child modeling {what?!}

i haven't blogged in AGES and i think it's because we have been in transition around here..stuff's been going on, projects have been started, but since nothing's really been completed for a while i haven't felt the need to share much. one of said "projects" i guess you could say is getting bea all set up with her modeling agency!
i know. it sounds ridiculous. it feels ridiculous. but this girl gets stopped at least 5 times every time we go anywhere and told she needs to be in gerber ads or baby gap ads or diaper commercials, so i decided to put those comments to the test and see if we could get her a contract at a modeling agency... and we did! she got signed! i haven't put up much about it because i didn't really have much to show for it, but her headshots are finally done and i figured i'd put up some of the proofs because i basically just can't wait any longer. once they get photoshopped we can market her to other agencies in hopes of her getting more opportunities for shoots etc. here are some of our favorites from her proofs:

aside from being slightly grumpy from not having napped on her shoot day, she had a reasonably good time, and the agents and photographers told us she was the easiest baby they've ever worked with! 

a lot of people warn you about child modeling scams when you decide to take this route, and i was very aware that there are a lot of people out there who try to scam naive parents, so i did my research with big agencies like Ford and Wilhelmina (who don't take children anymore and only take children 2 and up, respectively) to see what is normal in the industry and what isn't. for any of you curious about child modeling, or for those of you who think it might be fun to try, here is a list of what to expect and some red flags:

Normal:

An initial interview and screen test, possibly accompanied by a small fee.

Red Flag: 

Required acting/modeling workshops that cost a fortune.

Normal:

A non-exclusive contract with no accompanying fees.

Red Flag:

An exclusive contract, and up-front fees to join the agency.

Normal:

A reasonably priced, modest headshot session if you do not have professional photos or a portfolio already, or if your photos aren't industry standard.

Red Flag:

An ostentatious and exorbitantly expensive required headshot session.

Normal: 

Having the option of paying a small fee to be represented on the agency website.

Red Flag:

Being required to pay extra fees to be represented in any way.

Normal:

Letting the agency take a small (10-20%) commission for jobs. The agency only makes money when your child gets work.

Red Flag:

A large commission, and fees accompanying each job your child acquires.

Normal: 

Being reimbursed for most travel expenses not covered in the job's compensation.

Red Flag:

Being required to cover all travel costs and expenses for all jobs.

Normal:

Having the option on whether or not to be represented at certain levels.

Red Flag:

Being required to partake in options that are accompanied with fees.

i think you can see a theme here; if an agency is reputable, anything involving a fee will be optional. and if you do not choose extra representation that does involve extra fees, they will still market your child.  if the "agency" is a scam machine, extras are required and freedom to have your child represented elsewhere is limited. getting the process started is a little pricier than i would have expected, probably because after hearing all the scam-talk, i was prepared to pay absolutely nothing. but, that was also unreasonable. nothing in life is free. after doing my research, i've realized that what i've paid for is completely normal (and that i actually got a way better deal than at Wilhelmina!). if you are with a good agency, the only part that should cost anything is getting pictures and online representation. after that, the only money they get is commission from clients.

i'm excited to get bea started. she goes up on the agency website this week, so if we are lucky she might get some work soon...! she loves hamming it up and she absolutely LOVES attention, so we might as well milk it before giving her attention becomes incredibly off-putting. ;)