Children's Modeling Photographer - Professional headshots for business and actors. Product photography studio in Atlanta GA

Searching for a children’s modeling photographer?

I know the industry from the perspective of a photographer. But also from the perspective of a parent with a child who has experience modeling, acting, and doing stand-up comedy! It’s true, and I am one proud mom of a child who has had agency representation in Atlanta, New York, and Los Angeles. You might be new to the industry, and wondering how or if your child can work as a model. There are so many pitfalls to first getting started in the industry! So, I wanted to share my experience below.

Children's Modeling Atlanta, Children's Modeling Photographer Atlanta, AG Picture

Agency Representation

Unfortunately, this is an area where I have seen many parents get taken for granted. My biggest tip… You should never have to pay a large sum to sign up with an agency, right off the bat. While there may be some fees or percentages with jobs booked, please beware of any “agencies” that require a hefty payment. Additionally, before signing your child up with an agency, it doesn’t hurt to do a little research. Who does the agency typically represent? How do their values align with yours? What type of jobs do they seem to showcase the most on their website and social media? Furthermore, ask if anyone in your local community has worked with this agency before and what their experience was. It never hurts to ask questions and dig around a bit before making a final decision!

It’s a Commitment

Getting into this particular industry is a huge commitment, for your child and for you. Have an age-appropriate conversation with your child about what it will mean for them to explore this path. Is it something they are genuinely interested in pursuing? If your child is particularly young, the idea of doing something this exciting could illicit an instance yes. Try to expand the conversation over a length of weeks to gauge their interest a bit better. I have watched so many parents forcefully push their children down this path. However, it has to be something your child has a true and genuine interest in.

What about you? What does your schedule look like? You will mostly be the one driving them around to castings, jobs, and fittings. Will your schedule allow you to be there at the drop of a hat? Going on this journey with your child will take heaps of support and encouragement. Is that something you are ready to commit to as well? It can be so heartbreaking, especially for children, to attend castings only to hear a no. Are you ready and willing to help your child through the heartbreak of the “nos” before they get their “yes”? Your positive attitude and ability to be flexible will be 100% needed in order to help your child get those coveted jobs & roles. Your attitude and your approach will make or break your child’s success. It’s not uncommon for parents in this industry to be labeled difficult, amounting to a list of professionals who no longer want to work with the child.

Headshots

This is probably the only area of children’s modeling that will require an “upfront” fee. Headshots! Once you’ve decided on the agency you’d like to sign your child up with the next step will be submitting their stats and information as well as a set of headshots. Agencies see tons of applications. If you want your child to stand out above the crowd with their unique personality and adorable looks, you’ll need to hire a children’s modeling photographer who is skilled at showcasing those elements through their headshots.

Again, don’t be afraid to ask questions and do some research. Search for a children’s modeling photographer who you feel can best represent your child through their lens. Finding someone who has the experience of working with children, while keeping the shoot upbeat and at a specific pace will be critical for vibrant headshots! Additionally, capturing these headshots will more than likely serve as a sort of test run for your child working with a professional photographer. And yes, if you’re wondering, you will have to update your child’s headshots from time to time and as they grow.