Beginner Modeling Tips for Kids

Child modeling is more than taking a good photograph.

Child modeling can be a difficult business to navigate. If you are serious about your child having a career in modeling, learn how the industry works and how to make your son or daughter competitive in a market that is teeming with other child models. The modeling industry is tough to break into, but with the right steps your child has a shot at success.

Being on Time

One of the most important things for a child model is always to be on time for a casting call or a shoot. A photographer is booked for a limited time; if you are late to photo shoots, you are wasting the client's money and the photographer's time. Though models, both adult and children, get sick, it is important to give as much notice as possible if your child will miss a photo shoot so that a replacement can be found.

Child Modeling Agencies

Though you can search for modeling opportunities for your child on your own, it is best to use a child modeling agent. Agents specialized in the child modeling industry can find your child photo shoots and modeling opportunities throughout the country, rather than just locally. Most agencies have networks and other agencies located across the United States. This means they have up-to-date information on the latest jobs and advice for young models. Interview at modeling agencies located in big cities such as New York City, Los Angeles or Miami.

Portfolio

In order for your child to get into the modeling world, she needs a portfolio. A portfolio contains a variety of professional photos that showcase your daughter's modeling abilities: the types of clothing she can model, whether or not she can do activity shots and the range of poses she can do well. Create a portfolio using your child's agency or on your own by hiring a professional photographer to take head shots, action shots and full body shots. Ensure that the portfolio contains a variety of shots using different poses, attire and settings. Note that some modeling agencies require a portfolio before interviewing with them. In this case, create a portfolio on your own first and let the agency refinie it later.

Preparing for Rejection

There are a lot of child models within the United States and your child is only one of them. Prepare your daughter for possible rejection at castings and interviews for modeling jobs. Remind your daughter that, though someone else received the job, she is beautiful and a fine model. Ask your daughter's modeling agent if there are older models within the agency that your daughter can use as mentors and to get advice on how to handle rejections.

Avoid Scams

There are a lot of scams within the child modeling industry. Be aware of the warning signs of a scam. Common scams include a modeling agency that asks for an upfront fee, a modeling agency that sells you acting or photography classes or an agency that requires you to pay them for a photographer.

References

• Kaboose: Should My Child Be a Model? The Pay Off
• Barbizon Modeling: Modeling!
• Instant Cast: A Guide to Child Modeling