child modeling, part 2
Cover image for Manhattan Toy catalog shot by Liz Banfield.
Assuming you want to pursue modeling for your child, here are a few simple ways to get started.
Read the websites of the talent agencies in your town. For the most part, agencies put their requirements out there in very clear terms. In the Twin Cities, read the submission guidelines on the Wehmann or Caryn website. Or call the information line 612-827-3200 for Moore Creative Talent.
The most common mistake is parents who don't follow the submission guidelines, e.g. sending a wallet size picture or forgetting to put requested information the backside of the photo. One agent told me that every so often they receive a picture of a child with great potential but with no contact info listed and thus no way to get in touch with the parent.
In terms of picking a photo, everyone agrees that (for children) it does not need to be a professional photo. That said, it must show the child's face, body, and hair. Sounds simple enough but you'd be surprised! Avoid big bows, hats, costumes, food on the face, etc. And don't send original prints that you need to have returned. Instead, go to Kinkos and make a quality color photocopy of the image(s) you are sending. If you are using a professional shot, be sure to ask the photographer if it's okay to do so.
Warning: a big no-no is dropping by a talent agency without an appointment! This will not endear you to them and might even work against you.
As you are waiting for a response try to remember that agents are experts on which "looks" are marketable and which kids have an honest shot at getting modeling work. In my home market, for example, a blond-haired, blue-eyed child is extremely common, thanks to our prevailing Nordic heritage. Consequently a child fitting this profile might have a harder time finding an agency fit.
If you child is accepted by an agency - hurrah! But again, tune into their guidelines for best results. Children change quickly so it's important to update your agent with new pictures, every six months at minimum. Some agents will accept an email - even a cell phone picture - so it doesn't have to be hard, just consistent and professional.
Stay tuned for more posts, including one of my favorite topics - kids hair.
In terms of picking a photo, everyone agrees that (for children) it does not need to be a professional photo. That said, it must show the child's face, body, and hair. Sounds simple enough but you'd be surprised! Avoid big bows, hats, costumes, food on the face, etc. And don't send original prints that you need to have returned. Instead, go to Kinkos and make a quality color photocopy of the image(s) you are sending. If you are using a professional shot, be sure to ask the photographer if it's okay to do so.
Warning: a big no-no is dropping by a talent agency without an appointment! This will not endear you to them and might even work against you.
As you are waiting for a response try to remember that agents are experts on which "looks" are marketable and which kids have an honest shot at getting modeling work. In my home market, for example, a blond-haired, blue-eyed child is extremely common, thanks to our prevailing Nordic heritage. Consequently a child fitting this profile might have a harder time finding an agency fit.
If you child is accepted by an agency - hurrah! But again, tune into their guidelines for best results. Children change quickly so it's important to update your agent with new pictures, every six months at minimum. Some agents will accept an email - even a cell phone picture - so it doesn't have to be hard, just consistent and professional.
Stay tuned for more posts, including one of my favorite topics - kids hair.
posted by Liz Banfield at
10:03 AM
1 Comments:
Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge about child modeling! I'm hoping to look into this for my newly 3 year old once we relocate to your area.
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