I read with some amusement and horror the experiences of others with Network International Models. I can laugh at myself for becoming one of their 'models' only because it has been long enough that now I can see how stupid I must have been.
The horror parts is that others continue to fall for the scam! In hindsight it is obvious their marketing methods are glamor and fame and a business plan to process as many new 'discovered models' through their doors as possible.
I was so hopeful that I could be a fashion model, that I didn't care that it was obvious the other 'victims' were never going to make it in this industry. Now it tells me that I hadn't really been selected based on my obvious marketability.
The photo shoot would have been better described as a cattle call. Place was packed, single changing room. Waited in-line outside on a cold winter morning for my turn with the 'photographer'. One person right after the other in the parking lot using a 35mm camera with no additional lighting or reflectors. Click Click your done... Next!
Photos were select from a proof sheet for use on my zed card. But the proof sheet images were so small that it made it impossible to tell if the shots were even in focus. There was no way to tell the quality of the image from the proof sheet alone, however, I doubt it would have mattered because the quality of the zed card was so bad that there was no way to know if it was the picture or the processing.
After I picked up the zed cards, I never heard from them again. Hmmm, I wonder why?
Well, I am certain there are other businesses doing the same thing so here is some 'free' advice. Go to one of the online portfolio hosting sites such as (deleted - see link below). There are plenty of photographers that seem to be willing to work with the inexperienced models. Always check out their work and references and have fun building a better looking portfolio.
Oh, and by the way, many of the best agencies do not require professional photos for them to determine if they will represent you.
Abigale
Phoenix, Arizona
U.S.A.
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