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Child ModelingOverview
Many parents are told their babies are the cutest little things and that they should consider casting them for modeling. The big question then becomes how to actually go about getting a baby started in the business. There are a lot of scam companies out there, all too willing to charge you a large fee and then tell you your child is perfect for photographing. There is no reason for a fee to be charged initially and you should be very careful when it comes to any business with your child.
Step 1
Decide whether or not you are willing to make this commitment. In order to do modeling, you usually will be required to do sessions with just a day's notice and might have to drive for a couple of hours to get to the appointment. Ask yourself if your child has the temperament to relax around strangers or if he is easily bothered. Most importantly, you need make sure this is not just your dream for the child and maybe not the best choice for the child's interests.
Step 2
Realize that most child modeling is no longer that lucrative, so don't expect it to pay for her education in 18 years. Agencies are using more average-looking kids instead of the perfect-looking ones used in years gone by. You might make about $50 an hour for your child's work, but don't forget to factor in the cost of driving and changing your schedule and food. Since there are so many good-looking kids out there, with agents always looking around for specific looks in a child, there is more of a supply of children available than a demand for work.
Step 3
Find a real agency and not a school or private business. The agency is required to be licensed by the state and to clearly list all of its fees. Agencies are not allowed to charge a registration fee. Ask for recommendations before you sign any contracts. Agencies should have professional websites where they list all their requirements as well as times for open calls, when you can come in without an appointment.
Step 4
Take some pictures of your baby against a plain background. Plan on shooting dozens of poses and then pick one or two that portray your child best. These pictures will not be returned, so make extra copies if you want one for yourself. Don't have any logos visible that might detract from the picture. This is just an introduction picture and will not be used by the agencies. They will have their photographers take the kind of picture they want.
Step 5
Mail the picture to the agency with the child's name, the name of the parent or guardian, your phone number, the child's birth date and nationality written on the back of the 8-by-10 photograph. They do not usually accept this by way of email, but check on the agency's website for its specific requirements.
Step 6
Check with the Screen Actors Guild, (http://www.sag.org/content/young-performers) for the legal aspects of hiring out your child for work. The laws are very specific how the money is to be spent and they have a lot of good information available for aspiring parents.
