What New York Modeling Agencies Really Want

Hereโ€™s a surprising truth: New York modeling agencies donโ€™t want glossy, overproduced photos when youโ€™re just starting out. Theyโ€™re not hunting for perfection. Theyโ€™re hunting for potential. If youโ€™re dreaming of breaking into the modeling world, understanding what these agencies want can save you time, money, and frustration. Letโ€™s break it down, step by step.

1. Versatility: Show You Can Adapt

The modeling world in 2025 is as diverse as ever, and agencies are celebrating it. Forget outdated ideals of what a model โ€œshouldโ€ look like. Thin, blonde, and cookie-cutter no longer defines the industry. Instead, modeling agencies want versatility.

Your job? Show them you can morph into different looks and styles. A great way to do this is through varied, natural photos that highlight how you can adapt to different aesthetics. Think effortless confidence in a simple tee for one photo, and a sleek, high-fashion vibe in another. Versatility is key.


2. Personality: Make Them Remember You

Looks can only take you so far. If you lack personality, youโ€™ll fade into the crowd. Agencies want models who are approachable, confident, and genuinely enjoyable to work with. Confidence is magnetic, but thereโ€™s a fine lineโ€”donโ€™t cross into cocky territory.

Feeling nervous? Thatโ€™s normal. But donโ€™t let it show as shyness or awkwardness. Practice speaking with poise and ease. If youโ€™re not naturally a people person, work on it. The ability to connect with people will set you apart in an industry thatโ€™s all about making impressions.


3. Quality Over Quantity: Your Photos Matter

Hereโ€™s a hard truth: those candid photos your mom took wonโ€™t cut it. But that doesnโ€™t mean you need to blow thousands of dollars on a professional shoot. Instead, focus on a few high-quality images that showcase your natural beauty. Agencies are looking for potential, not perfection.

Think polished but real. No heavy makeup or over-the-top editing. Simple, well-lit headshots and full-body photos in neutral outfits are often all you need to get noticed.


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Beware of Fake Castings: Spotting the Red Flags

In the world of modeling and acting, opportunities can pop up seemingly out of nowhere that can seem too good to be true, especially when you see a big brand name behind it. However, not every casting call is legitimate. One recent example below shows some common red flags to watch for. New models take note!

Fake Casting Call Example

The “Casting Call” That Raised Eyebrows

Recently, a model shared a supposed casting opportunity from a company claiming to be Under Armour. The email was enticing, claiming that they were looking for fresh faces for their upcoming ad campaign. Excited by the prospect, the model opened the email, only to find several glaring issues that raised immediate suspicion.

1. The Email Address

First and foremost, the email address itself was a huge red flag: it came from a generic Gmail account, something that would never be used by a major corporation like Under Armour. Established brands typically communicate through company-specific domains (like @underarmour.com). If a company is reaching out via a personal email service, itโ€™s often a sign that something is off.

2. Direct Outreach to Talent

Additionally, established brands usually work through casting agencies rather than contacting models or actors directly. In this case, a reputable company like Under Armour would enlist the help of professional casting directors to scout talent. This ensures a level of professionalism and scrutiny that a direct email simply cannot provide. If you receive a casting call directly from a brand, especially one of this caliber, itโ€™s worth taking a closer look.

3. The Offer Sounded Too Good to Be True

The email promised high pay and immediate placement in a major campaign. While itโ€™s natural to be excited about lucrative offers, if something seems too good to be true, it often is. Legitimate casting calls will provide clear details about the project, compensation, and the audition process, often with more professional language and structure and are usually done through legitimate platforms and/ or casting agencies.

Protect Yourself

So, what can you do to protect yourself from falling prey to these scams?

  • Verify the Source: Always check the email address and research the sender. If it doesnโ€™t match the companyโ€™s official domain, proceed with caution.
  • Research the Opportunity: Look up the casting call or reach out to established casting agencies to see if the opportunity is legitimate.
  • Trust Your Instincts: If you feel uneasy about an offer, donโ€™t hesitate to ask for more information or seek advice from industry professionals.
  • Consult Industry Resources: Websites like Latitude Talent often list great casting calls. Use other resources to cross-check any opportunities.

Be Careful:

By keeping an eye out for these red flags, you can navigate the industry more safely and focus on what really matters: honing your craft and pursuing your dreams.

Alejandro from Latitude Miami

Latitude Talent is a great place to begin. Here are some key points:

  1. Professionalism: We dedicate our focus to our clients and are here to help aspiring models and actors.
  2. Casting Calls: Find casting calls our an interactive platform to connect with agencies, opportunities and more.
  3. Workshops and Training: Our online workshops touch base on a variety of topics in the entertainment field.

Meet Kim from Latitude

“Kimberlyโ€™s success story is intertwined with her collaboration with Latitude Talent. She credits Latitude for helping her secure two major lead roles in films titled โ€œFakin itโ€ and โ€œThis Road,โ€ along with two featured roles in the television show โ€œEvil Lives Here.โ€ Latitude has been instrumental in providing Kimberly with numerous background roles in popular productions like โ€œWu-Tang: An American Saga,โ€ โ€œBillions,โ€ โ€œMr. & Mrs. Smith,โ€ โ€œCity on A Hill,โ€ and participation in a PFT photo-shoot, among others.”

Read the full article here: https://ventsmagazine.com/2024/01/17/latitude-talent-success-story-from-model-kimberly-horton/

Read more Latitude Talent Reviews and Success Stories here: https://www.latitudetalent.com/reviews and https://www.latitudetalent.com/about-us