Red Flags
Most people in this industry are honest. But the modeling world has a long history of preying on new faces — so it helps to know what honest work looks like, and what should make you pause. If you ever see one of these, you are allowed to walk away.
You should never pay to work
Real bookings pay you. No legitimate agency charges an upfront "training," "portfolio," or "registration" fee, or asks you to buy photos before they will represent you. Money flows toward the model, never away.
Keep it on Nielou
Be cautious if someone pushes to move to WhatsApp, Instagram DMs, or private email before a booking is confirmed. On-platform, everything is logged and protected. Off-platform, you lose every safeguard.
Get it in writing
Rate, date, hours, location, and what the images will be used for — all of it should be written down before you show up. "We'll sort it on the day" is not a plan; it's a risk.
Your body, your boundaries
No one is entitled to nude, lingerie, or suggestive images of you. You can say no to any pose, outfit, or location, at any point, without explaining yourself.
Guard your details
Don't hand over ID documents, bank details, or your home address until a booking is genuinely confirmed in writing — and never as a condition of being "considered."
If something feels off, it probably is. Trust that. You can report any account or message to us at hello@nielou.app — quietly, and we'll take it from there.