Modeling - Young Teens

[janette]

Would you or have you allowed your young teen to model? Someone mentioned this to my 12yo DD, not the first time. Cameras do like her, she's 5'3" and wears a size 0. She will probably be at least 5'6" or taller, mostly legs. We do know a couple of people who have done this or other acting work so could find a real agent without too much trouble. Should I encourage her? She has expressed interest in checking into it.

Here are her school pics from this year, I sometimes wonder what she could look like in the hands of a pro if she can do this for the line em up type photos.

 

[snoopy]

She's beautiful, Janette. What a smile! She also had good bone structure, they are looking for that above all.

My sister and I modeled when we were teens -- both of us modeled for JC Penny's catalog. Now keep in mind we are going back 20 years, but at that time, girls weren't considered for modeling unless they were over 5'7". Also at that time a size 8 was the largest they would consider. I'm QUITE sure that is considered fat by today's standards.

I have no idea what modeling entails in today's world -- being tall is probably not as big of a requirement as it used to be. Plus, nowdays there is also a market for petite models. You might start by scheduling an interview with some modeling agencies -- be sure to have some good head shots as well as full length photos to bring with you.

Good luck!

 

[stinkerbelle]

Originally posted by janette
Should I encourage her? She has expressed interest in checking into it.

would you encourage her if it was sports or dance or something similar? Why not encourage her if it's something she truely wants to do.

 

[CEDmom]

She is a beautiful girl. The daughter of a friend has been modeling since she's been about your DD's age. She's now in college in Manhattan and will do jobs when her schedule allows. That's how it's always been with her. School came first and then modeling. She has done a few bit parts in TV shows as well. I don't know what agency she works with but I could find out if you're interested.

She doesn't have any interest in modeling as a full time career but it has certainly helped her with her confidence etc.

 

[snoopy]

Janette, also, does your daughter have any interest in acting? That is another route for girls who are extremely photogenic but might want something more than modeling. I was interested when I was young but was told I was too tall to ever make it in acting so I pursued the modeling thing for a few years. With acting, the opposite is true of height requirements -- actresses are turned away if over 5'9".

 

[janette]

I don't mind encouraging it, she's done dance for several years. I'm really just curious as to what to expect and what type of market there is. She hasn't finished growing, hard to tell how tall she'll end up no signs of a slow down yet and she hasn't hit her final growth spurts. Most regular models are still at least 5'8" and I'm not sure if she'll get there but she might.

She is signed up for drama next year in school and might like that too.

She's just kind of in between right now, really doesn't look like a child but not grown up either. She said she could model for Limited 2 or something like that. Clothes do look good on her, but she's pretty much a stick right now.

 

[Feralpeg]

Janette, I think it would be great if that's what she wants. Just remember, don't give anyone money to find her work. She may have to get comp cards, but beyond pictures, you shouldn't have to spend anything. There are some really sleezy people out there that will tell you anything just to make a buck.

 

[snoopy]

Well, you won't know until you try. I'd suggest calling all the agencies in your town and asking if there is a height requirement, and if not, what the process is. When I was involved with modeling, all that was required for an interview was two professional photographs - one head shot and one full length shot. Today's world might require a portfolio.

Call around and see what you find out. Its free to inquire, and it might be something your daughter reallly ends up liking. I enjoyed it for the most part, although my sister liked it a lot more than I did and pursued it for a lot longer.

I also agree with Feralpeg, be careful that you only deal with agencies that will pay HER for work -- if anyone asks you for $$ they aren't legit.

 

[janette]

Thanks, she has some cousins that have done modeling / acting work and one of her dance teacher's DD does quite a bit also. I'm sure I can get referrals to a good agent from them.

She already knows that they are supposed to make money only if they get her a job.

 

[snoopy]

Your DD reminds me a little of the actress Sarah Michelle Gellar. Has she been told that before?

Best of luck Janette - let us know how it works out for her!

 

[MICKEY88]

beware of agencies that want you to pay for photos, a real agency will invest in their models.......I have a friend who hooked up with an agency, they sent her to a photographer who did a portfolio for her and then handed her a bill for $500, on top of that the pictures were terrible..her mother called and asked if I'd come look at the pictures and give my opinion...I didn't know how to tell her what I honestly thought,, while I was trying to come up with the right words, her Mom told me that they both hated the pictures,,and asked if I thought I could do better, I told her I was sure that I could, so we did a photo shoot, put together a new portfolio, all for free of course, and she started getting modeling jobs....

you can sometimes check with local photography clubs, or college photography classes to find a photographer that's working on their own portfolio, it's a good way to get free photos...

I would also steer clear of any photographers that don't want you around when they do the shoot