For the past five years, senior Riley Trotter has been a part-time model, balancing her studies and social life with photoshoots.
Trotter was first scouted by a modeling agency in seventh grade. According to Trotter, a woman approached her while she was walking to school and encouraged her to try modeling.
“She was a catalog model for LA Models and convinced me to try and get signed with them,” said Trotter. “By the end of that year, I had a 4-year contract with one of the largest agencies in the United States.”
Because Trotter only models part time, she typically books either monthly or bi-monthly. However, booking is never consistent, so she never truly knows her modeling schedule.
“There will be times when you have 3 shoots in one week, even 2 in one day, and there will be spells where you don’t model for several months,” said Trotter.
According to Trotter, there are a few ways to book a modeling gig, depending if the model is freelance or signed with an agency. For freelance, it can look like anything from receiving a DM from a company requesting to shoot with them to sending portfolios to various brands, or even seeing an online ad for needed models.
“Freelance is truly based on networking,” said Trotter.
Another way to book a modeling job is through an agency. According to Trotter, there are two main pathways to booking a modeling job through agencies. A model can attend an in-person casting call or send in a portfolio of photos, and companies will determine if they are a good fit.
“This process can involve several rounds of casting,” said Trotter. “Sometimes, a brand will reach out and offer what is called a “first option” for a shoot, meaning that you are their choice for the shoot without a need for casting. This first option may or may not turn into an actual photoshoot, but it means that if you confirm this shoot on your end that client has priority over anyone else for shooting with you during that time frame.”
According to Trotter, the modeling industry is not perfect. Like everything, it has its ups and downs. While she loves “seeing the raw photos during the shoot and their potential,” the lack of communication between companies and models is frustrating at times.
“My least favorite part is not hearing back from companies,” said Trotter. “The industry doesn’t always give constructive feedback, and there are many times when as the model you are left in the dark.”
Once Trotter turns 18, changes in labor laws will allow her to become more involved in modeling. As much as Trotter loves modeling part-time, however, she doesn’t believe she could ever work full-time.
“I think that modeling is a fun and easy way to make money on the side,” said Trotter. “My true passion, however, is psychiatry, and I hope to pursue that as my full-time career.”
Trotter’s biggest tip for aspiring models is to be cautious. According to her, fake agencies are common, and they will try to get clients to pay to be signed with them. She warns to double check the agencies you are in contact with are reputable.
“Also—have thick skin. That is the only way to have fun in such an intense industry,” she said.
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