There are some quite strong opinions when it comes to joining baby modeling agencies. Plenty of mothers love the idea of seeing their little one smiling back at them and looking happy as Larry when they open up a magazine or buy nappies, but there are also parents who think of it is horrendous idea. The second school are quite vocal. They dislike the concept of signing six-month-olds up as models. The reasoning is varied but prominent.
And then there are those who are a little bit divided.
This blog post is for you, divided mothers. We’d like to point out some of the aspects of baby modeling that you might not have considered, and the reasons why other people have such strong opinions on the subject.
Will My Baby Be Safe?
Baby modelling agencies are closely regulated in the UK, and all minors working in any performing art will need a performance license to do so. In New York, legislation has just been passed which increases protection for child models. You’ll always be with them for any shoots to keeping them smiling from just behind the photographer.
The work allows plenty of breaks, because if there is anything babies know it is how to sleep. Rather than one baby doing all the work, several are likely to get hired for each shoot, so that lots of photos can be snapped away on a well organised rotation system.
How Much Will My Baby Earn?
If you’re thinking of cautiously dipping a toe in and signing up with baby modelling agencies, we’d advise against writing a five year plan that ends with a very famous six year old and mum and dad lining their pockets. It just doesn’t work like that. And contrary to the beliefs of the anti-baby-modelling-mums, it isn’t why people get involved.
No baby modeling agencies can ever guarantee your little one work. It is exactly the same with adults. The client will have requirements and by keeping profiles updated you’ll be making it easier for them to find the right baby for their campaign. It’s quite a competitive field with very specific age brackets, and as your baby gets that little bit bigger you’ll need to make sure you’ve put fresh images on their profile. If you don’t keep it updated you’re unlikely to get interest because agencies won’t be able to find you.
There is also no fixed talent fee; it all depends on the size of the campaign and whether your child is chosen.
Will We Have To Travel?
Most modelling jobs are likely to be in big cities, so be prepared for castings to require travel to London, and all over the country. If you don’t have your own car, it might be difficult to get to and from locations.
Is It Hard Work?
It’s all quite subjective, really. Your baby is likely to have a lot of fun, and done right it can be more of a hobby than anything else. But in the technical sense, yes it is work, and yes, it is hard. The hours are nowhere near as long as they are for adult models because of child protection laws which are in place, but when you’re that small an hour is a long time.
You can’t tell if your child will enjoy the attention, or whether their personality will shine through in their prints. The most scrumptious babies aren’t necessarily photogenic, and it’s very different being in a studio with strangers than at home playing with the family dog. The new is scary however old you are, and if you’re less than a year old there is a whole heap of new waiting round the corner.
So Should We Sign Up With A Baby Modeling Agency?
It is really a decision only you can make. It can be a lot of fun and can be truly rewarding, and if it’s right for your baby they will love the experience. After you’ve settled into motherhood you just want to show your gorgeous little bundle off to anyone who’ll pay attention.
Hopefully this has given you a bit more of an insight into the inner world of baby modelling, and remember that baby modelling contracts are not binding so you’re never under obligation to accept work.
