Information on Baby Modeling

Physical Characteristics

• Baby models can come from all ethnicities. Miriam Hsia, photo editor of Parenting Magazine, says she looks for large, beautiful eyes and a well shaped head. Babies that enjoy mimicking the gestures and expressions of adults are ideal. Babies that love to smile are good candidates for modeling.

Personality Traits

• In order to be a successful baby model, your child must be cooperative and resilient. A good model candidate has a good temperament and an expressive personality. According to Parents Magazine, babies tend to do well during photo shoots if they are comfortable around strangers, like being held in the arms of an adult and enjoy being photographed.

Considerations

• Before pursuing a modeling contract for your baby, make an honest assessment of yourself and your baby and decide if modeling suits your family. Modeling requires babies to work well with unfamiliar adults, which is often difficult for naturally shy children. Babies have to sit, pose, change clothes, have their hair styled and cope with photography equipment on a regular basis for productive photo shoots. Parents should be prepared to devote much of their time to their child's modeling. They must cope with a hectic schedule and resolve frequent baby meltdowns in addition to dealing with the usual stress that accompanies parenthood.

Getting Started

• Take close-up photographs of your child's face. Try to get pictures of your child with an expression on his face that reflects his personality. There is no need to get professional photographs of your child. Send the photographs to reputable modeling agencies. Photographs can also be submitted to baby photo contests. If a modeling agency expresses interest in representing your baby, you will be presented with a contract. Once the contract is signed, you and your child will meet potential clients and subsequently be offered paid modeling jobs.

Warning

• Be cautious if you are approached with an opportunity for your baby to model. Avoid any company or individual that charges upfront fees for photo sessions, test shoots, modeling classes, conventions or other services. Reputable modeling agencies are paid a commission fee only when a child is booked for a photo shoot. The commission fee is a percentage of the child's earnings, not a fee charged up front. Never leave your baby alone with a stranger.