Q. I heard you do free work for people with special needs?
Q. Can I get directions to the Mishawaka Studio?
Q. Do you have references?
Q. How do I contact you?
Q. Do you sign your models to an exclusive contract?
Q. Do I have to be nude?
Q. Do you take my measurements and/or certify my stats?
Q. What ages do you accept?
Q. What do you do for me?
Q What are you looking for?
Q Do I have to Pay anything?
Q. Am I guaranteed to work?
Q. Can my minor child model?
Q What are the studio rules?
Q Can I see some Samples?
Q What are your prices for Portfolio Production and Prints?
Q. Can I get directions to the Mishawaka Studio?
Please don't come without an appointment.
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Q. How do I contact you??
A. Click here for our contact page.
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Q. Do you sign your models to an exclusive contract?
A. We do not normally ask models to sign a modeling contact. If we take your pictures then you are asked to sign a simple model release and liability waiver. This is standard for the industry. A select few models each year are offered a M.A. agreement and with that we help submit you to the New York and/or Los Angeles markets. Please note that submission services are not services you can not do for yourself although it does require research and time.
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Q. Do I have to be nude?
A. No! We never require models to pose nude.
Just because you see models posing nude in the media does not mean you have to pose nude to be successful. Each model makes that decision for him/herself.
If we produce your sample pictures, you choose what types of poses you want. When you are listed in the national directory, you indicate if you want to receive offers for nude work or not. Of course nude work is only available to adults. Most of our models do not pose nude.
A. We accept Men, Women and Children old enough to follow basic directions.
A. We want models who look good for their age. It is a plus if you have some range and you can look older and younger than you are. We want models who are serious and ready to work.
To define exactly what we want is not easy because the modeling business is subjective. We prefer a disparity of various looks. You don't need to look perfect but you must hold your weight well and you should be outgoing and friendly. Plus size models are accepted on a case by case basis.
Basically you would need to come in for an interview to see if you are right for Michiana Talent.
A. No you are not. Some models in our system do work but you are never guaranteed to work. Often models are picked by advertisers or other agencies and we can't control how often they will select you from our listings. We generally have no control over who may make you a job offer. No agencies can honestly guarantee amateur models will work regularly.
There will always be dishonest companies which will tell you what you want to hear. Some seem to guarantee work or claim to have connections which will assure your success. The truth is, nobody can force clients to like you or use you - and therefore, no legitimate modeling agency can make guarantees to models who are not already well established. Michiana Talent makes no claim that we have special connections or that you will be more likely to be a success with us and companies that make claims like that should not be trusted. Modeling is competitive, only supporting a limited number of models in the industry. The chances of becoming a successful model are slim. That's the reality of modeling - it comes with no guarantees.
A. Yes we accept children. This is a safe family atmosphere. Everything we shoot is age appropriate.
A. Studio Policies:
* No rolling carts.
* No cell phones during a shoot.
* Clean the bottoms of your shoes before entering studio.
* One parent or adult chaperone must accompany all models under 18 to the studio and must remain on the premises during shoots.
* Minors may not have gum or food in the studio.
* Only 1 Model in the changing areas at a time.
* No thongs or overly revealing clothing for basic sets.
* No clothes with adult themes or other language including rock groups, FUBU, drug/alcohol logo's, sports teams or bandanas.
* No sexual comments.
* No Profanity! No Horseplay! No Smoking! No Drugs! No Alcohol! Always remember this is a FAMILY studio.
* No friends or spectators allowed.
* We do not accept Walk-Ins.
* We do not post samples from other photographers in our directories.
Nudity Policies:
* We only shoot nudes by request and nudes are never required.
* If you are under 18, No Frontal Nudity of ANY kind, even artistic nudes are prohibited.
* For adults who ask for nude poses, we will only shoot "tasteful" nudes which comply with community decency standards..
* Any wardrobe malfunction resulting in incidental nudity will not be captured on film.
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Q Can I see some Samples?
A. Sure! Note that there are several nudes mixed in with the samples on this sample page so do not visit our sample page if you are under 18, if there is anyone under 18 in the room with you or if you are offended by the nude form. Click here to enter. (opens in new window)
Our samples page is meant to represent a wide variety of pictures. We only shoot nudes by request. Remember that although there are a few nudes in the sample gallery, most of our models don't pose nude. Everything we shoot is age appropriate.
To see our current prices, click here. Note: Our prices change without notice and specials rarely last long.
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There is no need to be measured by every photographer that you work with. We weigh and measure every model (except children 8 and under). We track, maintain and certify your Model Stats. You can request a certification at any time to take with you to job interviews etc. This is always free.
We note and certify these stats: (Back to Top)
* The Natural Bust size is the measurement of the natural bust without a padded bra or other obstruction.
We have these stats on file but don't certify them because we obtain these stats by asking the model or from our application.
No, you are not required to pay anything. We do have a free level of participation for models that have an existing portfolio and we will disclose our free services in your interview if you choose to signup.
If you are an aspiring model, you do have to be careful where and how much money you spend. There are numerous so called "Modeling Schools" etc. that are nothing more than a scam to take aspiring models for everything they own. It is not uncommon for models to stumble into traps like that and pay thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars, simply because they are not educated in the business as a whole.
You certainly don't want to pay an agency to list you. However, you do need an agency to get started in the business. To get noticed and/or listed by a quality agency, you generally need to submit impressive pictures to them. So, while you would be crazy to pay an agency anything to list you, the fact remains that you need professional quality pictures to begin with. Truly professional photographers don't produce free portfolios for you.
If you don't already have a professional portfolio, our company charges you the minimum possible fee to produce professional quality portfolio pictures which we can use to promote you. We do not charge listing fees, lesson fees, composite card production fees or website fees. Of course you never have to pay for long distance travel, accommodations or buy your own clothes for paid shoots with us. If we get you a job with another company we never charge more than 10% of the gross for the job. We give you your composite card and we give you training and personal attention. We have references listed outside the studio and we also give you the reprint rights to your pictures. We have only just begun listing all the added benefits of working with us.
So you can see, we are the real deal. With Michiana Talent you get a fair and honest offer. We never charge for things you should be getting for free and if you do choose to use any of our paid services, our prices are guaranteed to be the lowest.
To get started you just need to signup. Back to Top
The modeling business can be a large and confusing journey. To understand who we are and what we do, you need to understand a few things about the business as a whole. The following article is from the National Modeling Directory website and it is not meant to explain everything but it is a good simple introduction....
Test Photographer:
Test Photographers work to give you your initial set of prints and they are versed in many styles of photography. They generally try to test your range and take direction from your mother agent if you have one for clues to develop your style. Since your first set of pictures can often determine your success, you should try to have a friendly photographer which will help you relax. Often these photographers are versed in training new models and will offer you tips and tricks to improve you look. Pay attention!
Talent Agent or Booking Agent:
It is the job of this type of agent to put you and clients that desire to hire you together. They may work in conjunction with a photographer or out source such responsibilities.
Model Agent or Personal Agent
A agent who is often willing to write a contract which guarantees you an income in exchange for your services. It is typical for them to produce a whole new portfolio for you. Don't freak out. Your Mother Agent's job was to get you to this step. It is normal for others to mold you further.
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So as you can see, the industry has a complicated structure. The role Michiana Talent plays is to act as a first step in the process. We give you personal attention to discuss your look and provide some basic instruction. We do the test photography, help you get a portfolio together and get you listed in the National Directory. We assist you in introducing yourself to other agencies and whenever possible we help to get some of your first jobs either through us directly or through the network of photographers and agencies we use. You will not get rich and famous simply from listing with us but you will get an introduction to the industry and you will receive good quality samples and receive a National Directory listing online to help you with your introduction to the modeling world. We do not require ongoing fees and the prices for services we do provide are among the lowest in the business.
After listing with us, we give ongoing information by email to assist you in applying to larger agencies. We mail larger companies and ask them for submission advice and then we pass that information to you whenever possible. We also work similarly with local photographers and agents. We supply mailing labels for direct marketing and we notify you of any local jobs we are aware of as they become available. Back to Top
Q. I heard you do free work for people with special needs?
Whenever possible, we will offer a limited amount of free photography work upon request if you have special needs such as being a battered woman, developmental disorders, a child of abuse, recently had a mastectomy or other image changing surgery or accident, are pregnant and financially challenged, are wheelchair bound, suffering from depression or for other reasons upon request. We understand that sometimes beautiful pictures can help people feel better. We call it therapy with a camera. Sometimes a little boost of self esteem during difficult times can make a difference. This is not an up-sell for services. This is an honest offer to give away some free time and talent to people who need something good to happen in their life. Don't be afraid to contact us and ask.
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