Teen Modeling

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-23-2007
Teen Modeling
9
Thu, 08-23-2007 - 9:24pm
This is my first visit to iVillage and all new to me, this subject is what brought me here for advise. I have a 16 year old son interested in modeling and I have no idea where to go to get started. He is a well adjusted, focused kid. He has been on a swim team for 8 years (very successful at this sport) He is a honors student,6'2" very built because of swimming and nice looking, he feels he could do modeling on the side to help pay for 1) his swimming for a private club that cost us more than we can afford 2) his private school and 3)college. I do not have the money for a huge porfolio and investing in something that is a gimic if anyone has gone down this path and can offer advise I would appreciate it. I feel very shallow asking this but he is very interested in doing it.
Avatar for jbgattuso
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-29-2003
In reply to: jayydeee
Thu, 08-23-2007 - 9:56pm

Don't feel shallow asking :) My DS 16 is into acting and is also trying to get into modeling. Although he really wants to get into comercials, the modeling would help. It really depends upon what State and City you are in. You don't have to spend more than a couple of hundred dollars on head shots. really if you get your DS headshots done, by any decent photographer, you should look for the reputable agency's in your area. You send the headshots to them with a resume. If they don't pick up on him, there isn't much you can do except but try open casting calls in your area. If it is just print he is looking for, I don't know exactly where to send you. You should check out the SAG (screen actors guild) on line. It gives you lots of do's and don'ts. I hope that helps some...and good luck.

Julie

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-02-2003
In reply to: jayydeee
Thu, 08-23-2007 - 10:06pm

If you don't live near a big city it is very hard because it can be a phone call to be here in ... minutes when modeling. First take some photos - black and whites, color, casual full body and head shots. Back in the day I used to know the Ford modeling address in Boston. You can try sending in some copies - let me give you one important piece of knowledge - oops two - you should never have to PAY money for him to be considered and avoid organizations like Barbazon not to trash them but in the modeling world fifteen or so year ago they were not very highly regarded. Also - any businesses locally do catalogs near you? My friend's son was one of the children in a recent LL Bean catalog - because they lived locally. Even keep your ear around for fashion shows locally!

Courtney

Courtney

There's a great big beautiful tomorrow shining at the end of every day... there's a great big beautiful tom

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-23-2007
In reply to: jayydeee
Thu, 08-23-2007 - 10:21pm

Thanks Courtney,
My father was from Wayne (Winthrope Lakes Region) Maine 1 of 11 siblings, I have family all over Maine. Just returned from Camping in Lily Bay State Park, Moosehead Lake. I live in RI.
Janet

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-02-2003
In reply to: jayydeee
Thu, 08-23-2007 - 10:46pm

Ahhh - I am at the bottom of the state! I just took my son to Orono today - boring drive. I have a friend named Elaine from wayne, Maine too. very funny :)

Courtney

Courtney

There's a great big beautiful tomorrow shining at the end of every day... there's a great big beautiful tom

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-28-2007
In reply to: jayydeee
Sat, 08-25-2007 - 5:24pm

Most of our major department stores here have a "fashion show" for teens before school starts and then right before Spring Break. They have an open audition - doesn't cost a thing - is that an option for you?

One of my best friends took her daughter to a talent/modeling agency. She spent well over $2000 for lessons and headshots and took her to LA and Orlando for screening sessions and they never got a call back, but another girl who went with her to Orlando got offered several modeling contracts and is modeling, she was with the same agency. My friend's daughter is beautiful, the other girl striking and her photos were amazing - she had the look and she's making alot of money!

Abercrombie will sometimes use their employees for their catalog. That might be something to look into.

Good Luck!
Jann

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-19-2003
In reply to: jayydeee
Sun, 08-26-2007 - 10:48am

You got alot of good advice here -- don't get talked into paying for an agency to look at him (those are scams). Maybe see if there is a talent agency in your area that can help out if there are no modelling agencies. If you know others who model they can refer you to agencies as well.

Just a caution though...I had a very good friend when I was a young woman who was very handsome, athletic, tall, striking features (blue eyes, curly dark hair -- the works). This guy looked perfect to all who knew him for modelling. He went to several agencies who were all interested but told him to lose weight!!! Now this guy was over six feet tall, lean and fit -- he did NOT look like he should be thinner and they wanted him to drop 15 lbs. He refused and dropped the whole thing...so ... don't be surprised!

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-14-2000
In reply to: jayydeee
Sun, 08-26-2007 - 11:32am
Good for your friend!
Pam
Avatar for suzyk2118
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-30-1997
In reply to: jayydeee
Sun, 08-26-2007 - 11:51am

ITA - my girlfriend in HS was 5'10" and they wanted her at 115 before they'd talk to her - she was determined; she fainted at work. NOT worth it.

Sue

Avatar for kel7col4
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: jayydeee
Sun, 08-26-2007 - 5:18pm
I'm in southern Maine too :D Right outside Portland...