There's a big problem in the photo industry with child models that miss scheduled appointments or show up late for shooting sessions. While it's true that kids can come down with a cold unexpectedly or have a bad night's sleep, many professional photographers who book child models for advertising and editorial work complain that late appointments are far more common with kids and babies than with adult models. This is a problem says Pacholyk.

"It can be a nightmare for the photographer," explains New York photographer Roy Weinstein, who has handled advertising assignments with kids for many top companies during his 30-year career. "For most advertising jobs there's a whole crew waiting for the child and the parent to arrive at the studio," he explains. "Remember, it's not just the photographer who runs the risk of being caught off guard if the child is late or cancels at the last minute. Weinstein adds that you have to remember that there are also the photographer's assistants, the make-up artist, and often a stylist, the agency's Art Director, and possibly the client. "It's a real problem in the industry," he says. "

That's why a successful career for a child model depends on whether the parents have the available time and are willing to make the commitment to take on the responsibilities that come with the job. While the fantasy of seeing little Sally on the cover of a major magazine is enticing, the work that's involved to get to that stage can be overwhelming for many parents who don't realize what they're getting into.

How to Get Started

If you're still not scared away, let's look at how the industry works and how you can launch a child's career—again, if you decide that you're willing to undertake the demanding career of parent of the model.

First of all, it's important to realize that there is a wide demand for all types of kids as models. "Clients are not just seeking beautiful children," explains Pacholyk. "There is a big market for all types of children who are photogenic—that is to say, children who come across well when photographed. Photographers and agents agree that in today's highly visual world of print and television advertising, there's room for kids of all shapes and sizes and ethnic backgrounds, provided they photograph well and have the right attitude for the rigors of the work.

So that means any child who looks great in photographs might have a career opportunity. There is one limiting factor, however, and that is that the bulk of advertising and illustration photography takes place in only a few major cities. New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Miami are the most active centers. Most children who get work as models live in or near one of these four cities.

While most of the jobs are in these cities, there's still a possibility if you live elsewhere. While you're unlikely to find agencies in Seattle, Minneapolis, or Charlotte that specialize only in child models, there are still some opportunities at the larger general modeling agencies in these other cities.

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