DIESEL MODELS - your gateway to the modelling world

Diesel Models is here to help you break into the modelling world. We will help you get a few rungs up the ladder and get to a position where you can join an agency. We also offer all our members the opportunity to go to a top fashion studio in Central London. This is also an opportunity to get some professional photos for your portfolio in order to show the agencies your full potential. By registering you will have access to all areas of the site including advice, the Gallery to see other aspiring models such as yourself and a database of Model Agencies all over the country.

http://www.dieselmodels.co.uk/
http://www.thebluerooms.net/
http://www.purestudios.net/

98 comments:

  1. How much does diesel models charge for a portfolio shoot?

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  2. i wanna be a modal email me at cool_joe182@hotmail.co.uk

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  3. i've just signed up to Diesel through the site, but what do i do now?

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  4. Hi, please call us on 020 7323 4445 and ask to speak to a new faces consultant who can help you out and answer all your questions.

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  5. Dieselmodels doesn't charge you anything for a portfolio. They will however send you to one of the top fashion studios in London to have it done if they think you have potential. The studio prices vary depending on which one they send you to but a good portfolio cost £300 - £1000 depending on how large you want it.

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  6. im short! im 5"4 is this a huge problem???????

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  7. im a curvy size 10/12 at 5''7 is this a problem??

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  8. thanks 4 the call will get bk to u asap

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  9. im only 13 and im short because im a filipina....is this a problem?

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  10. me n my mate av logged in and registered what do we do nah ??

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  11. Hi.
    You see all these really skinny models in magazines and on T.V.
    So how skinny do you have to be to become a model??

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  12. Do u have to pay to be a dieselmodel

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  13. Hi! Models come in all sizes, ages and nationalities. You don't have to be really skinny like the ones in magazines, chubby models are also required for work.

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  14. Dieselmodels is not an agency, they will give you advice and set you up for a free photoshoot where you can purchase images for your portfolio. After that they will advise you which agencies to approach. Please call us on 020 7323 4445 and ask to speak to a new faces consultant who can help you out and answer all your questions.

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  15. iv been offerd job with diesol models and was very exited to hear from you and was wiling to enter but i didnt have the money at that time can i register again and be offered a photo shoot ??

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  16. Hi Ashley, please call us on 020 7323 4445 and ask to speak to a new faces consultant who can set you up for a photo shoot if you are successful.

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  17. Iv just been informed by you that I have been asked to go to London for the Photoshoots. I am really excited about this and have also told my friends about DieselModels! But Im not sure if I will be able to purchase a Portfolio! Do you think it might be a problem? And if so how will I be able to solve it, so I can?

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  18. Hello ,,
    i have registered with diesel models and would like to get a portfolio done. How much does this cost and how do iget it done?

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  19. how do i know if i have the potential to be model if i have never done anything like this before and dont believe that i have the looks to do it?

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  20. Hi, please call a new face consultant on 020 7323 4445 (mon - fri) and they can tell you all about it. If you don't want to call please email your telephone number directly to one of the fashion studios (enquiries@thebluerooms.net) and I will ask someone to call you back.

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  21. hi i have been offered to go to london to do a photo shoot last year but i couldn't go what do i have to do to et one again and how?how much does it cost?and what about if you don't know where it is?i don't knw if i will be except again i'm not really tall..

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  22. How much do you charge for the portfolio and photoshoot ?

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  23. Hi, for prices and our various packages we do please call us on 020 7323 4445
    Diesel Models

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  24. hi deisal models im laura banton ive been short listed but im not sure what i should do i contacted you you said youd get back to me but you didnt. i feel sad but im really escited i dont think ill be able to afford the perchase of my photos and i have one more question... is this a magazine or what? will i be famous lol ?

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  25. Heloo. I Would Love To Be A Model Buh Im Not To Sure m Pretty Enough, Or Skinny Enugh. Have You Got A Certain Size To Be A Model? I'me Not To Sure How It All Works?! lol ;;x Do I Get Portfolia's Done Or Something? Can You Reply To Me Soon Please On crazy-courtney@hotmail.co.uk Thankss (:

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  26. so ive been asked to come down london for a photo shoot, how much will it cost for a portfolio?

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  27. hi im 14 years old and want to get my modelling career started ive got the number but am not sure what to say any suggestions?? thankyou

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  28. im a curvy size 10/12 at 5''7 is this a problem??

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  29. Dieselmodels doesn't charge you anything for a portfolio. They will however send you to one of the top fashion studios in London to have it done if they think you have potential. The studio prices vary depending on which one they send you to but a good portfolio cost £300 - £1000 depending on how large you want it.

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  30. What sort of outfits do i take to the shoot? casual or formal? :S

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  31. do we pay to have the photos done and go to the top studios i was accepted to come for a photo shoot but i need to know what you have to pay for

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  32. hi ive signed up for diesel models but i dont know what to do now!

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  33. HI
    Diesel model contacted me to do the photo shot, and they said that i need to make a deposit of £50, if i do not have thetalent to become a model doi get the money back and what does the deposit covers

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  34. i really want to be a model, but im not sure i can, loads of my friends say modeling agencies dont take on girls with braces, is this true?

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  35. Hi, as long as you have your braces most agencies will not sign you up. I recommend you to contact them after you've taken them off

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  36. Hi!
    The £50 deposit is refundable on the day if you decide not to purchase your images or if you don't have the potential to become a model. They need to pre-book a fashion studio for you so this is what the deposit goes to.

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  37. Hi, the photoshoot is covered by Dieselmodels (studio rental, hair & make-up, photographer) and you have the option to purchase the images for your portfolio after the shoot.

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  38. For your photo shoot I'd recommend you to bring a variety of clothes including the below:
    Fashion wear (e.g. club wear, chick clothes)
    Formal wear
    Accessories such as sunglasses, hats, jewellery
    High heels (no flat shoes)
    Your favourite outfit!
    If you are over 18 years old you should also bring a nice swim wear such as your favourite bikini

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  39. Hey Dieselmodels im laura banton and im just writing to say thankyou for shortlisting me. i cant wait until the photoshoot hopefully im succesful. im so happy and thankyou hannah for replying to me. im really grateful . i have only one question to ask. After we pay the deposit how long after that do we start to do the photos in london? x.x thankyou deiselmodels for shortlisting me! xox Love you all very much xox

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  40. what sort of size weight and would you be looking for and what size weight would be to big ?

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  41. How Old do you have to be to be a Glamour Model

    i think i could start now because i have got a womans body

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  42. Hello, im really happy that i've just applied at diesel models. I have millions of questions to ask but what i would like to know is, will modellin affect my studies ? Because im going to be doing A-levels at college soon and im not sure whether i'll be able to miss out lessons.
    Modelling has always been my dream and i just see myself doing stuff like this when im older because its my passion and goal.
    I really do hope i become a model because i believe dreams can come true if you fight for them, so im willing to do this.

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  43. How much will the photos cost if i decide to purchase them after the shoot? And also my parents are not free during the appointment times, so could i be accompanied by my brother?

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  44. Hi, i sent in my picture to Diesel models,and i have been invited to London for the shoot, but since then i have had my haircut, will this affect my offer?

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  45. hello, i am 13 and i have just applied at dieselmodels and i have braces :( does this mean i cant be a model! and also, what is the ideal size to be a sucessful model! please reply to me at cordy-rules@hotmail.com
    x

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  46. To Be Honest, People Think That Models Have To Be That 'Right Shape' And Have That 'Look' But In My Oppinion, Models Do Not Have To Be Perfect, It Is About Showing The Real You And Knowing That You Can Look Good No Matter What Shape Or Size You Are.

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  47. Dear Jaydee,
    To become a glamour model you legally have to be 18 years old in the UK.

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  48. Dear Anna,

    You can model part-time or full-time so you will have time for your studies as well.

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  49. Dear Anonymous,

    Your hairstyle does not affect your offer for a photoshoot or your modelling career.

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  50. Dear Hannah Palmer,

    Yes, you are very correct! It's what is on the inside that counts. Although you do have to be photogenic to become a model but it doesn't matter what shape or size you are.

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  51. hey i aplied for diesel modelling last thursday and they shortlisted. i was just wondering what happens when you have to go to london to do a shoot? does that mean your a model?
    Shannon Gordon x
    Xthank You for choosing me. im very greaghtfull!X x x

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  52. Hi I have a photoshoot with The Blue Rooms on sunday and I was wondering what clothes and accesories i need to bring. And could you tell me how much of everything i have to bring please? And do I need to bring any make up?
    thanks, Amy

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  53. hey , ive been asked to go to a photo shoot in london . im 14 and im not sure im thin enough or tall enough , im 5ft 5 . and i dont know wat clothes to bring and how many outfits and what styles ???

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  54. Hiyaa ,
    I got chosen to do the photo shoot. Do i bring my own clothe because hannah asked me my dress size so i dont know.

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  55. hello, thank you for shortlisting me..umm where do i have to go from now? i live way down in the southwest of england, is there anywere down this way? as im only 15 i cant drive and doubt i could travel alone to london ectt

    thanks, evangeline

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  56. Hi, please call us on 020 7323 4445 and ask to speak to a new faces consultant who can help you out and answer all your questions.

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  57. hi diesel model im 13 and 5`2 is that problem

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  58. hiyah x

    i signed up for deisel models and got a email saying i would be great but is it ok to have braces ?

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  59. Heyy, i sent off a picture and have been asked to come down to london for a photo shoot but im not sure if this year will be the best time, will i be able to apply next year and still have another oppurtunity?
    Thankyou

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  60. hi i have just been accepted im not sure i will totally be able to buy the portfolio if i get through but im going to do it and find all the money i can! thanks you so much for accepting me! i will look forward to going to london! contact me @ taylor.leach_molly@hotmail.co.uk

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  61. Hey, you e-mailed me yesterday to say that i may get a phone call from the London studios, i was wondering if you could tell me that if i dont get a phoen call within say a week, does this mean i have been rejected? Thank you. xx

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  62. Hi,if you haven't received a phone call within a week it means that we are just very busy. I suggest you call us on 020 7323 4445 and ask to speak to a new faces consultant who can help you out and answer all your questions.

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  63. Hi Ray - here are a few words from Seann regarding today.

    Hello,
    I just wanted to say thank you for today. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Could you pass on a message to my photographer Mario and to my stylist ( Sorry I can't remember her name -could you please add it in for me, thanks). My stylist was great. She was very polite towards me, and talked to me whilst doing my face and hair. When I first met her she put me totally at ease. Mario was fantastic. He talked to me before and during the shoot telling me to relax and take my time. He also directed me well during the shoot and told me what he wanted me to do. I felt totally relaxed and fully enjoyed the experience. I intend to be successful in being signed for an agency, and doing some great work as a result of these fab pictures for my portfolio.

    Thank You to all Blue Room staff and especially to Mario, Chelsea and my stylist.

    Seann Xx

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  64. Hi Alex

    Quick update on how stuff is going....

    I shot an MTV advert for Safe Sex last week which airs on 27th sept with 12 repeats
    Extra in a new feature film called 'Breathe'
    Signed to a fit model agency
    Signed to 4 promo agencies
    Casting for Abercrombie
    Hopefully working for Vodafone next month
    Model at medical conf in Sept

    I have been conacted by model miu and mileaon about joining...wondered what you thought of them?

    Sophie

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  65. i went to pure space studios and it was the best experience i have had i was nervous around the cam at first bt then i loosend up and the looked fab thanx 4 having me frm Danni xxxx

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  66. thankuu for asking me to come for a photo shoot in london :)
    i'll be getting intouch soon, for a date and details. X Diesel Models

    I am going to go to Pure Space to get my amazing portfolio done.

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  67. Hi my name is Francesca Wilkinson and I would like to thank diesel models for sending me to the photoshoot. I really enjoyed myself and the shoot was successful. I can't wait to see my portfolio. Thank you so much. xxx

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  68. hi my name is courtney,i got a phone call from dieselmodels,im so so happy,but im only 5ft2 is this a problem? im waiting on someone phoneing me back! so fingers crossed!

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  69. Quick update on how stuff is going....

    I shot an MTV advert for Safe Sex last week which airs on 27th sept with 12 repeats
    Extra in a new feature film called 'Breathe'
    Signed to a fit model agency
    Signed to 4 promo agencies
    Casting for Abercrombie
    Hopefully working for Vodafone next month
    Model at medical conf in Sept

    I have been conacted by model miu and mileaon about joining...wondered what you thought of them?

    Sophie

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  70. Hiiiiiii !

    just thought i would send you an email as i know how difficult it can
    b to understand me on the phone lol !

    first of all i would like to say thank you soo sooo much for this
    amazing opportunity! i really honestly havent felt this happy in my
    life, it means everything to me!

    the shoot itself couldnt have went any better i think, i felt so
    relaxed and confident and felt like i had done this before wen in
    reality i havent lol strange but great ! the photographer was amazing
    :-)
    im dying to get my photos so that i can make something of myself but
    all in good time lol

    the staff in the studio are pretty amazing to b honest! really
    friendly and great to work with, they also gave me an amazing deal by
    giving me all 30 photos fur a much cheaper price. she said she was
    doing this for me as i have came a long way and she can see great
    potential, and that it means alot to me. i couldnt appreciate it any
    more! they have been great :-)

    what happens next? does the fact that i was successfull definetly give
    me the chance to apply for different shoots with agencies or do you
    need to see my photos first and give your opinion before i can take it
    any further?

    xx

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  71. Hello again its Joanna, i was wondering if i could write about how i got into modelingand my experience on your page and if you have a magazine id like to write my story and expericenxe, i had my portfolio done with you and have recently had calls from other agencies asking for me to work with them all i need now is a contract, if you could get back to me that would be great i had a brilliant time wiv the group when i came for my shoots afta geting the phone call from you, also it would be nice if i could share my dream come true experience i had at the blue rooms studio. Thank you for your time, Hope to hear from you soon, my e-mail is jojo17jamie20@live.co.uk

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  72. I had an amazing experiance in London I was really scared at first but when the man was doing my hair

    he made me feel realaxed and calm he did my hair and make-up throughout the afternoon my only regret i didn't ask his name .The person who took the photos made me feel comfortable during the whole shoot . Aaron who then went through the photos with us all was funny and extremly helpfull. I would like you to thank them all at the Blue Rooms for making my experience on the day a day to remember. Ray i would also like to thank you and all the staff at Diesel Models for making my Dream happen. Thank you . x CARLY SALTER

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  73. WOOO
    omg got my photo shoot in Jan
    cant wait!

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  74. Thankyou for the text :D
    how much do you charge for the shoot ?

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  75. got my photo shoot on january cant wait xx

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  76. Please call us on 020 7323 4445 for all queries and questions.
    Diesel Models

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  77. im 13 and 5'5 is that good?

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  78. my shoots sixth of febuary, they think i have beautiful eyes, im worried but oh well: im so excited, but ive only told a few friends incase it doesn't work out :) wsh me luck xxxxxx THANK YOU EVERYONE, xxxxx :D xxxx

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  79. hi, i sent off a picture and had an email they were impressed with my picture. i really want to go into modeling it has been my dream right from childhood. i dont think i could afford having a portfolio or having the transport to get to london because i live in shrewsbury. could this matter or could i get help and suppoet on this??

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  80. do you have to be a certain weight or hight ?

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  81. how do you know if you have been picked?

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  82. Hi, applied last year, And just got the email and replied, I REALLY hope that the offer is still valid ;__;

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  83. hi dose every one who registers go on the free shoot

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  84. Thanx for inviting me over for the photo shoot im so so so hAppy I jst cnt even wait for the shoot. I jst hop it all goes the way i want it to go. :D

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  85. chloe x

    i have been asked to go for a photoshoot in LONDON! but i live in Norwich. is there any other way i could possibly get to pure space studios without my mum driving me?

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  86. i am lydia, fourteen. you have called me and told me to get in touch with good news. have been asked to go to london for a photo shoot seems you ask everyone to though. would this be during the week or at a weekend? would it be possible for me to go alone or do i need an adult? thankyou

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  87. ive just got into diesel modeling and am so happy to see what its really like :) x

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  88. hello got my photo shoot in 3 weeks and said bring four sets of cloths too change.what do i bring them in and doo i iron them first ???

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  89. Jade.x
    Hiya, I Am Booked In For A Shoot On The 2nd of April. This Will Be The First Time I Have Done Anything Like This So Its Exciting But Nerve Racking lol I Dont Think I Have A Strong Enough Smile! Can I Ask What Clothing I Need To Bring?

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  90. Nicole Clarke,
    I got short listed and now booked for a photo shoot on the 1st of april, I'm so excited.. I've done the odd modelling pictures for my friends mum photography room but that the furest it went, I was so glad when I received the email and phone call of Luis saying I have great potential. So excited, and plus going to be a great day in London. Thank you Diesel Models :)

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  91. i got a email from diesel models in march is it too late to ring them up now?

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  92. i was going to come for a photoshoot june last year but i couldnt make it, how much is it for a shoot and portfolio?

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  93. i wear hair extention witch i love should i bring them onn my shoot :S

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  94. Hi my name is toni and i signed up for diesel models a while ago, and i got a phone call but couldnt take it at the time with me bieng in college and she told me she would ring me back but i havent had a phone call since. I also got an e-mail about the photoshoot in london, am i still able to do the shoot?.

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  95. hiya,i registered and was thrilled that robert called me,and said i've been shorlisted.
    im only 14,although i'm excited,im also extremely nervous....
    i was just wondering,as i seen earlier on,to the photoshoot it says your not allowed flats?
    is that true,i have to wear mostly heels?
    thaanks, xx

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  96. heyah im 5ft 4 slim and love anything to do with modeling im 16 years old from sunderland is this a problem i have acleft liptoo rite back

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  97. ive applied for diesel models and they're ment to be calling me back, but reading the coments before; i have a fixed brece on for another 8 months max. Will this mean i wont be able to model?

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  98. hello you contacted me on my mobile phone saying i was shortlisted as one of your chosen models i would just like to say i would love to become the next model in your agency but you said contact you on your landline number for more information est so i did but your voicemail service came up and said sorry you cant return the call but please leave me your information name and phone number est and i did but you didint call back but im scared because you told me i only had till half 6 to contact you and i have rang a thousand times litrally and noone will respond and this is a big deal for me i really want to be a model but i dont know any way to contact you please write back or email me on xx-charlotte-collins-xx@hotmail.com thankyou xxxx

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What makes a good model? What are photographers looking for? Are there are any minimum requirements?

Catwalk Modelling

Catwalk really does have a minimum height requirement of about five feet seven inches. This is for the big agencies that supply the models for the catwalk shows we see on television. Any shorter than this and a model would just look out of place. The top agencies, who have the pick of all the best girls, can afford to be very strict about this. There may be a few exceptions if you are outstanding in some other way and you may be taken on for purely photographic work. However you may find that the ‘second division’ model agencies and those in the provinces bend these rules a little. For local fashion shows the height requirement is not so important. You can look for posters or adverts in your local paper for fashion shows and phone up to see if they have enough models. If you are still at college, often the fashion students have a summer show, so you could volunteer for that. You can do nothing about your height, and however much you would love to be on the catwalk at London fashion week, if you are too short you will have to face up to this.

What facial looks are required?

Everyone’s face is different and there are certainly no definite rules about what makes a model in terms of facial beauty. On the other hand we all know that some people are more attractive than others. In the fashion world they do have fads and fancies about what ‘look’ is in. They at different times like ‘waifs’ or ‘aliens’, but to survive any time as a model you need to have a more universal appeal. Another thing to remember is that some people photograph much better than they look, or look better than they photograph. If you have an exceptional face you can work for beauty or portrait photographers, particularly outside of the cities, even if your figure is not quite right or you are too short for fashion. Generally speaking you need to be healthy looking, you do need to have good skin, so you should look after your face. Sometimes your skin colour may be important, for instance if a photograph is for a suntan cream, where a very pale-skinned model would not be appropriate. Models of a particular ethnic group are often required, for instance for black hair care products. You will need to learn about make-up, as very often there will not be a make-up artist, especially in provincial studios. Eyes are incredibly important in photographs, so make sure you get a good night’s sleep before a photoshoot. Your teeth need to be looked after, so you have a nice bright smile. You also need to look after your hair, and remember that longer hair has more possibilities because it can be put up, whereas a very short style is quite limited in what you can do with it. It is also important to look after your hands and nails for facial shots and portraits as you may need to rest your face on your hands. Bitten nails are not attractive.

What sort of figure do you need?

As with facial looks there are no hard and fast rules about what sort of figure is best for modelling, but once again we all know what is generally considered attractive by what we see on television and in magazines. Fashion models are nearly always tall and very slim, often to the point of being what we would call too skinny. Outside of the fashion industry many photographers prefer to work with models who look more like real women, whatever that means. There has been a slight trend towards curvier models recently. Generally you need to be well proportioned and it helps if you are reasonably fit, especially for modelling sportswear. If you are super-fit it is sometimes possible to specialize in sportswear and fitness modelling. If you have beautiful legs you may be able to model tights and stockings, and possibly shoes. Photographers do like a flat stomach, so you may have to try and pull it in. If you have a very large bust you will probably be popular with glamour photographers, but be prepared for them to ask you to take your top off, and make sure you have decided beforehand whether you want to or not. By eating healthily and doing exercise you may be able to improve your figure to some extent, but at the end of the day all of us are made a certain way, and sometimes nothing can change that. Never go without meals or starve yourself hoping to lose weight, as you will look unhealthy and it is not good for you.

Are there jobs for models that specialize in parts of the body?

Yes. Hand models are often hard to find especially when you need one. Many models will have photogenic faces and good bodies but their hands and feet can be just horrid. Often times you will use one person for the face and have a hand model reaching into the picture to provide the hands. Of course the photographer makes it look like one person but in fact there are two. With jewelry photography we look for good hands, nice neck, and ears. A good ear is very hard to find as they have to be shaped just right, the skin has to be very smooth, and you want them pierced for only one earring not 25. Unfortunately, paying jobs for jewelry modeling seldom come along. It is best to find other industries that need good-looking body parts. Parts models follow similar career paths as regular models.

How much do models make?

What you hear about is the fabulous big bucks that super models make. Out of all the models in the world, only a handful of them make this top dollar. Their yearly income can be in the millions. But for most models it will be far less. As a general rule, modeling fees will be in the range of photographer's fees. For a market like London, modeling agencies ask £150 an hour. This may not bring you the big bucks of a super model but it will give you a good living if you can find steady work. Outside London, for example in Manchester, models are charged out at £350 per day plus a 10% fee that goes to the agency.

Dieselmodels: Finding an Agency

This is where *Diesel Models *comes into it’s own. Go to “Model Agencies”, where you will have the contact details and links to over 200 model agencies up and down the UK. Use the links to access their website where available, check out the agency, and fill out the online application forms, attaching a suitable photo of yourself. The area the agency specialize in are written in blue next to the contact details. Contact those that suit what you are looking for and ask them to send you out a new faces application, or where necessary, ask them what to send in. Think carefully at what level you aim at. You may at first be disappointed by the agencies that say “no”, but to succeed you must persevere. They may be saying no because at that particular point in time they have more than enough models that have your particular look. A lot is about timing and luck. Do not just go for the top 5 agencies, try some of the smaller ones to.

Dieselmodels: So how do you find the right one?

Assuming you want to be a fashion and catwalk model the only agencies that should really concern you are the bigger established ones in London and maybe a few other big cities in the UK. We are talking here about modelling full time where you earn enough to support yourself from modelling alone. Remember there is fierce competition at this level, they have the pick of the best girls. They are fussy about height and unless you are at least 5 feet 7 inches they probably won’t be interested, however good looking you are. Start at the top and try sending your photos to these agencies first. Sometimes these agencies have a particular day of the week where they will see new models, so ring up first and find out when that is. Sometimes models start on a kind of probation, and if you don’t make the grade after a certain time they let you go. If you don’t get taken on by any of these bigger agencies you can try moving down the scale, but as you do the chances of earning the regular, big fees become smaller. If you are prepared to model part-time or occasionally some of the better regional agencies are fine. You may need to persevere and go to many agencies before you find someone to take you on. Be tenacious, it’s up to you to make it happen for yourself.

Dieselmodels: Registration fees?

Agencies should not charge you a fee to register or find you work. If an agency want to take you on, but the whole thing seems to be about you spending money, this is usually a warning sign that the agency makes more from the models than it earns from their commissions when they work, and your dream of being a model may be about to become an expensive disappointment.

Dieselmodels: Model Agencies

A modeling agency is a company that finds jobs for models, usually operating on commission. The top agencies work with big-budget advertising agencies and fashion designers. They invest money into developing their talent so they can increase their status within the industry. These top agencies will help train models, get test shoots, layout portfolios, and put together composition photo cards and other printed materials models need. They find work by making contacts with photographers and agencies, booking the jobs, billing for the jobs, and eventually paying the models for their time. By handling the details, an agency allows a model to focus on modeling and not on the business end. Because modeling is a very competitive, fast moving business that extends beyond the traditional working hours, an agency generally conducts business round the clock to handle emergencies, such as cancellations or rush jobs. Most agencies have an operator to direct emergency contact after hours. Modeling agencies use booking departments to keep track of who uses models. The agency has a phone that is manned and an office that a client can visit. These agents also send out reminders for fresh comp cards. They advertise, do lunches, do cold calls and turn over stones to find available modeling gigs.

Dieselmodels: Auditions and Open Calls

Modelling agencies will require new faces on a regular basis. The number of models in an agency depends on the demand brought in by its agents and changes throughout the year. To this end, modelling agencies advertise in local phone directories in order to remain visible. Each new model-screening process is different from one agency to the next: A dry call is where models mail unsolicited comp cards to an agency. While this may work with smaller agencies, larger agencies are constantly being inundated with these cards and frequently discard unsolicited comp cards. Another option is the walk-in, where a model calls for an appointment at an agency and receives and interview on that particular date and time. The model then has an opportunity to quickly review with the agent past experience and show his or her portfolio. The most popular process is the open call, where an agency will advertise that on a certain day, they will allow anyone to show up for an interview. Depending on the popularity of the agency within the industry and the advertising done by its agents, anywhere from several dozen to hundreds of candidates could attend an open call. It is not uncommon to have a line extending for several city blocks.

Dieselmodels: How to become a model

There are, however, several standard ways that a model can be discovered. These include via sending in photographs, or your portfolio, to modeling agencies and hopefully getting called in for an interview or a chat and ultimately being signed up. Then there is the possibility of going to an open casting and getting work that way. Alternatively, perhaps you will approach an agency, or even have an agency approach you.

Dieselmodels: Modeling: Physical Requirements

Physically, what do you need to be a female model? Well, if you are less than 5ft9, then you will find it very hard to get fashion modelling as all the clothes will be designed for those that are taller. You also need to be slim at least in the mainstream market, though some do look for larger models these days also you need to be in proportion throughout your body and have what is termed 'good bone structure' though this is subjective. Agencies often look for those with somehow distinctive features in their models, so as to isolate them from the mainstream good looking girl and to create someone who is instantly recognizable, but for all the right reasons. Again, some of these factors are very subjective like you need to be thick skinned and wanting to enter one of the most superficial industries there are. The rewards can be great, when they come. For the most part, we at Model resource concentrate on models represented by agencies. We do this because represented models tend to gain more notoriety and land bigger contracts than those that represent themselves. If you are in a market that has at least one modelling agency, I recommend you do meet with them before you choose to go it alone. If nothing else, you will get a better understanding of the industry, and possibly gain some insight into the local market.

Dieselmodels: Contractual Agreements

Most agencies sign their top talent to contracts, which vary in length based on the model's industry status and experience. However, because a good agency finds their models work and negotiates top price for their talent, they earn a commission of every job they book on a model's behalf.

Dieselmodels: Glamour Poses

Most models at one time or another have problems with photographers who ask the model to do poses they are not comfortable with. This can lead to embarrassment and awkward situations. So try to avoid getting in them in the first place. Having decided you want to be a model, next work out which types of modelling you want to do. You need to be aware that there are lots of photographers out there looking for ‘glamour’ models. Particularly on the internet this sooner or later boils down to topless and nude photos. If you are comfortable with this sort of work that is fine, but if you don’t it becomes a problem. Make your mind up what work you feel comfortable with and then make sure you explain exactly what poses are acceptable to you in any dealings with agents or photographers. Don’t give anyone the opportunity to say they thought you did that type of work. Don’t be vague and say you will do ‘any work’, or you are asking for trouble. Do not trust the word ‘glamour’, because it can mean almost anything anyone wants it to mean, and many photographers hide their real intentions by using this word. Models often reject ‘glamour’ out of hand, thinking this means ‘nude’, but many photographers use the word to describe tasteful clothed or swimsuit work, so make sure you don’t lose out on any work by asking the photographer to explain his ‘glamour work’. When looking for work say something like ‘I am available for photographic modelling work in beauty, fashion and tasteful glamour including swimwear and lingerie. No topless, nude or adult work please.’ You won’t miss out on any jobs you wish to do. Having explained what work you are prepared to do before the shoot, don’t be bullied or tricked into doing poses on the day which you are not happy about.

Dieselmodels: Glamour modelling

Remember that there are genuine photographers on the internet and elsewhere who are looking for nude models for photographic work, so if you have the confidence it may be worth going into this area where there is a lot of work, but it should be conducted in a professional way, by models and photographers. Make sure you really have the confidence to go through with it, and don’t waste people’s time if you are unsure or have family or boyfriend problems relating to this sort of modelling. If you are intending to do this sort of work don’t give your services away at the start either, as a new unpublished face is worth a lot more money than a model whose face has been around a long time. Find out exactly what poses are required before you agree to the session. There is a lot of difference between Page 3 type topless photos and those which appear in top-shelf mens magazines or on adult internet sites. Many models would probably like to do tasteful calendar nudes in exotic locations but unless you have a stunning face and figure the chances of getting this work are slim.