"Not one top model I've worked with in 20 years went to modeling school."¹

— Susan Wehmann, Wehmann Agency

"The best advice I can give is to check out an agency before going for an interview, and during the interview ask who their major clients are and what their success rate is in placing children in jobs."²

— Elisabeth Smith, Elisabeth Smith Model Agency (Child Model Agent since 1960)

"You never write the agency a check for your marketing materials, pictures, etc."³

— Dominick Palazzo, IMI Talent Management

"Children under 5 don't need professional photographs to get started in modeling, according to a 40-page report on modeling scams issued by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs. Snapshots also suffice for adult models at "open calls" held by legitimate modeling agencies, during which anyone is able to walk in and hear an honest evaluation of his or her modeling potential."⁴

— Kiplinger's Personal Finance

"They come to me after spending two, three, four thousand dollars on classes, pictures and attending conventions and expect me to take them on, but I can tell right away that there's no potential."⁵

— Liz Bell, Liz Bell Agency