Baby Modeling Contacts

Try Shannon at JE Model in San Francisco. Email her two photos to ____@____.com she is interested, she'll call you to set up a meeting.

First and foremost, never pay to have your kid in modeling. They will pay you.

Now that that's out of the way, Models, Inc., is a legit model agency in the Bay Area. I have two friends whose kids model through them, and they are real. They have done modeling for Mervyns ads, Pottery Barn, and many more. They have offices is San Francisco and Walnut Creek.

I'm in the East Bay, so I have their Walnut Creek info. Their number is ###-###-####. They will not talk to you but have you mail in an information sheet and some photos of your kid. They don't have to be professional photos, just cute ones you took. Then they will contact you and let you know if they are interested or not. They really do get back to you, so be patient. I think they called, like, within a week or two.

I did this for my daughter, but I didn't follow through because what they do is call you the evening before for a shoot the next morning. My schedule isn't that flexible since I work a few days a week. I would need more warning than that. But if you are on leave and have the flexibility, it's worth it. The kids love it. They just play and the photographers shoot away.

Hope that helps, and good luck!!!

Hi T.,

I understand your desire, but want to pass on what our pediatrician advised us. Do you really want to open your daughter's life up to the sort of people that business attracts? Secondly, it's competitive, and you might very well spend time in crowded rooms with lots of parents and children, exposing your daughter and you to germs. The sneezers don't wear masks like at the hospital!

I have preteens and I still haven't had the chance to rewrite my journal notes of their childhood, organize my numerous photos, or start more scrapbooks. Your leave is going to fly by, and you may wish you'd taken the time to really bond, learn to be there now with her, practice Zen, learn Feng Shui, set up a meditation area, or, at the very least, listen to your ipod as you change diapers. But, please, stay off your cell phone. In my day (-; mothers paid attention to their babies while pushing them in their strollers, rather than ignoring them for friends, or relatives. Talk only to the baby's father to share her every move. I used to stop while we were out on our walks, go to the front of the stroller, and share our surroundings, and ask their opinions :). They are totally verbal individuals now. (They both had top roles in their school plays this week). Then, listen to Dr. Laura and go online to her website to hear from numerous mothers who gave up high-powered jobs to be stay-at-home-moms. Even if you don't/can't take that route it is a reality check toward your future (your choices now).

What about reading aloud to your daughter a classic you've never had the chance to read? The Secret Garden, etc. Practice being an ace photographer with her as your model. Practice putting your images on your computer, organizing them, sending them, etc. Or, start your own MySpace page, or your own website. Learn to develop YOUR interests, to remember who YOU are. She is watching YOU for how to be a woman who remembers SHE is number one.

HOWEVER..... GOOD luck any way you go!!!

All the best to you and your family,
G.

Think about what you are asking, and who it is for. Take some walks around the parks, or the beach, take pictures of her for yourself. And, it gives you exercise, her some fresh air, pictures for you and your family, maybe some other moms to meet along the way. This time will never come back, when your daughter is so tiny and precious--it passes so fast. Take time to enjoy her, and your relationship with her.

Most agencys are not interested in your child until they can sit on their own. This is because most jobs want the kids to be able to have good head control, etc.

Marla Dell in San Francisco is one of the oldest & most reputable children's model & talent agencies on the Bay Area. You will need to send them a few polaroids (nothing professional or fancy) & write your child's age & all of their clothing sizes.
As a word of caution, Never pay any agency to represent your child!
Good luck!
www.marladell.com