Wilhelmina Models Open Calls

Wilhelmina represents all different types of professional models, in almost every age, size, and ethnicity. They limit the agency to a specific amount of models in each category. The height requirement for female models is 5'8" and above; for male models it is 6'0" and above. They do not have a Petite Models Division. The lifestyle/commercial division represents female and male models over 30. There is also a division representing children ages 0-12. Some models come with portfolios and composites while others just bring snapshots. Dress casually and apply simple make-up. Be natural and patient.

OPEN CALLS

NEW YORK

Wilhelmina New York
300 Park Avenue South
New York, NY
Open calls are held every Wednesday for the following divisions:

Plus-size 10/20 Division:
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Straight sizes New Faces Division:
3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m

New York office does not hold open calls for men.

MIAMI

Wilhelmina Miami at Gansevoort South
2399 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139

Open calls are held Thursday 2:00pm to 4:00pm.
Kids must submit photos through the mail.
You must bring photos. Professional pictures or simple snapshots are fine.

LOS ANGELES

Wilhelmina Models Los Angeles
7257 Beverly Blvd.
2nd floor
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Open calls are held every Wednesday from 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
You must bring photographs with you.

To Submit By Mail

***Photos posted online and submitted through e-mail will not be accepted. All photos must be mailed directly to our agency.***

They request that models send at least one clear full face head shot and one clear full-length body shot. The most important thing is that they see a natural you. No make-up is needed. Please do not send nude photos. You can send a composite, if you have one, along with the face and body polaroids. Do not send your portfolio. Please include your name, measurements (height, weight, bust, chest, hips, waist,), age, hair color, eye color, a contact phone number, and an address:

Wilhelmina Models
300 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10010

Wilhelmina Miami at Gansevoort South
2399 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139

Wilhelmina Los Angeles
7257 Beverly Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Please indicate the proper division when mailing photos:

Men: Attn: Men's Division
Women (size 10 and up): Attn: 10/20 Division
Women: Attn: Women's Division
Kids (0-12): Attn: Kids Division
Girls (13-19): Attn: New Faces

If one of their agents are interested, they will call you to set up an appointment.

NO PHONE CALLS OR PERSONAL DELIVERIES

How much models get paid

There is no one average pay rate for models. How much a model is paid for any particular job depends on many different factors such as the market the model is working in. A runway show in Miami might pay less than a runway show in Milan, Italy. The level of the model is also a major factor. A model who is "hot right now" or a "supermodel" would command a much higher rate than a more novice, lesser known model. And of course, the type of modeling job makes a big difference in pay scale.

Unlike actors, there is no union such as SAG governing the modeling industry, therefore no wage limits are imposed on employers of models. The pay can be as little as minimum wage to thousands of dollars per shoot and upward.

What They Say vs. What They Mean

Unscrupulous model and talent scouts have their acts down pat. Listen carefully to read between their lines:

"We're scouting for people with your 'look' to model and act."
I need to sign up as many people as possible. My commission depends on it.

* "Your deposit is totally refundable."
Your deposit is refundable only if you meet very strict refund conditions.

* "You must be specially selected for our program. Our talent experts will carefully evaluate your chances at success in the field and will only accept a few people into our program."
We take almost everyone.

* "There's a guaranteed refund if you're not accepted into the program."
Everyone's accepted into the program. Forget the refund.

* "You can't afford our fees? No problem. You can work them off with the high-paying jobs we'll get you."
We demand payment, whether or not you get work.

* "Commissions from our clients are our major source of income."
Our income comes from the fees we charge you.

United States Modeling Legal Requirements for Foreigners

You will need an American Model Agency certified by the United States Department of Labor to sponsor you for an H1, B3 Visa. If your Visa is approved you can work legally in the United States for up to 3 years. Visas can be renewed.

You must be a model of "international acclaim". This means you must have modeled in other countries. Generally the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service will require tear sheets from several magazines you were in. If you have never been in any magazines, it is considerably more difficult but still possible.

Wardrobe for modeling agency interviews

Always dress properly for interviews with agents. Dress sexy, fashionable, and look tall. Clothing that highlights your best assets help greatly.

You need to wear something that allows them to clearly see your bust, hip and waist measurements. The typical model wardrobe is skinny jeans or leggings and a fitted top, with high heels. You could also wear a fitted dress as long as it hugs your figure.

Do not dress like a stripper. Sexy is very different than cheap or vulgar. Hair, skin, nails must be done perfectly. Makeup must be light and natural.

Important Safety Information

NEVER meet someone outside of a professional environment such as a photography studio or modeling agents office. Do NOT meet someone at a restaurant, private residence, etc. You should ALWAYS let someone else know EXACTLY where you are going, WHO you are meeting, and WHEN you are going there.

Let the photographer know that you have informed someone of your whereabouts, and bring a cell phone.

Make sure that you know exactly what the shoot consist of, and never feel pressured to do anything that you do not feel comfortable doing. If nothing else go by your gut feeling.

Remember your body is yours, and if anyone comes within your safety zone, be sure to let them know. I have found that more reputable photographer's will NOT touch you. If you feel uncomfortable as stated before, tell them so. That is your right.

On a professional fashion shoot there is usually a stylist there who will keep your wardrobe neat during the shoot, but make sure anything they do is not inappropriate.

And a parent or guardian must ALWAYS accompany minors. A parent or guardian should NEVER be out of eyesight of the minor, whether it be at go-sees or on a photo shoot.

Modeling Information