Cripes! Studio 94 and Model Agency are taking a slating on here. Here’s a review of our experience to hopefully set the record straight as I know people rarely take the time to acknowledge good service but are quick to decry bad.
Firstly, we very nearly cancelled on the back of these slating reviews but thankfully we didn’t and decided to head over and formulate our own opinions to share with you. We were early for our shoot and sat outside Studio94 for a while to watch the comings and goings. It’s not the nicest of areas tbf and people were being photographed in the street against a brick wall; not what we wanted or were expecting at all. And, again, we very nearly drove away. Once inside, however, we quickly realised that Studio94 share the building with another photographer who has a studio there, and it wasn’t Studio94 who were taking photos in the street, possibly the client from the other studio had requested these. So things aren’t always as they appear.
Anyway, we rang the bell and went inside. The communal areas were a bit grotty but both studios looked fit for purpose. We weren’t expecting a lot, due to the bad reviews, and were ready to walk out at the first opportunity if we didn’t get what we were promised, i.e. a photo shoot (funded totally by Model Agency – Studio94 are a separate entity) and a free assessment (by Studio94) of your potential as a model for Model Agency. Not for YOU, for Model Agency to then decide if they want to work with you or not. And that’s exactly what we got. I repeat what you are told before you go so that there is no misunderstanding, the images and the report aren’t for you, they’re for Model Agency. Model Agency aren’t a charity offering free photo shoots and photos to everyone so if that’s what you’re expecting, please don’t book as you will be wasting everyone’s time and money.
When you book your shoot you will also be told to allow 3 hours. Not understanding why people are saying they ‘waited around’ for 20/30 minutes. There is a lot of waiting around on modelling jobs and you will be assessed on your patience. You are told that when you book. We were out in just under 3 hours so no issue there either.
The hair and make-up girl got to work as soon as we arrived. And did a great job. Very pleasant, putting everyone at ease. We took 3 outfits with us as suggested and were then shown to a changing room. A guy named Charlie introduced himself as our photographer. And, as SmallMommy says, the studio had a lot of equipment and Charlie knew his job. He took 51 photos in total, not 6. The photos he took were first class.
We waited around for quite a while after the shoot. But found out that this was because the images and the assessment are submitted to Model Agency while you wait, who then decide whether they want to work with you or not. We were then called through by a guy called Drew to discuss Model Agency’s decision and be briefed on their process. And obviously we were given the opportunity to view our photos. Who wouldn’t want to? But there was NO hard sell whatsoever. We didn’t feel pressurised to buy them at any point and Drew said absolutely fine if you don’t want to. We weren’t locked in and were free to leave at any time with or without photos which I have to say were excellent value for money. A friend of ours is a photographer and would have charged way more for a portfolio even at ‘mates rates’! Even SmallMommy found other photographers were going to charge her more and changed her mind after walking away, wishing she had bought them.
The mystery for me is why people think they are being scammed when they get what they were offered for free, but then someone tells them the reasonable price of the photos which they then decide not to buy? Obviously if you don’t have any photos the agency won’t be able to get you any work. How would they? No-one is going to buy into someone they can’t see. And obviously Model Agency can determine the quality of the photos they are willing to publish on THEIR website. It’s their business and their reputation at stake after all. A page full of selfies isn’t really going to cut the mustard imo.
So there is no scam at all that I can see. If you choose to buy the photos you take them away with you. And they are yours to keep, print, submit to other agencies etc etc. If Model Agency choose not to work with you, or you choose not to work with them, still no scam. They have paid for your photo shoot and modelling assessment, you have lost nothing at all. So I am intrigued to hear what Rogue Traders will have to say?
If Model Agency decide they want to work with you, and you with them, you then receive a contract. Nothing dodgy there either, in fact quite the opposite in that you’re not tied into them, you can work with as many different agencies as you want. In fact this is encouraged. They take 20% of your fee. Again, if you don’t feel this is acceptable, don’t sign. You can then create your own profile so anyone interested can book you directly, or you can access the general enquiries for models Model Agency have received and, if you feel you meet the criteria, you apply.
Delighted to hear from anyone who feels they have been scammed and why. As, I’m sure, would Studio94 and Model Agency.
How vile!
