Here are the 13 modeling agencies you should know in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia is known for many things: brotherly love, cheesesteaks, wild sports fan and the Liberty Bell. While it may not be celebrated for its modeling scene, Philadelphia’s proximity to New York City makes it a heavily-scouted city. Whether you’re a runway or commercial model, a fitness or plus-size model, there is an agency in Philadelphia hoping to represent you.

Related: The Best Photographers in Philadelphia

Because Philadelphia is considerably smaller than New York City, the competition is less intense. If you have tried without success to find representation in NYC, Philadelphia may be a great option for you. The agencies are small, well-connected and intimate, and they are always looking for top-tier talent.

Many models think they need to pack their bags and head to New York, LA, Miami, Paris or Milan to achieve their modeling dreams. But Philadelphia boasts some excellent, highly-regard modeling agencies which have the time, resources and small size needed to individually mentor and guide their talent to success. If you’re a model or a photographer, we have you covered with the best modeling agencies in Philadelphia.

Related: The Top Photographers in the United States

Our 13 Picks for Modeling Agencies in Philadelphia

The Reinhard Agency

The Reinhard Agency, an acclaimed modeling agency in Philadelphia, opened in 1977. The agency represents men and women in the following categories:

• Fashion
• Runway
• Lifestyle Men and Women
• Union Male and Female Actors
• Non-Union Male and Female Actors
• Voice Over Talent
• Fit Models
• Specialty Sizes
• Juniors
• Children
• Wardrobe Stylists
• Hair and Make-Up Artists
• Spokesmodels

The use digital software that serves as an internet database of model portfolios. It is “maintained and updated in house regularly to ensure accurate sizing and representation of model’s current look.”

The Reinhard Agency is happy to accommodate specific model needs (certain heights, sizes etc). Frequent clients are given access to this internal database to sort through models on their own time. One recent review of the agency said, “My kids have been with Reinhard for about 4 years and it’s been nothing but positive. When you are trying to get kids in the business it’s often a scam. Never ever here, they never asked us for a dime, and they pay us. They get them the perfect amount of work and pay them well. Everyone in the office is a pleasure to deal with and are always happy to hear from us. We hope to continue our journey with the agents at Reinhard.”

Perhaps the most highly-regarded and reputable modeling agency in Philadelphia, Reinhard has a perfect 5-star review on Yelp with another happy model writing, “I have been with Reinhard since July 2010. I was very new to the industry when they brought me on to their team. They have been exceptional in helping me find work and also just answering my questions for me. Reinhard put me on the right path towards success. Anyone who is looking for representation I recommend going to Reinhard Agency.”

If you are a model looking for representation, Reinhard asks that you email directly with measurements and clear recent photos.

JR Powers Philadelphia

John Robert Powers is well-known in the industry and has been in operation since 1923. This talent and modeling agency places models and actors in LA, New York City and within international markets. The Philadelphia division was established in 1963, making John Robert Powers the oldest “continuously operating modeling, acting, and finishing school” in Philadelphia. They have been named School and Agency of the Year by the Modeling Association of America 16 years in a row and have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

In addition to representation, JR Powers offers classes in runway modeling, photography, TV commercials and acting, social graces, poise, manners and etiquette, self-confidence and self-esteem, hair, makeup and wardrobe. All of their programs include free professional pictures and headshots. Their reviews celebrate how dedicated JR Powers is to its models; one Yelp reviewer wrote, “JRP in Philly is so much more than a modeling agency. Mindy and her team teach these girls life skills and social graces that they will continue to use for the rest of their lives. This team truly cares about these girls and their success on a personal level. My daughter’s confidence in herself has never been better, and she has met some very cool special friends in the process. This is worth WAY more than any modeling career, although that could very well happen in the future with JRP. 5 stars is not enough for this Philly team!”

Expressions Models

Expressions Models is headed by two “industry veterans, Dianna Juliano and Greer Lange. Juliano has been in the industry since 1986 and is renowned for her ability to consistently provide the right talent for the job. Lange has owned and managed her own agency for over 20 years.” Expressions is a full service modeling agency in Philadelphia, representing models and talent of all ages (5 and up).

They hold open calls by appointment only, and they encourage aspiring talent and models to submit photos and a resume through their website.

Expressions Models has strict booking policies designed with the well-being of their models in mind. All lingerie shoots must be clearly explained before booking and must occur within a closed set, and all shoots must be booked for a minimum of one hour.

Their portfolio of models and talent is robust and diverse. Aspiring models are encouraged to fill out the Talent Application on their website.

AMA Talent Agency

Actors, Models, Artists (AMA) Talent Agency is a “full service agency consisting of professional booking agents with extensive backgrounds in video, television, film, theater production and commercial print advertising. We have an active presence working with many established performers as well as many newly rising actors and models.”

Their talent spans many categories including actors, voice-overs, print models, fitness, body parts, and lifestyle models, real people and families, food stylists, animal trainers, musicians, dancers and singers.

Their website states that their talented staff “has personal experience having worked in the fields of stage, film, commercial television and the commercial photographic industry. This inside look into the industry made it possible to develop important contacts for the placement of actors, models, and artists in the industry. With this personal experience, our staff is uniquely positioned to share their knowledge and information in order to focus on your talents and areas of interest. We work with experienced talent and are eager to assist the new and developing talent that we represent. Our clients include but are not limited to advertising agencies, art directors, casting directors, production companies, television and cable networks and photography studios.”

If you are a client looking for talent, or a model or actor looking for representation, you can start the application process on their website.

McCullough Models

McCullough Models was founded in 1946 by Marie McCullough and is now headed by her son, Bill McCullough. The boutique modeling agency is located in Atlantic City and serves the greater Philadelphia area. The agency offers several courses for aspiring models including makeup and wardrobe techniques, projection classes, and tips for photographing well.

Models are booked in the categories of runway/fashion, photo/film and promo/trade shows. You can start the process of booking a model directly through their website. For models seeking representation, McCullough represents women ages 18-35 who are between 5’8” and 5’11” dress sizes 2-16. Men must be between 6’ and 6’3” between the ages of 21-40. You can learn more by contacting Bill and bill@mcculloughmodels.com.

Metro Model Management

Metro Model Management is a premier modeling agency in Philadelphia. They specialize in transforming new faces into top-tier talent. Their focus is on fashion and commercial print, runway models and television. In addition to men’s and women’s fashion divisions, MMM also represents kids, teens, commercials, promotional and special body parts.

Regardless of experience level, MMM is always seeking new models to add to its roster. Aspiring models are encouraged to fill out this form to begin the application process.

Vie

Vie was founded by Will Ball, a former talent agent in LA. The goal of Vie is to offer accessible and honest communication between models and clients. Their talent and their clients are consistently satisfied, and one model wrote, 

“I first started working with Will a few years back, and when he told me he was opening Vie Agency I was over the moon. Will has pretty much everything you could ever ask for in an agent; cool, calm and collected, knowledgeable, transparent and an overall good human.

He has really taken the time to understand my vibe and sends me out for auditions that are right on target. I also really appreciate the fact that he has kept his roaster small, choosing to stack the deck with quality talent that he really believes in and knows how to market, rather than playing the numbers game.

It’s only been six months, and I have already booked TWO commercials as well as a social media sponsorship deal through Will. Vie Agency is definitely on the rise, and I am so happy to be part of the family.”

Vie represents both union and non-union male and female models of all shapes and sizes. If you are a model seeking representation with Vie, they encourage you to fill out the form on their website. They specifically request ask that included photos not be professional quality. You should have a makeup-free face, hair back, form fitting clothes, and remove all jewelry.

Main Line Models and Talent

Main Line Models and Talents works to place local talent in national and international markets. They represent a diverse age range (from babies to seniors) and have placed their incredible pool of talent in well-known shows and movies including Sex and the City, Billions, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Marley and Me. Their impressive client roster includes Advil, HBO Films, Mastercard and Dreamworks Productions.

This full-service management agency has operated in Philadelphia since 1972. Their directors have diverse and extensive experience in Philadelphia, New York and Los Angeles, and were named Directors of the Year by the International Model and Talent Association (IMTA).

Though there will not be any more open calls for 2018, check back in 2019 for an open call schedule. Main Line Model Agency says, “Talent from previous open calls have appeared in Seventeen, GQ and Sports Illustrated magazines; performed on Broadway; starred in movies and TV shows including Peanuts, Quantico, Revolution, Law And Order, Madam Secretary and various HBO movies; as well as appearances in many national commercials.”

Even during periods when there are not open calls, models are always welcome to fill out this form on Main Line’s website to start the process of representation.

Greer Lange Model and Talent Agency

Greer Lange Model and Talent Agency is a highly productive and respected agency on the East Coast. Their website is filled with client testimonials, with one photographer writing, “Greer Lange has a wonderful pool of talent and is extremely cooperative in all of my model needs. The website streamlines my work because I can put in my specifications for talent and view models tailored for the job immediately. No more waiting for headshots. I can also call the agency and get their recommendations as lists of models through e-mail and simply click on the links. Instant gratification.”

Another happy casting director wrote, “Through my years of experience in the business, I have always had great experiences with Greer Lange Talent Agency. Since I recently opened Heery Casting, I have found their new electronic booking program to be a remarkable help in my casting needs. I look forward to continuing to work with Greer Lange for years to come.”

Greer Lange represents a diverse portfolio of models of all ages. Their models have been featured in magazines, commercials, and have done work for the Pennsylvania Lottery.

Click Models Philadelphia

Founded in New York City in 1980 by Frances Grill, Joey Grill and Allan Mindel, Click Model Management has almost 40 years of pertinent industry experience. Click has several offices throughout the United States, and their West Chester, PA, outpost is seen as one of the top modeling agencies serving Philadelphia.

Click represents over one thousand models who work in a diverse range of categories including  Women, Men, Plus Size, Runway, Showroom, FIT and Television/Commercial.

Many household names and famous faces including Isabella Rossellini, Uma Thurman, Whitney Houston, Elle MacPherson and Grace Jones have been represented by Click. They are a finely-honed agency who consistently seeks to expand its talent pool and provide superior service to its models and clients. By maintaining close affiliation with both Flick East West Talents and Framework Entertainment, they are able to provide additional opportunity for Click Management models to pursue careers in film, stage, television and music.

2LifeTalent

2LifeTalent provides all the talent you’ll need for your party needs. They are consistently given 5-star reviews and are a highly sought after talent group. Their website says,

“2Life Talent is an agency and event group representing award-winning, professional talent including party bands, technically trained dancers, DJ turntablists, emcees, choreographers, musicians, performing artists, models, dance companies and a wide variety of speciality acts for nightlife, corporate and social events. We also facilitate production and event coordination solutions.

We believe that one of the most important aspects of any event is the proper planning and preparation of the fine details that help to create perfect, memorable moments in the eyes of those who are in attendance.”

2LifeTalent is skilled at helping with all aspects of parties, including planning. They are eager to help you pick a venue, design the dance floor and select songs. In addition to a talent pool, 2LifeTalent offers a production crew that can help with lighting, projection and sound. Their talent is professional, high-energy and an incredibly skilled crew of models, dancers, singers and more.

If you are a model, dancer, actor, musician, or dj looking to work with a highly-regarded team, you can apply for representation with 2Life here.

Plaza 7 Talent

Plaza 7 is a talent and modeling agency in Philadelphia. They have been in business since 1972 and have grown steadily each year. Headed by Linda Wisch, a former model and actress who understands the intricacies of the industry and the unique needs of both her clients and her models.

They are franchised by the Screen Actors Guild, The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, and the National Association of Talent Representatives.

Plaza 7 holds open calls on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 4pm-7pm. They represent talent of all ages with the youngest being just 6 months old and the current oldest in their 80’s. With offices in New York and representation in LA and London, Plaza 7 is well-connected in the industry. They say, “We have a great networking system all over the world through the various professional organizations we are part of. We can help our models grow into the European and Asian markets.”

Their clients and their talent are consistently happy, and one casting agent wrote, “I have known Linda Wisch, president for over 25 years, and she works very hard for her talent. She has successfully booked a great deal of SAG work in this city and is well known in the industry. Some of the recent projects for her talent were Build-A-Bear (national commercial) as well as Campbell’s V8. She is a very dedicated agent, and I am always happy to send her breakdowns and receive her submissions.”

Talent from Plaza 7 have appeared in Super Bowl commercials, and they are proud to be a launching point for many successful careers.

Reach Management

Reach Management is a talent agency with offices in both New York and Philadelphia. They have a unique understanding of the needs of the East Coast market, and focus on the fusion of fashion, film, music, and celebrities. Their website says,

“REACH’s current roster of talent includes some well-known and hugely successful models, actors and musicians. REACH is also proud to have major placements in NYC Fashion Week and a variety of TV and films with shows including Wolf of Wall Street, Lady Gaga’s The Fame Futuristic Fashion Show and Leonid Gurevich. Our talent has walked runways around the world, from NYC to Paris, Milan and Tokyo. With major editorial spreads for Maybelline, Pepsi, American Apparel, Vogue Italia, Esquire China, Maxim, Macy’s, Toys ‘R’ Us [and] Pref Magazine. Castings in Blue Bloods, Gossip Girl, Men in Black 3, Transformers, as well as having ongoing relationships with Nickelodeon, Disney, HBO, NBC and the History Channel.

In addition to representing high fashion and editorial we also represent actors, commercial print, kids, musicians and social media celebrities and leaders of business and technology and sports in our speaker media department.”

Their models and talent have positive things to say about Reach including,

“They success and the people I have met through REACH would have been impossible without the people that work in agency services — they became my family.” It is clear that Reach cares about their talent and their clients. They want their clients to be happy and their talent to be successful and well taken care of.

The Reach team includes account managers, account coordinators, booking managers, and recruiters so every part of the process is organized and well-handled. You can browse casting calls through their website. There are also regularly looking for new talent to add to their roster, and you can start the application process here.

Try a Meetup

Meetups are a great, informal way for photographers and models to connect. The Philadelphia-based Models + Photographers meetup has over 1000 members and their aim is to connect creatives who may be of service to each other. Meetups are a free way to meet people with whom you may not otherwise overlap.

Meetups hold no copyrights on your work, and the Philadelphia groups’ website says, “Our membership consists of the area’s finest photographers, models, makeup artists, designers, and related artists. Our members are primarily located in five states (PA, NJ, NY, DE and MD), but also around the world, and they range from full time professionals to serious amateurs and even beginners. All of them share a passion and commitment to creating art, and the results are evident in the past shoots showcased in our site. Our uniquely created monthly and/or special events are designed to foster a creative, productive, and enjoyable experience for all involved. We have several professional studios to choose from for our photo shoots, along with hosting events at various outside locations.”