Guide to Children’s Modeling – Help Your Child Become a Model
Does your child like dressing up and posing for photoshoots? Then children’s modeling may not be such a far-fetched career for them after all. Modeling can be an enjoyable, interesting, and rewarding experience for your child. However, like every career, modeling requires hard work, dedication, and passion to succeed.
In the case of child models, parents have to work just as hard as their kids. So, before you send your child’s photos and measurements to modeling agencies, make sure you know what you’re signing up for. This article guides you about the different types, of children’s modeling, their requirements, earnings, and much more.
Over 13 years old? Check out the modeling for teens post.
Do You Think Your Kid Has What It Takes To Be A Model?
You should only introduce your child to modeling if they like it and are sure of their skills. Ask yourself if you are the one who wants to be a model more—your child or yourself.
It is fine for your child to participate in modeling as long as they are happy and enjoying themselves while doing it. However, if they are unhappy with the situation, you should end it. It is also important to keep in mind that modeling may not always be a profitable endeavor, and you should not rely on it as a means of supporting yourself financially.
Being a child model is not just about having a pretty face and a glamorous lifestyle. It takes effort and patience to land that first gig, and then to keep it once you’ve got it. Think about whether your child is ready to take on this extra responsibility without it affecting their education and health.
Finally, you should never give in to pressure to give up on your child’s needs and rights, like going to school, having free time, or being able to relax.
Are You Ready as A Parent?
Children’s modeling career is very rewarding, but it comes with several challenges for you as a parent. Most days, you will be required to take your child to auditions, wait for their turn, and then drive them home. This might interrupt your daily schedule, especially if you’re working full-time.
The struggle of child modeling doesn’t end after your child lands their first job. It continues well into the shooting stage. In fact, once your child starts working on more projects, you’ll find yourself taking more time off trying to merge your schedules. You’ll also constantly be in touch with modeling agencies to ensure your child doesn’t miss an opportunity.
When considering modeling as a career for your child, check to see if you have enough flexibility in your work schedule to meet all these commitments. If you have thought this through and your child shares your passion, then you may begin the process of preparing your child for modeling.
Kinds Of Child Modeling
Key categories of child models include:
- Commercial Print Modeling: If your kid dreams of being on the covers of magazines and catalogs, commercial print modeling could be the perfect fit.
- Tv Modeling: A career in TV modeling would be a wonderful fit for him if he enjoys seeing himself in commercials and has acting skills.
- Editorial Modeling: Editorial modeling is a great way to get your kid into artistic, high-fashion photoshoots.
If your kid is older, check out modeling for 13 year olds post.
The Right Age For Modeling
Modeling has no age limit. From infants to adults, anyone can make it in the modeling industry. Usually, a person’s interest in modeling is a strong indication that they are prepared to begin the process. There is no hard and fast rule regarding when a child should begin modeling. Some agencies will accept babies as young as three months old.
However, when it comes to child modeling, agencies look for children with patience, decent manners, and the capacity to accept feedback and instructions. So, make sure your child displays all the qualities at their auditions and shoots.
How To Get Started with Modeling
Enrolling in a modeling class and finding a reliable children’s modeling agency is the first thing you should do if you want to get your kid into the business. Your youngster can find modeling jobs with the help of a talent agency, which acts as a go-between for the talent and the businesses that are interested in hiring models. But, before reaching out to any agency, do a test shoot at home with your child to make sure they are prepared for the audition.
1. Do a Test Shoot
Take some professional photos of your child. The photo shoot does not need to be done by a professional photographer. To get started, simply snap a few headshots and some full-body shots.
2. Approach Reliable Modeling Agencies
After doing your research, submit your child’s photos along with their age, weight, and height to legitimate modeling companies. Read parent reviews on social media. If most reviews are unfavorable, don’t submit your child’s information.
3. Don’t Agree to Upfront Payments
No credible agency requires upfront money. You or your child should be paid by an agency. Avoid dealing with anyone who requires a deposit to submit information.
4. Scout vs Modeling Agency
A model scout is not the same thing as a modeling agency. A scout will ask for money to take pictures of your child and send them to possible modeling agencies. You can do this by yourself to save on costs.
5. Payment
As mentioned before, child modeling may not always be profitable. The payment for magazines and catalog shoots is typically lower than for high-fashion and television shoots. However, magazine shoots are still a great way for your child to gain exposure and build a rich portfolio. So don’t rule out low-paying jobs completely.
6. No Need for Relocation
Some cities indeed have more modeling jobs than others. However, it’s not wise to relocate your child for employment since it will only disrupt their life. If it’s difficult for you to find a modeling agency in your state you can always enter online modeling competitions.
A Brief About How to Take Headshots
When you apply to some places, you may have to send a certain kind of photo (a headshot, a full-length photo, etc.). Keep the following photos on hand in case an agency requests them:
- A closeup of your child’s smiling face to use for children’s modeling
- A headshot of your kid with a blank or solemn expression.
- A picture of your child’s entire body
- A photograph covering almost 3/4 of the body.
Following are a few tips for good headshots:
- Engage in lighthearted banter with your kid before and throughout the shoot to bring out their true personality and style.
- Keep in mind that a natural photo will always win. So be candid!
- Get your kid to wear something simple, without any distracting patterns. Having them pose against a white wall or solid background ensures that your child remains the center of focus.
Tips for Being A Successful Child Model
Even if a child isn’t “perfect,” they can still be a model. But here are some usual requirements:
- Agencies search for children with good traits such as healthy skin, wide and sparkling eyes, lustrous hair, and a smiling face.
- Kids who are neat and presentable are preferred by agencies. For auditions, try dressing up your child in simple but decent clothes. Don’t make a loud fashion statement as agencies focus on your child’s look rather than their fashion sense.
- Your child may be one of a kind because of his or her “different” or “unique” appearance. A child with rare qualities, like long hair or green eyes, might have an advantage in some situations.
- In addition, a child’s general character is significant. Modeling agencies prefer working with an easy-going, independent child rather than one who is dependent on them for everything.
- The child needs to be friendly and comfortable around strangers since they will be meeting photographers, make-up artists, and other models.
- Aspiring models need to be able to take good direction from their superiors during photo shoots. The joys and attention that come with modeling are not for the timid child, and a child who is always on their own won’t want to listen to adults. So, be sure to instill a healthy balance in your child.
- Child modeling is not as common as adult modeling. Therefore it’s easier for kids to be successful in this industry. All you need are good research and people skills to help your child make it big in their modeling career.
What To Expect From Modeling Agency
1. The Auditions
Your child may need to go to several casting calls before they are cast in their first role. These outings can be exhausting, especially if you have to wait in line with 200 or more kids.
2. More Photoshoots for Children’s Modeling
Depending on the needs of the client, you may need to provide more specific photographs of your child. Therefore, you and your child should be ready for more photoshoot sessions if needed.
3. Quick Process
Once your child lands a job, the shooting process will be a quick and tiring one. Regardless of the type of modeling, your child may be required to switch outfits and get into character quickly.
4. Scope of Modeling
Child modeling does not have a huge scope, but there’s a high chance your child can turn this into a full-time career as an adult. Though, in the case of child modeling, publications, catalogs, and store circulars are where child models make the bulk of their money.
5. Dedication
Your dedication and patience will go a long way toward making sure your child does well at work. You may have several go-sees in one day or none at all for weeks.
How Much Does a Child Model Make?
The amount your child earns will vary from job to job. However, the average income of a child model is expected to be $72,859 per year or $35 per hour but may be significantly lower depending on the number of hours your child works. It’s important to factor in the labor laws of your state before calculating this amount.
Other factors that may affect your child’s earnings include the client, location, and the type of shoot.
Key Takeaway About Children’s Modeling
To conclude, the decision to pursue modeling for your child is ultimately up to you and your family. However, it might be a great chance for your child if you believe your infant or toddler would thrive in the setting of a photo shoot and you are willing to face the hurdles that come with modeling.
Your child’s well-being and security should be your top priority. Some studios may include facilities for small children, such as a separate entry for adults with children, toys, and food; however, some may not. So you need to carry these items and be prepared on all fronts.
