How Can My Son Become a Model?

Child modeling can be a fun and rewarding experience for your son as well as yourself. With so many products aimed at boys on the market today, the need for boys to model in advertising is growing. From toys to clothing, boys have many different areas of modeling to work in. Whether he wants to be a star, or you'd simply like to give it a try for the experience, there's a modeling job out there for your little guy.

Child modeling is a specific area of modeling used to sell items to the younger audience of children as well as their parents. In the fashion industry, boys can model clothing and can be included accompanying an expectant mother in maternity ads. There is a large market for advertising boy's toys. Other products such as car seats, special brands of food, and kid's shows all use child models in their ads to appeal to parents. Boys are used for children's suits, toys such as Nerf Guns or action figures, and especially for the boy's clothing department in stores. Agents generally look for boys who are comfortable in front of the camera, not overweight, and with short, clean-cut hair. Straight, white teeth are important.

The first step in getting any modeling job for your son is to create snapshots to submit to potential clients and agents. You can take the photos yourself, or have them done professionally. You'll need a high quality digital camera if you choose to take them at home. The key photo to have is a head shot; this photo should be in the style of a school yearbook picture, showing him from the shoulders up, and should be in color. Take a full length photo as well, and make sure you have extra copies of each.

Find modeling agencies in your area (see Resources below). Once you have a list of some potential agencies, call them up and ask for interviews. Be firm and set up an appointment with those who will accept you. Don't overbook appointments by having more than one on a single day. If you cannot find a local agency, search for one in the nearest large city. Set aside money for travel expenses; take the cost of gas, food, and a hotel room if you have to stay overnight, into consideration. When you are starting out, you will normally not need money for special clothes, as the agency will provide them during any photo shoots your son participates in. If you hire a photographer for your son, expect to pay $200 at the minimum for a collection of shots.

Once you finally get an offer, prepare your son not only for this opportunity, but others in the future. Lessons in acting, modeling, dance, and arts can all help him to grow and build self-confidence. They will be valuable skills later on in life, and will help him with any modeling jobs he may seek in the future. Practice taking pictures and filming your son at home so he'll be more comfortable around the camera. Once your son has had a few jobs, consider finding an agent if your agency hasn't assigned you one already. She will help you to expand and find more jobs.

Never push your son into modeling if he is not interested. Shy children will not like the constant social interaction, and even outgoing children may find photo shoots frightening. Talk with him and listen to what he says. If at any time he seems uninterested, it's time to stop. It's also important to read any papers before you sign them to make sure there are no hidden fees or agreements.