Most parents feel their child is the most adorable thing on the planet. But what if it’s not just you who thinks that way?
Perhaps your relatives or the other moms in your community have made comments about your child’s exceptionally good looks or demeanor. Your child’s photos could be generating a lot of likes and attention on social media or maybe an agent gave you his business card asking you if you’d think about making your kid a model. With these signals, should you consider getting your child into modeling?
Entering the modeling industry can be an overwhelming experience both kids and their parents alike. Before you send your kid’s application to a child modeling agency, consider asking yourself these questions.
Is your child photogenic
Your child looks like an angel in real life but to get your child into modeling, you also need to see how this equates to commercial photos or videos. Try taking a few photos of your child from different angles. Get your child to look up or down to see how your child appears in front of the camera and how your child responds to being around the equipment.
Does he enjoy having his picture taken
It is one thing for parents to love taking photographs of their little bundle of joy but that is different from your child wanting to be in front of the camera. There are kids who can smile and pose on command while others would rather hide.
Working in the modeling industry, even for young tots, can be exhausting and stressful. You don’t want to add more stress by forcing your child to perform if they don’t feel comfortable doing so. The results will also show in the photographs.
It will be difficult to produce great photos of your child if he looks miserable or having a bad day. As your child will be around lights, cameras, and adults they don’t know throughout the shoot, it is important to see how what he is like in a similar environment.
Is your schedule flexible
Being the parent of an aspiring model means being able to go at a moment’s notice. You could receive details of a shoot from a child modeling agency within a few days or even on the same day as the shoot itself. With plenty of other kids vying for the spot, saying you’re not available because of work or other responsibilities reduces your child’s chances of future work.
You also need to be as patient as your child. It is not uncommon for parents and their offspring to wait for hours for a shot that seems to last only minutes. At the other end of the spectrum, the shoot could last for more than a day and you need to be there for your child.
If you have a full-time job or perform daily tasks that are based on routine and established schedules, you may need to think twice about getting your child into modeling.
Does your child want to be a model
Talk to your child before canvassing the area for agencies. Shoots often involve long hours of waiting and playing it up to the camera on command. If your child gets easily bored or impatient, modeling may not be a good choice.
How to get your child into modeling
Did you say yes to these questions? If so, then modeling may be worth considering for your child. Here are a few tips to ensure you find the right agency.
Choose the modeling agency carefully
Landing a gig is not always assured but modeling agencies are there to help you and your child find the most suitable gigs for your child’s characteristics. Also, remember to check out reviews and testimonials from other parents. As your child will be working as a minor, you need to make sure that the agency you choose and the clients they work for are compliant with local laws.
Take good photos
You don’t need to spend exorbitant amounts of money to hire a professional photographer to take your child’s photos. What agencies (and clients) look for is potential and how they look in front of the camera.
Read the contract
Take the time to read the terms of the contract carefully. You need to ensure that your child’s rights are protected even while working for any client.
Modeling provides a unique experience for kids with the right personality. Make modeling fun and memorable by following these tips.
Author Bio
Adam Jacobs is the Managing Director of Bubblegum Casting, the longest-running agency specializing in babies, children and teen talent in Australia. Bubblegum Casting works with some of Australia’s biggest brands, media properties, and agencies to secure talented children to work in Television, Film and Modelling roles.
