

[@lapourda]

Especially in the beginning yes

[@Sue0098]

Was it like a studio photoshoots as well? Do you book out the studio yourself or do they provide it? x

[@ianalexander1217]

Do you need to be registered with the LLC before applying yourself as a photographer to an agency?

[@UdodaTube]

On the traveling scale say for instance for someone like myself that doesn't have any type of transportation (and I know it's an important one) could this affect my part if I had a appoint with an allege client? Or in some cases say if it were out of the country like Paris would the agency pay for transportation ?? I have no experience with freelance or any photography gig but I thought this particular question could use some thought. Hope to hear your response.

[@crystalbrooks2459]

how to resize images for web?

[@enzero-9264]

ty for the tips!

[@chuks_drafts]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@naomiro9105]

How would i contact a ballet studio if i wanted to take picture of ballet student's

[@wmvaux]

Thanks for the tips Jessica, Do you just contact the agency and hope to shoot with anyone or do you look at the models on the websites and request to do a test shoot with a certain model?

[@JessicaKobeissi]

I just contact them and if they respond then they always send a package of girls available. Sometimes certain girls on the website are not in town and you can't pick and choose, which is why I don't request anyone in specific. And no problem!!

[@wmvaux]

Thanks. I think my problem is I usually get a model first and then look for inspirational pics that I think would suit the model. I could have ideas of the type of shots I want, but that could go out the window if I don't think the model would suit. The other thing is clothes and certain styles, not knowing what they have. It would be so much easier having a stylist who can have the outfits and models who want to wear them. I guess I need to come up with some images of models in certain clothes and they might try and match any that are available.

[@lisaolierook6343]

Something I might have missed: Is it normal that you are allowed to use the photo's you've taken for the test shoot in your own portfolio as well or is that something you have to get permission for separately?

[@justindaniels6337]

do you have to pay the agencies to shoot with their models?

[@alexandrastearns3424]

How do u sent back the re-touched photos to your booker/client? Email?

[@JessicaKobeissi]

Wetransfer :)

[@tajirtaylor8863]

Just Curious... What's considered to be your best two photo's?

[@kevinrandolph2536]

I didn't know you're from Detroit, me too.

[@WelloMeJello]

but wait how do you put models in ur Pro folio when you start from nothing?

[@JessicaKobeissi]

Friends, instagram girls!! I scout people on the street too if I think they'll look nice for portraits :)

[@WelloMeJello]

+Jessica Kobeissi thanks so much also what would make it requiremental for agencies to look at like for example camera quality, photos, models, and etc. I have a canon rebel t5i and I believe I'm way behind but not sure on what you recommend or have gone through so let me know and im going to follow you on Twitter because you have a amazing youtube channel and kind of inspire me to do photoshoots on my youtube channel not of just models but of environment :) thx for everything msg me back if u can

[@WelloMeJello]

+WelloMeJello sorry about my grammar if it's bad.

[@WelloMeJello]

+WelloMeJello I forgot to add on ^ what lense types do you prefer for portraits

[@christinatownsend1384]

Hi Jessica I love watching your video..it attract my attention.. maybe interested to be a model...

[@RunningtoCatchMyBreath]

"just use square space or something. they're not paying me to say this or anything"

[@RobertaMontagnini]

Do you have a contract for them to sign too or you just go by their guidelines?

[@maynahl1932]

Did you emphasize that you were shooting without getting paid, or is that what 'testing' implies?

[@bluelavatv9306]

Ok how do I find photography agencies in Dallas Texas? Also how many pictures do you usally have in your portfolio I really want to make this my life

[@emanuelgarcia7397]

how do you get your clients as a fahsion photographer in the agency (,like what or where do you work as) are they your friends.

[@jeans.334]

How bout if we need an agency but are like not portrait photos but city photos and stuff like that

[@lilypalmer4833]

Just want to confirm the test shoot would be free of charge, just to build a connection with the company

[@cebxta8042]

Do the Agency pay you Money for that ?

[@JessicaKobeissi]

I haven't been paid by any agencies thus far, I've only just started a few months ago and I want to build my reputation with bookers and a few agencies before I start charging (this is just my personal preference). Plus it's good for me to practice with the agencies giving me models without the pressure of money there, I can get more creative and work freely.

[@yfreeman08]

So does this mean that you had to pay for the flight, food, and hotel accommodations in Paris?

[@JessicaKobeissi]

yfreeman08 honestly I was going to Paris to visit my friends originally and then just decided on a whim to contact some agencies and try to schedule something while I was there...but yes I paid for everything on my own!

[@yfreeman08]

Thanks Jessica. I appreciate your transparency. It has been helpful and has removed some of the mystery of the whole process.

[@clatjw]

amazing dedication!

[@jewellynne2450]

I’m not photographer but I’m a model looking for a new agency do you have any recommendations???

[@pematamang9268]

Do i have pay money to Squarespace for creating web for portfolio???

[@helenbucher]

great video :) are you getting paid for those shootings?

[@lovechocolatemuffins]

Do I have to have full frame camera if I want to work with an agency?

[@focalgain]

Very inspiring. Very sincere. (and shes cute too lol)

[@YoutubeDrummer]

How are you making money as a photographer? you paid for your own trip to Paris, and they didnt pay you for the test, explain this

[@Clide0_0]

Luca Giorgio Designs and Photography im late, she does weddings/other local events. Thats how she gets paid.

[@sersastark]

She was already going to Paris to visit a friend and decided to do the shoot on the whim while there.

[@visibleinvisibility8557]

At the risk of sounding stupid, what exactly does "testing with a new face" mean?

[@silvalox2846]

"Testing with a new face" means test shooting with one of the agencies new models. A test shoot is free shoot and can be used by modes and photographers to add new shoots to their portfolio. It's called "testing with a new face" because you're shooting with "new faces" that might need some shoots for their portfolio etc. no question is stupid lol. We all have to start somewhere.

[@dominikpinand9179]

Moneyyyyyy

[@deltarose716]

When I send my work to models through email the files are too big and are blurry or it takes down the image quality. I've done Dropbox before but that also doesn't work. How do you send the work over to the models afterwards?

[@quatie]

WeTransfer

[@brittneybyus]

Right there with ya. Wordpress= multiple heart attacks.

[@VictoriaVillaphoto]

Oh Sorry! I already hear it! LOL

[@JaspreetSinghArtist]

by the way you look so beautiful

[@yyousoserious]

I set up a test shoot and everything went well but I delivered the pictures through google drive and noticed the model and the agency but didn’t get replies from them and I don’t think my photos are bad, does anyone know why I got no responses back?

[@Jezelitaaa]

When you're name is JEZELLE

[@mgr9181]

how do you get paid by agencies?

[@chinnuvimal7611]

Hi