How to Start Your Baby's Modeling Career
Breaking into the baby modeling world can be a daunting task if you are new to the industry, but may be possible once you know the proper steps to take to be successful. After determining that your child has an easy-going personality and accepting the possibility of sporadic auditions and a spur-of-the-moment lifestyle, it can be relatively easy to enter your baby into the world of modeling. You may even find modeling provides your baby with a confidence boost more valuable than any amount of money she could make.
Instructions
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Get a professional quality headshot of your child. While children under the age of five do not need a complete professional portfolio of pictures, a baby will need a headshot photographed by a professional photographer, according to TheCuteKid.com.
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Search for an agent in your area. The agent is responsible for seeking modeling opportunities for your child. While a small registration fee may be charged, most agents must be licensed and bonded and do not receive any payment until the child receives a booking. At that time, the agent may be paid a commission from the work that was booked. There are some agents who also run acting/modeling schools and who may attempt to sell classes or charge large fees associated with their programs.
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Determine if your state requires a work permit for your child. Contact the labor board in your state to find out if a work permit is required. Be sure to have the permit before the first modeling job, if necessary. In some states it can take up to one month to receive a child's work permit, according to BizParentz Foundation.
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Open a trust (Coogan) account, if required by your state. In some states, it is required by law that 15 percent of the child's earnings are held in a trust. Discuss the requirements for opening a trust with the individual financial institution, since they can vary slightly.
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Submit your photo to online photo contests, casting calls and local and national modeling competitions. In most cases, these contests are free to enter and winners may receive a range of items from monetary prizes or funds for college. Be sure to read the fine print before submitting your baby's photo to any contest.
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Tips & Warnings
Qualified agents may be found by searching the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the Association of Talent Agents (ATA).
Reputable managers may be found by searching the National Conference of Personal Managers (NCOPM) and the Talent Managers Association (TMA).
Professional headshots are not the responsibility of the manager or agent.
Submit your information to casting websites, such as ExploreTalent.com, to search for reputable auditions and casting calls in your area.
Be skeptical of agencies who request a large sum of money to represent your baby.
References
- Photo Credit digital camera 6 image by Harvey Hudson from Fotolia.com
