Seeking Modeling Agency for Teen

Do you want an actual agency for work, or modeling classes for fun? I ask because my friend's daughter is a professional model in New York now, but she started modeling here in town when she was 12. She's done Vogue, Seventeen, all sorts of ads and runway work. They didn't have to pay anyone for her to model--she sent some photos to agencies and had 10, yes, 10 agencies around the country fighting to sign her.

I think if you send some snapshots of your daughter (not professional posed pictures, but some you take) to a reputable agency (like Kim Dawson, for example), you'll get an idea whether your daughter has what it takes. And it won't cost you an arm and a leg. Check out their website to see what kind of photos they want and where to mail them.

Good luck to you!

Edited to add: I had a chance to ask my friend about this, and she said that you don't even need photos at first, just take your daughter to open call at the agency. If the agency likes her (and it depends on whether your daughter is tall enough or if they already have a few girls who look like her, so they don't need someone else with that look), they will send her for test shots. Those will cost some money, but not more than $200 or so.

Hope this helps.

Susan T asks a very pertinent question. Classes or actual work? If your daughter is serious about modeling then send some photos to agents as suggested. Models are hired to work. They don't pay to work. Anyone who asks you for money to "model" is running a scam. You might need some head shots but that is a minimal investment.

Modeling classes are a whole different ball of wax. KD studios is one of the most reputable but there are also community groups and not for profit organizations such as Junior Players who offer modeling classes all over the metroplex as part of their programming.

Whatever the case, be certain you watch out for your girl. There are lots of charletans out there.

Hi T.,
One of my former dance students modeled quite a bit here in the Dallas area (lots of print work). She never paid for classes - just got paid to work. I would follow the other posters' advice and send some pix to agencies.
HTH,
~Karen

Hi T.,
You might check with your local community centers or YMCA's for modeling classes for your daughter. Or one of the local colleges or community colleges that offer continuing education programs. They usually have a listing of activities for kids. The professional modeling schools can be very expensive and usually require a professional portfolio.

You might want to try KD Studio in Dallas. I know they use to offer modeling classes, but not sure how much they cost. They will also have a list of local agency that you can contact to try and sign your daughter. Good luck.