Hello fellow mothers. I have a 16 month old daughter. Ever since she was a baby, everyone has always told me how beautiful she is. Of course, every baby is and I didn't think much about it. Now that she is older, and is developing more of her personality people tell me more. People ask if I am going to get her into modeling. I get it ALL the time so of course, now I am beginning to wonder if it would be a good idea. My question is (I live in Florida), does anyone know how/where to start. I know it's impossible to just search the internet, there are so many scams. There are a billion baby contests, but they all cost. A few fees here and there are not a problem, if I know they are legit, and worth it. I would also like to know anyone's experiences. Has anyone tried to have their young child begin this path and regretted it? I wold like any advice/experiences, good or bad. I think maybe, it would be something that when she is older, she may be happy I did. And of course, something that I would never force on her.
As far as I know--and that is admitedly not much--it's easiest when you live near a major city. D.C., L.A., NYC, Dallas. That's where the legit major modelling agencies are. You might want to ask Parents magazine where they get their baby models from. At least that could steer you in the right direction.
I think that it would be fine, if you can find a real agency. I would definitely advise against any baby contests. I don't have any experience from a parent's point of view, but one of my good childhood friends was in beauty contests since she was 2, and I think it had a terrible effect on her. She was always overly conscious of her physical appearance, even in early grade school. And she suffered from anorexia as a teenager.
In your search for a legitimate agency, I would search the yellow pages (yellowpages.com) and then research any possibilities through the better business bureau (bbb.org).
Hi R.,
Im sure your daughter is beautiful and you are very proud but just be very careful. I doubt there is a parent out there who hasn't heard the compliments from strangers - my husband and I hear it everytime we take our 2 year old daughter out in public, its nice to hear occasionally but sometimes I think kinda creepy.
I personally know one mother who went down that modelling path with her daughter - and she was a stunning child - but it really ended up in total heartache for all involved. Im sure there is great success stories out there but Im also positive they are a tiny percentage.
I agree with Andi. Contact a legitimate magazine or agency in a major city and find out where you can send photos. From what I have been told they will not ask you for professional photos or money if they are 100% legitimate.
Good Luck!
Check out World of Kids Agency. They're a legitimate child modeling agency based out of Miami.
http://www.worldofkidsagency.com/
If you click on "Model Services" it will give you information about where to send photos.
It's funny that you posted this because my husband and I were talking about this yesterday for our 16 month old son! People tell us all the time that we should enter him in contests or try to get him to model but we have no idea how to go about it.
The only thing I've seen that doesn't cost is open contests in the mall, but we are yet to try one of those.
I hope you get some informative feedback because you're not alone in your search.
Good Luck!
Hi R.,
I have some experience in this field. I use to model (since I was about 2 until about 22). I lived in NJ and then moved to Mami when I was older to do it right, but most experiences are similar despite the state. First of all you have to remember....give NO MONEY AT ALL. If they ask for money...I GARUNTEE it is A SCAM! Think of it this way....it is a business, if they are truely interested they are because they know they will make money with your daughter (and for her if you have a decent agent!). If they see dollar signs in her they will front the money for her pictures, book, shoots, tests, castings,etc. They will see her as an investment. There are no fees that you should have to pay ever, etc. If it's a scam (and there are PLENTY of them) they will be very persuasive about making excuses to get your mony, but remember that this is what the do to make a living, so DON"T give any to them. If you find an honest agency (and they're out there too, just not in as mass quantities as the scams) and they're interested, then you have a shot so GOOD LUCK :-) Thats the buiness end of it. In my experience it was a tough business with tons of rejection, so make sure nothing is ever taken personally, but it was also the best and most rewarding experience of my life. As with anything it has its pluses and minuses, but as long as your daughter enjoys it I would say stick with and know that it takes time sometimes.Some kids love it and were made for it...others never really like it. So I would at least give it a shot. If she doesn't like it you can always opt out in the end, but if u don't try it and she may have loved it you will never know. But that's only my opinion...do what u think and feel is right as her mother. If you and your daughter are true to yourself (which is challenging in the biz) you will be fine and have a blast! Good luck and have fun :-)
P.s. Remeber to always do your research before accepting any offer. I don't just mean on the internet either b/c thats where most faulty businesses can look professional. Ask to speak with current clients, check out the BBB, credentials, recent work (magazine prints, ads, etc) they have done with children, etc. It will be worth your time in the end. As I also agree with the mothers before me...it is a good idea to send pics into major agencies in major cities. Most are well established and credited businesses. they do well because they know what they are doing and have experience. And sending in some pics are FREE! (they will always want a head shot (close up) and full body....along with possible other suggestions...and most times simple polaroids are best!
