A babies hair, smile, teeth, change all the time, so the recommended age I found to start a portfolio of sorts is around 3 or 4 years of age, after the physical changes do not come as quickly.

What kind of pictures do you need? well, thats simple. Most people will choose babies based on the head shot and smile. Some good, simple snapshots should do the trick.

I have seen many pictures where parents TRY to make the child look even cuter by using props, makeup, etc… That is not what the casting directors are looking for so there is no reason to do that, especially when you are not sure what the casting directors are looking for.

Do not dress the child up in strange or unique costumes. Do not use too many props. Do not have the child wear hats, sunglasses or anything that may cover the child. It should be that simple to put together a good picture set (child portfolio) to send out for your kid. For more kid jobs check out the kid auditions and the teen auditions.

By JUJU CHANG, MABLE CHAN and IMAEYEN IBANGA

It takes more than just good looks to launch a baby’s modeling career. The business of baby modeling can be as competitive as its adult counterpart, with agencies looking for the right combination of physical features and attitude.

Matt and Mary Towning believe their eight-month-old son Parker has what it takes to be a model. Mary said her infant son reminds her of the babies featured in Gap advertisements.

“Every time he sees people he laughs; he smiles,” she said. “I think his best trait is his personality.”

So, the Townings decided to submit Parker’s photos to Product Modeling Agency in New York City to see if their baby could make his modeling debut.

The fact Parker even got to the casting call meant he already passed the initial screening and was picked from a pool of 500 other tiny hopefuls, based on his looks alone.

But, then it was time to face the judges. For the next two hours they would see 100 babies and each, including Parker, would have only one minute to make a lasting impression.

The cuties have to impress Product Model Management vice president Amanda Blaire, who has stringent criteria for her clients.

“They’ve gotta impress us. I know it’s a quick second, but that’s the way it is,” Blaire said.

Part of putting on a good face is not cracking or crying under the pressure.

“If a child comes in and my first instinct is, ‘Oh, that’s a beautiful baby,’ and then they’re just crying and whining,” Blaire said. “Once a baby cries in an open call, it does hurt their reputation.”

Blaire said a baby who cries in a casting call would certainly cry on a photo shoot set.

Before Parker went in, his parents predicted he’d do well.

“I think he’ll do OK, but there’s a ton of cute kids here,” Matt said.

Parker went in and didn’t shed a tear. He showed some interest in the camera lens recording him and smiled from time to time.

“He seems to do well with other people,” Blaire said.

But, Parker didn’t make it to the top five. However, the agency will make its final choice of up to 20 babies in the coming days and Parker still has a shot at booking a job.

read the rest of the ABC story “Americas next baby model”

If you are not a baby, you can check out America’s Next Top Model Tryouts

Be your own acting and modeling agent

In the age of the internet, a really good bet is being your own acting agent. There are great sites that charge a small monthly fee to give you access to the auditions and casting database.

The way these companies work is they do all the legwork for you in finding and compiling lists of every casting call and audition available on the planet, then matching the auditions to clients. They have 100’s of people who update the database on an hourly basis sometimes. That is what the fee is for!

Many people expect these types of services for free… but, you can not employ hundreds of people to update audition lists and match them to clients for free now can you? The fees are minimal, 15 to 50 dollars depending on the services and its well worth it if you are serious about finding the right auditions for you.

Without these services, it would take the average person 100’s of hours in research to figure out where to get the audition information from… then a few hours daily looking. In my book, my time is worth money and I will gladly let someone email me lists of castings to me then have to spend 100’s of hours looking myself.

Auditions.com

Exploretalent.com

modeling.net

all have great services for actors and models that are serious about finding work. The monthly fees are reasonable and castings that match your requirements get mailed to you daily or weekly, you also have the capability to search the database extensively.

If you sign up with any of the services above, you will get an online portfolio that gives you more exposure to casting agents and directors who use their talent profiles to fill roles. Exploretalent.com is the biggest online audition, casting and talent database by far boasting 1.5 million profiles.

If You’ve Got The Look, Look Out! Avoiding Modeling Scams

What could be more flattering? Someone approaches you at the mall and says, “You could be a model. You’ve got the ‘look’ we’re after. Here’s my card. Give me a call to set up an appointment.” People have always said you’re good looking. Now, visions of glamour, travel and money flash before your eyes.

It’s true that some successful models have been discovered in everyday places like malls, boutiques, clubs, and airports. But the vast majority of would-be models knock on door after agency door before work comes their way.
It’s All an Act

If and when you make that follow-up appointment, you’ll probably find yourself in an office filled with lots of other model and actor hopefuls. Then the spiel starts. What you thought was a job interview with a talent agency turns into a high-pressure sales pitch for modeling or acting classes, or for “screen tests” or “photo shoots” that can range in price from several hundred to several thousand dollars.

Man, woman, or child — it makes no difference to bogus model and talent scouts. Often, these scouts are after one thing — your money — and will say just about anything to get it. But what they say isn’t always what they mean.
What They Say vs. What They Mean

Unscrupulous model and talent scouts have their acts down pat. Listen carefully to read between their lines.
“We’re scouting for people with your ‘look’ to model and act.”
I need to sign up as many people as possible. My commission depends on it.
“Your deposit is totally refundable.”
Your deposit is refundable only if you meet very strict refund conditions.
“You must be specially selected for our program. Our talent experts will carefully evaluate your chances at success in the field and will only accept a few people into our program.”
We take almost everyone.
“There’s a guaranteed refund if you’re not accepted into the program.”
Everyone’s accepted into the program. Forget the refund.
“You can’t afford our fees? No problem. You can work them off with the high-paying jobs we’ll get you.”
We demand payment, whether or not you get work.
“Commissions from our clients are our major source of income.”
Our income comes from the fees we charge you.

Pose-itioning Yourself

To break into the business, you — the talent — need professional photos. There are two types of standard photographs — a “head shot” and a “composite card.”
The typical marketing tool for an actor, experienced or not, the head shot usually is an 8″ x 10″ black and white photo of the face, with your resume printed on the back.
A “comp card,” the typical marketing tool for the experienced model or the wannabe, usually features several shots on the same sheet, showing off the talent in different attire or settings.

Agencies and schools offer separate and distinct services. Make sure you know the difference.
Modeling (or talent) agencies secure employment for experienced models and actors. Some agents require that you sign up exclusively with them; others may allow you to register with them as well as with other agencies in town.
Modeling and acting schools claim to provide instruction — for a fee — in poise, posture, diction, skin care, make-up application, the proper walk, and more. Modeling schools do not necessarily act as agents or find work for you — after you take their classes, you may be on your own.
Talent Tips:
Steer clear of modeling companies that require you to use a specific photographer. Compare fees and the work quality of several photographers.
Be suspicious if a company requires an up-front fee to serve as your agent.
Be cautious if the school has a special referral relationship with a specific modeling agency. The two could be splitting your fees, or the agency may not be suited to your needs.
Avoiding a Model Rip-Off
Ask yourself, “why me?” Don’t let your emotions — and the company’s flattery — take control. Think carefully and critically about how you were approached: if it was in a crowded mall, think how many others also may have been approached.
Avoid high-pressure sales tactics. Never sign a document without reading and understanding it first. In fact, ask for a blank copy of the contract to take home and review with someone you trust. If the company refuses, walk away.
Be leery of companies that only accept payment in cash or by money order. Read it as a strong signal that the company is more interested in your money than your career.
Be wary of claims about high salaries. Successful models in small markets can earn $75 to $150 an hour, but the work is irregular.
Ask for the names, addresses and phone numbers of models and actors who have secured successful work — recently — based on the company’s training.
Check out client claims. If an agency says it has placed models and actors in specific jobs, contact the companies to verify that they’ve hired models and actors from the agency.
Be skeptical of local companies claiming to be the “biggest” agency or a “major player” in the industry, especially if you live in a smaller city or town.
Realize that different parts of the country have different needs. For example, New York is recognized for fashion modeling; the Washington/Baltimore area is known for industrial or training films.
Ask if the company/school is licensed or bonded, if that’s required by your state. Verify this information with the appropriate authorities, such as your local consumer protection agency or state Attorney General. Make sure the license is current.
Ask your local Better Business Bureau, consumer protection agency and state Attorney General if there are any unresolved consumer complaints on file about the company.
Get everything in writing, including any promises that have been made orally.
Keep copies of all important papers, such as your contract and company literature, in a safe place.

Looking to get your child involved in modeling? American Baby magazine works with professional modeling agencies in and around New York City, where our offices are located. If you’ve got a beautiful baby (and who doesn’t?) and live in our area, contact one of the agencies about registering your child. The rest depends on how your child reacts to the camera. If you live locally and would like to contact one of the agencies we work with, here is a sampling:

American Baby magazine
Have you always wanted to see your baby in American Baby magazine? Here’s where to get started.

Product
240 West 35th St.
New York, NY 10001
212-563-6444

Ford Models
142 Greene St.
New York, NY 10012
212-219-6188

Generations
20 West 20th St.
Room 1008
New York, NY 10011
212-727-7219

Wee Willys
300 Park Avenue South, 2nd Fl.
New York, NY 10010
212-473-1541

CESD
257 Park Ave. South, Suite 950
New York, NY 10010
212-477-6622

Gilla Roos
16 West 22nd St., 3rd Fl.
New York, NY 10010
212-727-7820

If you live out of state, your best bet is to contact a modeling agency in the major city that is closest to your home town. Good luck!

Modeling sounds glamorous, but posing for the camera is really hard work–for both of us.

My daughter, Sydney, was just 6 months old when she landed her first modeling job: a jewelry catalog for Tiffany & Co. I took the day off from work to go to the shoot. Sydney and I arrived at the studio to find renowned fashion photographer Mario Testino–he does a lot of Vogue covers–and top model Anouk. Wow, we were in the big leagues!

For the first photo, Sydney, naked, was placed on a luxurious pink-silk couch next to Anouk, who was sporting a sparkling Tiffany watch. Right away I’m thinking, “A baby on silk? Not a good idea.” Then the stylist decided to drape a white-satin blanket over the couch, and she rearranged Sydney on top. She turned to me for reassurance that Sydney wouldn’t “go” while lying there. “I can’t promise you. That’s what babies do,” I said. Well, within moments–tinkle. It quickly became obvious that she’d “gone,” as a dark puddle spread across the blanket. Pandemonium broke out as people rushed forward to snatch her off the pricey goods. The couch, though slightly damp, was salvaged, so the stylist put a diaper in between the urine-soaked blanket and the cushion and plopped Sydney back down while they finished the shot.As I learned that day, baby modeling isn’t as glamorous as most people think. Sure, there’s that first high when you discover that someone other than you and your husband thinks your baby is totally adorable. But then you quickly find out that posing for photos is, well, just a job. And it’s actually hard work. Lucky for us, my husband’s sister, Rachel, had been in the biz–she was a child-model scout–so we had some help navigating this world.

It was Rachel who encouraged us to submit Sydney’s pictures to modeling agencies. I wasn’t eager at first. After all, a lot of babies are cute. I also knew that modeling is filled with rejection, and who wants to be told that their little princess isn’t good enough? But strangers continued to stop me on the street to coo over Sydney, so I figured, “Why not give it a try?” I sent pictures to seven agencies in New York City and was thrilled when six wanted to sign her exclusively. We chose Cunningham, Escott, Dipene, a top firm whose agents we liked best.

In the meantime, Rachel gave me a crash course in modelspeak. To get chosen for a job, first we’d need to attend a “go-see”–essentially an audition. Well, more of a cattle call, really. Your baby might be one of a hundred who show up to meet with a magazine editor or casting agent. And as you can imagine, it can be pure chaos–a hundred screaming, hyper, or crying kids all in one room. When your number is called, you get about 30 seconds during which the agent or editor decides whether your baby has whatever it is the company is looking for. This is where all the rejection comes in–not fun.

If you do get the job and it’s for some kind of baby product or baby-magazine story, they’ll usually have a “baby wrangler” on hand. This person is responsible for entertaining the kids and keeping them smiling while they’re on set. Sometimes, there is no such savior–like on the Tiffany shoot–so you’re on your own. And, yes, labor laws do apply. Two hours is the maximum that a child can work, and even if your baby’s only needed for 30 minutes, they’ll often hire and pay you for the full time; they never know how long it will take to get the perfect shot.

When Sydney first started modeling, I was working as an executive assistant, but I soon quit to manage her crazy schedule. What kind of 6-month-old needs a PDA? Mine! We’re literally at the beck and call of her agents, who give us only one day’s notice–sometimes less!–before a go-see. The job, even though it’s technically hers, can be exhausting.

And sometimes–dare I say?–boring. The shoots can be painfully slow. Lighting often takes forever to set up, during which baby wranglers or moms attempt to amuse the kids with toys, funny faces, and songs. And if a baby is getting sick or just doesn’t feel like cooperating, the entire day is a bust.

Sydney has been modeling for more than a year now, and she’s had about 30 jobs to date–everything from Macy’s and Tommy Hilfiger ads to a Lowe’s home-store commercial to covers of several baby magazines. Honestly, we’re not doing this for the money. Sydney can make anywhere from $50 to $1,000 per hour depending on the client. The $13,000 she earned her first year has been set aside in a trust to go toward her college tuition. Not exactly the multimillions you tend to think about when you hear the word model. And my husband and I are not doing this for our own fulfillment, either; it’s simply a fun hobby Sydney seems to enjoy that gives her a little cash for the future.

I know some parents are skeptical about putting kids in front of the cameras, but I don’t see this as Sydney’s career. I know she’s having fun. Even when she was a newborn, she always lit up when she saw a flashbulb. The moment I sense that she’s no longer enjoying herself, we’re done.

Until then, we’re having an incredible ride. Even if we decide to quit and she never goes in front of the cameras professionally again, we’ll have the most amazing photo album.

February 2005 issue of Parents magazine.

Baby Modeling – Contacting Agencies

The most common first contact for modeling with an agency is by ordinary mail. The mailing usually contains 2-3 color pictures of your child, including head-only and full-body photos, with self-addressed, stamped envelope and a cover letter stating your interest.

The photos don’t have to be professional and you can take them yourself. As for the cover letter, it should show enough of the parent’s commitment.

Unfortunately, this is an area where there are many scams around. You should be extra careful if an agency ask money up-front or requires expensive photo shoots of the baby. Normally, the agencies make money by taking a cut (about 20%) out of the modeling fees you’ll receive.

You can check the agency from Better Business Bureau to see whether the company your dealing with is in good standing.

Baby Modeling – Resources

Baby modeling has been gaining popularity for some time. To meet this demand there are now books available on the subject, most of them for a bit older than toddlers. Here are some of the more popular choices:
Getting Your Baby into Modeling and T.V. Commercials
by Raymond Carlson

Your Kid Ought to Be in Pictures: A How-To Guide for Would-Be Child Actors and Their Parents
by Kelly Ford Kidwell

Kids on Camera: A Comprehensive Guide to Child Modeling and Acting
by Eva Stancil

Wilhemina’s World of Child Modeling
by Natasha Esch

Do you want this guy to mentor your kids?

Yep, not a typo, Danny is back in reality TV land again… this time he is back as a role model. Last time we saw Danny, he was angry, depressed, addicted to sex and drugs. So what better role model for the star struck youngsters than this aging, addict son, of a old hit series… the Partridge Family? Hey, I can’t think of a better role model… NOT.

The TV guy has this to say… Someone pick me up off the floor, Danny Bonaduce will have a reality series in which he mentors children. VH1 will offer “I Know My Kid’s a Star,” starting at 10 p.m. March 20.

Bonaduce will help identify standout child performers, then advise their parents on how to help the young talent. The eight-week series will feature 10 parent-child teams in an elimination contest.

Here’s the setup from VH1: “The kids will need to have talent, and the parents will need to have the smarts to navigate showbiz without ruining their child’s career or life. The realities of the business become clearer, as each week Danny will eliminate one parent/child team that just won’t make it in the cutthroat world of Hollywood.”

Gee, wouldn’t you rather watch a rerun of “The Partridge Family”?

I watched the show last night and found it to be in “very poor taste”… not that reality TV is ever in “good taste”, but it seems a bit cruel to put kids into a situation where they get humiliated on TV by the actions of their own nutty parents or by a horrible performance.

There is nothing wrong with ambitious kids and strong willed parents pushing them to success, casting calls  and auditions, but unfortunately, the reality TV arena is all about controversy and stirring the pot. Without knockdown brawls in the “reality” house, the show is not much fun for viewers and getting kids involved in the backstabbing is GOING TOO FAR.

Other opinions of this ohh, so, so, so bad reality TV show…

Pity the kids on ‘I Know My Kid’s a Star’

The best hope for “I Know My Kid’s a Star” is that some viewers will think it’s so bad, it’s interesting.

But this competition among wanna-be child stars and their wanna-be stage parents isn’t bad in the kind of way where everyone can sit down afterward, put a few straws in a milkshake and have a good laugh.

It’s bad in a much creepier way.

At its worst, and “worst” is not just one fleeting moment, it’s cynical. It lures you in with the reassuring promise that it’s going to steer the contestants away from the snake pit of child stardom and then can’t wait to showcase painful scenes of overbearing parents and uncomfortable children.

I am not alone here I think in thinking that the child model /kid talent / reality tv series hosted by Danny may be a bit unhealthy for kids who are serious about showbiz