What modeling/talent agency should I choose?

In nearly 2  and 1/2 years of shooting photography for professional models, performers and students, I am constantly asked this question. The short answer is: it depends on your career goals. Some agencies specialize in child actors. Others specialize in runway modeling. Agency representation is free since they make 20 percent from the jobs that they book for you. In other words, they make money when you do, so they have to be picky to deliver what the clients want. Since I have shot comp cards and portfolios for many working models & actors represented by many agencies in the Portland area, I usually ask each person about their experience. The comments are interesting. The modeling agencies that are the most well-liked include: Q6 and Sports Unlimited. Acting agencies include Ryan Artists, Actors in Action and Art House. There are a few that specialize in runway models such as Option Model Management and Merrick Talent. There are even a few that specialize in classes (so they necessarily charge a fee) such as John Casablancas and John Robert Powers. (The last two have scaled-back or closed their offices this year because of the economy.) There are several others I haven’t named and a few on my black list I would never recommend – so I’m interested in what you think about the local talent agencies.