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Original poster

Baby modelling - would you?

42 replies

babymodelling19 · 02/03/2019 19:21

NC for this. DD is 4 months and was recently approached for modelling by a large agency. Have you done this? What can you tell me about it? I of course think she’s gorgeous but not sure about putting her through whatever might be involved and I’m not sure what benefit she might gain from it.

OP posts:
SwimmingJustKeepSwimming · 02/03/2019 19:23

No.

according · 02/03/2019 19:29

No.

wombatsears · 02/03/2019 19:31

No

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lunabody · 02/03/2019 19:35

No. Also - check it's not a scam. There's a whole industry of getting money out of parents for the "modelling portfolio" photos of your kid.

Original poster
babymodelling19 · 02/03/2019 19:36

I’m of the same mind TBH (though must admit I like that someone else thinks she’s gorgeous!)

Can anyone tell me more about it and why you wouldn’t choose it for your DC?

OP posts:
Original poster
babymodelling19 · 02/03/2019 19:38

Thank you Luna, I have investigated and it is genuine/reputable.

OP posts:
SweetAsSpice · 02/03/2019 19:39

No. They have no 'choice' in the matter. Let babies be babies. Each to their own, but it's a no from me.

LadyintheRadiator · 02/03/2019 19:39

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MyKingdomForBrie · 02/03/2019 19:40

I would consider it depending on the money as I love the idea of having a really decent nest egg ready for them for uni or a deposit.

Original poster
babymodelling19 · 02/03/2019 19:45

I was thinking about the financial side, wonder if you actually would earn enough to save or is it more freebies and such?

She’s such a lovely girl I hate to do it without her consent and put her through something unpleasant when she’s happy to cuddle at home.

OP posts:
Fourmagpies · 02/03/2019 19:57

No, I did it once with DS1, purely as it was with a group of friends for a local company. It was boring, lots of hanging around. They take thousands of pics and about 5 are any good! Babies are too unpredictable and there was always something not quite right with the photo. We did it for a free product and we did get sent copies of the photos but can't imagine it pays well.

Original poster
babymodelling19 · 02/03/2019 21:46

Yes I reckon it wouldn’t build much of a nest egg for DD, though I was told for basic shoots the average is £500/day for high street retailers, more if film, etc

OP posts:
DisgraceToTheYChromosome · 02/03/2019 23:02

No. Imagine getting to your twenties and finding out your earnings peaked before you could walk.

MyKingdomForBrie · 02/03/2019 23:05

Well I certainly wouldn't do it unless it was going to get savings for the babies, I definitely wouldn't do it for products as that's using them for your gain.

Bigonesmallone3 · 02/03/2019 23:07

There is very little money in it, u will always be expected to spend money and I don't think it's particularly enjoyable for baby

HedgePlastic · 02/03/2019 23:07

Sure!

VelvetPineapple · 02/03/2019 23:09

I’d do it if the money was decent, to save a nest egg for when DC grows up.

E20mom · 02/03/2019 23:14

No. It's not something the baby wants to do. I guarantee it.

cestlavielife · 02/03/2019 23:16

If you really are going to get £500 for turning up for a day with your baby go for it... but I wonder if that is realistic...

Blankpaper · 02/03/2019 23:50

It’s not realistic.

Baby modelling is something to do for the enjoyment, not for the money.

Pinkyyy · 02/03/2019 23:58

If they ask you to pay for the first shoot then it is absolutely a scam. I have done lots of work in the modelling industry and legitimate agencies will never ask for money. There are so many companies running scams where they charge you for the first shoot and then out you on their imaginary 'books'. Surprisingly they never find any work for any of the people they photograph.

Foxyscarf · 03/03/2019 00:07

I think it's exploitative in a general sense, less so in your particular scenario. However, it's still a no from me because the baby can't consent.

PonderLand · 03/03/2019 00:14

£500 a day has to be a load of rubbish!? My dp is a cameraman for corporate and commercial adverts and he gets paid just a bit over that for being 1st camera, the producers and directors get a little bit more if their freelance. Why would a baby with no acting or skill get paid the same amount? I thought about doing a similar thing with my son but I knew it would involve lots of travelling and waiting. It seems a miserable way to spend time with your baby but then again my son was super fussy!

stanski · 03/03/2019 00:17

We were approached too and didn't do it but that was purely cause I read that castings can be all day short notice and didn't think it was fair on DS. However, I have a friend who's daughter has been doing it for years. She's been on all major Sainsbury's clothing adverts as well as others. She gets paid well and enjoys it. So really, it's up to how you feel about it.

SD1978 · 03/03/2019 00:21

Yup, we did it. Got a few contracts, nothing too major, but a few season spreads. Spent the same on the modelling photos as you do for a baby shoot, and got to keep the photos, so didn't see it as a financial drain. Never got to keep the clothes though. For getting/keeping clothes that's more a brand ambassador thing- but for that it's usually an Instagram account, and already established with followers, constantly spruiking the clothes until your child is 'popular' enough to be asked to wear them, and then you get freebies. We did it for fun- was on Mat leave and bugger all else to do. Went back to work and stopped because I couldnt be arsed with the castings.