How To Make A Standout Child Model Portfolio
There are many beautiful, vivacious, and photogenic children out there, and their parents feel that these attributes can give their youngsters an edge in life if they become child models. It’s definitely not an easy industry to break into. Aspiring children and their parents have to play their cards right in order to get noticed.
Some kids get discovered while out and about. It’s the luck of being in the right place at the right time. Other kids are related to people who already work in the industry. In this case, it’s all about connections.
For the rest, success is mainly the result of knowing how to get children into modeling and persistently following that process.
An Effective Portfolio
There are steps to take to break into the modeling world, and one of the first things to be done is to assemble a portfolio. This is necessary to showcase their strengths and range. It will also list their physical particulars.
What are the different elements of a child model’s portfolio?
1. The shots
Pictures naturally figure prominently in a model’s portfolio. They have to be the right pictures though, and, naturally, they have to be good quality with the image of the model clear and well lit. There also shouldn’t be any visible brand logos in the pictures.
The following shots are standard, and they normally have to be updated every six months.
The headshot
An 8” x 10” headshot photo is one of the most important aspects of a modeling portfolio. For children aged four to 13, the shot should show them just as they are. They shouldn’t have makeup or styled hair, and the shot should be taken in really good lighting where the model can look as natural as possible. This is so clients can see their authentic look.
The subjects should look into the camera to demonstrate that they can maintain eye contact. With babies and toddlers, the rules are a little different. They grow and change so much at that time so headshots don’t carry as much weight.
The full-length body shots
These normally are also 8” x 10”, but some areas have different requirements. New York, for instance, typically goes with 9” x 12” photos, while Miami requires smaller-sized photos. These shots feature models from head to toe.
They show body build, proportions, stance, and posture. The models may be showcased in different attires – sportswear, formalwear, casual wear, etc.
The personality shots
These shots show children at their most comfortable. They can be at the playground or at home, whatever counts as their natural environment. While these shots aren’t candid, they still convey the model’s personality.
2. The Résumé
This lists the model’s past jobs. The details on the document should also include contact information, training, and education. If the child has very little experience, they can join classes and workshops for relevant skills. This is something that clients and scouts take into consideration. Like the photos, the résumé details should be updated about every six months.
Aspiring child models’ portfolios may be accompanied by a short letter of introduction advising agencies about their beginner status.
3. Physical Description
This part details physical particulars such as height, weight, hair color, eye color, clothing size, shoe size, and body measurements. Again, the information here will have to be periodically updated. Even hair and eye colors may change as children grow up.
Hard and Soft Copies
Finally, in this day and age, it’s much easier and cheaper to submit portfolios to different agencies. Aspiring applicants may send their portfolio online or even create a page for it and add the link in their cover letter. They can just bring the actual portfolio in an attractive hardcover expandable book with them when they are called for a personal appearance.
With a carefully completed and impressive child model portfolio, your little one can very well be on his or her way to a rewarding career.
AUTHOR BIO
Adam Jacobs is the Managing Director of Bubblegum Casting , the longest running agency specialising in babies, children and teen talent in Australia. Bubblegum Casting works with some of Australia's biggest brands, media properties and agencies to secure talented children to work in Television, Film and Modelling roles.