How to Get Your Child in Professional Modeling

So you think your child has what it takes to become a professional model? Now how do you break into the business? Well, the good thing is you don't have to pack up and move to New York or L.A. for your child to make it, as there are casting agencies located right in your own town. Before shopping your child around, follow these expert steps that will help get your child noticed.

Invest in Good Headshots

Your child's headshot needs to display their unique personality. A winning look is vital to their success, so keep this in mind when selecting the final shots. If possible, include one headshot and one full length shot.

Children under 4 years of age just need one great photo. This photo can be taken by a professional or by the parents.

The ideal photo is a straight forward shot that actually looks like your child. Include a close up shot and a full length shot. Be sure your child looks attractive, enthusiastic, happy and clean. Photos should be against a blank wall. Select one bright primary color for your child with no hats, sunglasses, logos, make up, bows or fancy pageant dresses etc. The casting director needs to see your child looking like a child, so keep it simple.

Once you are signed with the manager or agent, they will require professional photos. This is standard procedure. Great headshots are important, because they are the only thing that casting directors see to determine whether your child will be called in for an audition or not. Your agent or manager will provide you with a list of professional photographers to work with. Headshots for children typically cost around $200.

Once the photos are done, the manager or agent will then select 3-6 shots they feel best captures your child and will get them noticed by casting directors. In addition to an 8x10 headshot that "pops," your manager or agent will require a ZED or Comp card that displays 4-5 photos on one card to submit to casting directors. From there, your child's manager or agent will generally upload the shots to one of the major online casting services, such as Casting Frontier or LA Casting, to get your child work. These sites require mandatory annual fees of about $36-$154.

Contact a Manager or Agent

Having an agent or manager helps you get your foot in the door. Send the agent or manager headshots of your child along with your child's age, height, weight and sizes printed on the back. If the agent or manager thinks they can get your child work, they will contact you for an audition. After the meeting, you will be asked to sign a contract agreeing to the representation of your child. From there, the agent or manager will contact you when an audition opens up for your child's type.

There are a large number of reputable modeling and talent agencies in all parts of the world. To begin, ask family members, friends, neighbors or co-workers for references, check sites such as New Faces, which keeps a running list of legit agencies or Google agencies in 4-5 big cities nearest you, then give them call.

How Much Does a Manager/Agent Charge?

A manager or agent makes money by getting your child work. In turn, they generally charge between 10%-20% of your child's gross income as a fee. Managers and agents do not get paid unless the child works. Be leery of managers or agents who require upfront costs. However, a small administrative fee of less than $50 is not uncommon.

Once your child has signed a manager or agent, they may be required to apply for a work permit and open a Coogan account. A Coogan account freezes your child's money until they turn 18. By California law, 15% of all minor earnings must be set aside in a blocked trust account, until they turn 18.

Preparing Your Child for Auditions

Keep it fun. Auditioning should be a fun experience for the child, so it is your job as parents to keep it fun. Smiling, happy, confident kids are the ones who get booked. Encourage your child to stay positive and happy. Hug them before they go into the room, and then hug them again when they come out. Let them know that they did a good job, and then pick an activity of their choice to celebrate. Unfortunately, in this business, there are more no's then there are yes's, so remain positive; their time will come.

Whichever audition your child is scheduled for, be sure the product is for one the child actually likes. It will be pretty hard for your child to walk into the audition and sell peanut butter if they don't like it. So, talk with your child about their feelings on the product before the audition.

Lastly, usually when you walk into the room, the casting director will ask the child a few questions to assess their personality. Practice with your child in the car on the way to the audition. Ask them questions that help get their personality brewing such as, "What is your favorite school subject?"

Linda Vojtova is an International Model who has appeared on numerous magazine covers of major magazines around the world. See more of her online portfolio by visiting her website at www.lindavojtova.com