Modeling

IT’S A SCAM!

Hi there, I like to think I’m talking with regular readers of this column who know that there is no
excuse not to be trendy and on-point in today’s world. I also like to think that there is something new that I provide for you every time I write this column. Since there is no gain without a little pain, I would advise that you take the pain to read this through.

In this digital age where everything can be shopped for online and transactions can be done online, modelling is not left out of the e-transaction spree. In fact, you can register online, be called to shoot online, submit photographs online, do casting online, and get payments online and so on. 

This means we have to be digitally inclined and be mindful of online scams. Today’s episode would be dedicated to knowing how to identify online scams while pursuing your modelling career. 

If you are planning a photo shoot with a photographer you have met online, it is highly recommended that you bring a chaperone to the shoot. It's for your own safety, as you never know who is who online! If you can't bring a chaperone (because you are unable to find one or because the photographer doesn't allow chaperones), make sure you do a background search on the photographer first- check out things such as who they have worked with and for - and call somebody when you get to the shoot and when you leave the shoot. 

If you are invited to a foreign country for an audition or job, have enough funds to purchase a return ticket yourself. While legitimate overseas jobs exist, there are many scams that provide one way tickets then trap young girls into prostitution rings when they cannot afford to go back home. 

Almost all agencies will ask you to fill out a contract. Be sure you read through it thoroughly and make sure you know what every word means. Ask a seasoned model or an attorney to check the paperwork if you do not understand it. It is better to know what you are signing for before you accept. 

I like to tell my readers to be very careful of the studio that they go to, they might look like a real professional company. Then you might pay a lot of money and it could end up being a scam. Be wary of any agency that asks for money up front. The Majority of agencies get their money through commission, meaning they take a certain percentage of your pay for every job that you do. If you don't work, then they don't get paid. If you've already paid up, there's no incentive for them to get you to work. However, don't dismiss everybody who asks you for up-front fees as a scam. Some agencies require you to go through professional training before sending you out to represent their brands. 

Training could be on skills like walking on heels and for some models it is much harder than it may appear. Also, depending on the agency, training will teach you how to communicate clearly, confidently, and think creatively on demand without allowing anxiety or nervousness affect your performance. If you’re unsure about an agency, ask other models that are part of the agency what they think of the representation and training they are getting. 

Do you really expect to walk into a professional industry without any experience or knowledge on what to do? You can, but your chances of success will suffer if you're not well prepared. We however dedicate this column to your preparation. 

Modelling scams are very real and people often fall victims. They play on the hopes and dreams of the innocent. Be careful who you trust. We make it our obligation to keep you informed while you make it your obligation to get every edition of this magazine in order to stay informed. If you would like to hang around for the next episode, I’m going to be providing you the essentials of modelling in Nigeria today. Till then, have a good life!