Many top models have been discovered by a spotter in the streets or hit luck from submitting a snapshot to a top agency. Pure chance.

The information under this heading is correct at the time of writing. Agencies' requirements change over time, and the same can be said about their websites.

Elite Model Management, for instance, one of the most famous agencies, allows you to submit photos through their website. So does Storm Models. Their scouts will look at them for a few seconds.

Elite make it clear that you do not have to spend a lot of money on photographs - if they take you on, their own photographers will shoot you and it won't cost you a penny.

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To find out who all the hot agencies are, buy a stack of fashion magazines and scan the credits that appear with fashion editorials. Very often, the agency who supplied the models, will be mentioned. Armed with a name, it is child's play to find contact details on the Internet.

Or check out the model agencies list right here.

The bulk of agencies cannot compete with the likes of Elite, Storm and Q. If you have identified a suitable target, telephone them and ask for their submission requirements.

You may, or you may not be expected to show a portfolio (also called a book).

Most important of all, before you approach an agency, read about modelling scams.