Baby and Child Modeling

If you are trying to get your child or baby into the modeling
business, there are some things that you can do. A certain
degree of tenacity is usually required when trying to break
into the business, but if you have a youngster who is outgoing
and playful, you just may have the next Brooke Shields on your
hands! Then again, you may enjoy a couple of fashion shows
and a little print work and that is it. Keep a good grip on
reality and understand that the modeling business is fickle at
best. Today’s next hot thing is tomorrow’s has been. Let it
be fun and don’t take it too seriously.

* Beauty Pageants

Beauty pageants can be a great doorway for modeling because of
the networking aspect. Beauty pageant moms always have their
ear to the ground, scoping out new opportunities for their
little ones. You can cash in on that by networking with them
and finding out about casting calls and other prospects.
Pageants are much different from fashion modeling, but
pageants do have their strong points. Your child can win
scholarships through pageants and he or she will gain some
invaluable experience in being in front of crowds.

* Photo Contests

Photo contests are another great way to break into the
business. You simply enter your child’s photo in the contest
and often the photos are published. Some contests offer
exposure opportunities while others will put you and your
child in contact with agents. Exposure is your child’s best
friend if they want to pursue a career in modeling so national
photo contests are great. However, local contests can provide
tear sheets to put in your child’s portfolio and they can lead
to more print work or even runway and commercials.

* Check out Agencies

You can most certainly submit your child’s photos to agencies
in hopes of getting an interview. Know that this method does
not always work because agents receive hundreds of photos of
hopefuls each day. However, it may pay off and you won’t lose
anything by giving it a shot. Know, though, that you do not
have to spend a fortune on a professional photographer to take
pictures of your child to submit to agencies. You can send
snapshots (in fact, most agencies prefer snapshots to
professional photos) and a resume of any work that your child
has done as well as contact information.

* Start Local

If you are in a relatively large city, or even a mid size
city, you can begin by modeling locally. Some boutiques and
department stores use local models for their advertising in
print and TV commercials. This can give your child experience
and exposure. You will need to do a little foot work to find
out which stores use local models, but it can really pay off.
Flip through local publications and notice the businesses that
advertise. Those are the businesses that you want to
approach. You can make an appointment and bring photos as
well as a resume of your child’s experience.

* Research Expos and Fashion Shows

Expos and fashion shows will put your child in front of a live
audience – and sometimes in front of agents or other business
owners who are looking for models. Again, exposure is
invaluable when it comes to promoting a modeling career. When
you hear of an expo, such as a holiday expo or wedding expo
and contact the person who is over it. Ask them who is
coordinating the fashion show and get their contact
information (this is not a profession for the timid!). Get a
hold of the fashion show coordinator and let them know that
you have a child who is a model and you would like to get them
into the show. The thing to remember is that when you are
working local shows, sometimes there is pay attached to it and
sometimes there is not. Whatever the case, your child will
get great exposure and you can get photos of them “in action.”That is a great addition to their book.