Babies are by nature adorable and more often than not, parents will receive compliments from friends, family and even strangers that reinforce the notion of how cute and charming their child is. After repeatedly hearing such glowingly positive feedback, some parents may start to wonder if perhaps their child could be a baby model. While being beautiful is certainly a plus, child modeling agencies are looking for a myriad of additional qualities such as a cheerful, affable disposition, a sparkling personality and that "special something" that makes a baby unique and photogenic.
Instructions
Get Started in Baby Modeling
1. Determine the level of time, effort and commitment you have to bring your child into the world of baby modeling. As with teenage and adult modeling, your baby will have to be signed with an agency who can set him or her up with auditions and "go-sees" for potential baby modeling jobs. These auditions are held during the workday and there can be a handful of other contenders just as easily as there may be a few hundred other hopefuls. Some auditions have long lines and a good deal of waiting around before your baby will be seen by the director or casting department. Before deciding to pursue a modeling career for your baby, ensure that you have a flexible schedule that allows you to regularly take your child to auditions. Also bear in mind that baby modeling is highly competitive and no matter how attractive and wonderful your child is, there are no guarantees of success in the industry.
2. Take photos of your baby to send to local child modeling agencies. It is best to take a few basic, straightforward shots of your baby that show him in a natural setting. Avoid using backdrops, props and toys in the photo. The baby should be dressed in a simple outfit that is neither distracting nor ornate. Remember, the point is to capture the child's smile and personality and to let that shine through. Take several photos, both head shots and full body shots. Every agency is different, however, all are looking for babies who are friendly and personable, have a "spark" that draws attention and a child who is easygoing. Many agencies are also interested in babies who have unique features or an unusual or exotic look that commands attention.
3. Research local child modeling agencies in your area. Agencies should be registered with the Better Business Bureau, have an outstanding reputation in the industry and most important of all, they should never ask for any money upfront. Reputable modeling agencies earn their money by obtaining jobs for your child and collecting a commission from that employment. Make a list of several agencies that appeal to you and begin sending them photos. Include two to three different images of your child and be sure to write your name and contact information on the back of each photo. It is also important to include your child's name, age and clothing size. When sending the pictures include a brief letter or note to the agency that also contains this information.
If an agency is interested in possibility representing your baby, they will call you and your baby in for an interview and take some test photos. It's important to be prompt for your interview because it shows that you are on time and responsible, two qualities that are imperative when it comes to bringing your baby to auditions.
4. Once your baby has been signed by an agency they will begin contacting you about potential modeling opportunities and send you to castings in the area.The available jobs can be for anything from local store ads to supermarket fliers, clothing retailers and TV ads to regional magazines and more. These modeling "go-sees" as they're called are often crowded with up to a few hundred children vying for one or two jobs. They may take a Polaroid or digital photo of your child once you're there, but bring a few extra photos just in case they request one. Be sure that your child's name, your name and the modeling agency contact information is written on the back of the photo.
5. Consider sending your child's photos to reputable, well known modeling agencies in a major metropolitan area like NYC or Los Angeles if she becomes extremely successful locally. Should your child be accepted by such an agency you'll want to visit or even temporarily relocate to see if she has the potential to be successful in a major advertising and media hub. By virtue of being in the center of the modeling world your child stands the best chance of landing high-paying contracts with major clothing retailers, national advertising campaigns and television programs as well as motion pictures.
