How to Ask a Model for a Photoshoot: Scripts, Rates, and Etiquette (2025 Guide)
Book models without awkward DMs. Get scripts, rates, etiquette, and safety tips for 2025-plus checklists, timelines, and templates that actually get replies.
If you’re a model trying to get noticed, the first thing you need is a solid outreach message. It should be short, friendly, and show why you’re a good fit for the agency. Forget long‑winded stories – agencies get dozens of emails a day. Your message has to stand out quickly.
Start with a clear subject line. Something like “Dubai Model – 5'9" | Fashion & Runway – Portfolio Attached” tells the reader exactly what to expect. In the first sentence, mention your name, your primary market (e.g., runway, commercial, editorial) and one quick achievement – a recent show, a brand you worked with, or a notable campaign.
Next, show you know the agency. Mention a specific model they represent or a recent project you liked. This tells the recipient you’ve done your homework and aren’t sending a generic blast. Keep it to one sentence – don’t write an essay.
Then drop the numbers. Height, measurements, shoe size, and key stats belong in a bullet list or a short line. Agencies love easy‑to‑read data. After the stats, link to your online portfolio. Use a clean, mobile‑friendly site like a Behance page or a dedicated model portfolio. Make sure the link works before you hit send.
Give the agency a week or ten days before you follow up. In the follow‑up, reference your original email and ask politely if they had a chance to look at your portfolio. Keep the tone friendly, not demanding. A short line like “Just checking in – I’d love to hear any feedback you have” works well.
If you still don’t hear back after the second email, it’s okay to move on. Modeling is a numbers game; the more agencies you contact, the higher the chance of a reply. Keep a spreadsheet of agency names, contact emails, dates sent, and follow‑up dates. This helps you stay organized and avoid sending duplicate messages.
Finally, stay professional in every interaction. Respond quickly if an agency reaches out, and be ready with additional photos or a quick video walk‑through if they ask. Showing you can act fast makes a good impression and can set you apart from other models who drag their feet.
Remember, the goal of your outreach message is to make it easy for the agency to see your potential and say yes. Keep it short, personalize it, and follow up politely. With these steps, you’ll increase your chances of getting that call back and stepping onto the Dubai runway.
Book models without awkward DMs. Get scripts, rates, etiquette, and safety tips for 2025-plus checklists, timelines, and templates that actually get replies.