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Get Signed
Getting signed by a major agency is a requirement to becoming a successful model. Why? Because major clients book through major agencies, and independent talent gets the leftovers.
However, not everyone is qualified. Not all agencies do the same thing. And not all agencies are legitimate or can get you top work.That's why one of the goals for independent talent at a CAT-Shoot is to help get you prepared for representation. If you're not doing a CAT-Shoot we'll still help you, read on and we'll tell you how to increase your chances of getting signed.
A quick note before starting: Becoming a model is a common goal, and to many, their dreams. Therefore, there are many people that try and take advantage of aspiring models, and perhaps more scams than almost any other industry. We'll be adding blog articles about things to watch out for.
First, some common misconceptions:
- You do not need a big or expensive book or modeling portfolio.
- You do not need experience, in fact it can sometimes hurt you.
- You do not need to be 5'9" to be a commercial model (but you do to be a fashion model).
- You can become a fashion models without spending any money, even without a modeling portfolio.
- College can be very helpful, especially for commercial models, actresses and hosts.
Positioning, the most serious mistake made:
Many models make the grave mistake of setting their sites on a genre of modeling they are not, and never will be qualified for. In turn they create improper modeling portfolios and pursue the wrong type of agencies. If you are unsure where your best suited, read about the different Genres of Modeling here. Knowing the genre(s) you're qualified for, and targeting that genre is extremely important. Positioning is paramount to success.
Polaroids the modern way:
Agencies want to see what you really look like which may not be what photographers want for their books, or even know how to take. With fashion agencies, "Polaroids" are what they want to see. Read below on how we can help you get them, or show you how to take them yourself.
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When you do the free agency submission at a CAT-Shoot, we take the digital Polaroids for free. For a $75.00 admin fee we'll make you a contact sheet so you can send them to any agency you like. Don't want, or can't afford a CAT-Shoot? They're really inexpensive but if you just want digital Polaroids to send agencies, click the image to learn how to do it free! The types of images you see in the contact sheet at right are the most important images you can have when submitting digitally to fashion agencies, and again: You can do them yourself. |
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CAT-Shoots and submissions:
We have to plug them here. At CAT-shoots we get you the right type of images.For the uniquely qualified, we may submit you to Click Models or Flick Talent (our agencies of choice). You can also submit yourself (for free) at the Click Models website. We'll send one or two images from your CAT-Shoot but even more important, we'll send them digital Polaroids which is what fashion agencies want to see (see below).
Images for your book (model portfolio) may not be what you think either. We explain mistakes made with images in the CAT-Shoot section. Even if you do not shoot with us, you should know what, and more importantly what not to send.
Guides to read
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"Laurens pics helped me get a better agency, I booked so many jobs thanks to them! The shoot was a lot of fun and I look forward to shooting with him again:-)"
Melissa Cantatore, Los Angeles, CA" I've worked with a plethora of photographers in the early stages of my career. If you enjoy working in an environment that is focused on your success, then Laurens Antoine is where you need to be. He is professional, fun and dedicated to every project"
Sarah Figueroa, San Diego, CA- - - -
"I learned more in my first shoot with Laurens than I did in nearly 10 years as an independent model. I wish I had done a CAT with him sooner, because it would have saved me the regret of wasted time, money and dignity trying to make things work with incompetent, so-called photographers. Laurens is the real deal."
Kristy Narkunas; Portland, OR- - - -
"Shooting with the Laurens Antoine team is an EXCEPTIONAL opportunity and experience for any model. I'm very proud to have the Laurens Antoine name in my book and it speaks volumes to the clients when they see it there too."
Saffron Rayn; West Hollywood, CA- - - -
"The whole experience of shooting with Laurens was fabulous!! It was quick, yet efficient and tips given along the way that I am still referring back to. Having the hair and make-up artist on hand was great!! I felt like a movie star having them tend to the stray hairs and shiny forehead. The communication before and after the shoot has been wonderful. I never felt like I was missing out on anything. The trip was totally worth it and I hope to be able to take part in another CAT shoot soon. Thank you EVERYONE!!"
Cortney Martinez; Hughson, CA- - - -
"I had such a great time working with everyone, it was professional and fun and I can't wait to shoot with them again."
Crystal Parnell; Tulsa, OK- - - -
"I have received many opportunities after shooting with Lauren's such as further magazine work and also filmed a Reality TV pilot which is set to air this year by a CBS affiliate! He opened many doors for me to advance my career due to his good work and his strong name in the Industry!
Thanks Laurens"
Tracy Lear; Louisville KY"As soon as I walked into the door, I felt so comfortable and welcomed. I was blown away with the professionalism, execution of the shoot, knowledge of the entire crew, and dedication everyone had to make every shoot amazing. We had so much fun on the shoot, it was almost hard to leave. I am absolutely going to be using Laurens Antoine Photography again!"
Alyssa Doyle; San Antonio, TX- - - -
"I was so nervous this being my first photo shoot but Laurens and his staff made me feel so comfortable and confident! Laurens and his staff are AMAZING!"
Tara Hall; Hutchinson, Kansas- - - -
"Shooting with Laurens was an amazing experience. He made me feel so comfortable while shooting and the pictures turned out great!"
Vanessa Robbins; Portland, OR"I’m a stand-up comic that’s shot with Laurens Antoine twice and I would book again in a heartbeat. Their staff is professional and very pleasant to work with. Even though I was unsure of what to do, Laurens and his staff made me feel comfortable in front of the camera and I ended up with amazing images that have helped me with my career. I highly recommend them! It was a great experience."
Cathy Zukimoto; Los Angeles, CA- - - -
"My Full-CAT shoot was one of the best experiences in modeling that I have had. As a model with quite a bit of experience, I was able to learn from Laurens and the crew. They made the models as comfortable as possible and still managed to have a great time in the process. I can't wait to shoot with them again. : )"
Angela Gayle; Nashville, TN- - - -
"Laurens and his crew are seasoned, passionate, and energetic people, they make it very easy to warm up to the camera and they're always helping you look your best on set! You will be amazed at how professional your photos will turn out, all due to the hard work and effort they put into each aspect of the shoot!"
Jenny; Denver, CO- - - -
"Everything was great and the staff was awesome. Full of energy and lots of fun!!"
Alexis; New Smyrna Beach, FL- - - -
"Working with Laurens Antoine was a dream! Laurens is an absolutely fabulous photographer, who captured the most beautiful photos of me. His staff is amazing, the made the experience stress free and a lot of fun."
Lena; Denver, Colorado- - - -
"The experience as a whole was not only fun but I learned so much. I thoroughly enjoyed my time shooting with Laurens."
Kirstee Criswell; San Diego, CA- - - -
"Shooting with Laurens and his team was a great experience for me. I was immediately welcomed and felt so comfortable the whole time I was there. I will definitely recommend Laurens as a photographer and would love to shoot with him again!"
Jennifer Pitts; Frisco, TX- - - -
"Laurens Antoine and his team are amazing. I have been modeling for a long time and I have never been so impressed by a photographer and photo team. They make you feel comfortable and beautiful in front of the camera. Laurens and his team pay attention to every detail to ensure that your photos look perfect. Thanks you guys, You rock!!"
Brooke Mangum; Salt Lake City, UT- - - -
"My time spent with Laurens was everything I had wished for. They exceeded my expectations with flying colors and delivered an extremely enjoyable time and an outstanding product. The job opportunities I have received from them are unbeatable and the level of professionalism is refreshing.
Thanks for everything!"
Aubreyana Marie; Seattle, WA- - - -
"Shooting with Laurens was a one in a lifetime experience. Him and his entire staff were so wonderful. They taught me so many little secrets I will use throughout the rest of my modeling career."
JessicaKathrny Perry; Edinburgh, PA- - - -
"Shooting with Laurens Antoine was a great experience. I received a lot of direction, and was really pleased with how the photos turned out when they were finished. I also had the opportunity to shoot in designer clothes that were supplied to us from the Summer Elizabeth collection, which really made the photos turn out amazing!"
Emma Zerner; Los Angeles, CA- - - -
"I did a Cat-Shoot in August and it was a wonderful experience. Laurens spent a lot of time discussing and giving me great advice on my career. I was very impressed with the photo shoot and learned so much from him. I get a lot of work with the photos I took with him!"
Akacia Boven; Irvine, California- - - -
"I love working with Laurens and the whole crew! Everyone is so professional and passionate about their work which makes it so fun, but also such a great learning experience! :)"
Alexandra; Oak Park, CA- - - -
"Laurens Antoine helped me create a diverse portfolio with the highest quality images. Within days of posting, those images propelled me way ahead of the competition and brought several new opportunities for published work."
Tanah; Whitestown, IN- - - -
"Shooting with Laurens gave me the opportunity to show casting directors I was serious about my career by working with the best of the industry. I learned an immense amount from Laurens and his staff and hope to return soon. The photos I took are phenomenal and incomparable to anything else in my portfolio!"
Ashley Hebert, Baton Rouge, LA- - - -
"Shooting with Laurens is an experience never to be forgotten!! He keeps you laughing the whole time and caters the best food on the planet!!!"
Deonna Marie; San Francisco, CA- - - -
"Working with Laurens Antoine was an amazing experience. He made me feel comfortable immediately and his team were very helpful and friendly throughout my shoot. The set designs, props, and hair and make- up were exceptional. I had no doubt the results would turn out as highly as my expectations and they did! I could not have asked for a better photo shoot! Thank you Laurens & Team! :)"
Milanya Maria; Los Angeles, CA"Working with Laurens was awesome! I have never worked with such an efficient photographer and their team of people. I feel so lucky to have worked with someone that is an industry leader. He has such a great eye for what models want and need to propel their career!"
Tammie Yip; Cliffside Park, NJ- - - -
"My experience with Laurens Antoine was a very positive one. It's a very professional, fun environment. The pace of the shoot depends on ones' experience in front of the camera and if you need assistance with posing, they provide guidance in a patient manner. I absolutely loved my make-up/hair stylist! She set the tone for my whole experience! :)"
Brynn Baird; Lawrence, KS- - - -
"Laurens Antoine is truly a magical photographer. His expertise and experience have given me some of my best pics ever!"
Tara; San Diego, CA- - - -
"Shooting with the Laurens Antoine team was amazing. They work with you in any way possible and are super friendly to shoot with."
Samantha Bedolla; Diamond Bar, CA- - - -
"Shooting with Laurens Antoine was such a great and rewarding experience that gave me a lot of insight and some amazing photo's which I've used to book numerous jobs since. The entire staff was very welcoming and friendly and made it a fun atmosphere to shoot in. I would recommend Laurens to anyone looking to make it in the modeling industry or just wanting some great pictures all around!"
Abi Esmena; Cincinnati, OH
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