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Introduction to Baby Modeling

by Shauna Smith Duty

You have an adorable child. She smiles on queue, holds her head high, and makes eye contact perfectly. She’s always happy, and when you leave her with a caregiver, she doesn't have separation anxiety. You’re certain your baby would make a great model!

Parent’s Dedication
Getting started in baby modeling is one tiny step for baby and one giant step for mommy or daddy. Parents of child actors/models must have flexible schedules, and a supportive family helps, too. If you and your baby seem cut out for modeling, you’ll need to learn the ropes so you can start your child’s career right.

According to Dorothy Gevers, director of Cutie Pie Photos (www.cutiepiephotos.com), “A parent’s life must be flexible enough to be able to drop what they are doing and rush out to an audition, sometimes with only a few hours notice.” Ideally, one parent devoted to fostering the child’s career is the best. However, many single parents can make the hectic schedule work if they have a flexible job.

Photos and Permits
To start, you should take photos of your child. For children under 4 years old, non-professional photos with a good digital camera are best because you’ll need to take new photos every 6 months. Babies change so quickly, current photos are essential. A head shot or full body shot is acceptable, and photos that feature smiles and eye contact with the camera usually get the best reactions from agents. For children older than 4, professional photos are the norm. Some parents enter photo contests and pageants hoping to win free photo shoots.

Gevers recommends securing a catalog of modeling agencies. “Agencies listed in books are reliable. Do not sign up with a manager unless you are already getting so much work you can’t handle it by yourself. Get an agent, not a manager.” Send comp cards, created by a digital artist, to agents monthly. This will help both the casting directors and you. If you send outdated comp cards with old stats and photos, you may be called in for an audition that your child is no longer suited for. Current comp cards are essential.

The best agents, according to Gevers, are those located in a big city, and those you can meet in person. Parents should not pay Internet sites to post their child’s photos. “Most companies use live agents,” says Gevers.

Besides photos, parents should check local state requirements, and the requirements of states in which your child may model, to determine if work permits are necessary.

Parenting Comes First
If your child has the right temperament and characteristics to be a great child model/actor, and you, as the parent, can devote time and energy to build her career, start with great photos and a list of reputable agents. Be persistent and dedicated, and if at any time your child decides a modeling/acting career is not her bag, back off. The most important thing is your relationship with your child. You must be more than her manager, you must first be her parent.

Shauna Smith Duty is a freelance writer and homeschooling mother of two in Roanoke, Texas. Visit www.shaunasmithduty.com to read more of Shauna’s articles and find out about her latest projects.

Comments

49 Comments
Comment Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CAV_Mod	Mon, Apr 03, 2006 10:30am Do you have more tips and advice to share with parents looking to get their baby into modeling? What are your top three things that a parent should know?

my1jaylyn	Sat, Jul 12, 2008 7:34pm Hi there! I have a 15months daughter and i'm looking to get her into modelling,Is there anny legit modelling in ny,there so many of them don't know wich one is liget.

leighasmommy	Wed, May 14, 2008 1:05pm Has anyone heard of KIDS TALENT AGENT out of Las Vegas? I'm not sure if it's legit.

jk-silvers	Fri, Mar 14, 2008 2:27pm Hi there - I am in Texas .. near Dallas. So frustrated at the lack of opportunities here for babies/kids. Any pointers would be much appreciated.

numberqueen	Wed, Feb 27, 2008 1:02pm Hi everyone! Can anyone recommend legit agencies in NY. The City is so big, I don't know where to start. Please help if you can! Thank you.