Looking for a modeling agency in Florida? Read this first.

Both can help your career. The difference is in what they do day to day and how closely they work with you.

SMG is a management company. We develop talent and submit them to castings under SMG. You do not need to sign an exclusive contract to be submitted, and you work directly with Shane from day one.

Any one of these is a reason to slow down. Two or more is a reason to walk away.

• You are asked to pay to join.

  Registration fees, website listing fees, or membership fees before you have worked. Legitimate representation earns a commission on booked work.

• You must buy their photo package.

  A required shoot with their photographer is a sales funnel. Phone digitals are enough to start.

• Classes are a condition of signing.

  Training can be useful, but it should never be the price of being represented.

• They promise bookings or income.

  Nobody honest can guarantee work. Castings are decided by clients.

• Pressure to sign today.

  A real offer will still be there after you read the contract and ask questions.

• No clear contact person.

  If you cannot reach a real human who knows your name, that is how it will stay.

• Vague contracts.

  You should understand the commission, the term, the territory, and how to leave before you sign anything.

Digitals are simple, unretouched photos that show clients exactly what you look like today. They are not a photoshoot, and you do not need to pay anyone for them. A phone and a window are enough.

No makeup or light makeup, fitted clothing, plain background, natural light. Skip filters, heavy editing, and sunglasses. Take new ones whenever your hair or look changes.

If your child is under 18, you are the one being represented too. Use this checklist with any company, including ours.

1. 01Look up any talent agency on the Florida DBPR license search before signing.
2. 02Ask who your child will actually talk to, and get that person's direct phone and email.
3. 03Confirm, in writing, that there are no fees to join, be submitted, or be listed.
4. 04Ask how payment works on a booked job and what percentage is taken.
5. 05Make sure a parent or guardian receives every message, call time, and contract.
6. 06Ask how your child's photos and personal details are shown online. Full names, schools, and exact locations should stay private.
7. 07Never let a company send your minor to a shoot without you or a guardian present.
8. 08Ask for references from current families on the roster.

At SMG, anyone under 18 applies with a parent or guardian, and the guardian is involved in every step. Minors on our board show a first name only, no social links, and a region instead of a city.

• Free to apply. No fees to join or be submitted. Ever.
• No exclusive contract required to be submitted.
• SMG earns a 20 percent commission only on work you book.
• You work directly with Shane.

We cannot promise bookings, and you should be wary of anyone who does. What we can promise is honest feedback and a real person in your corner.