Every week, someone stops me on the street in SoHo or slides into my DMs asking the same question: "How do I start modeling in NYC?" After seven years running Dante’s Models and shooting hundreds of aspiring faces across every borough, here is the answer.
Breaking into modeling in New York isn't about being the tallest or most conventionally attractive person in the room. It takes a plan, good timing and a refusal to quit. The city chews up people who aren't prepared.
The NYC modeling scene
The work here is varied. High fashion editorials get shot in a loft in Tribeca, commercial campaigns in front of Bushwick street art, and e-commerce shoots in a studio in Chelsea. There is a niche for most people: 5'8" with runway aspirations, a curve model, an actor-model with commercial appeal, or someone with unusual features. What they share is professionalism, resilience and a lot of hustle.
The basics
- Know your strengths and weaknesses: Look honestly in the mirror. What are your best features? Are you high fashion and intense, or warm and approachable? Knowing your "type" helps you target the right agencies and jobs. Don't try to be someone you're not.
- Get your digitals (Polaroids) done right: Digitals are raw, unretouched photos that agencies use to see you as you are.
- What you need: Simple, form-fitting clothes (black jeans or leggings, a white tank top or t-shirt), no makeup or very little, hair pulled back and then down.
- The shots: Full-body front, side, back; waist-up front, side; close-up headshot (smiling and serious).
- How to do it: Stand against a plain, neutral wall in natural light. A friend with a decent smartphone can help. Keep the shots clean and clear. No filters, no fancy poses. This is about your natural look and proportions.
- Get a professional portfolio (test shoot): Once you have solid digitals, book a professional photoshoot. A good test shoot with an experienced NYC photographer (like me) gives you a varied set of high-quality images.
- Why it matters: Agencies want to see that you can take direction, photograph well and show some range.
- What to aim for: Different looks, such as editorial, commercial and lifestyle. Show different emotions, outfits and hair and makeup styles.
Getting seen and signed
- Research agencies: Don't send your photos to every agency in NYC. Look at their rosters. Do they represent models who look like you? Are they known for fashion, commercial, or a mix? IMG, Elite, Wilhelmina and Ford are top-tier, but boutique agencies may suit your look better. Tailor each submission.
- Online submissions and open calls:
- Online submissions: Most agencies have a "submit" section on their website. Follow their instructions exactly. Send your digitals and a few strong portfolio shots.
- Open calls: Some agencies still hold open calls where you can walk in and meet a scout. Check their websites for dates and times. Expect to wait, dress simply and bring your digitals.
- Network: NYC runs on connections. Follow photographers, stylists and makeup artists on Instagram and engage with their work. Go to industry events if you can find them, including virtual ones. Be professional and actually interested.
- Watch for scams: A legitimate agency will never ask you for money upfront to sign you. They make their money when you get work. If someone asks you to pay for a "starter kit," "comp cards," or "classes" as a condition of signing, walk away.
Mindset
You'll face rejection. It's part of the process.
- Resilience: Don't let a "no" derail you. Learn from it and keep going.
- Professionalism: Be on time, communicate clearly and bring a good attitude to every shoot and meeting. Your reputation is everything.
- Keep learning: The industry keeps changing, so stay informed and keep working on your craft.
If you need a professional portfolio, or a team to represent you, Dante's Models can help. Visit dantet9.com to see our services, book a professional photoshoot, or submit your materials for our agency roster.
Photo by Anil Sharma on Pexels
