Just about every parent thinks their baby is the most beautiful one in the world. But for those who are honestly considering modeling for your baby...today's post is for you.
So about getting your baby started in modeling.
A few words of advice:
-Be very cautious about where you go. Any "agency" that asks for money up front is a scam. If you're approached with a pitch that includes you cutting a check, just move on.
-It is completely possible to get started in the industry with virtually little or no out of pocket expense. I would highly recommend visiting OneModelPlace.com. It's a huge online community for the industry. You can find local photographers (many of which will help you build a portfolio for free). As with anything on the Internet, do your research before booking a shoot with anyone. Also, any photographer who claims you can't be present for your child's shoot is no one you want to work with.
-I would also take some logistics into consideration. Baby (and young child models) can end up living different lives than "everyday" children. Young kids tend to get bumps a bruises as they learn to walk etc. This can make them ineligible for work. I've seen parents limit their kids' activity (ie - indoor recess only at school and/or very strict playtime rules). That obviously is each parent's personal decision but depending on where your child gets signed or what client they end up modeling for, there can be tremendous pressure from the agency to "reduce the likelyhood that your child will get bumps and bruises". It's just something to bear in mind while your deciding how serious you want to take this.
The child market is more limited than the "mainstream" model market. Child labor laws limit how many hours they can work at a time etc. If your child isn't a twin you'll also be at a slightly lesser advantage. (Twins give a client twice the amount of work time with the "same model"). Not to say your baby can't find work - just be aware of the competition.Getting discovered doesn't necessarily require a portfolio or headshots but it will help. Check around for "Go Sees" where you can get face to face with a casting agent at an agency. Some people will suggest mailing in comp cards - while this can get you discovered bear in mind the reality that most agents have trouble getting through the mail their expecting everyday, let alone unsolicited stuff...and alot of the big agencies get them by the hundreds everyday.
KEY TIP: STAY AWAY from the Barbizon's, JRPs, Casablanca's and the Millie Lewis' of the world. These places are schools, not agencies. They're interested in your money, not your child's talent. They're a waste of time and money.There's alot more I can share with your if you're interested, just let me know.
A couple NY agencies that would be worthwhile trying to connect with if you're in that area:
-Ford (has a division specific for Children) and they often have casting calls.
-Wilhelmina Kids - DO NOT get them confused with the Wilhelmina Scouting Network (WSN). WSN is a scam.
-Product - Located in NY
I'm sure there are others (especially in the NY area). Working with photographers that you network with through OMP will be a good resource also at finding qualified agencies in your area.And alot of the parenting/baby mags host "cutest baby" contests. Sending in pictures and competing for that cover model position is always fun and a good way to try and break into the industry as well.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Friday, September 5, 2008
Staying objective = don't get scammed
Today I want to talk briefly about staying objective when getting started in modeling and why it's so important.
The common mistake most models just starting out make is getting caught up in the possibility of getting discovered. The sad thing is, the scam companies and the cons out there know this. If you're an independent model trying to get discovered getting an email from a photographer or an agency interested in you is an exciting thing.
So you get this email from someone and they're interested in working with you and all you're thinking about is of all the millions of models out there they contacted me. And so often after that all matters of common reason seem to fly out the window.
Anytime you get a work offer from someone that you don't know, never heard of or is completely unsolicited don't let your guard down. Approach all these offers with a level of skepticism that will keep you from getting scammed. Ask questions, ask for references (and check them). If things just don't sound quite right or too good to be true - there's a good chance that it is. Models get taken advantage of alot simply because they move too fast without thinking.
This is where having an agent is a big help because they can be that objective person and make sure you don't move to quick into something and miss warning signs. If you don't have an agent though running opportunities by a second a opinion can be a good idea.
Regardless of your age your parents can be a good place to go for objective advice (providing their supportive of your modeling). If you're under 18 it's pretty much required. They've been around longer than you and can help you screen leads to make sure you take safe qualified offers.
The common mistake most models just starting out make is getting caught up in the possibility of getting discovered. The sad thing is, the scam companies and the cons out there know this. If you're an independent model trying to get discovered getting an email from a photographer or an agency interested in you is an exciting thing.
So you get this email from someone and they're interested in working with you and all you're thinking about is of all the millions of models out there they contacted me. And so often after that all matters of common reason seem to fly out the window.
Anytime you get a work offer from someone that you don't know, never heard of or is completely unsolicited don't let your guard down. Approach all these offers with a level of skepticism that will keep you from getting scammed. Ask questions, ask for references (and check them). If things just don't sound quite right or too good to be true - there's a good chance that it is. Models get taken advantage of alot simply because they move too fast without thinking.
This is where having an agent is a big help because they can be that objective person and make sure you don't move to quick into something and miss warning signs. If you don't have an agent though running opportunities by a second a opinion can be a good idea.
Regardless of your age your parents can be a good place to go for objective advice (providing their supportive of your modeling). If you're under 18 it's pretty much required. They've been around longer than you and can help you screen leads to make sure you take safe qualified offers.
Monday, September 1, 2008
The truth about modeling in NY
The truth about modeling in New York (and other major markets)
Everyone that wants to model, has started modeling or even has been modeling for a while dreams of "making it big in New York" or LA or Chicago or {fill in the blank of any major modeling market}.
So often I hear from people who haven't even started yet ask how they can get discovered by agencies like Ford, IMG and Trump. Or they plan to move to NYC so they can start their modeling career.
While these are good goals they're not always the most realistic - especially if you're just starting out with no experience or portfolio. And don't discount your local area. Just becuase you don't live in NYC or LA doesn't mean you can't find work. There's work all over the country (Limited Brands, parent company of Limited/Express, Victoria's Secret, Bath and Body Works, Bigelow, Henri Bendel, La Senza and White Barn Candle is located in Columbus OH). And honestly, you've got a much better chance and finding work (and potentially more work) outside of a saturated market.
The fact of the matter is this: In saturated markets like NYC, LA etc you're competing for a spot with a MAJOR agency. You're one of several thousand model hopefuls all gunning for the same spot. The ratio of work opportunities to models is WAY out of proporation.
And from the agency's perspective, when you have that many models to choose from you can afford to be extremely picky. And based on that, going in - with no representation, no experience and no portfolio those already in posession of those things will be first pick. Not to say it's impossible, people have been picked up by agencies off the sidewalk but bear in mind this is NOT common practice.
Instead of shooting straight for the top build a portfolio first and get some experience. Visit places like OneModelPlace.com. You can network, find local photographers (who will help you build a portfolio for free) and depending on your area even book some work. And for models, it's free to join. As with anything on the Internet, DO YOUR RESEARCH. Check references before working with anyone and always bring an escort with you to any shoot.
Once you have a portfolio and some experience under your belt then start looking at places like Ford and IMG - at least then when you're standing along side these other models you'll have an established portfolio and resume to help give you and edge.
Everyone that wants to model, has started modeling or even has been modeling for a while dreams of "making it big in New York" or LA or Chicago or {fill in the blank of any major modeling market}.
So often I hear from people who haven't even started yet ask how they can get discovered by agencies like Ford, IMG and Trump. Or they plan to move to NYC so they can start their modeling career.
While these are good goals they're not always the most realistic - especially if you're just starting out with no experience or portfolio. And don't discount your local area. Just becuase you don't live in NYC or LA doesn't mean you can't find work. There's work all over the country (Limited Brands, parent company of Limited/Express, Victoria's Secret, Bath and Body Works, Bigelow, Henri Bendel, La Senza and White Barn Candle is located in Columbus OH). And honestly, you've got a much better chance and finding work (and potentially more work) outside of a saturated market.
The fact of the matter is this: In saturated markets like NYC, LA etc you're competing for a spot with a MAJOR agency. You're one of several thousand model hopefuls all gunning for the same spot. The ratio of work opportunities to models is WAY out of proporation.
And from the agency's perspective, when you have that many models to choose from you can afford to be extremely picky. And based on that, going in - with no representation, no experience and no portfolio those already in posession of those things will be first pick. Not to say it's impossible, people have been picked up by agencies off the sidewalk but bear in mind this is NOT common practice.
Instead of shooting straight for the top build a portfolio first and get some experience. Visit places like OneModelPlace.com. You can network, find local photographers (who will help you build a portfolio for free) and depending on your area even book some work. And for models, it's free to join. As with anything on the Internet, DO YOUR RESEARCH. Check references before working with anyone and always bring an escort with you to any shoot.
Once you have a portfolio and some experience under your belt then start looking at places like Ford and IMG - at least then when you're standing along side these other models you'll have an established portfolio and resume to help give you and edge.
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