If you are in need of a mentor or just a little help, check out this thread

The topic we will dive into first will be scams. In your MM Inbox or in your regular e-mail, you will get messages asking you to come to a fashion show or come to shoot with some magazine in another country. This should be your first clue that something isn't legit. This isn't a dig at anyone, but why would a magazine/fashion designer fly some unknown model (who more than likely doesn't fit the fashion model standard) overseas? It doesn't happen. And, most models are booked through agencies. The second clue, and probably the most important one, if they say they will send you a check for more than they are offering to pay you and they want you to cash it and send the remainder back to them... IT IS A SCAM... The check will bounce. Most banks are hip to this scam and will probably tell you it's a scam.  Also...If someone asks you to do an interview over a webcam, it is a SCAM.... Run far far away.... That is all. You can use these resources if you still aren't sure... www.google.com , http://www.newmodels.com/Nigeria.html , http://www.hotscams.com/blogs/4/Learnin … d-way.html , http://www.snopes.com/fraud/employment/airfare.asp , http://www.fakechecks.org/ . Also... use the Search Function provided by Plastic Puppet.... millions of threads have been started, odds are, if you do a search you will find the exact same scam you received.

Some scam e-mails will drop names in order to gain a sense of validity. Here's is an actual example of a scam that's currently running:

Hi
      My name is Alexander Thaddeus,you are one of the few people chosen out of the screening exercise performed by modelmayhem for us saying you have got the physical features we need for our catalogue update,I have a pay Fashion job for you if you are interested,My client wants to update her Catalog with her new year release Fashion outfits and i'm interested in you for the professional shooting no nudity, fetish, bondage, escort and other adult cotent stuff.. so if you are interested you can get back to me.
   
     The shooting will hold at a rented photographers studio in your location,so you dont have to worry about travelling,the name and address of the studio will be fowarded to you before the date of the shooting,all make up will be taken cared of in the studio you can come along with any body of your choice on the day of the shooting,your mum,dad,friend,body-guard anybody you wish to come with just for you to feel comfortable .

     JOB DETAILS:
You have 12 different Fashion outfits to cover,which would be provided by our client on the day of the shooting and you would be paid the $1200
                                                      MANAGEMENT
                                                   ALEXANDER THADDEUS

The truth is, ModelMayhem.com is not affiliated with any agencies. We do not perform any type of screening or referrals to any third-party organizations. If any e-mail claims that they got your name from us, then it's a sign of scam.

From an FHM Representative about SCAM CASTINGS:
Recently, hundreds of requests have been received by FHM to verify false casting or photo-shoot solicitations. That’s probably a very small fraction of the total.

A large number of these have come from members of Model Mayhem, apparently a target website by  un-scrupulous individuals attempting to get photographers, stylists and aspiring models to part with money, attend photo-shoots that are not actually sanctioned by FHM, or maybe worst.

We urge everyone to be very careful and keep the following in mind:
FHM commissions its own shoots. Talent is notified either through accredited model/talent agencies, or someone in FHM’s casting, photo or editorial departments. While there are a great many photographers that have successfully submitted images for publication by FHM, it does not mean they are a “FHM photographer”. PHOTOGRAPHERS DO NOT CAST FOR, and are not authorized to speak for FHM. 

FHM and authorized agents of FHM communicate with email addresses that FHM or Bauer branded domain names and not Yahoo, Gmail or third party domains. Examples of FHM email addresses inlcude fhm.com, fhmonline.com, fhmcasting.com, as well as some national domains that include FHM such as fhm.com.au or fhm.fr.  Agents or employees of FHM may also initiate emails from the corporate email address of bauermedia.co.uk or bauerpublishing.com.

Some recent examples of what people that misrepresent themselves as working for FHM have asked for include:

-Sending talent checks and asking them to forward part of the money to third parties.

-Asking ladies to have pictures taken of themselves in compromising positions, or of a fetish nature.

-Meeting “FHM representatives” to cast, or attending photo-shoots.


To verify an email or solicitation you may have received by FHM, you can forward it to [email protected].

All casting in the States is on Myspace at www.FHMmyspace.com. If you speak to anyone that is authorized to cast for FHM on an amateur modeling website, you will be directed to that Myspace to continue communicating. If not, please bring that communication to the attention of FHM.

Please be careful.

Another question that often comes up, deals with where you fit in the industry. By going to these links, they will answer all your questions: Mainstream Modeling (i.e. Fashion, Editorial and Commercial) and Plus-Sized Modeling

DO NOT WORRY IF YOU DON’T FIT ANY OF THOSE STANDARDS!!! You can still model…. Fashion modeling isn’t the end all. There are many other genres that you could go into (i.e. Glamour, Art, Art Nudes, Fetish, Alt, Swimsuit, and Lingerie). You just have to find your niche.

I know this was already touched on a little, but it is something that needs to be brought up again….. Often times, you will see posts saying, “I'm only 5'0, but I can kill a runway.... The Industry just isn't being fair......” It’s not about being fair or how hard you can rip the runway. Fashion shows are not about the model. Fashion shows are put on to showcase the clothing. There are many factors that go into why taller models are used. This thread, https://modelmayhem.com/p.php?thread_id=112761 explains it in more detail

And, for all my Gorgeous Glamour models out there.... the beautiful Dara_w
has laid down some words of wisdom for you...

ok. so you're thick. and you're a glam model. AS a newbie, you may be confused, we all are at some time, but you need to work out. Please don't have the mentality that "my man says I look good, so apparently I'm model material". I know, I know...it may seem like a logical assumption that guys are always like "hey, you got a fat ass/nice body/nice breasts, you should be a model". This is not necessarily true. 1.You have to work out. What I mean is you must put in at least three sessions a week. Do an ab focus (hey we all need it). If your waist is larger than a 28, you're gonna have trouble getting glam work.Waistlines are UBER Important. Period. Don't make the embarassing mistake of thinking, "I'm bodacious". No.


2. You have to keep your hair and nails done. I mean keep your real hair, lace wigs, regular wigs, weave,  drawstring ponytail,whatever done. Also, let's just make sure that your nails are the same length, not yellowed, well kept and have a fresh pedi.



3. YOU HAVE TO WEAR MAKE-UP IN GLAM (STOP IT!). It's imperative. It doesn't matter that you, your man, whoever doesn't like it, ("my granny says I'm pretty") it's just part of the job. Nobody (that means you) is THAT fine to avoid a face beating.you're boobs/ass/face are not going to carry you over.
Though these seem like no brainers, I just thought I'd do a little reminder to help us through '08.

Another thing a model has to be sure of are her MEASUREMENTS.

Bust/Chest: With arms relaxed down at sides, measure fullest part of bust/chest, keeping tape parallel to the floor.

Arm: Bend arm to 90 degrees. Place hand on hip. Start at center back of neck, measure across the shoulder to the elbow and down to the wrist.

Waist: Measure around your waist, where you normally wear your pants — keep tape a bit loose.

Hip: Stand with heels together, keeping tape straight and parallel to the floor. Measure around fullest part.

Height: Stand in stocking feet, with feet together, back to a wall. Measure from crown of head to the floor.

Inseam: Take a pair of pants that fit you well. Lay them flat. Measure from the crotch seam to bottom of pants. Number of inches (to nearest 1/2) = inseam length.

Next.... everyones favorite topic...Nudes! Doing/shooting nudes doesn't make someone a whore/pervert.... Even high fashion involves some sort of nudity (be it topless, implied or full nudity). But, only do nudity if you are completely comfortable. No one would/should ever force you into doing something you just aren’t ready to do. You don’t have to do nudity, but outside of the fashion world, it will limit your paid work opportunities. That doesn’t mean that if you aren’t fashion material you have to do porn. There are various outlets that use nudity in a tasteful manner.

Body Modifications They can enhance and also hinder. For non-mainstream models, tattoos/piercings/other enhancements aren’t usually a big deal… it’s mostly the preference of the photographer. But, for commercial and fashion models, there is a Customer and you could lose out on a big job if the Customer is adamant on using a non-modified model. You really have to think what’s more important…Your modifications or your potential career.

For the sake of your career and reputation, DO NOT start an outing thread in ANY of the forums. They always turn into a he-said/ she-said pissing match and they are against the forum rules https://www.modelmayhem.com/p.php?thread_id=240317 . In the end, you will do more damage to yourself than the person you are outing.

ESCORTS... yes, the dreaded escorts.... Asking the general population what their take on escorts is a waste of time. The person you should ask is the photographers you plan on working with.

COPYRIGHTS As a model, you do not own the copyright to the images a photographer takes of you. Unless they have given you the copyrights, in writing, which is very very rare for them to do. Even if you pay for the shoot, you do not own the copyrights. Just like if you go to the store and buy "Borat" on DVD you do not own the copyright to that movie. You have only bought a sort of "license/release" to use that one copy. This applies to the USA, every country has different laws.

From Jessalyn... Some tax guidance for those who are new at filing tax returns to include their modeling career:

https://www.modelmayhem.com/po.php?thread_id=270069

Thanks to:
TXPhotog
Star
CLT
SINched
SayCheeZ!
Jessalyn
MelissaLynnette LaDiva
Dara_w

-Jean- wrote:
I would put this in the Newbie forum instead, where it will be of most use.

Actually, it's supposed to be here. It's an update of the Guide already at the top of the forums.

The Newbie Forum has their own guide.

Lucas Chapman wrote:
Do you think the newbies will actually take the time to READ all that?  Hell no, they are WAY too MySpace cute for that...

That's their loss.

-Jean- wrote:
I would put this in the Newbie forum instead, where it will be of most use.

Nah, leave it here.  Most newbies skip the newbies forum and head right here to ask the oft-repeated questions that they are determined to ask.  So it makes sense to leave it here, where hopefully they will see it, click on it, read it, then read it again, and continue on their merry way. 


To Fifi:  Awesome post.  I hope the newbs actually read it!!

Miss Fifi-Alexis wrote:
The truth is, ModelMayhem.com is not affiliated with any agencies. We do not perform any type of screening or referrals to any third-party organizations. If any e-mail claims that they got your name from us, then it's a sign of scam.

What would happen if you went through with one of those scams?  I guess I just don't see how the scam would be profitable.

Lucas Chapman wrote:
Do you think the newbies will actually take the time to READ all that?  Hell no, they are WAY too MySpace cute for that...

I am clearly a newbie I hate myspace...wanna quiz me?

Miss Fifi-Alexis wrote:
For the sake of your career and reputation, DO NOT start an outing thread in ANY of the forums. They always turn into a he-said/ she-said pissing match and they are against the forum rules https://www.modelmayhem.com/p.php?thread_id=240317 . In the end, you will do more damage to yourself than the person you are outing.

wow, totally agree here

Miss Fifi-Alexis wrote:
Welcome... if you are reading this, you are probably a new model. Please, take the time to read this guide compiled by fellow MM'ers to help you.

Some scam e-mails will drop names in order to gain a sense of validity. Here's is an actual example of a scam that's currently running:

Hi
      My name is Alexander Thaddeus,you are one of the few people chosen out of the screening exercise performed by modelmayhem for us saying you have got the physical features we need for our catalogue update,I have a pay Fashion job for you if you are interested,My client wants to update her Catalog with her new year release Fashion outfits and i'm interested in you for the professional shooting no nudity, fetish, bondage, escort and other adult cotent stuff.. so if you are interested you can get back to me.
   
     The shooting will hold at a rented photographers studio in your location,so you dont have to worry about travelling,the name and address of the studio will be fowarded to you before the date of the shooting,all make up will be taken cared of in the studio you can come along with any body of your choice on the day of the shooting,your mum,dad,friend,body-guard anybody you wish to come with just for you to feel comfortable .

     JOB DETAILS:
You have 12 different Fashion outfits to cover,which would be provided by our client on the day of the shooting and you would be paid the $1200
                                                      MANAGEMENT
                                                   ALEXANDER THADDEUS

The truth is, ModelMayhem.com is not affiliated with any agencies. We do not perform any type of screening or referrals to any third-party organizations. If any e-mail claims that they got your name from us, then it's a sign of scam.

Ok,  few days ago I submitted my information for a job and the email (with interest in booking me) was sent similar to this email. The difference between this and the email I had gotten is I didn't get it through MM, nor did the person say that he was affilated with MM, or anyone else for that matter. Is it BS? Here is the email:

My client wants to update her Catalog with her new year release Skin care products plus a tractor sales outlet opening .Its a two in one ocassion and i'm interested in you for the shooting Find all details for the job below..

JOB LOCATION

The shooting will hold at a rented photographers studio in Oklahoma(flight tickets will be taking care of .Not part of your fees) ,the name and address of the studio will be fowarded to you before the date of the shooting,all make up will be taken cared of in the studio.

JOB DETAILS:

You have 12 different Fashion outfits to cover,which would be provided by our client on the day of the shooting,you are to come with your own footwears,any hair colour.

TYPES OF CLOTHES

Jeans and Jackets
(No  Nudes)

COMPENSATION

$800/Day

DURATION

2 Days

EXPECTATIONS

You need to have good and attractive poses .(start practising) Basically this is all required of you,please get intouch with me if you will take the job and we can go from there.

Regards

Does this sound legit? Again, I submitted for the and that was the reply that I had gotten, non MM affilated.

graceanna wrote:
did i get scammed?? i gave my address info to someone on MM named wale smith, they told me to email jamie bridge, and they said theyre interested in me being in fhm but they said theyd send me 500$ then i would have to pay some fee??!! im so confused. could i have to pay them? because i gave them my address in an email.

Good grief...did you not read the information? It's a scam sweetie.
Any payment in the mail and you have to send part of the money to Mr X, is a scam.