What's the best way to get started in modeling?

The best way to get started is find a photographer in your area that specializes in Headshots. Make sure they have a great portfolio and then take him/her out to coffee to ask them questions. Generally they build good relationships with agencies and can help you out from there. Headshot photography may seem a little pricey ($200/look or more) but it's my recommendation to hire someone who knows how to take an extraordinary headshot than someone who photographs weddings and families. There's a different method to achieving a great headshot photo for commercial jobs. It's better spending the money with the right photographer who will help you get jobs than a $50 photographer who has no experience.

you can always start an account on modelmayhem.com and start doing Time For Print (T.F.P.) TFP pretty much means you and another professional photographer do a photoshoot together without paying anyone but you use the shots to start building a portfolio and also T.F.P. helps get your name out to the professionals. but be careful about who you meet on this site! Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of professional photographers on this site but there are also perverts on modelmayhem. ALWAYS BRING SOMEONE YOU TRUST (friend, family member) TO ESCORT YOU BACK AND FORTH TO THE SHOOT AND MAKE SURE THEY WAIT OUTSIDE WHILE YOU'RE SHOOTING. NO MATTER WHAT! Here are some redflags that a photographer on modelmayhem isn't a professional: 1. He doesn't have an external link to his own photography website 2. His photos look like amateur crap (harsh flat lighting, they pretty much look like crappy snapshots taken with a camera phone) 3. On his profile he has listed no references of other models he's worked with. The professional photographer would list the profile numbers of other modelmayhem account users he's worked with. You'll have to do T.F.P. in the beginning but once you get more experienced and known you'll eventually be able to start charging people. Good luck!

Your first step is to assemble a photo resume. Do not go overboard and spend a lot of money, just get six to ten good shots. One should be a good portrait and the rest should be full length shots in various clothing styles, including one swimsuit shot. Research agencies on line and check references and reviews before you contact any of them. Go into this with eyes wide open. It is extremely tough to get started and you'll need to be prepared to start with small jobs involving local ads. If any agent makes you promises that sound to good to be true, they are. Be patient, be totally honest, and most of all, be extremely cautious as there are plenty of sleezeballs out there who'd like to take advantage of a naive young girl. Totally avoid the offers for posing nude, regardless of the money offered. It is a road than only leads downhill and nowhere. Good luck to you.