Modeling for Children

Many people think that their child would make a beautiful model, but they have no idea about the steps to take to see if, in fact, their child has the look and charm that at children's modeling agency is looking for. So where do you begin?

Agents and Parents

Agents and parents can make or break a child's modeling career. An agent is important because the work done in searching for modeling opportunities is most successfully handled by a competent agent. Likewise, a parent must be on hand to accompany the child to casting calls and must learn to pursue a modeling career for the child as too much prodding or enthusiasm can turn the child against the business entirely.

Because working with toddlers can be difficult many agencies will look for children whose parent(s) are also in the modeling business and will cast the child with one or both parents for family-type shoots. The better a child can take direction, the more more casting and modeling calls may come his or her way. Because there are rules about how much time a child can spend at work, some agencies prefer working with twins, particularly when the child is very young, in order to divide work time and stay within set regulations. Having an agent is again important, because agents know the ins and outs of modeling for children and know the biggest and best reputable children's modeling agencies.

Finding An Agent

Preparing a child to visit an agent is not as challenging as it sounds. The child should be casually dressed in order to feel and look as natural as possible. The most important asset that an agent looks for is personality and appeal. Since all types of children are required for a variety of jobs in the modeling world, if the camera likes your child work will more than likely be forthcoming. A qualified agent will find the right fit for your child and see that they have every opportunity to model. An agent should never ask nor be paid upfront fees. An agent receives a commission on the work your child performs and if the child does not yet have a portfolio, a photographer's fee will be deducted from the child's first job.

Remember that introducing your child to a modeling career should not cost you a lot of money. If you're asked to pay an agent or agency upfront for photographs, classes or any number of other expenses, then you are probably be scammed and should do your homework before you look for another agent or agency. When agents look at children's photographs they are looking for candids that express body style and how naturally a child comes across in a photo. That can be accomplished by taking a photo on a swing in your backyard. The only expense involved is a decent printer if you don't own one because the print quality should be good. Once a child is accepted by an agent or agency, head shots might be required, and in most cases the agent or agency will handle the expense or (as noted) deduct it from the child's first paycheck.

If you mail your child's photos to several agencies, sit tight. It sometimes takes them several weeks or months to decide they would like to meet you and your child and will call to set up an interview. Your best bet is to submit photos via email or snail mail, depending on the agency's preference, and send photos to more than one agency. Never bother an agent or agency with phone calls or over-thought emails that tell your child's life story. The agent or agency will call you when they are ready, and if they believe that your child is a fit for their needs.

When you do get an interview, act as professionally as possible and don't bring anyone along but your child. Let your child be him or her self during the interview so that an agent will know within the first few minutes if your child is who they are looking for. If your child is a fit, you will receive a contract in the mail usually within a week's time. A good agency will only ask for a fee of 10-15 percent of your child's earnings once a job is secured.

How Much Do Child Models Get Paid

A child model is paid a rate that is dependent on the client and what your agent has agreed upon. If your child is new to the business, it might be a wise investment to perhaps have him or her model for free at local fund raising events or other venues that use modeling to promote a product or cause. As your child gains experience and is hired by more well known companies, earnings can dramatically increase to several hundred dollars an hour or per shoot.

Some Child Model Agencies

Here is a list of agencies that have earned a good reputation in the child modeling world. There are certainly more, but this list can get you started in your search:

• Alene Wilson Model Management (ARIA)
• The Campbell Agency
• Two Turtle Creek
• Kiddin Around Models & Talent Inc.
• Birmingham Agency Kiddin Around of Alabama, Inc.
• Kiddin Around Models
• Wilhelmina
• Willy Kids
• Ford Models
• Cunningham, Escott & Dipene
• CED Talent
• Expressions Models
• VS Talent Group
• Kim Dawson Agency
• Bella Agency
• FFT Models