Baby and Child Modeling

Is your cute kid a child model success story hiding behind that mischievous grin? Could she be the next Gerber Baby Model, or the new Coppertone Kid? As a parent you know your child very well and you are the only one who is qualified to say whether or not your child should become a child model. Although you are the only one who can make that decision, there are a few guidelines that will help. Take a list at the list below. These are a few things to look out for to determine if your child can be a child model:

1. Does your child have an outgoing personality?

2. Does your child often have very animated expressions?

3. Does s/he loves to sing and dance

4. Does s/he love to imitate?

5. loves to show off?

6. Does s/he automatically strike a pose when s/he sees a camera?

7. Does your child love to play dress up?

If your child is displaying any of the above personality traits s/he might be a good candidate for a modeling or acting career. But that doesn't necessarily mean they should. That's a decision you will have to make based on your own gut feelings and convictions.

To become a successful child model is highly dependent on having those qualities as well as having the right disposition for modeling. But it is also dependent on your willingness to work with the child and see that he or she is not overextended.

Many times parents are concerned about the stress their child will experience as a child fashion model. Again, you are in control. You can say stop at any time. After all, babies don't work. The whole session is planned around the child's needs so that it's not hard on the baby.

It may be hard on you, however. You really need to do your research and make your decisions based on that research. If you use common sense and don't get greedy your baby will not suffer at all.

So, if you're thinking about allowing your baby to become a child fashion model make sure you have all the facts.

In this lens we hope to provide you with resources you can use to make a good decision.

It is tough to break into the child modeling world but it is possible.  Sometimes its just good luck - someone sees the child's potential and snaps a photograph.  Take Katherine Heigl, for example.  When she was only nine years old, her aunt who was visiting at the time decided to take a few photographs of the young her young niece.  When she returned home to New York, the aunt sent the photos to a several modeling agencies with the permission of young Heigl's parents, of course. Within a just few weeks, Katherine was signed as child model and right away got a modeling job for a magazine ad.  In a very short time she was earning $75 an hour posing for Sears and Lord & Taylor catalogs.

Now, that's a good luck story.  Katherine Heigl went on to become an actress and has starred in several movies.  Her "break" happened because someone recognized her potential.  Your story of becoming a child model might not be so easy, but it is very possible although at times it can be tough.  Your child can make some great headway with these easy tips:

1. Give your child the power of No.

2. Don't pay agencies to see you.

3. You don't need a professional book to get started.

4. Don't turn your nose up at non paying jobs.

5. Local gigs are a great place to start.

6. Modeling classes are not always necessary.

7. Enter photo contests.

8. Beauty pageants can be a doorway to more.

9. Don't be a stage mom.

10. Don't take it too seriously.