Your photos should be in color, and a headshot, a full body shot, and a couple of candids. Try to look natural in the photos. Don’t wear any silly costumes or hats. Some agencies may ask for a composite card, which is a card that contains several small photos. Make sure that your parents write your name and theirs, as well as your age, hair color, eye color, clothing size, and address, on the back of each photo. Take photos that show off your personality. Don’t take shots where you’re looking away from the camera. [2] X Expert Source Traci HalvorsonModeling Agent Expert Interview. 28 May 2021.
While a modeling agency will take a certain percentage of the earnings that you make for a particular job as their fee, no reputable agency will ever ask for money upfront. In addition to a BBB rating, check the agency’s website to see their portfolio. You want to know that they’ve worked with impressive clients, whether local or national. If you don’t live in a major city, such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, chances are that you’ll be working with an agency that books jobs with smaller, local businesses. Search for modeling agencies that represent kids. [4] X Expert Source Traci HalvorsonModeling Agent Expert Interview. 28 May 2021.
When you’re talking to other child models about their agencies, ask how friendly the agents are and how comfortable they feel with the people from the agency. You should also ask how many jobs they’ve been able to get through the agency.
If you’re mailing your photos to an agency, you may also need to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for a reply. In most cases, you can expect to hear a response from the agencies you’ve submitted to in a month or so. They’ll either send a polite rejection letter or email, or contact your parents to set up a meeting.
If you’re nervous at a meeting, try to pretend that you’re just talking to a friend and not a modeling or casting agent. That may help take some of the pressure off. Your parents can sit with you for meetings, which may help you feel more comfortable. It may help to do a practice meeting or interview with an adult other than a family member. Your parents might ask one of their friends to ask you some questions, so you’re more comfortable for your appointment.
Another way to ensure that you give off a confident vibe is to go into meetings with a positive attitude. Assume that it’s going to go well, and the people you’re meeting with will be able to feel that.
Most agencies take approximately 20 percent of models’ earnings as their fee. Unless an agency wants you to sign an exclusive contract, which means you work solely with them, you can sign with multiple agencies. That can increase your chance of getting work.
You may have an appointment for a go-see, which means you can be in and out in as little as 15 minutes. However, if there’s a line, you may wind up waiting around for much longer. Because go-sees are necessary to get jobs, you must attend all the ones that your agent sends you to. Some days, you may have two go-sees, and other times, you may go weeks between go-sees. In some cases, you may receive a modeling job right after you attend a go-see. But it’s not uncommon to have to wait a couple of weeks to hear back.
In many cases, advertising firms and other clients are looking for very specific types of children. For example, they may want a redhead with freckles. If you don’t have that look, it doesn’t matter how cute or bubbly you are – you’re not going to get the job. It isn’t a reflection on you.
You should only continue to pursue modeling if it makes you happy. If the process stops being fun at any point, talk to your parents.
Practice photo sessions won’t just help you decide if you’ll enjoy modeling; they can help you feel more comfortable in front of the camera too. Make sure that your friend or family member gives you direction on how you should look in each photo because that’s what a professional photographer will do at a modeling photo shoot. For example, your friend might tell you to look calm and thoughtful in one shot and excited in another.
If you’re not sure whether you have the personality for modeling, ask yourself if you really like being the center of attention and are able to be yourself even when you’re around people who you don’t know very well. It’s also important to be able to take direction from others and to have enough patience to remain still for as long as 15 minutes when you’re a model.
It’s important to understand that allowing you to model requires a big commitment on your parents’ part. They’ll have to take you to casting calls and shoots, and wait around with you while you’re working so they’ll be giving up their time too. If your parents are actually the ones who bring up the idea of modeling, be sure that it’s something that you really want to do. Don’t let them push you into being a model if you’re not genuinely interested in it.
Consider making a deal with your parents that you’re only allowed to model if you get certain grades in school and do your part to help around the house. Many states require work permits for children under 18 who work as models or in other entertainment fields. When you meet with agencies, they can help you and your parents figure out what documentation you need to work. [16] X Trustworthy Source US Department of Labor Federal department responsible for promoting the wellbeing of workers Go to source
Some clients may try to have their photo shoots during the evenings and weekends, but many jobs will be during the weekday. That means you may have to miss school to model, so if you’re already behind in your classes, it may not be the best fit for you. Other photo shoots may require getting up very early and working before school, so make sure you’re willing to change your schedule to model. Because of all the waiting around on shoots, you should be sure to bring supplies to keep you busy. You might bring some schoolwork to do or books to read. It’s also a good idea to bring your favorite snacks and drinks.
Talk to your parents about the expectations for your modeling career. It’s important that everyone is on the same page. Many models don’t get paid a lot. Some get paid as little as ten dollars an hour.
