We receive hundreds of questions from aspiring models, beginning models and their parents. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

How do I get started in modeling?

What are the height and size requirements for a fashion model?

This does seem to be the burning question. The general guidelines for women are; 5'6" to 6' (for female models wanting to do runway modeling 5'8" is considered the minimal height), around a size 4, 34-24-34, and between 13 - 30 years of age. Men are expected to be around 6', (a couple of inches over or under) and size 40R. Are there exceptions to this? You bet. But, no matter what size you are, you must be height-weight proportionate.

What about petite sizes and plus sizes?

Sunshine Productions is the only licensed, registered and bonded modeling agency in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area to represent petite female models between 5'0" and 5'7", and has the largest selection of petite models for clients in the state of Texas. Generally speaking, a 5'6" tall model should weigh approximately 120 lbs., and for every inch above or below that add or subtract about 5 pounds. For example, a 5'2" model should be in the vicinity of 100 lbs, and a 5'10" model should be in the vicinity of 140 lbs. Sunshine Productions is very concerned about the health of our models, and does everything possible to promote healthy and proportional height /weight guidelines.

Although a legitimate part of the business, there is very little work available for plus size models, unless they're absolutely gorgeous.

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

Yes. Hand models are often hard to find especially when you need one. It has been my experience that 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, but with significantly less opportunity for employment.

Why does Sunshine Productions choose not to represent infants?

Of all the different age demographics represented in the modeling industry, infant and young baby modeling is perhaps the most challenging. Babies under 6 months of age change so fast that their portfolios may not remain current looking long enough for us to effectively market these types of models. Many clients don't even try to hire infants for commercial print jobs and just use stock images. There is very little modeling work in the North Texas market for infants (most infant modeling jobs are hired out of New York or Los Angeles), so we only represent babies 6 months of age and older. Typically, portfolios shot of babies between 6 - 12 months of age remain viable for at least two full hiring cycles (6 months), and our policy of free updates to the book portfolios assures parents that as their babies age, we can add updated photos to their portfolios. This is done either through the use of tearsheets (hard copy photos from jobs worked in commercial print ads, provided to us by the clients) or from other suitable photo shoots, providing we can obtain a full copyright release from the photographer.

This is particularly important, as children generally become more marketable as they age, and even babies who did not get much work often do better once they enter the child demographic.

We are the only agency in Texas that assures parents, one way or another, a baby's portfolio will not soon become obsolete, all at no further expense. Our unique "One and Done" portfolio policy is more fully explained in the "Why Sunshine Productions" link on the Be a Model page.

How much money do models make?

What you often hear about are the fabulous big bucks that supermodels make. Out of all the models in the world, only a dozen or so make this top dollar. Their yearly income can be in the millions, but for most models it will be far less. For a large fashion market like Dallas/Ft. Worth (the third largest in the country behind L.A. and N.Y.), modeling agencies pay models between $100 and $250 an hour. Clients also pay models by the outfit, and this averages between $300 and $500 per outfit. Unlike most agencies which allow a client to pay their models as little as one hour or one outfit's pay, Sunshine Productions has a two hour or two outfit minimum for these types of jobs guaranteeing a model at least double his or her rate for jobs that pay by the hour or by the outfit. Beginning models often begin their careers doing showroom work at a lesser rate of $100 - $250 per eight hour day. Models working conventions usually earn between $250 - $500 per 8 hour day. As you move to larger markets model fees will go up (several agencies in New York routinely ask $500 per hour). This may not bring you the big bucks of a supermodel but it will give you a great living if you can find steady work.

Are there contracts between models and their modeling agency?

Texas is a Right to Work state, and does not allow binding contracts between models and agencies. On occasion, there will be a contract drawn between the agency and the client whereupon the model is listed as "talent". This is typically done with a first time client, when an agency wants to make sure there are no questions regarding the agency terms for hiring models. Once clients have worked with an agency a few times, contracts are not required. There are virtually never contracts between models and clients, or between models and agencies. When a model picks up their portfolio they do sign a Terms of Representation Agreement, which outlines all of our policies for representing models, and covers this topic in greater detail.

Do I have to be gorgeous or extremely handsome to do well as a model?

Absolutely not - and this is one of the biggest misconceptions in the modeling industry. Many clients don't want the models they hire to be, as they sometimes put it, "too modelly looking" because they want to dress them in their company attire and not make it obvious that they are employing models for their events and shows. They just want attractive people with attractive personalities, who make their customers walk away thinking, "Wow - what attractive and sharp employees they have! That must be a great company." We represent almost 800 models - some are drop dead gorgeous, some are beautiful/extremely handsome, some are pretty/handsome some are "boy/girl next door cute"- to run an agency properly we need all kinds. What they all have in common are clear complexions, nice smiles, good physiques, pleasant features, and inviting looking personalities that translate from the page. It's rare for a model without a friendly, inviting look in at least a few portfolio photos to do well in this industry. Remember, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and each client has a different standard. We've had instances where the same model was thought to be the most gorgeous creature on the planet by one client, and not considered at all by another. By providing a wide variety from every level of beauty, we maximize our chances of getting the most amount of work for our models.

Do you guarantee that every model you represent will get jobs?

No, as we do not choose which models are used for jobs; an agency's job is representing models to the clients who make the hiring decisions. The most frustrating things we encounter as an agency are two sides of the same coin; knowing that a particular model is perfect for a client who has no interest in him or her for no specific reason, and knowing the client has made an inappropriate choice of a model and won't consider picking a better candidate. For example, a beautiful model may be perfect for commercial print, but is very shy and does not interact well with strangers, especially if part of the job is to talk and be outgoing and friendly. A client may choose a model and we'll tell them that he or she is great for commercial print work, but they should pick someone else to spend 8 hours a day posing for pictures and flirting at a car show. Another example of this is a client choosing a model and not realizing that he or she is too young for the job - for example we do not allow models under the age of 18 to work shoots or events where alcohol is served or promoted. Sometimes the hiring decisions have already been made, and it's too late to change the model roster. Some models work full time, some work steadily, some work occasionally, and some don't work at all. Much of the time, the amount of work a model is getting has as much to do with how versatile their portfolio looks as it does with how well they can stop traffic. The saving grace is that the pay is very high when the models work, so it doesn't take many jobs a month to earn a good living. We always advise adult models to make sure that they earn enough money modeling to fully support themselves every month for six consecutive months before they even consider quitting an existing job and trying to model full time.

How do clients find your agency to hire models?

Due to the advent of the internet, the basic business model between clients and modeling agencies has changed. Whereas in the past, there was a great deal of face to face with clients, most agencies now do virtually all model hiring through email or over the phone. In addition to our Yellow Page ads in all the major phone books (Verizon, Everyday, Yellow Book and AT&T) our online presence is considerable. Google and the other major search engines (Bing, Yahoo, etc.), typically list us at or near the top of their search results when a client is looking to hire a model in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. In addition to making it easy for new clients to find us, our excellent customer service ensures that our existing clients are well served and keep coming back!

Can a modeling agency tell from a snap shot if I have what it takes to model?

A normal screening practice for modeling agencies is to have you send a couple of photographs of yourself, usually a head and shoulder shot and a full-length body shot in a bathing suit or form fitting clothes. From these photos some say they can tell if you have what it takes for modeling. They say, "Don't spend money on getting photos taken, a Polaroid by your friend is just fine". This requires that you send (via email or through the US Postal Service) to the modeling agency good, clear, properly exposed, properly composed photographs with you properly positioned. They can use these photos as a screening tool. This means that if they have an opening for someone with your look, they will be interested in meeting with you in person to see if, in fact, you look like your picture. This does not necessarily mean you have or do not have what it takes to be a model. It just gets you an interview and maybe a test shoot.

Unfortunately many people send bad pictures, or ones that show a model who doesn't meet the agency's needs at that time. When agents talk about a model sending a simple snap shot, they are actually looking for at least an advanced amateur level of photography or an aspiring professional photographer level. Most beginners have problems with exposure, focus, and composition, let alone knowing how to position you to look your best. You may not want to trust your career to your best friend's ability as a photographer unless they know something about lighting, f-stops, shutter speeds and depth of field. Typically, digital cameras of at least 3 megapixels are sufficient to produce a good looking photograph, while cameras and/or cell phone cameras of two or less megapixels are only good enough for low resolution shots to send over the internet. Most legitimate agencies have a website through which you can send photos as an email attachment. You can contact us through our website, or, if you prefer you may send photos to our email directly at models@sunshineproductionsonline.com.

To be honest, every agency has its war stories of getting it wrong. One agency or photographer may say someone does not have what it takes and then the model goes to another agency and becomes a star. The initial snap shot, interview, and test shot are just screening processes to find those who would have the best chance to be a successful model. Some special few may still find some measure of success in modeling by hard work and developing special talents such as being a spokesmodel. They won't become superstars but they can find enjoyment and financial rewards pursuing a modeling career.

Are modeling conventions and searches legitimate?

Look over their web sites and visit chat rooms and you may see that they are called the biggest rip-offs out there. Hardly any top models have come from conventions and searches. You would think with how many conventions and model searches that are out there, all models would come from them. Granted, not everyone who enters modeling conventions or searches has the looks, height, weight, and style it takes to become a working model. But for what some of these organizations charge, you could fly to New York, stay for a month and do open calls at every top agency.

Should an agency charge a model for representation?

No legitimate modeling agency should charge you anything to be represented by them. Aside from the costs of your photo shoot and the preparation of your portfolio (which is, contrary to what you may have heard, mandatory for virtually all models) there should be no out of pocket expense. Modeling agencies should make their money as a percentage of the work you generate. This commission usually runs somewhere between 20 and 25 percent of the models fee (Sunshine Productions has a 20% commission). If an agency tells you that you have to pay a sign up fee, or a monthly maintenance fee or a fee to be on their website, they are ripping you off, plain and simple. This is the way that many unscrupulous agencies (most of whom are not legitimate) make all their money. Since they take a model's money month after month whether the model works or not, they don't have to try very hard to get them work. In a legitimate agency, if the model doesn't work the agency doesn't make any money, so it behooves an agency to get the models seen, and working.

Why is everyone giving different advice on modeling?

A factor that leads to different views on the industry is that we are all business people - each one running their own business in their own way, and hopefully better than the competition. This leads to a lot of different ideas of how things work and how things should be done. It can also lead to confusion and present opportunities for con-artists. There is no one set way to become a model. This leaves the door open for the "expert" to "guarantee" to make you a top model for only a small, non-refundable fee. Watch out and try to educate yourself on the many parts of the modeling industry.

Why is the first meeting at your home office?

A great deal of modeling work in North Texas either originates or takes place at the FashionCenterDallas®, which is not open to the public. After submission of photos, approved models come for their initial meeting to our home office location in Arlington. As the 21st century progresses, more and more business is being conducted online. To this end we've created a comprehensive and interactive website, making it easier than ever for clients to choose and hire models. This drastically reduces our overhead, allowing us to pass the savings on to both clients and models. We are located near Lake Arlington, in an upscale and safe area. For more info and to see photos of our locations, click here.

How many meetings are required before a model begins working?

All first meetings are done at the above location. While adult training sessions with a photographer usually take place at this location, babies and young children may have their session at our Dallas Photo Studio. Proof reviews and portfolio pickups are normally done in our Arlington location, but for out of town models arrangements can be made to have the portfolio shipped to your location. For a detailed timeline, click here.

What sort of training do you provide to models?

One of the most embarrassing things that can happen to a model is to feel unprepared and not know what to do in front of other models, and even more importantly, clients. When there is a significant amount of money being spent, clients can be quite impatient with a model who doesn't know what to do, and who seems unprofessional. We spend a great deal of time and effort to make sure that this doesn't happen to our models. In reality, there is much more for a model to know than merely how to "follow instructions". Our training sessions take place with an experienced photographer who teaches each model all they need to know in order to do a professional job for a client. The extensive positive feedback we regularly receive from clients regarding the great job that our models do for them is a testament to the value of the training Sunshine Productions provides to our models, and in the case of babies and young children, how we train the parents to manage their little ones. Many models tell us that they learned more in one training session than they did spending years going to, and in some cases, "graduating from" modeling school. Unlike the large franchised modeling schools such as Barbizon and John Robert Powers (which teach large classes in the most generalized manner possible), our training is truly one-on-one.

We are focused on teaching models the specifics of posing, recognizing and hitting various types of marks, wardrobe management, individually determining their most flattering angles, belt and pocket work, and much more. In addition, we spend considerable time on teaching the models how to employ the full gamut of facial expressions, utilizing the number system which is becoming ever more popular with professional photographers. We further teach models much of the "lingo" and slang terminology that they will hear photographers and clients use on a job, helping them understand what is going on, even when they're not being directly spoken to. The fact that these training sessions ultimately provide the model with photos suitable for making a professional portfolio is a fantastic bonus. Our goal is to always have happy and satisfied clients who feel that the money they spent on hiring our models was a wise investment, and our extensive positive feedback from clients proves that our system works.

How long do you keep a portfolio online?

Adult portfolios can remain representational for years, unless a model gains or loses a significant amount of weight, or dramatically changes their hair (length, color or style). Children and babies are in a different situation. Because their appearance changes quickly (with babies changing faster than children), we normally leave the original portfolio online. Once their original portfolio images are no longer representational, we are still able to book jobs for the model by allowing the client to purchase an image license from their portfolio for commercial print purposes (known as a usage fee), on a job by job basis. Even if a baby or child no longer looks as they did in their original portfolio, an image from that portfolio might be just what a client needs to help sell an ad to their customers. Please note that unlike our two hour/two outfit minimum for live models, there is no minimum usage fee - a client can purchase the right to use one or more photos. Through the use of updated photo shoots and tear sheets (all at no cost to the model - see our "One and Done" policy), we either post more recent images online or email the images directly to clients. When models move from one hiring demographic to another (baby to child, or child to adult) we may choose a new clickable link and post photos of a model in more than one demographic. This helps the original portfolio remain viable, while still showing recent photos of models as they grow up and change their appearance. Our goal is to always have representative model photos available to show clients.

If you have a great look, a great personality and a great work ethic, modeling may be just the career for you to pursue. The money can be fantastic, the people are fun and interesting, and the opportunity to travel and experience the world is there for the taking.

So, put a smile on your face, stand up tall and GO FOR IT!!!