My girls and a friend's girls were contacted by the Barbizon modeling agency to attend and interview for this am. We went, bringing along a photo of each girl.

We listened to the woman talk to 75 minutes, filled out a questionaire form then each girl interviewed with a representative.

The girls were so excited to hear about modeling, for print ads, commercials and the possibility fro them to make at least $80. an hour!

If they are chosen, we'll know tomorrow, then they are to attend a class, for one weekend session a month, for six months.

This all sounded fantastic...until they told us the class costs....$1995!!! With no guarantees of work.

Needless to say our aspiring models will not be entering the world of fashion this way!

By Ginny~moderator on Sunday, August 6, 2006 - 06:41 pm:

Here are some websites with information about Barbizon

http://www.easybackgroundcheck.com/barbizon.html

http://www.modelingscams.com/letters.barbizon.01.html

By Annie2 on Sunday, August 6, 2006 - 07:38 pm:

Thank you, Ginny. I am printing these out so when I tell my kids "no", they'll hopefully understand a bit better!

By Marg on Sunday, August 6, 2006 - 08:09 pm:

One of the girls at the hair salon I go to went through this.

She is beautiful, but I think it is a money scam.

After the classes, you are right at the cost, she then was talked into having portfolio photos done of about $1500. When she talks about it, she doesn't do it bragging or anything.

She was never 'picked up' for any type of photo prospect and went on to cosmotology.

By Mrsheidi on Sunday, August 6, 2006 - 08:13 pm:

Usually, the models live in NY, LA, or Atlanta...smaller work is done in other cities though. I would get head shots done and see if there is an agent close by...just for fun. But, like I said, you have to move in order to really get into it.
That's great though! I bet they were so excited!

By Marcia on Sunday, August 6, 2006 - 11:46 pm:

No reputable agency will charge you anything up front. They make their money by getting a cut of what you make. If they don't get you work, they don't get paid. I'm glad you found out the truth about them before it was too late!

By Kim on Monday, August 7, 2006 - 07:30 am:

Annie, there is an agency in Harbourtown (GB) but I am not sure of what exactly they do. Mary Lou's Models? They have been there since before I moved here so I am guessing they are ok. I know several kids in my kids schools that modeled when they were younger. Just a thought!

By Annie2 on Monday, August 7, 2006 - 08:57 pm:

Kim, thanks. I've checked them out before. I'm not sure of the cost but they are basically a modeling school also. You pay a tuition.

The girls got their call back and they all made it...Of course they are adorable but I'm sure everyone gets a callback. The more people you call the higher the percentage that someone will take the bait.

I talked to them last night and they read the articles Ginny helped find. They are okay with it. It was a fun thing to do. The girls had fun and we all went out for lunch with friends, so it was a great day!