How to Get Started in Baby/Child Modeling
Adding to the college fund
If you have a child ages 0-18 months or 3+ years, keep reading.
Those are the ages that get modeling work. The terrible twos set in at 18 months; who can blame photographers for not wanting to work with an age group renowned for its tantrums?
Here are some general tips on what photographers look for:
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Very easygoing temperaments. if you’ve got a baby who wakes up smiling from her nap, that’s your perfect baby modeling personality.
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Small kids. if your child wears his age in clothing size or smaller, and also looks young, that means he can be cast at his age or younger. Physical development is HUGE at this stage of the game; photographers want to work with kids who can follow directions and are generally easier to deal with.
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Classic good looks. This is a tough one to quantify, but think Gerber baby. Chubby cheeks, big eyes and generally appealing. There is a market for exotic-looking models, particularly multi-ethnic ones, but it’s a smaller category so there is less work to go around.
Reality checks:
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Getting started in the modeling industry takes a lot of time. Open casting calls, last-minute go-sees, this can be a full-time job for a parent. And considering your child only gets paid IF she gets booked, that can often mean two trips; twice the travel expenses.
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Don’t expect to get rich. Models starting out in the industry typically do editorial spreads for magazines (e.g. not promoting a specific product), which pay about $100/hour for two hours. After the agency takes their cut, you get a check for $120. The real money? In bonuses.
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Finding your baby’s picture is like the world’s most annoying scavenger hunt. Do NOT expect to get notified where and when your child’s picture gets used. Also? Photographers typically double- or triple-book shoots since they can’t be sure a child will behave; your kid’s picture may not get used.
The good news:
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Living in an urban area like Hoboken is like hitting the location jackpot for baby modeling. Most casting calls and shoots take place on the lower west side of Manhattan (easy access via the Lincoln and Holland Tunnels) or at the Toys R Us studios located right up the hill in Union City.
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IF your baby makes it big, then the next step is film (ie. commercials and movies). That is where the real money is. Twins have a huge advantage. Typically most agencies are given one slot to fill for a commercial, so your kid would have to be ranked #1 in the agency for her age, ethnicity and size to be given the coveted spot.
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Pay rates increase as your child gets older, doubling after age 5 and tripling when they reach adolescence.
Still interested in pursuing a modeling career? Parents Magazine has a great listing of reputable baby modeling agencies. The Metro Moms Network also has a direct line to one of the top US child modeling agencies; FunnyFace Today! From now until December 15, 2011, entry form at http://metromoms.net/?p=545.
Tags: baby, child, modeling, parenting, toddler, urban living
I have a 4months old son name Kajmil Bivens and I would like to find a baby model agent for him. I want him to be a model. Doing commercial, magazine, fashion in clothing and any other.
I have a 2 years old baby name Nandini and I would like to find a baby model agent for her, I want him to be a model, Doing commercial, magazine, T.V. advertizing, fashion in clothing and any other.
I’m from Missouri and I was interested in baby modeling for my 3 month old daughter DaRhya
I have a six and a half month old daughter that I would like to get into modeling. I’m from Rhode Island and my child’s name is Julianna.
I have a one year old and i would love to put him in modeling . Right when he wakes up he brights up the room with the biggest smile.
i have 11 months old i would like put him in modeling or baby food or baby Pampers his name adam and his hansome
I have an 19month old name London. She is so bright full of energy and spirit. She loves to dance and make people laugh. Every person we pass by in public, she speaks and says hello to all. I would love see her model and with an Agent.
hi i have 5 months old baby name is ashiket im interested in modeling plz give me a chance thnx
Hsolo i have a six month old baby…and i get told he needs to do baby modeling…he is the perfect baby ever morning he wakes up with a smile and remington loves pictures..thank you for your time.
hello i have a 10 month old baby girl with big beautiful blue eyes a smile that will make u fall in love with her. her name is Sophia Rose she will be a a great model she when she smiles her eyes glow she also smiles with her eyes please let my baby model for you thanks
I have a 6 month old son named William Funk, He’s such a happy baby and I think he would do great as a model. I travel to hoboken everyday.
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I have a seven month old baby who is 11 lbs size 0-3 months. Beautiful hazel eyes and big chubby cheeks. I would love to get her into modeling!:)
Hi I have a 10month old babyboy happy go lucky baby loves the camera very easy going I am looking for a modelling agency.
1 year old ready to go!!!!
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7 month baby is a girl very happy, pretty grey eyes blonde haier
i have a baby of 2 years he is so cute & very fair & brown eyes and brown hair i am searching a modelling agency
I have a beautiful baby boy – age 21 months – blonde hair with big blue sparkly eyes. Loves the camera, says cheese, and ready to go.
How can I get my baby girl started in
I can’t take my 6 month old baby boy Isaiah anywhere without getting compliments, he is so sweet and adorable! He belongs on the cover of a magazine!!!!
Great article, & accurate. I am a mother of twins and I am also an experienced, working print model. Here’s my advice on getting your child into modeling. Hope it helps. Follow me on twitter for more advice. Good luck. http://voices.yahoo.com/get-child-into-modeling-five-simple-steps-11802147.html
Thanks for sharing the great article, glad to hear baby modeling is expanding outside the major metropolitan areas!
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I have a two year old little girl name Anysha and a three year old little boy name Nuroyea and I would like to get them in modeling acting. They both r good listeners and very talented. You would not be disappointed they are very cute babies and a good size for modeling. I would greatly appreciate it if u can help me find an agency for them.
I have a precious 5 month old little girl. She is a happy and good baby. With big bright eyes that will make you melt. Her pictures are priceless. And she think she can talk.
Hi i have a 9month old lil girl absaloutly loves taking pic smiles every time she see a phone i have her photos done often and she does amazing she has the cuttiest chubby cheeks every and a head full of black hair please help me find a agency for her
I have a 10month baby girl that’s about to be 1 in may i Wut love her to be in modeling
Boy
Light Skinned
Chubby
Giggly
5 months 1/2
22 pounds
22 inches
Easy going
Always smiling
call (951)210-3899
Located in Los Angeles,CA
My granddaughter is a very happy baby always smiling . She has big brown eyes straight black hair , she just adorable .
I have a 6 month old and she is the cuttiest thing ever I want someone to help me get started. Don’t know how to do all this stuff. I think she would do great at this. So if anyone would like to help please do so. Thank you so much.