The child modeling industry can be a tough business, but there are many differences between what child modeling agencies are looking for compared to adult modeling agencies. The two industries can be worlds apart, and the ways you and your child can stand out are probably easier than you think.

In the child modeling industry, it’s not all about beauty. Agencies are looking for kids of all shapes and sizes with all kinds of looks. You don’t just have to have a beautiful child to stand out from the crowd. In fact, there are five characteristics that will help you go far in the industry, and beauty is only one!

So what do child modeling agencies really look for in a successful model?

1. Be natural and photogenic. Everyone knows that photogenic children have the best starting point, and yes, this is the first characteristic of a successful child model. Acting naturally in the photographs and looking good is essential. But many kids will meet this criteria and only get a couple of paying jobs because they are missing the other 4 critical characteristics. What else do we need?
2. Be easy to work with. It is very important that it is easy to work with your child (and you, as the accompanying parent). This means being courteous, attentive, listening and acting on the principal’s instructions, and behaving well. If you make life easier for clients and modeling agencies, they will jump at the chance to work with you again in the future!
3. Have a strong work ethic. You must be willing to put in the effort and travel to castings and photo shoots, even knowing that you won’t always be successful and the day will be exhausting. Clients can be picky, but those who work hard to show up to events wherever they are and on time are like gold dust.
4. Be willing to say “yes.” It is essential that you make the most of the job offers that are given to you and your child. Be available to attend shots that are offered to you, which means that if you’re not available, you have to reschedule your life as necessary to say “yes” and take the job. If you can’t or won’t accept offers of paid work, clients will stop offering it to you.
5. Have a good reputation. Both child modeling agencies and the clients they send you to will remember both the best and the worst at casting calls and even at work. If you consistently exhibit all of the above characteristics, your reputation will build and you will soon be receiving offers left, right and center from enthusiastic photographers and agencies who know how easy it is to work with you and who can’t wait to give you work.

As he becomes known for exhibiting these qualities, he will soon be a smashing success. As a popular model, you may have to say “no” (contrary to the features above!) but that’s okay: saying no to offers because you have too many bookings and demand only makes people want to hire you more.

Now, apply the above tips to your son’s modeling career and get out there. Soon you will find yourself having huge successes and being inundated with more offers than ever before.