MODEL RESOURCES
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- TERMS OF USE - ARTICLES
- ANECDOTES - PAPERWORK
MODEL RESOURCES
BLOG
- TERMS OF USE - ARTICLES
- ANECDOTES - PAPERWORK
INDEPENDENT MODELING ™
IndependentModeling.Com
"Changing the business of modeling" ®
Tampa Bay, Florida
Seattle, Washington
RESOURCES
The Best Source Of Model Tools And Career Enhancers
TOOLS
Model referred resources for the professional independent model
During the months that it took us to develop this site, and the years of working
with them beforehand, local models have given us the scoop on the treasures
behind their careers. Models talk. They talk about every shoot, every photographer,
every agency, and every client contract. We didn't want to hear about the scams
that they experienced, or the unpleasantness of the business. We did hear some
of that, and listened, but for the most part, we really paid attention when
they told us about the good things.
Here are the highlights of what we've heard, what some of us have experienced,
what we've seen, and what we're still hearing on a daily basis.
NOTE:
To be attacked is the true measure of our effectiveness and success. If someone lies to you about this site, consider the source. What is their true motivation? 90% of all who hate us are scamming models and other talent. The rest are aware of this site, but have never studied it, and therefore do not understand what we are doing and assume the worst. Reputable companies have no reason to hate this web site! First, study this entire site and learn who we are. We are the real deal, and you will learn things on this site free of charge that will open your eyes to how the modeling industry works, how business works, and how to spot scams. After that, go back to the people who bad mouth us. Examine them, and how they do business. The truth will set you free, and will help your career! The model scam that is taking advantage of you will no longer have any power over you, and will no longer profit from you.
Independent Modeling launched as Tampa Bay Independent Model on September 4, 2001. Since then, we have become one of the best free modeling resource sites available. There are companies, such as known modeling scams, who do not like this site because we help models free of charge and take away from their business. We have also exposed several modeling scams in 2003. These model scams are quick to accuse us of being some sort of "photo mill" scam by stating that we have some kick back relationship with our sponsors. This is not the case, and it's proof that your enemies will spin it any way that suits them if they are afraid of you. We have been very careful with setting up this site and have strict rules in place to ensure that all activities are ethical. These scams have not done their homework, and have not read the disclaimers on this site. Any company that wishes to sponsor this site and advertise is welcome to do so. These scams, however, will never get to advertise or post on this site. Feel free to check out all of the resources on this page, as they are not scams. To get listed here is free. If you want to post a banner ad on other parts of this site or sponsor an article by placing your banner on it, feel free to inquire about rates. Thank you, and enjoy the free, no obligation web site known as Independent Modeling!
Portfolio
We've checked out each of the photographers on this page, and models recommend them. Even so, if any models have any issues with any photographer in this section, let us know, and we will investigate.
Tampa
Bay Modeling Photographers
Aurora PhotoArts
Model Portfolio photography, Composite Cards, and Web Comps
Aurora PhotoArts has been on the minds, and in the conversations, of
several dozen models in the Tampa Bay area. In fact, all of the models that
are featured on this site have done work with them at one point or another.
This company does excellent work in photography, composite card creation, and
portfolios.
We like what we see, and you can find out more by going to their site, here:
Aurora PhotoArts is a Passinault.Com company, and can be reached at (813) 671-9507.
Aurora PhotoArts is our site sponsor, but we are not obligated to endorse them over any other service by any agreement. Their endorsement is well earned, as you can see by samples of their work on their site, and the pictures on this site. All of the pictures on the Independent Modeling web site, unless otherwise noted, were from Aurora PhotoArts. The best endorsement is the apparent quality of the work that you see throughout this site. Independent Modeling monitors this photography company just like any other.
Models that use this site are NOT obligated to use the services of Aurora PhotoArts. This site is free, and you can use it as much as you want to without using any service depicted on this page.
Susan Jeffers
Model
Portfolio photography
A Clearwater based photographer that we've been hearing a lot of about lately is Susan Jeffers. Models tell us that she does outstanding work, and we've been impressed by what we've seen of it. We'll see about posting her number and site here soon.
Andy Meng
Model
Portfolio photography
A Tampa based photographer who does outstanding work.
John W. Parker, Jr
Model
Portfolio photography
A photographer from Tampa worth a look. He inquired us about being added to this section, we checked him out, and decided to add him to our lineup.
Amy Bowen
Model
Portfolio photography
A photographer new to the Tampa Bay area, we first heard good things about her at a local model and talent agency. Her web site is awesome, and her work is really good!
Infinite Ink- Emily Gries
Graphic
Designer and Photographer
For those models who need unique designs for their self promotion as well as photography, Emily Gries and her company Infinite Ink hold many creative posibilities. This artist is very strong in the graphic design department.
Orlando Modeling Photographers
Craig Huey
Model Portfolio photography
Orlando photographer Craig Huey does outstanding portfolio work. His web site can be accessed by clicking this link:
Craig's work is highly recommended by the models on our staff.
Donna Harrison
Model
Portfolio photography
Another Orlando photographer, Donna Harrison does outstanding studio head shots and photography. Models on our staff were impressed by some of her work, and we became aware of her talent when she inquired through E-mail about being added to this section:
Michael Cairns
Model
Portfolio photography
Michael is an industry mainstay and a great photographer. His workshops are highly recommended by models.
We're doing our research, and our models are opening our eyes to other photographers, too. We'll have more photographer and portfolio information here soon. We are now working on the following categories:
Miami Modeling Photographers, North Florida Modeling Photographers, and East Florida Modeling Photographers.
Internet
The mother of all modeling resource sites here in Florida would have to be Florida-Models.Com. Frankly, it's still the best. We've been friends with the owners for several years, and they've been helpful during the long learning process. You can check out their site, here:
Based in Chicago, we found this great Internet modeling hub. The articles and information that can be found here is both useful and concise. There is industry level information on this site for photographers as well as the model, and we even found a cautionary story of a real shoot that went wrong which made our jaws drop in horror. A recommended site for both the beginner and advanced model.
Forms and Contracts
This is the holy grail of this site,
and one of the reasons that it was created. We couldn't begin to tell you how
many times a local model needed a legal form to use in a shoot or assignment.
Well, the questions have been answered by us. There are two contracts on this
site for use now, but in the coming weeks, over fifteen more contracts and forms
will be added. Some of these new contracts have anti-scam agreements in them
to protect models from scams, clarifies the professional relationship, and makes
an attempt to scam them fraud, which is a Felony. That's not all, though. Let
us know what you'd like to see here, and our legal people will create it for
you free of charge. Please read TERMS OF USE
before using these contracts and forms, as Independent Modeling will not be
held liable for use of these properties. These forms and contracts are in actual
use by independent models in the industry, and we have had no complaints or
issues come up with their use.
STANDARD MODEL RELEASE
This is a modified talent release form for use by the model. It was originally drafted in early 2001 when a model, Lowie, needed it for a shoot that she was involved in. Traditionally, these release forms dictate a waiver of rights for the model. Ours are different. This document was reverse engineered from an airtight television talent release contract, and rewrote for modeling. This is the first model release that we know of that actually gives the model the upper hand. Worried about what that photographer is going to do with your image? Use this before you agree to shoot. The other party won't like it, but they'll respect you for using it, and in this business, respect carries far more weight. Let us know what you think.
PRINTING RELEASE AGREEMENT
This next one is the first of many new contracts coming in 2004. If you are a model who wants to print your pictures after you get the image files back from the photographer, have them sign this! Yet another free contract from Independent Modeling.
Agencies
We haven't talked to any of them in an official capacity, yet, but we've heard
good things about a few bay area agencies.
Alexa model and talent in Tampa, Arthur Arthur in Apollo Beach,
the Benz Model and Talent Agency in Ybor City.
If the independent model needs to deal with agencies, and the smart ones do
on a non exclusive basis, these are the three to start talking to. Remember:
Most disputes in this business are a result of a breakdown of communication
somewhere along the line. COMMUNICATE. Get things in writing if you need to.
These agencies all come highly recommended, and they are all licensed by the
State of Florida. We've looked into other agencies in the Tampa Bay area, and
they either have not received a favorable rating from the models that we've
talked to, have professional issues, or are the bait and switch "photo
mills" that flourish in Florida's soft modeling business environment. Two
"agencies" were all of the above, and are being investigated by the
State of Florida at the time of this posting. Remember: Real agencies make money
by working for the model and obtaining jobs for them, and it is against Florida
law for agencies to profit off of portfolios or to charge models a fee. If you
really need pictures, a genuine agency will supply you a list of photographers
that do testing, or, in some cases, they'll pay for your portfolio and will
deduct those expenses from your first jobs booked through them.
These are the reputable agencies in the Tampa Bay market. To obtain representation from all of them, if possible, would be ideal if you wish to maximize booking prospects.
Are they SAG franchised?
Independent Modeling recommends working with SAG franchised agencies. If an agency is not SAG franchised, use caution if you are considering them to represent you.
Benz Model and Talent Agency
Phone (813)242-4400
Louise's People Model & Talent Agency
863 13th Avenue North
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone (727) 823-7828
Alexa Model and Talent Management Inc.
Phone (813) 289-8020
Arthur Arthur
Phone (813) 645-9700
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Photography credits for this page: Title Image- Aurora PhotoArts . Menu Images- Aurora PhotoArts
Photography © Copyrights belong to owners, and is used either under license or by permission.
EDITORIAL - JOBS - RESOURCES - FEATURES - SCAMS - PHOTOGRAPHY - MODELS - REFERENCES - MAIL
Usage of this web site binds you to the terms of expressing our professional opinions and providing information.
Independent Modeling is not an agency, and it is not intended to be used as such. We do not charge any party for the use of the information on this site or referrals. This site is a web resource for the use of independent models, businesses that book independent models, and model photographers. Independent Modeling is not licensed to nor does it make claims to offer legal services or private investigation services. Independent Modeling is familiar with, observes, and respects the laws of the the States of Florida and Washington State. We are in compliance with all federal, state, and local laws. Information on regulated professions and techniques associated with such professions are provided on an informative basis only, and Independent Modeling does not express guarantees or interpret laws that apply to regions that may effect the ability to legally do activities described on this site. Please check your local or state laws in regards to compliance when you attempt anything described on this site. Parties accept all legal responsibility for the viewing and use of all content on this site. Independent Modeling is not responsible for referrals, recommendations, how the information presented on this site is used, or the usage of any information or content on this site. Parties using this site do so in accordance to these terms, and may not hold Independent Modeling libel for slander, libel, legal, criminal, or civil issues that may be encountered. Information on this site consists of opinions from professional sources, and Independent Modeling makes no claims or guarantees as to the accuracy of statements made or information presented. Parties using this site assume all risks and potential penalties, and hereby waive Independent Modeling from all responsibility.
Parties that feel as though this site has inaccurate information, has misinterpreted the facts, or misrepresents them in any way are invited to address it by E-Mailing us details of their concern. We have a grievance and online arbitration system in place, and we will look into any matters of concern. If concerns are found to be valid, we will remove or correct the information and issue a public apology. If concerns are not valid, the information will stand, and further arbitration will be referred to our attorney if the party continues with their issue. Usage, which include viewing any content on this site, releases Independent Modeling from any and all claims of libel, slander, defamation of character, cyber stalking, losses in business due to claims of bad publicity, or any other civil or criminal infraction. The intent of this site is not to harass or to be malicious toward any party, but rather to help genuine professionals and the entertainment industry. Any party filing false and frivolous civil or criminal charges against this site will face a lawsuit or series of lawsuits using every resource that we have at our disposal. We will defend our right to free speech as guaranteed by the constitution of the United States of America, and will fight to maintain our integrity, credibility, and the right to make a difference using free speech. All information on this site consists of opinions from industry professionals. Interviews on this site are fair and unbiased to the best of our intentions, and reviews are the sole opinions of the reviewer or reviewers. Interviews and reviews are protected free speech.
Sponsors of this site, contributors, advertisers, referrals, and endorsements are in accordance to the professional respect earned by the models and professionals that advise us. Usage of this site does not obligate anyone to use any services or pay for anything, and the parties that contract such services or purchase anything assume all risks and consequences. Independent Modeling is waived from any and all claims of liability for any referral. Additionally, our sponsors, contributors, and advertisers are also waived from any liability associated with the content on Independent Modeling, as views and opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of our sponsors, advertisers, contributors other than the author, or any other party that works with this site.
Need to know more about our terms and conditions? Read our TERMS OF USE.
© Copyright 2004 Independent Modeling. All rights reserved.
All copyrights that indicate "Tampa Bay Independent Model" apply to Independent Modeling
UPDATED: - Saturday, November 8, 2003 -
Get an unfair advantage that very few models have- Our full support!
Independent Modeling is looking for twelve qualified, professional level models to help out with the substantially larger site that is about to be unleashed. To be considered, models need to send us a composite card which demonstrates a range of looks, a resume showing a smart, ethical work history, and a cover letter written specifically for this opportunity. Models MUST have professional level composite cards, resume's, and cover letters to be considered. The cover letter needs to be written by the model, with no help, as prospective models need to be able to write well. If E-mailed, we prefer that the E-mail includes a link to a composite card image on the model's professional web site or located elsewhere on the Internet. Please, no file attachments or ZIP files. Models will work part time at the most to contribute to this web site and help improve the industry, as well as boost their professional credibility by showing that they are the working experts in the modeling industry. Models selected will receive a sponsorship package with over a thousand dollars in free services and exclusive tools. Package includes two full portfolio photography sessions (for samples of the quality, look at the pictures on this site done by our sponsor), up to three composite card design set ups, tear sheets, web site consulting, and other assorted career boosting services at no cost. Models will be required to contribute material to this web site on a part time, flexible basis. Sponsorships will be for one year, with renewals possible for outstanding models; those models that do really well will be offered paid staff positions at the upcoming Independent Modeling national magazine.
We will not consider any models who do not have a professional level of experience (models MUST have composite cards and a well composed professional portfolio, as we have no desire to try to "sell" anyone anything, which would be unethical. These positions need professional experience), models who are unprofessional or unethical in any way, or models who are associated with any known model scam (and, yes, we do know who the scams are). Submit by going HERE.
Due to a massive work load preparing the launch of the new site, our response and other updates may be delayed.
Other Updates:
Early version of the "Trident menu" drafted with some humor. Not the new title menu- This is just for fun., and, no, we are not anti agency or the evil ones waving pitchforks. Lighten up.
Trident Job Board Almost Ready
Updated November 7, 2003
The new Trident Job Board is almost ready, and reports indicate that the new resource will have as much work going into just that as the original Independent Modeling site. The new board will undergo final assembly the weekend of November 15-16, and being the final component of the new site this puts the launch toward the end of November. Trident is designed to be the best job board available on any modeling web site in the southeast, and it is being designed from the beginning to be transitioned into its next incarnation in the Fall of 2005. As planned, the section will make up half the size of the Independent Modeling web site. The numbers are in, and we have thousands of models a week looking on our job board for leads, which means that we have the traffic and the audience to make using this new job board and the rest of the Trident job resource worthwhile. There are two reasons why there are not many jobs listed on the present model job board and the new Trident job board. One reason is that we screen for obvious scams (we KNOW that there are legitimate modeling jobs out there, and they are not that enthusiastic about posting on public job boards yet only because they don't want unprofessional models flaking out on them. Well, we have that fixed already, and this is the reason for the Professional Model Bureau! That's right, it's safe now, and we are going to do a lot of work getting the word out). Another reason is that we want to keep the posts to a minimum because we want genuine modeling jobs and want to minimize the competition of other job posts for those that do post. At first glance, most might think that the board is not that great because there are not that many posts. What most cannot see, however, is how many great models regularly visit our job board and send their information to the companies that post there. This will only get better when the new site is unleashed, and Trident is the most updated part of the Independent Modeling site. Best of all, there is NO CHARGE to post on or use this board or Trident. They are free! We leave you know with an excerpt of an E-mail that one company sent us about the old (present) model job board.
"By
the way, I was impressed with the models who worked with
us by way of your site. As a local actress, I can't begin to tell you
how invaluable your web site is. Keep up the good work and
thank you for the connecting my company with some pretty
impressive talent."
To post a job on the present board as well as the new Trident, go HERE.
We worked with an experienced independent model by the name of Laura and signed her to our staff over the weekend, and many more will be signed in the weeks to come. Laura received a free portfolio photography session from our sponsor, and was orientated with what we are working on. Her pictures and full profile will be in the new site launching this month. We have also made some site updates and added to our Editorial archives (hint- why are portfolios important in a go see?). See if you can find the other updates, as they are clues to what the new site will be enhanced with!
Job Board: Go See For Maxim Magazine In Miami
The model job board has had old posts removed and is preparing to be moved to a new area in this site as we work on Trident. We are still accepting, screening, and posting jobs and go see notices.
Model References: E-Mail us for free references on Tampa Bay, Seattle, Florida, and Washington State Models. We have over 400 models on file and a rating system that represents their professional history.
The new Independent Modeling web site is coming in November, 2003! Until then, feel free to explore what's here, and celebrate the passing of a legend that has made industry history. Material on this site will be available, and is included, in the new Independent Modeling site now being created by a team of models, photographers, agents, attorneys, and other industry professionals who are aiming to make a difference.
THE ONLY MODELING SCHOOL YOU WILL EVER NEED,
Copyrights and Trademarks are aggressively protected by our legal team. This includes the registered Trademarks "Tampa Bay Independent Model" and the slogan "Modeling has a new look". Independent Modeling is based and published in the Tampa Bay area of west central Florida.
Tampa Bay Independent Model ™
IndependentModeling.Com
Tampa Bay Independent
Model
Independent Modeling
IndependentModeling.Com
Tampa Bay - Orlando - Miami - United
States - Europe - International
COMING SOON: Independent Modeling TRIDENT ® super job board section for Florida models!
Independent Modeling
"Changing
the business of modeling"
Modeling has a new look!
Time for a new look- Tampa Bay Independent Model grows up and graduates into the upper ranks of the working professional model.
Tampa Bay
Independent Model updates it's look!
On September 4, 2001, Tampa Bay Independent Model, IndependentModeling.Com,
launched, and the industry was forever changed. The site grew over the next
year and a half, and the next evolutionary leap came in February of 2003 as
Tampa Bay Independent Model began a major upgrade in design. We're starting
by adding a simplified title, Independent Modeling!
Still based out of Tampa Bay, the epicenter of the independent modeling revolution,
Tampa Bay Independent Model is now poised to meet the needs of Florida independent
models, in addition to models in the United States and abroad.
The relaunch of the site brought changes, too, as the site structure was refined.
Upgraded to the format of an online monthly magazine, the mail section was changed
from weekly to monthly updates, and an editorial section was added, much like
that of Tampa Bay Independent Actor's. The design was upgraded, with new graphics,
pictures, and a menu system. The aesthetics and content organization was updated,
too, to simplify the visits of professional models using the site. Of course,
some areas were designed to updated more often than once a month, and the main
area designed to be updated daily was the new job section. Tampa Bay Independent
Model's sophisticated job resource consists of a job board and a comprehensive
section crammed with tutorials. Early tutorials include researching job prospects
and assembling an industry contact list, modeling tools that work, negotiating
terms, and self promotion tactics.
The market is changing, and Tampa Bay Independent Model is changing to keep
ahead of those changes. While we will be maintaining our old content, we have
more content on the way that will benefit the careers of professional models
regardless of the market that they work in. It's time to recreate the modeling
industry with ethical business tactics that work.
Tampa Bay Independent Model, IndependentModeling.Com, has something for every model, whether they are aspiring, beginning, amateur, experienced, or a seasoned veteran professional model. This includes the following, and because of our sponsors, it's entirely free!
An online magazine format with a monthly editorial and a mail bag maintained by experienced models; models who work in the industry. The mail bag is perfect for models seeking advice!
A Florida modeling job board and a tutorial section that can be used anywhere in the United States!
A Florida modeling resource section, including a modeling professional tools market place area where companies can advertise services!
Articles and highly organized tutorials written by experienced models and business experts!
An independent model section with featured model profiles.
Modeling tools such as contracts, releases, and vouchers.
Industry reviews!
Tampa Bay
Independent Model is the central headquarters for the professional model who
needs the tools for self promotion. Let us help you grow your career to where
it should be, and more!
Tampa Bay Independent Model, IndependentModeling.Com, is a non profit Internet
resource optimized for the free use of professional models.
Knowledge born from experience is power, and you'll obtain it through us! Welcome
to the secret weapon of your independent modeling career, Tampa Bay Independent
Model. Learn your independence, and call the shots from now on.
Modeling has a new look, and that look is independence!
What's next for Independent Modeling?
During the Spring of 2003, we are hiring models from large markets such as New York, writers, business professionals, marketers, art directors, bookers, and photographers. Why are we staffing up? Well, it's a little thing that we'd like to call a national magazine. This site will benefit from that collaboration, however, as we start putting our material together for the investors. All of these people, who we will consider to be business partners, will have nice perks such as IPO offerings, too, as we are certain that the new Independent Modeling magazine will be a tremendous success. There is a large market for such a magazine, simply because there are no modeling magazines, and it has the potential to outdo a lot of the magazines out on the newsstands now. We even have a plan that will link the magazine with this site, and an unique subscription bonus plan. What this means for this site is that Tampa Bay Independent Model, Independent Modeling, will be obtaining a whole new look this Spring, and we might even have to move the site to a larger space to keep up with the Internet traffic that we'll get. This site will also be getting an increase of 1,000% of new material such as articles, tutorials, resources, a monthly mail bag section for advice, and free supplies for the independent model. Even more impressive will be our new Trident Florida modeling enhanced job board, which agencies won't like because models will be able to book lots of work through it. Trident will consist of three comprehensive sections; a free job board, free tutorial section, and an industry job contact list exactly like the ones that agency bookers use to pitch models for jobs. The last part, of course, is free, and will be the most powerful component of Trident!
Want to be considered? E-mail a cover letter, resume, and samples of your work (if applicable), by clicking HERE. We'll set up a face to face interview with our management team if we like your qualifications!
If you're new to modeling, we have bonus articles just for you. Click the images here to read them:
Article for new models: Seven steps to starting a career as a model.
Our most controversial article yet. While the market nuke described now exists, will we use it?
Our brand new sister site, which launched on November 10!
Tampa Bay Independent Actor is a lot like this site, but it's for actors.
Tampa Bay Independent Model is NOT an agency. We are a free resource for the use of the independent model.
Legal notice concerning copyrights:
Copyrights belonging to Tampa Bay Independent Model on this site applies to
Independent Modeling. We retain ownership of the Tampa Bay Independent Model
brand and all copyrights under that name. Future copyrights under Tampa Bay
Independent Model will simply be "Independent Modeling".
Tampa Bay Independent Model, IndependentModeling.Com, and Independent Modeling
are trademarks owned by Passinault.Com, the Passinault Entertainment Group.
Welcome to the 2004 edition of Independent Modeling,
IndependentModeling.Com! Established on September 4, 2001, as Tampa Bay Independent
Model, the name was changed to Independent Modeling in early 2003. Independent
Modeling has been an icon in the modeling industry for over two years now, and
has been instrumental with changing things and making the industry better. We
are loved by professional models, ethical model photographers, and the businesses
that book them. We are also despised by model scams, bad photographers, and
unethical models who use independence as an excuse to behave unprofessionally.
During our first two years, many have tried to silence our voice and shut down
this web site. Some have tried to discount what we have to offer and destroy
our credibility. The most pathetic attempts involved threats of criminal charges,
as con artists tried to use State laws against us.
They have failed.
Those that hate this site do so because we threaten to undermine their way of
life. Those that want this site silenced are unethical companies, schools, photographers,
modeling agencies, and unprofessional models, as well as the model scams that
plague the modeling industry today. Those that are against this web resource
are afraid of us, and they have good reason to be afraid. Model scams and unethical
businesses in this industry are a virus, and this site is the antibody, and
the cure, for the plague that destroys the modeling careers of many. We have
enemies, and we are proud of that fact, as it is proof that we are making a
real difference. We also have friends and allies throughout the modeling and
the entertainment industries.
This site is the second version of a very successful project. As it was developed
over the Summer and the Fall of 2003, we did some experiments at the expense
of model scams in order to develop and refine a new generation of tactics and
tools to be used by the independent model. In effect, those model scams taught
us where our weak points were, and now we are stronger and more effective than
ever. Ultimately, those model scams will pay the price as many of them go out
of business. It is going to happen, and Independent Modeling is responsible
for crippling over a dozen model scams and putting four of them out of business
so far. This is only the beginning, too, and the model scams that try to adapt
and survive to the industry environment that we have created will fail, regardless
of what they think, do, or attempt to say. The most pathetic, criminal, and
mentally bankrupt of those scams will even stoop to the level of stealing our
ideas and attempting to use them against us, as well as drum up false criminal
charges; such measures will trigger lawsuits that will make them go out of business.
Action or reaction? We are the action, and others are forced to react too late,
as we are the real deal. The industry cannot resist us and what is to come.
Resistance to knowledge, ideas, and legitimate professional practices will fail,
as this site has already succeeded on infinite levels. Our new model scam section
has grown into a large array of six different sections, with model scam definitions
and activity patterns, model scam tutorials, model scam countermeasures and
anti scam tools, ways of dealing with model scams, an undercover model industry
program, and a professional model reference database! The model scam busting
tools and other resources available on this web site are only available here,
and are the most effective ones to ever be unleashed upon the modeling industry
to date. We fully expect other web sites, and even the model scams themselves,
to attempt to steal our ideas, and perhaps our very words, and try to use them
against us and as bait for unsuspecting models. As it is said, imitation is
the sincerest form of flattery, and even so, we have gone out of our way to
make sure that theft and mis use of our properties will backfire. Anyone who
tries to steal our property will face legal action (Please see TERMS OF USE
for more). If a model is checking out web sites one day and sees something from
this site, feel free to let us know. After our attorney takes care of them,
you will be eligible for a substantial cash reward from the monetary damages
awarded to us. Hint: Independent Modeling has a staff attorney, and this sponsor
only gets to make money by taking legal action against people. For your sake,
please don't give them a reason to. This, of course, serves as your written
warning, and is your only warning. We see those that try to take from that site
and twist it around to use against us as low, criminal, pathetic, mentally bankrupt
people with substandard intelligence. If you are insane enough to fight this
site, at least give us a legitimate challenge. So far, the only scams dumb enough
to counterattack are con artists who steal from us, twist things around, and
only possess the basic knowledge needed to annoy us and any real professionals
unfortunate enough to meet them.
The professional model, and the legitimate modeling industry, have every reason
to take this site, and the resources that we offer free of charge, very seriously.
Many smart models with thriving independent careers already have. Thousands
of models in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, in Seattle, Washington, and elsewhere
in the United States have benefitted from the Independent Modeling web site
since it has launched. In the coming years, and especially after our magazine
launches nationally to tie in with this site, millions of models will benefit
and the transformation of the modeling industry is completed.
Waging war against model scams is only a small part of what this site is about.
Our scam busting tools are only one of many tools available to the independent
model. The main mission of independent modeling is to teach aspiring models,
as well as seasoned professional models, how to promote themselves and book
jobs independently. After all, if we hand the keys to a modeling career to the
models and teach them how to get jobs on their own, then the primary thing that
makes a model scam work is rendered ineffective. We have articles and tutorials
that teach models how to do just that, and specialized tools such as contracts
and pay vouchers that can be printed off of this site and used in the career
of the independent model. We generate leads for models, too, as half of this
site is dedicated to a massive model job resource called Trident that is the
prototype for the greatest model job board and booker contact database ever
to grace the Internet. This information, while comprehensive, would be useless
unless models knew how to use and exploit it, and we teach them that, too. Trident
has a series of self promotion and booking tutorials, and even has a business
support section for companies who book independent models. After all, the independent
modeling movement cannot succeed without educating businesses as well as models.
Our Trident model job resource alone is quite possibly our greatest weapon against
model scams, as it undermines any credibility that the scam can fabricate; over
half of all model scams are model job related, luring models in with the promise
of booking jobs. With a free and clearly effective job resource such as Trident
that delivers results, a crippling blow is dealt to the model job scam.
On the subject of businesses that book independent models, we are dealing with
that issue tactfully and aggressively, and have come up with effective solutions
to any objections that may come up. During interviews with model agencies and
companies that book models for work, we identified credibility issues with the
concept of independent modeling. While saving money is important to any business,
it does no good if time is wasted on unprofessional, unreliable models that
pose risks to projects and screening models who have no idea how to properly
promote themselves. Companies will always prefer booking models through an agency
if is more cost effective, and the agency screens and helps select the appropriate
models. If this was an issue before, it no longer is. We have fixed the issues
relating to independent modeling, and one of the areas that really made our
work cut out for us was making models professionally accountable for how they
conducted their careers. Problem solved. Effective immediately, any business
can E-mail us for a reference for any model, free of charge. We take compliments
and complaints against particular models, and weigh it into a database. The
result is a score, based on points, comparable to a credit bureau score. Models
with professional level scores will be recommended. Models that don't have them,
won't. Additionally, if we don't have any information on a particular model,
which is highly unlikely for Tampa Bay based models, we will show the business
how to evaluate the prospective model quickly and easily, and then have them
report back to us on how the model did if they decide to book them. Independent
Modeling now has a database with references on over six hundred Florida models.
This database is known as the Professional Model Bureau. As you can guess, Independent
Modeling is now a resource for businesses that book models as well as independent
models. By making models accountable for their actions, the independent modeling
movement now has solid credibility, and it is now more cost effective to book
independent models. Here are the facts: Professional independent models are
less expensive to book, take no additional time to screen, and can be more flexible
for project deadlines than agency booked models. Smart businesses maximize profitability
by reducing risk and keeping costs low. Time is saved, communication is enhanced,
and money is saved by cutting out the model agency middleman, with no loss in
the quality of the model booked! Since models are usually booked into marketing
projects that generate profits indirectly, there is an added emphasis on keeping
costs down while reducing risk.
Our advice to models is simple: BE PROFESSIONAL AT ALL TIMES. Study, and use,
the information and tools on this site. Like it or not, you are competing with
other independent models who are serious about their careers and ARE using this
site like they should. It's survival of the fittest. Models who refuse to study,
adapt, respect what this site can do as a resource, and behave unprofessionally
cannot compete with superior professional level models and will not have a career.
Professionalism is all about attitude, knowledge, hard work, and applying yourself.
Additionally, models who knowingly associate with and help model scams will
tarnish their professional reputation and cripple any chance that they have
of having a career.
Are you a model photographer?
This newest version of the Independent Modeling web site has another target,
too. We are a resource for ethical model photographers. We're there for the
photographer who is professional and refuses to exploit models in any way. For
those photographers who do want to exploit models, we make it harder to do by
teaching models photography, ethical principles of genuine model photographers,
and anti scam tools specifically created to cripple the exploitive photographer's
business. Did you know that photography businesses that exploit models and photographers
who take advantage of the model are model scams, too? Ethical model photographers
will be able to have profiles on this site, and we even have a superb new faces
section for aspiring models to post snap shots, and model photographers to rate
modeling potential and set up test shoots with those aspiring models!
Although some sections like our model go see board will be updated daily, we
have a brand new, special section that will be updated daily, too. Published
like an off the cuff daily editorial or journal entry, our Independent Modeling
BLOG will be the model's key to gauging hot topics in the industry, the newest
updates to the Independent Modeling site, and will point the way to even more
information!
Of course, the classic sections come back, too, like our monthly editorial and
model mail sections. Each month, our editorial article will cover a subject
with lots of great information for the models who work in the industry. For
those of you with questions or issues, our mail section, written by a professional
model on our staff, dishes out answers and advice. We also have a model tool
section with links and contact information, an industry section with model industry
reviews and interviews, a new model anecdote section featuring stories of independent
models in action and their professional adventures, and much more!
The Independent Modeling web site is available free of charge for the industry
professional. Of course, it's also free for anyone who wants to study up on
how to get into the industry, and we recommend that any aspiring model who wants
a career study this site before going to any agency or so called model search.
Trust us, you will thank us later when we save you lots of money, as knowledge
offsets any potential money wasted. Knowledge is power, and this knowledge is
especially special because it doesn't cost you a cent. This site, with the exception
of our model shop section, is free of charge. There are no obligations made
or implied in regards to using any service advertised here by our sponsors or
any other party. Laws and limitations apply, however; please go HERE for terms
and conditions of using this site. Independent Modeling is in the process of
developing a national modeling resource magazine, which will tie into this web
resource.
We hope that models, photographers, and businesses find this site useful and
informative, and we hope that you enjoy this site as you freely use it to obtain
your professional goals. If you would like to comment on this site, feel free
to send us an E-mail. If you don't like this site, you are obviously a model
scam or someone who is unprofessional, and allow us to be the first to say this
to you:
Check mate. We win.