We thought rather than posting individual replies to all the bogus agencies that are being exposed, we would post a blanket response to your enquiries.

Firstly, yes anyone has the right to take The Institute of Modeling to court for Libel (for us writing/publishing), or slander (verbally). However, please be aware of the following;

1) You must prove; the item has been seen by more people than just yourself

2) You must prove it was about you. Many of our tip/hints and warnings are 'general' - although guilty consciences often see it directly.

3) You must prove it has damaged your reputation and / or income (if you're claiming losses)

Secondly, even if you have proved the above, you must also;

1) Prove the statement / article is untrue.  We only publish information about facts. We always have more than six complaints before we write a 'warning' or if asked to do so by the police / legal departments.

2) Prove that no permission was given by yourselves or representatives to initially publish the document/article.

We do not publish incorrect or untrue articles and believe fully in the freedom of speech / press.   We welcome you posting blogs/articles to tell everyone that we nasty people that post untrue comments - for us slander will only increase our profile.  We have removed names of our complainants from the website following harassment and intimidation from fraudsters.

Yes. A model release form in a contract that sets down the details of the agreement of the shoot between the model and the photographer.  The law across the world differs in relation to ownership (particularly in USA where laws change from state to state.  In the UK photographers have the right to use your images, unless there is a restriction within the release.

Members have access to model release forms for download. Be sure that a model release covers your agreement.  It is common for a photographer to insist in having a release signed either prior to the shoot, or just after.

Always ask about a model release prior to accepting a shoot. If you are concerned you may ask for a copy of release prior to attending, which you’re welcome to fax to our team.

Many Scam companies will tell you that you must have representation by an agency to get work, this is not true.  However, having agencies (often in different areas), can help in exposing your portfolio to clients and ensuring that you get maximum bookings. Be aware agencies will take between 15-40% of your bookings as a commission!

In today’s Internet driven industries, a large number of models are working freelance without any representation.  These models tend to be in glamour, nude, topless and adult industries, as these tend to be more centred within the internet.  It is unlikely that you will be able to self represent in part modelling, fashion and editorial industries without representation, although some models have had limited success.

I have just received a job but have to travel to the shoot, how can I organise and pay for the travel?

How to Travel

If you are not lucky enough to have your own transport, its always a good idea to ask if a friend or family member will take you to the shoot, that additional support is always useful at a shoot.  If you are unable to travel with anyone else we suggest you have a look on http://www.thetrainline.com  or other discount providers.

How to Pay

Do not expect to receive payment upfront for going on a shoot - if the photographer has agreed to cover your travel costs, then you will need to charge the photographer.  Do not assume you will get paid on the day (although that is the ideal solution), you need to cover all possibilities so ensure you have the money for a return trip.

No-show

If a photographer has organised a shoot and you have the confirmation order of date, time and location and does not show, you are due money to cover your costs.  If the photographer does not pay at this point, we will chase them (if you're a member of The Institute of Modeling), to obtain compensation.

We get asked this on many occasions, “what can I do if an ex posts private photos of me online” – the answer is simply risk reduction!

Unfortunately with the way the internet works, once an ex has posted a picture of you, within minutes its been copied probably hundreds of times, within 24-48 hours it will probably have been posted on other ‘forums’ and the cycle continues.

There are a few things you can do in any event;

1.    Try and contact the forums/websites displaying your pictures, inform them that the posted did not have any permission to post these pictures and that they must be removed immediately or you will take action against the site.

2.    If the websites will not remove your pictures or do not respond, please feel free to use the complaints system on our website and we shall chase the company for you.

3.    Inform the person that took/uploaded the pictures that you will be taking legal action against him/her and request in writing for all pictures to be destroyed and for them to remove all and any posting online containing photos of yourself.

4.    Seek legal advice, your ex partner can be prosecuted under a number of laws and fined to recompense you.


If this has happened to you, you’re not alone!  Celebrities this has happened to include Vanessa Hudgens, Paris Hilton, Pamela Anderson, Namrata Shrestha, Eve Jihan Jeffers (rapper), Dustin Lance Black, Chu Mei-feng, Fred Durst, Ulrika Jonsson and Abi Titmus to name but a few.


Will it effect my chances of winning contracts

Unfortunately the answer is, yes it may.  This really depends on the area of work you’re trying to go into and the type of photos that have been released. Unfortunately if you have had hardcore private photos released the chances of you working within mainstream fashion is much lower.  

On the upside the photos may actually improve your exposure and demand, although in such an uncontrolled way that it’s a little like playing roulette with your career.

What can I do to minimise the risk

There is nothing wrong with simply saying no to photos.  Explain that you’re in the model industry and that you cannot risk the ‘fall-out’ should any photos end up in the wrong hands.  If your partners can’t understand this then they probably aren’t all that concerned with you as an individual anyway.
If you do decide to send photos to your partner, or allow them to take photos; then remember to make any split clean and friendly and ask for any photos back.  If they refuse, take legal action at this point, don’t just ‘wait and see’ – because its not worth the risk.

Adult shots can include anything from nude to open leg shots, boy/girl or girl/girl shoot.   This type of work may restrict the type of work you will be offered in the future. Often once a model has moved into Adult work, their future within any other section of modeling will be harder to promote. This is not to say that once models have done adult shots that they will never do any type of modeling, just that some agencies will not take you onto their books if you have done adult work.

Overall, its important to remember that you still need to be proud of the work you are doing.  If you are unsure at this time as to whether adult shoots are right for you, then they probably are not.  Never feel forced into doing anything that you do not feel happy to do, regardless of money offered.