How Does a Child Get Into Modeling?

Photographs

A child needs a good set of photographs to get into modeling. A baby isn't required to have a professional head shot, since babies change so rapidly, the head shot would be quickly outdated. A high-quality photo of a baby or young child is sufficient. An older child should have a head shot taken with a professional photographer--both a closeup and a full-body shot.

Looks

Not all child models are expected to be beautiful blue-eyed blonds. It's currently popular to have models from every walk of life and from every nationality on Earth. A child who has a unique look or distinctive characteristic (even a disability) can sometimes be an asset. A child should have a "presence" on camera as well as a high comfort level with following orders and being photographed, stared at, primped, dressed and made to wait.

Agents

An agent is necessary to book your child for modeling gigs. The agent is the liaison between the child and the modeling assignment. Child agents are easy to find; getting your child booked by a modeling agency is harder to accomplish. New York and Los Angeles have scores of modeling agencies, the top two being Ford and Elite. People in smaller cities should check with their film commission for modeling agency contacts.

Upon contacting an agency, inquire about their submission policies. An agency seeking new child talent will request a photo and will contact the parent if it is interested. The parent may make a followup call, but if an agency is interested in a child's submitted photo, it will call fairly promptly to schedule an interview. If the agency interview goes well, the agency will have the parent sign a contract and begin sending the child/parent on calls for potential bookings.

If the child books a modeling gig, he will work and be paid. As with any agency, there should be no fee for signing up the child. Money only passes hands when a child books a gig and is paid, the agency taking a percentage of the child's wages.