Producers in the photo world are a force to be reckoned with. Almost as a rule, these folks are formidable, fastidious, and fast. They’re the invisible hand behind every image we, mere mortals, take for granted as we encounter – billboards, print ads, commercials, instagrams, etcetera!
That invisible hand is responsible to cast, coordinate, calibrate, and caffeinate the shoot. Be it budgeting, crewing, locating, or wrapping a shoot, there is a to-do list longer than is fun to consider. Their most precious resource in all of that is time – a luxury LÜK proudly saves on their behalf in the production puzzle.
There are thousands of modeling agencies throughout the United States that represent hundreds of thousands of models. As a producer manages the melee of production, it’s LÜK’s distinct pleasure to consolidate those masses into one beautiful, complete place.
Furthermore, because the chief concern of LÜK is to make lives easier, we curated this list of some of the best modeling agencies throughout the United States for quick reference. We figured this review would be a great resource for anybody looking for how and where to draw a line between top-tier agencies and the perfect model for a particular shoot.
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Table of Contents
Best Modeling Agencies in America
To be clear, LÜK is not a modeling agency. LÜK is an all-in-one production platform for budgeting, managing talent and crew, and paying for your productions. And since we are on a mission to make your life easier, we are providing you with lists like these. This list isn’t exhaustive: there are incredible modeling agencies not listed here that absolutely rule in every way an agency could and should.
Want to keep reading first? Then here we go…in no particular order:
DNA
Location: New York
In 1996, Jerome and David Bonnouvrier founded DNA Model Management, quickly gaining fame in fashion and modeling. DNA is known for its unique strategies tailored to individual models and its commitment to excellence. The agency has managed several noteworthy models, such as Linda Evangelista, Amber Valletta, Natalia Vodianova, Raquel Zimmermann, and Doutzen Kroes.
Social Profiles
Ford
Location: New York, Paris, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami
Ford Models is one of the most prestigious modeling agencies in the world. Established in 1946, Ford Models has had a long history of representing a wide variety of models and helping them reach their potential. With offices in the United States, Europe, and Asia, Ford has had a global reach and has helped many models become international stars like Sigrid Agren and Daniel di Tomasso.
Also, in the last few years, Ford has branched out into other fields connected to the fashion world, including hair styling, makeup artistry, nail services, styling, set design, prop styling, art direction, and photography.
Social Profiles
IMG
Location: New York, Los Angeles
Founded in 1989, IMG Models has become one of the world’s most powerful and influential modeling agencies. IMG represents some of the most recognizable names in the fashion industry, including Gigi and Bella Hadid, Ashley Graham, and many more.
In 2013, IMG decided to disregard traditional height, weight, race, age requirements, and any other factors that had previously been barriers to having a diverse range of models in its line-up. They have also re-opened their men’s division which was paused in 2007.
Social Profiles
JAG
Location: New York
JAG is a fairly new modeling agency, but it’s on this list for a reason. JAG models have been featured in countless fashion magazines and have walked the runways of some of the world’s most prestigious fashion shows and campaigns including Vogue Italy. They are highly sought after in the fashion industry and have a unique mantra of representing all bodies regardless of size, shape, gender, and race.
Social Profiles: Instagram
LA Models
Location: Los Angeles
Founded in 2010, LA Model Management has become a leader in the modeling industry, representing some of the most sought-after models in the world. With the help of their experienced team, they are dedicated to nurturing the careers of their models and providing them with the best opportunities and resources in the industry. Their models’ portfolios have succeeded in the fashion industry, from runway shows to magazine covers for Calvin Klein, Louis Vuitton, Marie Claire, and Gucci.
Social Profiles
Marilyn
Location: New York, Paris, Los Angeles
Founded in 1985 in Paris, Marilyn Agency has since grown to become one of the world’s most respected and influential modeling agencies for both men and women. With offices in Paris, New York, Los Angeles, and other international cities, the agency has worked with some of the biggest names in the Industry, including Chanel, Gucci, and Dior. They aim to create career longevity for the models and break fashion norms by pushing cutting-edge fashion trends.
Social Profiles: Instagram
Muse
Location: Seattle, Portland, NorCal, Las Vegas, Honolulu
Established in 1996, MUSE Model Management is a renowned west coast modeling agency specializing in scouting, developing, booking, placing, and managing models worldwide. With an extensive roster of models representing a wide range of looks and styles, MUSE Model Management is dedicated to discovering and developing the next generation of top talent.
Social Profiles
Natural Models
Location: Los Angeles
In 2011, Bradford and Katie H. Willcox established Natural Model Management. Katie had been a plus-size model for over ten years, granting her an insider’s knowledge of the fashion industry. Natural Models seeks to provide models with an environment that promotes personal health. They are encouraged to achieve a healthy body weight through exercising and eating right and participating in activities that promote self-care and love.
Social Profiles
New York Models
Location: New York, Paris, London, Los Angeles, Milan, Tokyo
Founded in 1990 by Heinz Holba, New York Model Management has become one of the world’s most respected and sought-after modeling agencies, with offices in New York, Paris, London, Los Angeles, Milan, Tokyo, and other major cities. With a client list that includes some of the world’s top models such as Sui He, Meghan Collison, and Amy Wesson. As their presence in the fashion world continues to grow, New York Model Management will continue to be a leader in the modeling industry.
Social Profiles
Nomad
Location: Los Angeles
NOMAD MGMT has established itself as one of the fashion industry’s most esteemed personal management companies. In 2016, acclaimed supermodel Coco Rocha became an owner and model for NOMAD, bringing along a management team to make it a complete global booking agency for some of their chosen models and talent. Nomad Model Management is a unique and innovative agency that offers various services to aspiring models. It provides comprehensive services, including portfolio development, marketing and promotion, contract negotiation, and more.
Social Profiles: Instagram
One Management
Location: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Spain
ONE Management is a top-tier modeling agency that celebrates the beauty of diversity. Their models showcase a brand’s story and experience to their audiences, whether in-person or through various online platforms such as print, social media, and video. With an impressive roster of successful models such as Anabela Belikava, Anyiel Majok, and Bar Refaeli, ONE Management merges fashion, music, television, and film to create groundbreaking international projects.
Social Profiles: Instagram
Society
Location: New York
Founded in New York City, The Society Management is a top model management company that belongs to the Elite World network. It also serves as the U.S. division of the Elite Model Look global contest to help discover new faces. The Society Model Management, Inc. is dedicated to fostering a safe and respectful workplace for all of their talent, free of discrimination or harassment. The company makes it clear they stand in solidarity with the black community in the U.S. and abroad in the face of centuries of systemic racism and injustice.
Social Profiles: Instagram
Supreme
Location: New York, Paris
Established in 2000, Supreme is driven by its ambition to provide something different by working with natural models with distinct facial features. With the emergence of new talents showcased on social media, it became evident that clients were searching for profiles and individuals that surpassed those found in the realm of traditional beauty. Supreme NY provides exclusive, top-tier talent management.
Social Profiles: Instagram
The Industry
Location: New York, Los Angeles
The Industry is a high-end women’s boutique model agency with offices in New York and Los Angeles. They maintain an exclusive roster, offering personalized service to each model we represent. The Industry aims to discover new talent and cultivate successful and long-term careers for our models. In New York, they are headquartered in the iconic Pier59 Studios at Chelsea Piers, offering unrivaled access to international brands and talent.
Social Profiles: Instagram
The Lions
Location: Global
The Lions Model Management is an international modeling agency that has become one of the most influential players in the industry. Founded in 2002, the agency has become a fashion and entertainment leader, representing some of the world’s most iconic and influential models. The Lions Model Management has established itself as a global agency with offices in Europe, Asia, and the United States.
Social Profiles: Instagram
Two Management
Location: Los Angeles, Barcelona, Berlin, Copenhagen
In 2013, Two Management arrived on the Los Angeles scene, quickly becoming the go-to agency for high-end advertising, catalog, and e-commerce projects. By the end of its second year, Two Management was the West Coast’s biggest agency for top models. Subsequently, the agency has also opened offices in Barcelona, Berlin, and Copenhagen, becoming an international agency with a global reach and a hands-on boutique management style for its talent.
Social Profiles: Instagram
VNY
Location: New York, Paris, Los Angeles, Milan
Established by agent Lana Winters and entrepreneur Damian Tomczak, VNY is an elite New York boutique modeling agency specializing in transforming little-known models into renowned superstars. Through its hands-on approach, the agency is dedicated to helping models establish long-term and sustainable careers. With an unrivaled reputation and an expansive network of international contacts, VNY prides itself on finding “diamonds in the rough” and preparing them to succeed in the competitive fashion world.
Social Profiles
Wilhelmina
Location: New York, London, Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas
Since its establishment in 1967 by Dutch model Wilhelmina Cooper, Wilhelmina Models has earned a prestigious reputation as one of the world’s leading talent management agencies. Offering a full range of model management services for women, men, and fitness models, as well as entertainers and musicians, like Demi Lovato, Nicki Minaj, Barbie Ferreira, and more.
Social Profiles
Women
Location: New York, Paris, Milan, Los Angeles
When Women Management first opened in New York in 1988, it had a mission to become a global leader in model management. Now, 30 years later, the Women network has offices in Paris, Milan, and Los Angeles, representing some of the world’s most sought-after fashion talents. Their approach to career development combines creativity with a sharp eye for business, always aligned with their core values of respect, trust, humanity, and social responsibility.
Social Profiles
Zuri
Location: New York, Los Angeles
Established in 2008, Zuri Agency is not just an agency but a family. Highly praised by casting directors and producers, Zuri has been sought after for its young talent. With offices in Los Angeles and New York City, Zuri’s talent has been featured in films, theatrical productions, commercials, and print ads worldwide. Every department is managed by skilled agents aiming to give their clients the best opportunities.
Social Profiles
How to Find the Best Modeling Agency
As a Model
Before reaching out to a modeling agency, do some research! This is the fun part. Look at their board, agency ethos via Instagram, and website to see if their vision suits you.
As you research, ensure that you’re looking for submission and portfolio requirements, any reviews of former and current models at the modeling agency, and target pay if that info is handy. It’s also important to be aware of upfront fees…the good ones don’t ask for upfront fees.
And *of course* prioritize your safety by first verifying the identity of any scout or agency that contacts you directly. Reputable agencies will have direct numbers you can call to confirm outreach. One of the most common ways to tell if you’re dealing with a scam is if they ask for money or pictures of you. Make a U-turn if that sort of thing is asked of you. A really quick one.
As a Producer
We hope this list has been a helpful start. As a next step, consider taking a look at LÜK’s production platform, with integrated budgeting, crew management tools, and 1099 compliant payroll. All your production needs, on one easy-to-use platform. Set up a demo with our sales team and see for yourself. We can’t wait to meet you.
