hey guys,
im not taking sides here but just to let you know a little about how model agencies work..
when i first started out with an agency (a reputable one by the way, part of the models association now as well), i had ZERO experience, the agency managed to land me a TFP shoot with a photographer who shoots for Blu Inc group (at that time known as MPH magazines). The digital pictures were passed to agency but because during the shoot i made contact with the photographer, he passed me hard copies in person. also because sometimes it is easier to liase with the model about picking up these kinda things instead of having the photographer go all the way to the agency jus to give photos.
other times that agencies arranged TFP shoots for me, the photographer sent the CD to the agency instead of going directly to me. that is because both parties allowed the agency to make arrangements, liasing etc
sometimes though, the agency makes "introductions" between model and photographer looking for tfps. then the coordination will go on between the model and photographer
agencies are "middle men", therefore if they help the model get to the photographer it is only ethical that all transactions go thru them. especially if they are signing the model on contract.
the agencies are doing the coordinating for the models, making phone calls, making sure the model turns up for the shoot, arranging for makeup artist, wardrobe.
from the models point of view, the agency is the one who makes sure the CD gets to them.(they might be thinking "what if photographer plays me out?") the agency helps them to arrange for photographers, makeup artists. definetly they will expect the agency to get the photos for them, print composite cards, arrange portfolio.. the agency also makes sure the photographs dont get used for illicit or commercial purposes.. so actually the agency does lots of work!
this cd thing is just a little issue, dont blow it up. they're just doing their job u know