Alex Davenport wrote:
She says she wants to model and she really is cute/beautiful enough to do it.

She is three and she said she wants to model?!  Someone is determined!

Does she need a portfolio of professional photos before I take her to an agency?

No.

Where can I find good photographers who shoot child models?

Call me.  But only after you talk to the agent.  Try TCM in Seattle and talk to Melissa (head booker) 206-728-4826, or email her pictures to them; Melissa's email address is on their website.  They would generally keep kids this young on file; now, note that there are only very limited amount of jobs for this age, and even fewer legitimate agencies here that deal with this age group.

I don't just want to go to a typical JC Penny/ Macy's type of place to get her photos- I want them to be creative and different enough while still satying in the cute/commercial area of photos that children are used for. Do you know any photographers on here who shoot with children or where I could find some who do? Thanks!

Well, once the agent has figured out what your daughter needs, they will send you to the group of photographers that she could test with, which could be me.  Expect to pay for compcards, photos, portfolio book, web exposure etc.

But before that, read this:  http://www.newmodels.com/child.html

Hope this helps.

EDIT:  I just noticed that you are in Spokane, not in Seattle.  You may want to figure out which agency reps kids in the area.  Seattle may be too far of a drive for her to get work and go to castings.  Just a quick note.

lll wrote:

Alex Davenport wrote:
She says she wants to model and she really is cute/beautiful enough to do it.

She is three and she said she wants to model?!  Someone is determined!

Does she need a portfolio of professional photos before I take her to an agency?

No.

Call me.  But only after you talk to the agent.  Try TCM in Seattle and talk to Melissa (head booker) 206-728-4826, or email her pictures to them; Melissa's email address is on their website.  They would generally keep kids this young on file; now, note that there are only very limited amount of jobs for this age, and even fewer legitimate agencies here that deal with this age group.

Well, once the agent has figured out what your daughter needs, they will send you to the group of photographers that she could test with, which could be me.  Expect to pay for compcards, photos, portfolio book, web exposure etc.

But before that, read this:  http://www.newmodels.com/child.html

Hope this helps.

Thanks very much!! That is helpful. Yes, she is very determined. She is just such a ham and when we escorted one of my friend's to a shoot, my daughter was so happy to be there and wanted to shoot so badly that the photog took some cute photos of her. She picked out exactly where and how she wanted to pose. She's hilarious Thanks again!

Thanks very much!! That is helpful. Yes, she is very determined. She is just such a ham and when we escorted one of my friend's to a shoot, my daughter was so happy to be there and wanted to shoot so badly that the photog took some cute photos of her. She picked out exactly where and how she wanted to pose. She's hilarious Thanks again!

My daughter is just over two and does the same thing, it's so cute what a cheeseball she can be. She's constantly told how she should model, that she looks like a little doll, she's the most beautiful baby ever, and she totally eats it all up. I should really look into this as well because at least for now I think she'd really enjoy it.

little apple blossom wrote:

Thanks very much!! That is helpful. Yes, she is very determined. She is just such a ham and when we escorted one of my friend's to a shoot, my daughter was so happy to be there and wanted to shoot so badly that the photog took some cute photos of her. She picked out exactly where and how she wanted to pose. She's hilarious Thanks again!

My daughter is just over two and does the same thing, it's so cute what a cheeseball she can be. She's constantly told how she should model, that she looks like a little doll, she's the most beautiful baby ever, and she totally eats it all up. I should really look into this as well because at least for now I think she'd really enjoy it.

I love it

Shannon Fontaine wrote:
can't speak for any other market but here in nashville I shoot a fair number of child actor/model headshots, usually the mom's get pro shots after they've landed some kind of representiation - since kids change so quickly (my twelve year old was three about a week and half ago, I swear) you would usually just use some good snapshots or something from a family portrait sitting to show to an agency, then get the better quality stuff after someone has expressed an interest in sending your child out on auditions.

A really good resource would be the moms at any audition you might go to, find the ones who look like they might have been at it awhile and ask them, they'll know who the good phtographers and agencies are in your market, trust me.


Best of luck.

Thanks!!

Dan Howell wrote:
I have shot a lot of children's fashion and commercial projects over the years (www.danhowell.com).  My experience has been mostly based in New York City, but my observation is that child modeling is even more market-orieted or regionally-specific than fashion and commercial grown-up modeling.  While there are children all over the country, there are markets for child modeling in only a few of the major cities like: NYC, Miami, LA, Chicago and to lesser extent Dallas and Atlanta.  Every major city will have an advertising market, but it will only be occasional for child models. You would really have to discover if there is a thriving commercial photography/advertising market in the area you live or can easily commute to. 

I'm not trying to be discouraging, but considering the rate of pay for child models versus the expense (for both of you) to attend numerous castings and go-sees for each project the pay-off is really not a motivation in the smaller markets.  I certainly have seen thriving careers spring from a start in child modeling.  I personally shot both Lindsey Lohan and Mischa Barton when they were child models with Ford here in NYC.  However, the odds are considerably against it.  I would question anyone who tells you differently.

If you are still considering it.  A simple, clear photograph of her face and one full-length, should be enough to send to legitimate modeling agencies.  Unfortunately there are many bogus agencies that prey on parents and sell sub-standard portfolios just they do with like women models.  Please approach with care.  You can message me if you have specific questions.

Thanks for the info. So far, it seems like I should only do it if I happen to end up moving to a major market city. When I get out of school, I will be moving, so I will consider all of this.

glitterguru wrote:
HI...Yep...both my 2 year old and my four year old want to be a model too, the girls have been at my shoots since they were in utero...they are both total hams and LOVE cameras...they put on there on little shoots with each other it's hillarious!

...we live here in LA..but even here the pay is nothing....I photograph children as well....and the pay is usually around $50 to $125 an hour....through an agency (which is mine is not modeling professionally...except with me...LOL)...and they don't last long...so it's usually only for about 1-3 hours...so not much money there after the agents cut...

if she likes the camera I would go for movies and commercials..much better pay when you get a hit in that arena....

feel free to contact me...if you want more info...

best,
GG

Thanks!

Alex Davenport wrote:

little apple blossom wrote:

Thanks very much!! That is helpful. Yes, she is very determined. She is just such a ham and when we escorted one of my friend's to a shoot, my daughter was so happy to be there and wanted to shoot so badly that the photog took some cute photos of her. She picked out exactly where and how she wanted to pose. She's hilarious Thanks again!

My daughter is just over two and does the same thing, it's so cute what a cheeseball she can be. She's constantly told how she should model, that she looks like a little doll, she's the most beautiful baby ever, and she totally eats it all up. I should really look into this as well because at least for now I think she'd really enjoy it.

I love it

You're not too far away if you find an agency for her that you like let me know, I would really appreciate it. Maybe our girls can shoot together sometime, I'm sure it'd be precious.

little apple blossom wrote:

Alex Davenport wrote:

little apple blossom wrote:

Thanks very much!! That is helpful. Yes, she is very determined. She is just such a ham and when we escorted one of my friend's to a shoot, my daughter was so happy to be there and wanted to shoot so badly that the photog took some cute photos of her. She picked out exactly where and how she wanted to pose. She's hilarious Thanks again!

My daughter is just over two and does the same thing, it's so cute what a cheeseball she can be. She's constantly told how she should model, that she looks like a little doll, she's the most beautiful baby ever, and she totally eats it all up. I should really look into this as well because at least for now I think she'd really enjoy it.

I love it

You're not too far away if you find an agency for her that you like let me know, I would really appreciate it. Maybe our girls can shoot together sometime, I'm sure it'd be precious.

Will do!

Michael Anthony wrote:
my 3 year old daughter loves shooting pics of models... maybe they can TFCD?  =P

good luck with that though... with the right agency, she can make some decent coin...

haha how cute would that be? Thanks though!

Vixen Intoxia wrote:
I only shoot them if theyre obnoxious

Vixen

lol

Jeremy Grey wrote:
I've taken several.  I love working with them.  They (if not tired) are generally very excited to be in front of the camera if you know how to work them!

Luv yer pix btw!  BEA-utiful!

Thanks!!