Route 66 Models review: test shoot 3

Be very careful. Personally I think this is a massive con. The idea being, to make you feel like you have what it takes. They will offer you the chance to go to a test shoot, which you need to pay £50 deposit. This is why I think it is a con.

I had a call from one of their 'fashion directors', who left a message on my phone. I called back but they where on the phone and had to leave my name and number for them to call back - however, when I did continue to miss their call. Each time I called back, it felt like I was calling a call centre not an office. This was the first flag.

Finally the 'fashion director' spoke to me and give an 'interview' on the phone, asking why I wanted to be a model and why they should pick me over the 1000's of others. They said they would call back as they needed to have a chat with the 'team' about me, but where going to fight my corner, as they said they really liked me and liked my look. 20 mins later a call back. They said 'great news' I got you a chance to have a test shoot. Are you happy with this. I said yep. So, they put me on hold, to call the studio. Only 2 mins later, they said we have a spot for you. This was another flag, it was only 2 mins if that I was on hold for. That is enough time to say 'how are you?' on the phone, let alone book in a space.

This is the massive red flag bit! They went on to say we need a £50 deposit but don't worry you will get it back, if you turn up. I said I don't have my bank card on me (wanted to test what they said after) and can I call back tomorrow. They become very pushy, by saying I was "wasting their time, this needs to be paid now, otherwise you will miss out" "I worked so hard for you" etc. I then said 'I don't feel this is right, and don't want to do this anymore' They then become aggressive, so I said good bye and put down the phone.

Now, I can only speculate at this point. I have a feeling, they are just really bad sales people, who are commission to get you to this studio. Again, speculation but when you have finished at the studio, I would think that they would call you saying how well you did but in order to get the jobs you need to buy the pictures at whatever cost they make up, but will probably say don't worry we have this amazing job we want to put you forward for, which is not actually real.

If you want to be a model, go to an agency - don't give any money to anyone. If they want you, they will pay for the test shoots and grow your profile. They would make a lot of money from you as you earn more. Please don't be fooled by this company! It is hard to start out, but don't be fooled by companies like Route 66 Models - they will sell you the dream but give you nothing, and it will end up costing you.

My advice, if you want to get a profile, go to your local studio directly and ask them to give you a cost. Then bring those to model agencies - the real ones! As I said, if they like your look then they will take over and not make you pay any money.

Good luck - please don't be fooled by these con artists!