Has anyone ever dealt with Barbizon the modeling school?

[madinmaryland]

My daughter wants us to pop for it. $2400.

Any comments would be welcome.

TIA.

[Kali]

1. make her sign an IOU

:P

no clue - been around a long time - had some friends go back in the EARLY 70s, Phx AZ area

[Pithlet]

2. Google Barbizon modeling school. Lots of links to stories about pissed off scammed people.

I wouldn't do it.

[LynneSin]

3. take $2400 out of the bank and toss it into your fire place. Light on fire

that's exactly what you are doing.


BTW, they don't really care if your daughter has the looks or talent to be a model. Their only care is she has the resources to pay the neverending fees for new photos and classes. Trust me, it doesn't end at $2400. Your daughter could look like the Hunchback of Notre Dame and they would still take her into their school if she pays all the fees.

[madinmaryland]

4. I agree.

The issue is convincing said daughter and wife that this is the case. If one takes a look on the internets, the overwhelming amount of comments reflect that it is a waste of money.

[LynneSin]

5. There are other schools and programs - do your research and you might find one

I mean if you have the money to do a program it does do alot to help with a kid's self esteem. I would just avoid Barbizon.

Tell your daughter to find a better program that is more affordable. Then set a deal for how she'll 'pay' you back for the money you invest (doing chores or something like that). Might be worth it.

[madinmaryland]

7. That's what we need to do. She signed up for the information thingie and

went yesterday. Today or tomorrow we have to make a decision. BS!

I'm sure there are programs that can be taken at the local community college that would be just as beneficial and would provide something that could be used in the future.

[Pithlet]

6. If your daughter is truly interested in modeling she should find a reputable agent.

I'm not a model but someone close to me is, so I know a bit about what she went through and the industry itself. Basically, you don't need to go to school to learn to be a model. If agencies are interested, they will teach you what you need to know, and they will do it for free.

[madinmaryland]

8. That is what I have heard from several people, both here and elsewhere.

I don't see spending $2500 to teach something that is pretty obvious.

[Chan790]

10. Absolutely this.

My former roommate and my best friend's ex-gf (same person) put herself through undergraduate and MBA at U of Delaware as a print and runway model. Trust me when I say that if you're good enough to do that work, the agents find you and they train you and other than head shots, there is never any initial out-of-pocket. It's an investment on the part of the agency, they get exclusive agency rights to the model. A good model can generate millions in revenues easily, even only taking home $40k themselves.

(The agency will shoot headshots, but most models prefer to have their own shot so that they can choose a photographer whose work they like and they think makes them look good as well as showing them they way they want to be shown.)

Anybody asking for you to pay them is a scam.

[RebelOne]

9. I knew a Barbizon model.

This was in the '50s when Barbizon was a highly reputable modeling agency.

[jberryhill]

11. They're still around?

If it's a matter of poise and movement, dance would be a better investment.

[Sanity Claws]

12. They've been around for decades

They hook young girls who want to be models but Barbizon does not help them become models.
If you look carefully at their ads, they help girls "look like models" or something like that. Big difference.
They essentially teach girls how to put on makeup, pose, walk, improve posture.
Sounds like an updated Charm School.

[madinmaryland]

13. Thanks everyone. We all chose not to pursue it.

[elleng]

14. Just read this thread mad; kind of a neat 'adventure' story!

Best of luck to y'all.

[TuxedoKat]

15. If you are in or near a major city

such as NYC, Chicago or LA, or even smaller cities have talent and modeling agencies that will have "open calls" for new models. If they think they can work with you they will advise you what is involved and how to go about getting headshots.

[edbermac]

16. See if you have a camera club in the area.

I belong to one in the Boston area, they have model shoots every 2 months. The models don't get paid much but the photographers are
told to give the models at least 2 prints for their portfolios. It's a start and won't cost her anything.

[tonyactor]

17. Barbizon

Hi TIA,
I had come across your question and wanted to drop you a quick response. I am a grad. from the Barbizon in Ohio and have been in front of the camera for six years now. Let me tell you it was all worth it. I had some great instructors and gain a great deal of experience from their agency. What I got from Barbizon was the foundation I needed to go on to a bigger market. They assisted me with national placement and I am now expanding my goals from modeling to acting. It is like anything you do in life – what you put into it is what you will get out of it. Remember to stay away from the Haters and stay positive. Good Luck and I will you much success to your daughter….

Tony from Ohio

[trof]

18. Our daughter went to John Roberts Powers modeling school.

In Boston, when she was in her teens.
She was a beautiful young girl but kind of awkward and shy.
A close friend recommended the Powers school.
It did wonders for her.
She gained poise and self-confidence.
Don't remember what the cost was.

Today she's a beautiful 40 year old with two kids and a great husband and has a TRUCKLOAD of self-confidence.
You do NOT want to mess with this lady.
:-)