Interested in getting your child into a modeling? Here are a few tips from a mom that has three kids “in the business.” My family has been modeling here and there for more than six years and we have been fortunate to have traveled as far as the Bahamas for a shoot and even took a Disney Cruise. We have booked several jobs for major brands including Gymboree clothes and Disney World Theme Parks.
Modeling can be a lot of fun and work. For example, when we book Disney jobs, we get to experience and see the behind the scenes on some of the park’s most fun attractions or new offerings like rides and resorts. My daughter worked with Princess Tiana for example. We also booked a job at Disney’s newest hotel and resort, The Art of Animation. We spent two days at the resort before it was open to the public and this was beyond exciting for the kids.
So does your child have what it takes to become a child model? Is it something that’s right for you? You’ve probably heard your child is adorable, so beautiful, etc., now let’s find out what else is involved.
6 Things to Know Before Getting Your Child Into Modeling
1. Does your child want to do it? Is this something your child would enjoy? Step one is to ask your child what they think about it. My kids want to do it and look forward to booking jobs so modeling works for our family.
2. Good looks are a plus, but a child that loves the camera is what makes for great pictures. Knowing how to work the angles by moving your head a few inches to the right or left, up and down, can make the world of difference for a shot. Knowing the tricks to getting the perfect shot is a skill that even a four-year-old can be good at.
3. A patient child. Most jobs are booked for a full day, usually ten to twelve hours. During that time there is a lot of waiting. If your child gets bored easily, doesn’t like waiting around, then modeling probably isn’t for them.
4. Faking it. If your child can’t pretend to be happy as soon as “action” is called then the director will not be pleased and you may not be rebooked for other jobs. When working with kids under four, most directors will book several children as a back-up so this may work out for you. But an older child is expected to be able to make it through several different scenes. Directors that work with children are usually good with children so they understand the emotions. But at some point, your child should be able to fake it. In the picture below of my daughter, her dad, and brother on a water slide, my daughter was faking it. She was tired of “playing in the water” at Wild Adventures Theme Park where the shot was taken.
5. A parent with a flexible schedule. Castings and callbacks can be annoying because it usually happens with less than a week’s notice (sometimes 24-hour notice) and it often never happens like the booking agency tells you it will happen. For example, on Monday you learn of a casting. You’re told castings will take place on Wednesday but then you get a call that castings have been moved to Thursday. When you show up for your appointment you wait two hours before your 5-10 minute turn is up. The booking agency tells you decisions will be made by Friday and the job will likely begin in one week. Friday rolls around, you hear nothing, you assume you didn’t get. Next Tuesday, you learn you booked the job it starts in two days, not the following week. If any of the above annoys you, modeling is probably not for you or your child. You have to be flexible go with the flow of things.
6. A little “start-up” money for your comp card. Once you find a good agency you’ll need to get pictures for your child’s comp card. (Don’t spend the money before you get an agent and do not go to one of those modeling calls at the mall, hotel, etc.) The comp card is an investment on your part and will range between $500-$1,000 to get at least four different looks for your card. The card will be what you take with you to your castings to show the directors that your child takes great pics. Hire a professional photographer (not your cousin that takes good pictures) and a photographer that has worked with models on their card. Your agency will likely recommend someone and may even work in a deal where several models will shoot in one day for a “group” discount. An agent that attends the shoot is an agent invested in your success so keep that in mind. Once you get your images, you’ll want to print about a hundred cards. Less or more depending on how busy you’ll be and the age of your child. You want to keep your card current. If you’re pretty good at taking pictures, save money and use your own camera. Rent a camera lens from Borrow Lenses and shoot away.
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