Absolutely not! We primarily work out of Chicago due to its central location in the country, but we work with models and clients from all over the country including: Chicago, New York, Texas, California, Florida, Washington, Las Vegas and more.

"Do I have what it takes to model?" and "Am I pretty enough to model?" are almost (except in rare cases) unanswerable questions. It isn't that they can't be answered, it is just that the answer will always be another question, such as:

• "For what type of modeling?"
• "To earn a living, or to do it for fun?"
• "How serious and how dedicated are you, or are you just curious?"

The best thing you can do is to send in samples and to register with us.

This is an often-asked question: many people think modeling ends at the late twenties. While in many cases this is true, in many others it is not.

There is a good demand for more mature models in many different niches, including catalogue and products catering to a more mature audience.

If you think you would enjoy it, go for it.

The short answer is yes. The long answer is maybe.

Depending on the type of modeling and the goal of the particular shoot, more often than not tattoos are a hassle for the photographer to deal with. They will often need to be covered, which can effect poses and props, or they may add to the time needed in post production by having to digitally (or airbrush) them from the model afterwards.

This isn't the end-all-be-all, as many high-profile models have tattoos that you probably didn't know about it because they were removed. But it is a hassle, and can lead to you being overlooked for particular shoots.

Even if you are absolutely covered in tattoos and other body art there is still hope, as many niche markets need that look, the project a photographer is interested in you for may not require seeing them or they may love your look enough to work around them. You can read more here.

Most probably, yes.

But there are a few key things to remember:

• There is a difference between a modeling release and a modeling contract
• Read and know exactly what you are releasing
• You must be over 18 to sign anything

When you work with a photographer, legally you must often sign a model release which gives the photographer, studio or agency the right to use your photos. This is a standard practice, but it is a good idea to read the release to know what you are signing. If no model release is signed, the photos taken can not be used in public for any reason.

For example, if you have done trade-for-print work that was non-commercial you may want to make sure that the model release states that the pictures from that shoot are not to be used commercially.

Also remember that if you are under 18 you are not allowed to sign a contract or release as you are a minor- beware any studio, agency or photographer who tries to tell you otherwise. A parent or legal guardian must sign off on any contracts or releases as long as you are a minor.

In addition, it is a good idea to have a parent or legal guardian present at all times during a shoot as long as you are still a minor.

The term "Test Shoot" is usually used to describe two things:

• A photographer or agency may want to explore different techniques, styles or concepts. Since these are generally not for commercial use, they are often non-paying jobs a model will take on for the experience and to try something new
  
  
• A photographer or agency may be interested in a model, but before they are used for an assignment ask them to pose for a test shoot. This may be asked because they are interested in seeing certain looks that the model doesn't have in her portfolio, or to see how well a new model comes across on film.

Last but not least, BEWARE the beginner or semi-pro photographer who approaches you in public or you find through the internet. You'll often find when you go for the shoot they more interested in a date or getting touchy-feely than in the photos themselves. We HIGHLY suggest you avoid photographers who approach you from the web or through web forums.

"Trade for Prints" (or TFP) is a term used to describe an agreement between a model and an agency/photographer/studio to receive prints of the shoot instead of payment.

The specifics can vary and should be included verbatim in the model release you sign. You may be offered a CD-ROM of a selection of images, or you may be offered to choose a few prints from the shoot to receive as full prints to add to your portfolio.

In many cases TFP can be a great way for a model to start or add to their portfolio and to gain experience and for a photographer to try new concepts and ideas.

But be cautious of who you work with and their qualifications as many times beginner photographers will be the most likely to offer test shoots to models they don't know. Their photographs often are more amateurish and technically lacking, so if you need good photos quickly TFP often is not the way to go.

Last but not least, BEWARE the beginner or semi-pro photographer who approaches you in public or you find through the internet. You'll often find when you go for the shoot they more interested in a date or getting touchy-feely than in the photos themselves. We HIGHLY suggest you avoid photographers who approach you from the web or through web forums.

The short answer is no.

When you tan your skin, you are actually damaging it in order to change its color. As you age this contributes heavily to wrinkles, age spots, a leathery appearance and even skin cancer. The models and actresses with the longest careers do their absolute best to stay out of the sun as much as possible, which should tell you something.

If you really need to add more color, or believe that your "look" needs more color, there are some great self-tanning products on the market that we would highly recommend. Some of the cheap ones can create a dripping look (bad) but some of the newer, foamy ones work great.

Otherwise try to use a reputable tanning salon in order to avoid tan lines and burning, and only try to accent your skin's normal coloring. Be persistent, and use smaller more frequent sessions instead of longer tanning sessions.

Above all try not to tan a week or two before a big shoot in order to avoid complications, such as accidentally getting too much exposure and ending up with a burn or peeling skin.

Modeling fees vary greatly, but often hinge on these factors:

• Demand for a particular model's "look"
  At different points in time, different "looks" may be hot and in more demand than others. This goes back and forth, so if your particular look isn't in, it will be at some point.
  
  
• The model's experience
  The more experience you have, the less the photographer will have to guide you, and the more efficient the shoot will be which generally can result in a higher hourly fee. In many cases when you are a "fresh face" you may be earning 1/3 of the fee of a seasoned model.
  
  
• The particular project
  Different projects have different budgets, and some may have larger budgets for model fees, others may not. You will have to use your personal judgement as to the jobs you do and do not take.
  
  
• The type of modeling involved
  Different types of modeling often have different rates: a nude shoot will often have a higher rate than a product shoot, or a non-commercial artistic project may have a much lower rate than a commercial shoot for a catalogue. Again it is up to your personal judgement as to the projects you choose.
  
  

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it! What we do ask is that you link to a specific section or the homepage- just taking our content is illegal.

We also ask that if you link to us you let us know so that we can return the favor if it is appropriate.

Since many who link to us are aspiring models or photographers, we have created some graphics and banners just for you to add to your site which you can find on the Goodies page.