How to Get My Kids Into Modeling

Many parents believe that their child should be a model. Or they hear the advice, "You should get your child into modeling" often, but they don't know which steps to take to do so. In fact, it is a very difficult task, and one that should be met with patience, understanding of the industry, and caution about the industry as a whole. First and foremost, as a parent you should never leave your child unattended during any "casting" or photo shoot. In addition, you should never have to pay to have your child attend such an event.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Research local child modeling agencies in your area. Typically, these types of agencies are concentrated in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami. Some smaller markets like Atlanta or Minneapolis may also have local agencies. Start by looking in your local Yellow Pages.

2. Call several local modeling agencies and see what their requirements are for submitting photos for review. At various times, agencies may not be soliciting new models. This is very important to know since you don't want to waste your time sending the photos if they will never be reviewed. Each agency may have special requirements for submitting the photos with the child's measurements on the back of the photo or on a separate piece of paper. Be sure to follow their directions precisely.

3. Take several photos of your child. You will want to have at least three different photos to provide to agencies--a full length body shot, a tight head shot and a medium length shot of your child posing without toys or any costumes (including hats) on.

4. Mail the three photos and your child's measurements as well as your contact information to all of the agencies you have been in touch with.

5. Wait for your child's photos to be reviewed. It is important to know that hundreds, even thousands of photos are submitted regularly to agencies. It can take a good amount of time to go through each of them.

6. Follow up with new pictures of your child as well as updated measurements and contact information six months later if you still have not heard back from any agencies. It is important to keep submitting updated photos regularly since children change so rapidly, and agencies' needs also change rapidly.

7. Arrive on time for any meetings scheduled with a potential agency. Being tardy, not showing up or rescheduling at the last minute could reflect very poorly on you and your child. Many agencies may not call you back for this very reason, out of fear that the same thing may happen if your child is booked for a modeling job.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not ever pay for your child to have her photos taken or to be seen by an agency. There are many people and fraudulent agencies out there trying to make money off of parents hoping to get their kids into modeling or acting. You should only seek representation through agencies that ask you to submit your own photos first.
• Never leave your child alone during a modeling audition, interview or potential booking. You should be present with your child at all times for safety reasons.

References

• Parenting Kaboose

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