Recently we had the wonderful opportunity to sit down and talk with Marlene Wallach , the president and owner of the Wilhlemina Kids & Teens modeling agency and Just Ask Marlene.

• Heather : I often tell clients they do not need professional photo’s until after they are signed, and even then it’s not always necessary for very young children. When in your opinion should a parent consider professional headshots.

• Marlene : We always encourage kids to start off with snapshots until they know this business is for them.  The little ones change so quickly snapshots are the only way to keep up with them.

• Heather : If a child is signed what can they expect? Can you briefly describe for parents the commitment level needed for this type of activity?

• Marlene : The commitment level depends on the success of your child and your child’s success depends on the parents commitment. You are typically called the day before a Go See or a job and must be ready to go – rain, shine, sleet or snow. It is a major commitment if you take it seriously.

• Heather : what do they normally need on a shoot? Their own shoes? Any of their own clothing?

• Marlene: When you are on a shoot for a clothing company, the clothes are provided. For a commercial product – like food or a refrigerator or to be in a book, you may be asked to bring a number of different looks with you to the shoot or they may be specific – solid pants, white t-shirt, sneakers etc.

• Heather : how long is a normal shoot? How many people involved?

• Marlene: There is no such thing as a normal shoot. You may work from one hour or you may work several days on location. A professional photo shoot involves a production staff with a staff that varies in size depending on the budget and it may be hard work but its usually fun too.

• Heather : is there a certain type of child they are looking for, is it all about beauty? Certain size and height? What about braces or glasses?

• Marlene: Take a look in magazines and in the movies and you can tell what type of child the industry is looking for. ALL TYPES. Crooked teeth and straight, glasses and braces, all kids have a chance for their time in the spotlight. Having said that, we have all seen kids that are model pretty, with straight teeth and hair that shines and yes they will always book certain type of jobs. In the children’s world children’s that are sample size also get a lions share of the work. That is size 3,5,10 and 10/12.

For more tips on Modeling, Beauty, Fashion, Fitness & Self-Esteem visit justaskmarlene.com

___________________________________________________________

At least a few times a week I receive emails from parents wanting to get their child involved in the modeling industry. Hopefully you will find this article helpful!

First let me begin by telling you something you may be shocked to hear me say, You do not need professional headshots to break your child into the modeling industry. Anyone who tells you differently be it agency or photographer may be misleading you.

Most agencies want you to send them a few small snapshots. These should be a good mix of face shots and full body shots. Hair should be free from hairbows and hats. Faces should be clean and eyes should be open!  Clearing the background from anything distracting also helps. Wait for a nice sunny day, and then shoot in the shade.

When choosing an agency, please, always do your homework. Google is your friend, always make sure the agency is legitimate. No reputable agency will ever ask you to pay money.

My personal recommendations for the NYC area are :

• Ford Models

• Wilhelmina

• Generations

• Product

• Funny Faces

Each agency has different requirements for submitting your child’s photo. If they tell you to send in images then do not seek out an email. These agency’s get hundreds of submissions every day and no matter how gorgeous your child is they will not accept your submissions any way other then the way they specify.

Always include your child’s name, age, height and your contact information when submitting images to these agency’s.

If you do not hear back from the agency’s right away don’t be discouraged. The market and looks they need are always changing and what they don’t need now they may be looking for three months from now.