Modeling

M.,

I got my daughter into modeling at age 4. The photopragher I used was Zoe McKenzie (WONDERFUL) The picutres they take are just stunning! Look them up they are in Chicago just north of the united center. They will give you listings of agencies. Just remember you should NEVER pay an agency to represent you! Good Luck
Jenn D

I agree with the posts about screening agencies. I made the mistake of signing up with AdKids - and what a joke. $600 down the tubes. Never use them - we got one call for an open casting in 3 years time. I have since read similar experiences of other people - be wary, they are expert scam artists only out to get that $600 from you up front. We even fell for the "screening" up front to see if the child's personality was a good fit. Save yourself the pain and don't go there.

Try some of the agencies in the area that specialize in children. They will interview her and let you know if your daughter has what it takes. You'll probably have to pay for headshots etc. and they'll tell you which photographer to go to.

We use Shirley Hamilton to cast for commercials in our studio.

http://www.shirleyhamilton.com/

Good luck!

Hi M.,

The first thing to consider is her personality. Is she outgoing or shy? Does she enjoy having her picture taken or scream through it? I have also been told many times that my children could be models. I did consider it for awhile, but they are both shy and have never cooperated when it's time to go get portraits done. The agencies are looking for kids that are easy to work with, and will not melt down when they have to change poses a hundred times. Just something to think about. If you think she can handle it, do your research online. Check the BBB and make sure it's a respectable agency.

My cousins use to model and did some disney films, throughout most of their childhood.
My aunt recommended Stewart Talent. She said at that time (dec. 07) that they were probably still considered #1 in Chicago.
I definitely agree that it is helpful if your child is social and cooperative. If it works out - great-, if it doesn't work out over time, maybe you can take a break.
IMO, I think you could go to anyone for headshots. A recommendation is fine, but they shouldn't insist you go to someone specific, that sounds fishy.
As far as wardrobe goes, it was requested of my aunt, frequently, to bring non-branded, like new clothing. So those annoying little logos on t-shirts etc, either had to be removed, or buy something else. Something to consider if you get her started, get some cute stuff without obvious labeling. Get yourself a good map of the city too, one of those books.

Contact a professional photographer (I would call some talent agencies in Chicagoland for a reference some you get someone good), get some pictures done of her and submit them to talent agencies. Lily's Talent Agency in Chicago specializes in children, I was signed there as a child and I remember the owner (Lily) as being very nice.

I just cut and pasted a response to a old thread regarding modeling below. I just signed my 6 month old with Ford too and have been happy with them and feel they are a very reputable agency. We were with Lily's in the past and just used regular snapshots, they never required a portfolio with professionals and they are a good agency to start with. Like I said below in my original post, just make sure it is a fun thing for your child, that is the most important thing! It can be a very fun and exciting business, especially when you see their face on a ad or product for the very first time.:)

My daughter has been modeling since she was 1, she is now 4 yrs old. We were originally with Lily's talent and Arlene Wilson. We are currently exclusively signed with Ford Model. Lily's Talent was legit and my daughter had a few jobs with them, but they do tend to try to send you on a lot of auditions. I personally chose to just accept confirmed paying jobs and not go to "look see's" or auditions, jut jobs that were a guaranteed paying job. You do have a choice. With driving from the suburbs, gas money, parking and just the inconvenience, I was not about to go on every audition that my child may not even get. NEVER go with a agency that asks for any money what so ever, not even for them to take pictures. Especially with babies, their look changes so fast. Reputable agencies normally don't ask for professional or composites for kids till 5yrs old or after. I still sometimes use snapshots for my daughters pic that is on file for Ford Model. There are so many scams out there beware. You have the choice how many auditions or jobs you want your child to go or be in. Most importantly make sure your child has fun and enjoys it. If they are outgoing and loves people and new environments then it should be lots of fun! Good luck and keep us posted!

I am cutting and pasting a previous post I had on this. I have had two friends do this, but neither one made any money to put away. Your experience might be different, but it is hard work for what you get out of it. See below:

I had a friend/neighbor who did modeling with her kids when they were little. She went through Ford in Chicago and I also know someone who went through Glamour Model Talent in Chicago. Either way, you have to contact an agency and do a portfolio that you will use when you try out for jobs. The portfolio can be a little costly but it's necessary, according to my friend. Once you have done that, the agency will send you on auditions and they are usually in the city. My friend spent a lot of time sitting and waiting in lines so you'll need to prepare for that -- (stuff for kids to do, stuff for yourself to do, a backpack of food and water, etc.). Her kids did get some work, but it was hard work for her to get those jobs. Mostly they appeared in clothing catalogs. It wasn't a money maker for her, as the costs and time involved outweighed the pay.

I looked into this recently and my daughter was accepted at Lilys agency in Chicago but they really emphasize using specific photographers for the headshots and portfolio and the initial cost for that was going to be about $400-500 and I didn't w
ant to put out that much money up front. They did say she that could be a portion of one shoot but there was not guarantee etc. I just couldn't risk loosing that much even know I know my daughter is cute, we have the same compliments. SO I just wanted to warn you ahead of time do allot of research on photographers etc also for headshots. I spent hours doing it. I'm not trying to discourage you just want you to know what I recently learned when I looked into it. And definately stay away from the one's on the radio they are just trying to get you in the door to take their classes for modeling. Those are a scam, I know I went to one in Villa Park and they were a joke.