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Each time I look at those diaper advertisements with super cute babies on T.V., I can’t help but exclaim, why did mum never let my brother model for one of such ads, when he was young and oh-so-adorable. Even though this I say just in jest, I probably will make it a reality with my kid one day.
A lot of people see baby modeling as an intrusion in a child’s harmonious growth. They are of the opinion that it is only a means of minting money for parents on the expense of sacrificing their child’s innocence and such parents will not hesitate to show off their newborn’s bums as long as big cash comes in hand. However, this is not the case in reality. The financial aspect is not the driving force for a majority of parents to initiate their babies into modeling. For most it is a fun activity to engage the little one. Moreover, who doesn’t like to take baby pictures. While some would only keep them to their personal phones and cameras, others don’t mind sharing them with the world. Baby modeling is an exciting prospect, wherein, besides the fabulous photographs one can have clicked by professionals, the child breaks free from shyness and learns to be sociable. It is a great confidence booster as well.
So, if you also harbor this desire of having your little one model, don’t shirk and go for it. Here is how and where to start-
Research and find some reputed model agencies
Get in touch with parents whose children are modeling or have had the experience doing so, to guide you through. Connecting on social media is a great way to find them, as well as the model agency. Once you do choose a couple of agencies, go to their website, facebook page etc., to study their work. You can also contact popular kids toys and clothing brands, to show interest.
What baby model agencies need
Joining fees? No. Most of them don’t charge you to only submit and consider your child’s photos. A professional portfolio of the child? No. Simple snapshots will do. You don’t necessarily have to have a professional photo shoot of your baby before sending their pictures to the ad agencies. Just make sure, you have pictures that clearly capture your child’s expressions. Some close-up shots and full-length ones will suffice.
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When to begin?
There is nothing like ‘too soon to begin’ here. Just-born babies are in great demand. So, it would be a good idea to have some quick clicks, as soon as you are back home with your healthy newborn, and send them to the ad agencies. As babies grow exceptionally fast during the first year, there are quick successions of times when they are getting offers from everywhere, and then suddenly from nowhere at all. Mostly it is the first six weeks, and then when they in the 6-9 month phase, the best time to strike a deal. And then there is a slightly dull phase till they turn 2. In that time, you can ponder, whether or not to take it ahead, for the fun activity will now turn a little serious for kids.
Prefer local shoots:
Traveling with little kids can take a toll on you. Also, shooting right after a long journey can make the child grumpy and ruin it all. So, as much as you can, give preferences to local shoots. Always consider this aspect and discuss thoroughly with the agency, to find the best options for both the parties. However, travel will be inevitable even if they are short journeys. So be prepared to travel to varied shooting locations. Make sure you carry along all that your baby would be needed along the way.
Don’t fear rejections:
There will be many rejections for your child. Agencies will turn down your child’s picture just after taking a cursory glance. Well, don’t take any of it too heart (as for your child will be too young to even notice). These rejections don’t mean that your child is not photogenic, or is any less adorable than the others. Ad/model agencies get thousands of baby pics every day to choose from. They will choose those who fit their requirement to the tee.
Similarly, replacements will often happen:
As for shoot replacements; it happens because sometimes companies can’t afford delays as they’ve invested a lot of money. So replacements don’t happen because of the child’s incompetence, but only because even professionals understand they can’t rule over a child’s changing moods. Most often, companies have always keep backup options for such situations. So don’t mind it at all. Probably wasn’t your child’s day.
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Don’t get swayed by the success:
Your child might have featured in big brand advertisements, and offers just keeping pouring in. But always remember, you can not make this your business. Take only as much work as you and your little one can handle. Two-three hours of work a day is more than enough. Also, once the child is ready to go to school, make sure the work is not hindering his studies and all things in life that will keep his/her childhood normal.
Disclaimer: By this post, we are in no way, promoting child labor. Our only intention is to explore the endless opportunities out there for kids, which promote their well-rounded development. Baby modeling is one such opening, which if grabbed with a positive mindset, can greatly help in enhancing their sociable skills, besides adding to a bank balance that can be utilized for funding their education.
