Modeling Application

How do I find a good baby modeling agency without having to pay?

We want to see about getting our daughter into baby modeling. Everyone is constantly telling us to but does anyone know what to do? Are there any legit websites that dont want money? How do I get her into the top agencies because they do not advertise.

Public Comments

1. if an agency is legit, they would not charge you. they get paid a commision, after they find your child a job. to create a portfolio is the only reason to pay out money.
2. Okay, I have little knowledge of modeling so I'm sorry in advance if my answer is not a huge help. But from what I know from friends who have tried getting into modeling, it is pretty much impossible not to have to pay for anything. That's how they make a profit, and how they weed out people who aren't really serious about it. It's rare that your child will magically be "discovered"- likely you will have to stand in line for audtions, and pay various small agencies to get a distant shot at something. If you make it through, that's when bigger, more well-known agencies will express intrest to you. You have to be willing to start small, no one who's made it big is going to be looking for YOU, you have to make your way to THEM. And for the second part of your question, usually you can tell its a scam if they ask for an obscene amount of money, and promise you big things.... an honest agency will tell you upfront that your chances are no greater than anyone else's starting out, and they will not charge you an arm and leg for something that 1,000 other babies are audtioning for.
3. Did you already have some professional headshots done for your daughter? My understanding is that no reputable agency will want to see you unless you already have these in hand.
4. The top 2 agencies in the US for child modeling are Ford Models and Wilhelmina. Neither will charge you anything if they sign you - they just take a % of your child's earnings. But they are also the toughest to get into. All you need to do is send in photos of your child and if they think she has potential, they will contact you. Be careful with baby modeling as there are so many scams out there. Also be careful of competitions unless it's with a well-known baby brand (clothing, toys, etc) or publication as most of them are just ways to get your details, then they try to convince you to pay for an overpriced portfolio or to enter the next level of competition.
5. You should only be paying for your first set of headshots or portfolio.. no joining fees or anything like that..
6. TIps to help: 1) Do some Google searches with keywords for your area, like: baby modeling agency + city, state 2) Ask your friends for recommendations, since they sound like they may be in the loop there. 3) Go to Craigslist and place a Wanted ad for free, telling what you want, baby modeling agency info Here's to your baby's stardom!
7. if your in so. calif. get a copy of a magazine called VARIETY. it has everything to do with whats going on in show biz. agents, nanagers, photographers, advertise in it . it also lists upcoming auditions for open calls. it does not cost to find an agent. you don't necessarily need to go to a giant agent to do well. just find one that doesn't have 100 other kids that look like yours. you want to find an agent that doesn't have allot of babies as anyone else is competition. the less competition in the agency the more your child will go out on interviews
8. It is relatively easy to start your child in modeling. Do not expect to sign them with a large agency like Ford or Elite as someone else suggested, it most likely not happen. The are hundreds and thousands of individuals worldwide seeking representation from the large agencies. Start locally, look in the phone book, or search online are even ask around. The modeling agency I work with requires these steps of their child models/ parents: 1.) Home snapshots to represent the child. They change so often, and updated photos are always necessary. 2.) Local to the agency of representation. Children are paid much, much less than adults and it is not cost effective to go out of state, or across the world. They will use someone who is close, or a friends child, or their own. 3. Update their sizes and information, and photos every 3-6 months.