Child Modeling

Child Modeling on the Internet

2009-09-02T03:47:00.000-07:00

There are several millions of websites on the internet at the moment. If you browse the sites that offer children’s products you will see that there are always some great photographs of children using, playing with or wearing their product. This is a great opportunity for anyone who is considering the possibility of entering the child modeling world.

Think of all the products that could use a child model to advertise their wares. Now think of how many websites that are out there selling those products. The figures are huge! So you can see what the potential is for getting your child involved with child modeling on the web. Do a search online to find an agent who will advise you on how to start your child in this type of child modeling.

You will, almost certainly, need some great photographs of your child for this type of child modeling. Photo shoots can be great fun for your child if he is not the clingy type. Quite often there are a few kids at the same shoot and the art director will just let them play around whilst the photographer snaps away. The set is usually organised so that the kids can enjoy the experienced, a bored child is simply not photogenic.

So, try asking your local stores if they would like your child to model their wares. This is the start of the portfolio which can be used to approach pther advertisers.

Enjoy the experience - when it stops being fun is when it is time to give up!

Child Beauty Contests

2009-08-21T23:10:00.000-07:00

There are some beauty pageants that are advertised as ‘natural’ which means that the children and their parents are not suppose to add anything (make-up, hairpieces or even teeth!) to ‘enhance’ the child’s natural beauty. As this is a very competitive world, you will still see kids with make-up etc., winning these ‘natural beauty pageants’.

Try and remember why you are doing this - because you and your child ENJOY it! Please don't make it into a battle with the other parents, help your child have a good time instead, it's their time.

Is Your Child a Natural for Child Modeling?

2009-08-15T02:25:00.000-07:00

How do you know if your child is really suited to a career in child modeling? If you can answer a definite ‘yes’ to the following four questions then it could be that your child has the potential to become very successful in the world of child modeling.

Is your child outgoing and confident?
Does he love lots of undivided attention?
Could he really cope with taking direction from strangers?
Does he have a cute and bubbly personality?

There is a lot of money to be made in child modeling, but your first consideration should be the effect the work has on your child. Not all children enjoy being the constant centre of attention. Only you, based on your intimate knowledge of him, can decide if he will be able to cope.

If you have decided that a child modeling career is right for your child then your first priority would be to find an agent to represent him. When looking for the perfect agent to launch your child’s career, stay well clear of any agency that asks you for money. Reputable agencies will not require any payment until they have provided your child with a job. They will, of course, take a commission after successfully providing your child with work.

The agent should be chosen with great care as the amount of work your child is put forward for is wholly dependant on her contacts and professionalism. Try and build a good working relationship with your agent, she is more likely to remember your child when a great opportunity is offered to her agency.

There are lots of opportunities for good child models. There is photographic work, commercials, catalogue modeling and cat walk modeling, all requiring different types of children.

Not all opportunities require the classic beauty, some require ‘cute’, ‘mischievous’, ‘angelic’ etc. It really depends on the product that is being promoted and the casting director’s interpretation of his client’s instructions.

Child modeling is not all plain sailing, even if you have the very best agent. Your child could be put forward for a great job and you and your child get all excited about it. You spend days preparing for this very important casting only to find, when you arrive at the venue, that there are hundreds of other kids competing for it. You wait hours for your turn, spend 5 minutes in the casting room and then go home to wait. You get the phone call to say your child wasn’t chosen this time.

Can you cope with that kind of disappointment? Can your child?

If you or your child can’t put that day behind you and look forward to the next casting experience, then maybe modeling is not the career path for your child. However, if you can accept that this job was not the right one for your child and look forward with enthusiasm to the next casting then you can both enjoy a very rewarding career in the child modeling industry.

My Grandchildren - Lauren & Callum

2009-08-13T06:38:00.000-07:00

This is Lauren. She is 12 now but loved having her photograph taken as a toddler. When the camera was out - there she was!

Here she is a few years later with her brother Callum. He's the poser now!

Getting Noticed

2009-08-13T06:19:00.000-07:00

Did you know that many of the stars that we see on the red carpets around the US started out doing child modeling? Stars like Lindsay Lohan, Brooke Shields and Britany Spears all started out using the child modeling route. Following the success of these high profile entertainers, many kids (and their parents) have been motivated to try and emulate their success.

The hardest thing in the child modeling world is to get that all important first job. Whilst you are waiting for this to happen it may be good experience for your child to offer to work with your local children’s clothing store at the mall, this will give your child some idea of what to expect when the phone call comes for that first child modeling gig. Or, why not try entering some online photographic contests. Another very popular way to get your child noticed whilst, at the same time, exposing them to the world of cameras and catwalks is the beauty pageant or child beauty contest.

The subject of the child beauty pageant is sometimes quite controversial. With stories of young children and even toddlers with hairpieces and, if their first teeth have fallen out, even kids with false teeth made especially for the occasion! But, I suppose we have to live and let live - whatever we believe...
So, don't just sit there hoping, have a look at other opportunities to get your child noticed.

Good Practise for Child Modeling

2009-08-10T22:58:00.000-07:00

Beauty contests or pageants are predominantly made up of girls but there are usually a few boys entered as well. If you were to ask a parent why they enter their children in these contests they would tell you that it is good for poise and confidence, or it is good for them to meet lots of different people and make new friends – which it undoubtedly is.

Child beauty pageants are a great way for your child to gain experience in the concept of being the center of attention, which will be an asset when they begin their child modeling career, and it also will give them experience in other skills , such as catwalk and stage use, which they will need when they start their career in child modeling.

So, don’t look at these child beauty contests as the be all and end all of your child’s career. Instead, use these contests as a child modeling training ground for your child to learn the skills they will need when the phone rings and your child is offered their very first child modeling assignment.

Child Modeling - the Waiting...

2009-08-08T01:37:00.000-07:00

Beauty pageants are a great way to introduce your child to the stage and catwalk whilst you are waiting for that first child modeling job. If you decide to enter your child into one of the many beauty contests or pageants in order to give her some exposure and confidence; go to one of these events as a spectator to give you some ideas. If you know absolutely nothing about these events it is better to watch one or two without the pressure of competing. Take your child along too, so she can see what it’s all about before she has to go on the stage herself. Lots of the kids you see at these contests will eventually go into child modeling if they are not already doing it.

Make a note of anything you think may be useful. For instance, were the hairstyles elaborate or natural? Did the child with the most natural appearance win or were they put down the line by the ‘manufactured’ children? Was there a lot of make-up used? Is there a hairstylist/makeup artist on site that you can pay to create the look that you want for your child?

Speak with other parents, if they seem approachable. But remember, there is a lot of tension at these events, so choose very carefully which parents to approach. Ask as many questions as you can about how to be successful in these beauty contests with your child. Most parents are always eager to talk about their kids so just ask how they helped their kid be so successful – then sit back and listen.

Learn as much as you can about hairstyles and make-up. This knowledge will always come in handy when your child finally enters the child modeling stage. The better informed you are; the more chance you have of having a stress free outing when you actually enter your child in a beauty contest.

Entering beauty contests is a great stepping stone on your way to your child becoming successful in child modeling. Your child will learn poise and confidence whilst learning how to use a stage or catwalk to show themselves in the best light.

Lots of children who are successful in child modeling began by entering these beauty contests for the exposure and experience so their move to child modeling was relatively simple. So whilst waiting for the phone to ring offering your child her very first ‘gig’ in the child modeling arena, don’t be disheartened if it doesn’t happen immediately. Get out here with your child and help her to learn all the stuff that will help her in her future career in child modeling.

Modeling for your Baby

2009-08-06T23:18:00.000-07:00

When looking into the possibility of baby modeling, never answer any of the advertisements in the paper. If you reply to these adverts you will probably find that they have organized a ‘casting’ in a local hotel. You turn up only to find that they are actually trying to sell you a professional portfolio costing hundreds, sometime thousands of dollars. Do not be tempted by the great sales patter, you will be wasting your money. Reputable model agencies do not have to get their clients by sending people out to scout for them. Clients approach them direct.

Another important consideration before you and you child venture into the world of baby modeling is, are you prepared for the upheaval in your family life? You could be called at 2pm and asked to attend a shoot 100 miles away at 9am the next day. You should also be aware that, whilst you may get three jobs in one week, you may not be called on for several weeks or even months, at a time.

Baby modeling can be fun and rewarding – imagine seeing your little angel on the cover of one of the many Parenting Magazines!

Be Prepared 2

2009-08-06T03:49:00.000-07:00

When getting ready for a visit to a propective agent or going for a casting, always prepare well so that the actual day is as stress free and calm as you can make it.

Do not over dress your child – no sequins and high heels for a 6 year old. No hairpieces or hairdresser done ‘big hair’. And definitely no make up. Your child should be as natural as possible. Agents, casting directors or photographers all need to see your child as he (or she) actually is. If there are any embellishments required for the product that is being advertised, it will be organized at the venue. That is what the professionals are there for.

Resist the temptation to be a ‘stage mom’ (or dad). Leave the organizing to the professionals, stay in the background at any casting or photo shoot unless you are asked to help; definitely no coaching from the sidelines.

A career in child modeling is a lot of fun but only if it is approached correctly. Try not to see it as the only option your child has. If he is talented and photogenic there are endless possibilities to explore. Enrol your child in acting classes; after all, child modeling is all about acting and your child will gain confidence and independence from attending these classes. As long as you and your child are enjoying the variety and attention that comes from being successful in child modeling – then go for it and have the time of your life while it lasts. He (or she) may decide that they hate the life of child modeling next year!

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Be Prepared

2009-08-05T13:23:00.001-07:00

There are several millions of websites on the internet at the moment. If you browse the sites that offer children’s products you will see that there are always some great photographs of children using, playing with or wearing their product. This is a great opportunity for anyone who is considering the possibility of entering the child modeling world.

Think of all the products that could use a child model to advertise their wares. Now think of how many websites that are out there selling those products. The figures are huge! So you can see what the potential is for getting your child involved with child modeling on the web. Do a search online to find an agent who will advise you on how to start your child in this type of child modeling.

You will, almost certainly, need some great photographs of your child for this type of child modeling. Photo shoots can be great fun for your child if he is not the clingy type. Quite often there are a few kids at the same shoot and the art director will just let them play around whilst the photographer snaps away. The set is usually organised so that the kids can enjoy the experienced, a bored child is simply not photogenic.

Before taking your child to any casting, photo shoot or on a visit to a prospective agency, always make sure you are both well prepared.

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Baby Modeling Photography

2009-08-04T23:52:00.000-07:00

When you first decide that your infant is going to be just perfect for baby modeling, there are a few things you will need. The first thing you will need is some photographs. At this stage it is not necessary to hire a professional photographer to put together a portfolio. The baby modeling agencies who will find the work for your baby do not want composite photographs; children change so quickly that the photographs are very soon out of date. So, what are they looking for? Most just want a few good quality, simple snap-shots.

You will also need some good photographs if you are intending to enter your baby in some of the online photographic baby competitions. There are some great online photographic baby modeling contests which will give your baby some great exposure. Some websites allow you to post your baby’s profile and photograph for free. A few of these websites hold a monthly contest. The great thing about entering your baby in these contests is; the winner can earn a few hundred dollars without you having to take him anywhere. An additional bonus is that the judges are usually the very people in the industry who will be able to offer your baby some work in baby modeling. So, whilst you are still looking for the perfect agency to represent your baby; enter as many online photographic contests as you can. Search the internet for reputable websites and read through the site carefully to see if it is a legitimate site.

To get back to taking the actual photographs; here are a few tips to help you get the best possible pictures of your baby to launch his baby modeling career.

Use a good quality, high shutter speed camera.
Take as many photographs as you can. You will have a lot of photographs to choose from and are bound to find that one, perfect photo that would appeal to judges and agencies.
Photograph your baby against an uncluttered background; you want him to be the prominent subject, not the family dog or the neighbors kids.
Use the flash on your camera, even when you are outside.
If you take your photographs when the sun is very bright, stand with the sun behind you but watch out for your shadow showing on the photograph.
If your baby is a toddler get down to his level when taking your photos.
Try to get some close up natural shots.

For the baby modeling agencies you will usually need one full length shot and one head and shoulders shot. For the online contests and profiles; choose the one that you think would be most likely to appeal to the judges. Get someone else to help you choose – an unbiased opinion always helps.

When sending your photo to the baby modeling agencies remember to write your baby’s details on the back of every one you send. This makes it easier for the agent to find them should your cover letter get separated from the pictures.

Stage or Child Modeling?

2009-08-04T23:19:00.000-07:00

Is your child talented? Can he sing, dance or act? Is he a confident, outgoing and happy child? If the answer is ‘yes’ then maybe you would both enjoy participating in child modeling or a career on stage or TV. The first consideration would be your child’s ability to take direction from someone unknown to him. No casting director or advertiser will work with a temperamental child, so if your child is clingy or too self conscious to be the centre of attention, perhaps child modeling, stage, theater work or TV is not for him.

On the other hand, if he absolutely loves the attention then give it a try. As a beginning, let your child join your local stage and drama school, thousands of successful actors, actresses and models began their careers with a local part time stage and drama school. At stage and drama school your child will learn about all aspects of the stage, child modeling and theatre. He will learn poise and confidence; he will also learn how to deal with the first casting or, in the case of child modeling, the first shoot or catwalk show.

If you start him at a part time stage school as young as you can, he will learn confidence and independence very quickly simply by joining in with the other kids. The younger children at a part time stage school are encouraged to perform regularly. They are usually taught early rhythmic dance, pitching, speech and movement skills in a fun way, without them even knowing that they are learning anything because they are having such a great time. The best stage and drama school teach the kids in a fun and entertaining way.

Whilst your child is enjoying the benefits of stage school you could be entering him in some of the online photographic contests. The more exposure your child gets at this stage, the more likely someone will notice him that has the potential to launch his career in child modeling.

There is a lot of competition in the world of child modeling and the stage arena, so it is vital to keep your child’s profile out there in the right places so that the people who matter will be able to find him easily.

Please resist the temptation to become a ‘stage mom’ (or dad). The people that matter in the industry hate pushy parents. You must always put your child’s interests first, not your own ambitions. If you child loves the performing aspect then great. Even a child who is in child modeling is essentially a performer. But if he hates it and begins to dread the next job or casting then perhaps it is time to re-think your ambitions for your child.