Model casting on 22.09. in Cologne: Apply now & win a photo

The dream of the runway often begins with a single brave step – and exactly this step is waiting for you on September 22 in Cologne. While the fashion world goes into a frenzy during the Milan Fashion Week, our agency opens its doors to real talents from Germany. You apply, you show up, you convince – and with a bit of luck, you win a coveted wildcard for a professional photoshoot with our photographer Oliver. No prior knowledge required, no agency experience necessary. Just you, your personality, and the will to take a risk.

Overview hide

Why the casting in Cologne can change your career

Requirements: Who can apply?

How to prepare optimally for the casting

The Wildcard: What the Photoshoot with Oliver Means

Frequently asked questions about the casting in Cologne

Why the casting in Cologne can change your career

Cologne was not chosen by chance. The city is one of the most important fashion metropolises in Germany and, alongside the Berlin Fashion Week, forms a central hub for up-and-coming talents in the German-speaking region. Our agency regularly scouts new faces – yet a live casting like this is a special opportunity that we offer only a few times a year.

What makes this event unique? First: You meet experienced scout eyes directly, who can immediately assess the potential within you. Second: The wildcard for the shoot with Oliver is not a symbolic price – it is a professional portfolio photo that you can use in every future Application. Anyone who wants to know what the path to becoming a model looks like will find the most direct entry point here.

What a casting day really means

Many applicants underestimate what actually happens during a casting. It’s not about looking perfect or already having experience on the runway and catwalk. Our scouts mainly look for natural presence, posture, responsiveness, and the ability to get involved in new situations in a short time. An authentic appearance beats any rehearsed pose.

Castings schedule on September 22

The day is clearly structured, so you know exactly what to expect:

Time	Program Item	What to Bring
09:00 – 10:00	Arrival & Registration	Photo ID, application documents
10:00 – 12:00	First screening by Scouts	Natural outfit, minimal make-up
12:00 – 13:00	Short break / briefing	Water, small snack
13:00 – 15:30	Second round: Movement & Camera	Alternate outfit (optional)
15:30 – 16:00	Announcement of Wildcard winner	Patience and positive energy

Requirements: Who can apply?

A common misconception is: “I’m too small” or “I don’t fit the classic model type.” Those days are over. The fashion industry has fundamentally changed. Alongside classic runway measurements, agencies and brands are now actively looking for curvy models, character faces, and unconventional talents. Anyone curious about whether they meet the basic requirements to become a model should not let insecurity talk them out of it.

The minimum height for modeling agencies is certainly no longer set in stone. There are even specialized modeling agencies without a minimum height that are specifically searching for talents outside of classic measurements. Those interested in modeling in larger sizes will also find more and more professional doors opening up.

Age groups and types we are looking for

Women and men aged 16 and older
Classic editorial types (slim, 170 cm+)
Curvy & Plus-Size talents
Character faces for advertising & print
Fitness and sports models
Commercial types for catalog & TV

“Casting is not a selection process for us – it’s a way of getting to know someone. We’re looking for people who can tell a story before they’ve even said a word.”

— Internal Scout Team, CM Models

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How to prepare optimally for the casting

Good preparation is no accident. Whoever knows how to properly prepare for a casting has a measurable advantage over unprepared participants. Be sure to read our detailed tips on how to prepare for a casting – you’ll find specific dos and don’ts from the professional everyday life there.

Another crucial factor: your documents. Anyone who already has some photos should compile them in a professional model portfolio for the casting. This doesn’t have to be an expensive photo shoot – clean, well-lit smartphone photos against a neutral background are completely sufficient as a substitute. What’s important is that the image shows you, not a costume or a role.

Outfit Recommendations for the Casting Day

Fitted top (proportions visible)
Solid pants or jeans in dark blue/black
Heeled shoes or flat pumps (women)
Clean sneakers or Chelsea boots (men)
Minimal jewelry, no overdone makeup
Hair loose or neatly tied back

Your Casting Checklist for September 22

☐ Online application submitted in advance
☐ ID with photo packed
☐ Outfit prepared according to recommendations
☐ Spontaneous photos (smartphone) available as backup
☐ Model portfolio or portfolio prepared
☐ Measurements noted (height, clothing size, shoe size)
☐ Route and address researched
☐ Arrived early enough (at least 15 minutes before time)
☐ Positive attitude packed

The Wildcard: What the Photoshoot with Oliver Means

Oliver is one of the most sought-after fashion photographers in the German-speaking region. Whoever wins a Wildcard doesn’t just get a single image – but a real professional production with styling, lighting and editorial image editing. These photos are ready to use if you subsequently apply to a casting agency like CM Models or if you contact a model agency in Berlin, a model agency in Hamburg or an agency for becoming a model in Frankfurt.

For those thinking long-term: Anyone with international ambitions should also look into the opportunities to establish themselves as a model in London or as a model in New York. A strong German portfolio – such as the one created through winning a Wildcard – is an important first step in this regard.

Is the casting free?

Yes, participation in the casting is completely free of charge. Our agency belongs to the serious model agencies that generally do not charge money from models. We finance ourselves through commission income from successful bookings – not through advance payments. If you’re looking for a model agency without fees, you’re in the right place with us. Be suspicious of agencies that ask for money upfront for castings or photoshoots.

If you want to model as a side job without immediately becoming a full-time professional, you’ll also find the right contacts with us – because modeling as a side job is the ideal entry point for many beginners. And if you want to know in advance what a model earns, don’t let romantic numbers mislead you – solid transparency is important to us.

Now is the moment: Apply directly here and secure your spot at the casting on September 22nd in Cologne.

Frequently asked questions about the casting in Cologne

Do I need to already have experience as a model to participate in the casting?

No. The casting is explicitly aimed at complete beginners with no prior experience. Our scouts evaluate you based on natural potential, presence, and willingness to learn – not based on a previous career. Those who want to find out more about the first concrete steps to become a model will find a practical introduction there.

What measurements and body requirements are expected?

There are no fixed exclusion criteria for this casting. We are looking for different types. Those who still want to find out which measurements and requirements typically play a role in the industry will find an honest overview there. For everyone else: Bring yourself – that’s more than enough.

What happens after the casting if I don’t win a wildcard?

Even those who are not part of the Wildcard round can have a feedback conversation after the casting. Our scouts keep all participant data and will get in touch when future suitable bookings arise. Additionally, it’s worth taking a look at the Top Model Agencies Comparison to explore further application options. Whoever knows how to properly contact a model agency has clear advantages in this regard.

How does this casting differ from other events?

Many castings take place as mass events where participants receive little individual attention. Our event is intentionally kept small so that every person is truly seen. Additionally, the Wildcard price – the professional shoot with Oliver – is a tangible added value that can be directly used for your own career. Those who want to learn more about the world of Fashion Weeks, in which our clients regularly appear, will find interesting background information at the Big 4 Fashion Weeks and the current Paris Fashion Week dates.