Modelling Agencies for Children, Adults and Older People
Modelling is open to many more people than catwalk models. Brands use babies, children, teenagers, adults, older people, families and disabled models for adverts, catalogues and websites. This page explains how agencies work and how to apply safely.
Our information is free. The agencies listed are independent businesses. Some charge commission or other fees, and Sixpence Support UK does not receive anything for listing them.
How modelling agencies work
An agency puts your photos and details in front of clients, such as brands, advertising agencies and photographers. If a client books you, the agency usually arranges the job and takes a share of your pay as commission.
Most work outside high fashion is commercial or lifestyle modelling: ordinary-looking people in adverts, catalogues, packaging, websites and social media.
- Adults of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds.
- Mature and older models — some agencies focus on midlife and later life.
- Disabled models and people with visible differences — some agencies specialise in authentic representation.
- Babies, children and teenagers — applications are made by a parent or guardian.
- Real families and couples for lifestyle shoots.
Being accepted by an agency does not guarantee any work or income. Many people on agency books work only occasionally.
Examples of independent agencies
These are examples, not a ranking or a complete list. They are not endorsed or approved by Sixpence Support UK or the government. Requirements, openings and fees change, so always read the agency’s own current page. Checked 29 October 2026.
Industry Model Management — children
Who: Children (parent-led applications), plus adult and commercial boards.
Its children’s page asks for natural, unedited photos and says professional images are not required.
Sandra Reynolds — adults
Who: Adults and commercial modelling; teenagers 14 and over apply through the adult site.
Applicants must live in the UK and have the right to work in the UK.
Sandra Reynolds Juniors — join our agency
Who: Children and real families.
At the time of checking, it was only accepting children with previous paid photographic or TV work or previous agency representation. It also welcomed real families, experienced or new.
Salt & Pepper Models
Who: Midlife and later-life models, couples, lifestyle and commercial shoots.
Describes itself as representing both people new to modelling and experienced models.
TTM Management — join us
Who: Children 0–12, people aged 13 and over, and families.
Separate application routes for each group.
ZBD Talent (formerly Zebedee) — be a model
Who: Models and actors with lived experience of disability, visible difference, gender diversity or age.
No previous experience required. You need to be based near London, Manchester or another listed city, and it is a sole agency, so you cannot be represented elsewhere.
Agencies, studios, courses and directories are different
An agency represents you and finds you paid work. A photo studio sells you photos. A course sells you training. A paid directory lists you for a fee. Buying photos or a course is not the same as being represented, and none of them guarantees work.
How to apply
- Apply only through the agency’s official website or contact details that you have found yourself.
- Follow the photo instructions exactly. Most agencies want recent, natural, clearly lit photos with no filters or heavy editing. Wear ordinary clothes. Professional photos are often not needed.
- Give accurate details: age, height, sizes, where you live and when you are available.
- Mention any experience, skills or languages, but do not exaggerate.
- Be patient. Many agencies only reply if they are interested.
- Before you sign, get the terms in writing and read them (see fees and contracts below).
Babies, children and teenagers
Children apply through a parent or guardian. Agencies usually say a child must enjoy being in front of the camera, and the adult with them is expected to attend castings and shoots.
Child performance licences
In England, Scotland and Wales, a child under school leaving age may need a licence for paid modelling. The person in charge of the job applies to the child’s local council — ask the organiser and check with your council if you are unsure.
If you, a teacher or home tutor will not be with the child, a council-approved chaperone must supervise them. Normal rules on children’s work, rest and education also apply.
Northern Ireland has its own rules — check nidirect.
- Never let a child meet a scout, photographer or agent alone.
- Keep their full name, school and address out of public posts.
- Stop if your child is unhappy, tired or unwell. Their welfare comes first.
Fees, commission and contracts
GOV.UK says fashion and photographic model agencies can charge a fee for finding you work and can take a commission from your earnings. They can charge a fee to publish your details online or in a publication, but not upfront — it can only be taken from your earnings if they find you work. They must tell you in writing if a fee is involved.
Ask for these in writing before you sign:
- Commission rate and any other fees or deductions.
- Whether the contract is exclusive (you cannot join other agencies).
- How and when you will be paid.
- Who pays for travel.
- Usage rights — where and for how long your photos can be used.
- How to leave the agency.
If you think you have been charged unfairly, contact Acas or the pay and work rights helpline.
Modelling income may affect tax or benefits. Check your own situation with GOV.UK — working for yourself or our Universal Credit and DWP Support page.
Staying safe and avoiding scams
- Be wary of anyone promising guaranteed work or earnings.
- Do not pay upfront for a place on an agency’s books because a social-media “scout” told you to.
- Never send intimate, underwear or nude images. A genuine agency will not ask for them.
- Check emails come from the agency’s own website domain.
- Say no to pressure. You can always take time to think and ask someone you trust.
If you have been scammed, see our Scams, Fraud and Suspicious Messages page.
Sources
Information checked 29 October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
- GOV.UK — Your rights as an agency worker: modelling agencies
- GOV.UK — Performance licences and supervision for children
- GOV.UK — Apply for a child performance licence
- nidirect — Child performance licences
- Agency details from each agency’s own website, linked above.