Baby Modeling

ctymom wrote: Has anyone done this with their baby? Not the pagent stuff. I couldnt do that. But things like print ads, tv, etc.

I've been searching the web for info, but there's nothing like first hand knowledge.

Pamela

kimberley replied: i have always thought about it but never knew where to look for information. plus, there are sooooooo many scams out there, i am skeptical of these modeling places. let us know what you find.

Boys r us replied: Tanner, my oldest, did modeling at a toddler.
He did several print adds for kid's clothing, a calendar and a Nestle's commercial.

It was interesting to say the least, but it was very hectic. It ended when he came to me at 4 and said,"mommy, I don't want to model anymore..it gives me a headache" Haa ..I was actually glad to hear it b/c it gave me a headache too!
It was always so rushed, for instance in a 48 hour time frame, we were here in VA, flew to CA and did the shoot, then flew back to VA.
It was just too much, especially with me working full time.

DansMom replied: I've heard that it's a huge time commitment, with lots of travel, and many moms decide against it when they find that out.

Maddie&EthansMom replied: Maddie's friend is a model/actress. We are very close to Dallas so that helps. We talked about it last year. She thought I should try to get Maddie in. So, we sent off pictures, etc and she got a call back. They were full in her category, but would put her pictures on file. In order to get her in I would have to keep calling back...I got pregnant and lost touch. It is more work for the mom than it is for the child. You basically have to drop everything to take your child to a go see. Especially at first. You really don't want to turn anything down.

She still thinks I should get Maddie in, but I just don't know if I am up for it.

PM me if you have certain questions and maybe I can answer them for you. If you are really that interested I can tell you what to avoid.

ETA: I wouldn't get anything off the internet

amynicole21 replied: There is a lot of info at this site to give you an idea of the commitments:

Child Modeling/Acting

Look at the link at the top of the page called C.A.M.era ready kids for FAQs. I thought about getting Sophia into it, but I work full time and can't imagine it would be easy for us to do

My2Beauties replied: My mom took Hanna to the flea market with her one day and had a modeling agency actually stop her and asked for my address and name so they could send me some information regarding child modeling. The lady told my mom to beg me to call her about Hanna! I thought about it, but the cost of their portfolio alone is outrageous. It costs more money to get them into it in the beginning and right now that just isn't in our budget. I would love to do it but between working full time and going to school three nights a week I don't thinK I would have the time to take Hanna.

I think it's great if you have the time, it allows your child to interact with different people and they learn to not be so shy! However, I wouldn't make it the child's career and get into pagaents (I know you said you weren't thinking about that anyways) because personally I think 4 year olds with gobs of make-up and fancy dresses parading down the runway like they're 21 is absurd!

Heather replied: many people tell me I should Alison in modeling. I just don't think I have the time or energy to do it. I think it would be cool...just an experience alone would be amazing...but I am afraid of what the future would hold. It is a lot of pressure for them especially as they get older and have to keep up a certain look, weight, etc....

amynicole21 replied: Hannasmommy, you don't need a portfolio at first. Just send in some home snapshots (not professional pics) and a brief cover letter. Anyone who wants you to pay for their services is NOT legit.

My2Beauties replied:

I didn't realize that, I thought with most places you have to pay them to do a portfolio or something like that? Thanks for the info, maybe I can reconsider now.

ctymom replied: Thanks for the info and sharing your stories. And yes, the one thing I've got from all the reading is that ANY place that wants money up front... are NOT legit! Especially for children. They grow so fast that the picture you take today won't work in a few months anyway as far as their current look Especially in the first 2 years. The sites all say to take your own shots at home so they are natural looking. Just be sure they dont have other family members, animals, etc. So the main focus is your child. They want some body shots and a head shot.

The Picture People really took some great shots of Erica that I will use. So if you need to get your baby's picture taken anyway... a place like that would be great. But only if you wanted pictures done for family..not just for the portfolio.

Here is a site to find info. I wont really trust online agencies (like someone posted) but it's a good place to read all about it anyway.

Baby Modeling

Fords Modeling - Childrens

Thanks for the link to parents place.... I'm off to give it a look-see.

thanks again!
Pamela

Boys r us replied: Amy is correct, if any company asks for participation fees or to have portfolio's done on your own, then they are not legit!!!!

Josie83 replied: I've been approached a couple of times since Cassie was a baby to see if I would put her up for modelling but I said no . . . for one thing she hates getting dressed up and for another I just don't want her doing it, she might resent me for it later! Its just my personal view, I don't have a problem with anyone else having their child do it, but my mother used to make my two sisters and one of my brothers do it a bit when we were younger and we didn't like it . . . but then again she is the oushiest least sentimental mother I know so maybe we're not a good example! Do whatever feels right for you, pamela! let us know what you decide xx (Hope this post makes sense)

ctymom replied:
Hi Josie... thanks for another veiw on this. I understand completely. I wont do this if Erica seems the least bit uninterested. I dont want to torcher her with my own 'fantasies' so to speak. She likes to take rides and see people and show off and get attention already so I figured she might like it. Worth a try and who knows...get a college savings going. But yeah, it would be awful to do this if the child doesnt like it. So I certainly wouldnt force the issue. Plus a BIG issue would be troubles if she ever stayed in this. I really dont want her to go into this later on. Just as a child b/c I fear the whole possibility of eating disorders in modeling. Granted that's way down the road.. but i've been down it and dont want her to deal with it ever!

I just sent out for some home shots on 5x7. So we'll see what happens.

Thanks for all the feedback

Pamela

ctymom replied: Hello again,

I wanted to share a page I set up for Erica. I dont plan on doing anything on the internet but I design webpages and love to play around with different designs

Erica Lynn's Portfolio

Any feedback on the photo's would be great!

Pamela

mummy2girls replied: People tell me i should try putting jenna in modeling. But i am kinda iffy about it. I know it takes alot of work on both moms and the kids. Very time consuming. Let us know how it goes.

I just get mad when some moms get overboard and make thier kids continue on with it even if they dont want to.