Child Modeling

M.,

I've posted here a few times regarding child modeling. My children model. Please e-mail me privately. I'll be very candid with you and help you in any way I can. Two of the previous posts said some things that are very important. #1, NEVER pay up front costs. #2, The Kim Dawson Agency and The Campbell Agency are really the only 2 agents in town that are reputable and will actually secure modeling jobs for your daughter.

Someone else said to pay for acting classes. Don't do that!! Wait to see if your daughter likes modeling or acting before you go through any classes. Those classes can be very expensive. Also, if you work full time, you will either have to take off a lot of time from your job, or get someone else to take your daughter to jobs. She could work as much as 5 times a week or as little as 4 times a year.

Again, e-mail me privately and I will be happy to help you.

*************************************************************** After reading another post, I had to add this: DO NOT go to a photo studio and participate in their modeling contests....not if you are serious about modeling. The photo studio is just trying to market themselves and make money from people who are curious about the modeling business. The other post said that you could win a "scholarship" to a modeling school. I used to work at Barbizon modeling school and just like John Robert Powers, they are a rip-off. They ARE NOT a modeling agency and CAN NOT secure modeling jobs. Please e-mail me if you want to talk further. I truly hate to see people waste their money and/or get scammed. I can't promise you anything either, but I can steer you in the right direction. My children have been in the business for 7 years and I did some modeling and acting YEARS ago. Please dont' take advice from anyone who is not in the business or has no ties to a reputable agent.

Honestly, the only thing you can do is go to Kim Dawson and The Campbell Agency websites. They tell you where to submit photos of you child with what information they need. Then, all you can do is send your daughter's snapshots and if they can use her they will contact you.

Listen to Michelle D. My husband was a child model and did most of his work between 6-15 years of age. I also have been modeling, and my Mom was a model for 30+ years. Never, never pay ANY costs. If they want you, they will pay all costs. I worked with Kim Dawson. They have a great kids division. Again, I would contact Michelle D. she has kids doing this and can give you the best advice.

Whatever you decide remember this ALWAYS..... Never pay for ANYTHING up front and check the companies refrences. Be sure to check with the BBB. I took my daughters to a so called Modeling Agent and he had photos of himself with famous stars like Steve Harvey and Brad Pitt only to hear him quote a $2000.00 starting fee AND $500.00 head shot fee. BE CAREFUL!!!N.

This topic has come up here several times, but typically for younger children. At age 6 your daughter should express for herself the desire to do this. Modeling and acting is really hard work with long hours. If she really seems interested, and not just others suggesting it, then go ahead and send in some snapshots to reputable agents. If anyone asks for money, RUN AWAY! They should only earn money as a commission to work your child does. I highly suggest calling an acting coach (even if you are only interested in modeling). A few acting sessions will help her with technical details of being in front of a camera. I love Cathryn Hartt www.harttandsoul.com She also knows all the local agents and can point you in the right direction. Let me know if you have any specific questions. I am an actress, but I have so far chosen not to get my son into it.

Hello Melisa,
I don't know where you live, but I work with different models and one of the agencies that we work very close with is calle Kim Dawson, they have kids models and they are very professional. You should google and maybe set up an appoinment with them for your child. It does not hurt to try and it would be something interesting for your child.
Good luck

My daughter was "Spotted" in the mall by an "agent. She happened to be in town searching for new talent. We went to the audition she asked us to attend and my daughter was "accepted" and offered a spot in her model search show in CA. Daughter was elated and so excited to go to CA. THEN......

My daughter was devastated because we were expected to pay all of our expenses to get to and from LA plus pay this agency $600 for the "opportunity".

I am a former model and you should NEVER, EVER pay anything.

Susan

All I can say is BE CAREFUL.

Studio One to One is having a modeling contest. If you send me your regular email address I can forward you the add. The prizes are a photo portfolio and a scholarship to a modeling agency. This would at least give you a start and you can talk to the people at the studio and maybe they can help you with questions.

J.