Modeling...

I am wondering the same question. I have a 19 month old boy and want to do the same. But, like you, I don't know where to start. Sorry!

A.

Good afternoon Amy,

I have been in the modeling industry for over 15 years (my daughter also modeled as an infant/young toddler) but the mid-west market is not what it used to be. The best areas for children's modeling is Chicago, New York and LA. Locally we have a handful of agencies that book children for print ads ... like K-mart, Value City, Art Van and Gardner White. On occasion there are opportunities for television commercials and malls will have seasonal fashion shows for children of walking age and up (~ 2 to 9 years old.)

The best agencies to start with here in Michigan are The Talent Shop, The Affiliated Group and Productions Plus (they are listed in the Yellow Pages & online.) These are all reputable agencies that hold open casting calls ... usually once/month for new talent. These agencies do not allow WALK INS. They request that you send snapshots into the agency for review. If they are interested, they will contact you for an interview and will sign (contract)/register your daughter to their list of new talent.

When a job becomes available, the agency calls all of their prospects (that fit the client's criteria for the campaign) for an open audition/casting (which can be quite time consuming especially if it is a big client - castings can have loads of models auditioning, which is why they are affectionately known as "cattle calls"! LOL) You will be given a time and place to report and a snapshot will be taken. If the client is interested he/she will notify your agent and you will be given information on the job rate, expectations, time and location.

In Michigan there are very few national print jobs (which pay the best) so you'll have to weigh what you think your time is worth (especially for working parents who may have to take time off for a booking) against the hourly booking rate that you will be offered. Children are paid less than professional adult models.

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: In the modeling industry, you should NEVER, EVER have to pay to be listed with an agency. When you get a confirmed job/booking the only money that the agency receives is their commission (in this market it's 20%) ANYTHING ELSE IS A SCAM! So beware! The only fees that are incurred by the talent/model are professional photographs. And those are easy to come by these days. Try to steer clear of modeling schools too ... they are very expensive and no one is guaranteed work (if a prospective model "has talent" he/or she just "does" ... it's not something that you can learn or be taught!! Acting however... is another topic all together and does require tutelage. (The only thing that adult models learn - through practice and exposure - is how to "walk" and posing for photographs. Again nothing that would require a years' worth of tuition to learn!)

In addition: Across the board you will hear that the most difficult aspect of the profession, especially for children (and their parents,) is rejection. Never take it personally. We all know that our babies are beautiful ... however, it's ultimately up to the client to determine who they want to hire - to fulfill their vision for each campaign.

When a model receives a job, it takes anywhere from 60 - 90 days to be paid. Also these wages are not taxed at the time of payment (but your agency is reporting the wages on their end.) At the end of the year, you will receive a 1099 form from your agent to report/pay to the IRS.

I hope this information has helped you a bit.

Best of luck to you and your beautiful baby girl!

M.

I dont't know of a modeling agency but I do know someone who could get you going in the right direction, Her name is Ally and she owns her own photograhpy business, check her website out frameablefaces.com. Take a look at her site and drop her an email, she is a very nice person and she could probably help you in some way.

Hi Amy,

If you are really interested in the modeling, you need some good photographs of your child. Children need current pictures to even be considered for a job. The next step is to take the pictures to a professional talent agency. "The Talent Shop" is the best in town.
It isn't all that glamorous, however. The children get called out on casting calls more often than actually getting booked on a job. Their behavior is equally as important as their looks.
If you have any further questions, you are welcome to give me a call. I am a photographer and a mother of two child models.

Good luck,
C.
www.photogalenterprises.com
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Wow I think Michelle gave you the best advice. Shop around and do your research. Good luck with the modeling and with the new baby. July 12 is a good day. My 13 yr old will be 14 on July 12.

Hi Amy,

This my sound cynical or even fanatic-- however, If it were me I would considered looking into God's word, regarding beauty. I am a mom of 2 beautiful girls and I a can appreciate that every proud mom (me included), thinks the suns rises and sets in thier daughters behinds...yet, regardless of how cute or darling we are on the outside, our main concern should be our inside, for that is where God looks. Have you considered the devastating impact that modeling agencies and the cut-throat environment can have on your daughters self esteem. Do not underestimate how powerful even a 19 month child's sense of self is. I pray that I have not offended you. Good luck to you what ever path you choose.

Blessings,
M.

I don't know of any, but be wary of anyplace (like an agency) that asks you for money for ANYTHING upfront, this is not legitimate. If they think you child can be a model, they will front to money for pictures and such. Hope that helps.

Also, I work at JC Penney and we sometimes have family fashion shows in the crossroads mall. Send me your info and I will keep you in mind for when they decide to do another one.

I would look in the yellow pages.

My son was requested to do come into John Robert Powers over in Southfield. He enjoyed it. It was costly tho. And it interfered with karate training big time. And it never went anywhere.

Another karate student just had the look, was recruited, and I don't think the parents ever paid a dime. Some agencies will cover costs if your child is absolutely what they want. Look around. Go online.

Another thing to keep in mind is that if your baby is very attached, they probably can't use him. While you will be in the room, they need a baby that they can place, talk to, move around, and photograph without you right nearby (mommy can actually be quite distracting without meaning to be). I have a friend who works at one of the agencies, she thought my middle daughter would be perfect face and personality wise, but she would NOT go to strangers at all (not nec. a bad thing in general, just not good for modelling).

Contact the modeling agencies in your area. If they offer to charge you for *anything* (including the photo shoot, the portfolio, the contract, the listing) run away -- they are a scam.

Professional modeling agencies (like professional actor's agents and realtors) charge a percentage on paid work, they do not charge for *anything* else. They'll be listed in the yellow pages under either modeling or agencies.

Michelle gave you the same advice I've heard. I'm a photographer, and I think (and have been told) my DD would be great for modeling. My sister's friend's mom works for a modeling agency in the area. We asked her about getting my DD into modeling and she said this area has dried up!

Good Luck. FYI, it isn't just about looking cute. Your DD needs to be able to do it infront of strangers and a camera ;)