Talk to me about teen modelling

[PiratePenguin]

My 14 year old has asked we can look in to her having a go at modelling. I have no clue about the industry. Is there anyone who can tell me about it?
I work full time so could only get her to shoots (if accepted by an agency obvs) at weekends. Will this hinder her? Is it pointless applying? How much do portfolios cost? Can you turn down jobs without being blacklisted if you can’t make it?
I have so many questions! Before we go any further with this, some words of wisdom from those in the know would be appreciated!

If you do it yourself there is a lot of outlay for potentially no return. You need to get signed by an agency to make a go of it. Google when they are holding open auditions or just send them a few photos you've taken yourself. If they're not interested then you've saved a lot of time and money.

Almost no one gets to the point where modelling is worthwhile, and agencies will be able to spot if you e got potential without you laying out for a precessional portfolio which can cost £££s

Beware of scams! I had a friend many years ago who was pretty but quite clearly not modelling material but the scammers showered her with compliments and persuaded her to give them £700 to make a portfolio. They promised the portfolio would make her all the money back plus loads more. Once the money was paid they disappeared and she didn't make a penny of it back, her mum was furious understandably!

Do you need a portfolio first? How do you get jobs? I have no clue about any of this. I’m not overly keen on her doing it, but promised I’d look in to it before making a decision.

Decent agencies will have a photographer they use and the agency will pay for the portfolio, you shouldn’t have to pay anything.

Good agencies have open castings. You go, they take test shots and will either sign you or not.

if you are signed the agency should take photos, and will use ones from jobs you get too. It’s in their interests to have decent photos so there shouldn’t be any outlay.

castings do tend to be at inconvenient times, but you will get an idea of when you are required so you can chose to go to casting or not. They are often short notice however.

most girls need to be at least 5”8. The agency ds was with will not see girls under this height.

money is decent if you get commercials etc but it really depends on the “look” and whether it’s in demand.

if you are in Scotland use Model Team in Glasgow

Firstly how tall is she? Whilst there are now models of different heights and sizes, the vast majority of women who are able to make significant money are 5'8 minimum, ideally 5'10 and slim (size 8). My friends dd models and is 5'11, size 8 and mixed race, hard work for not huge rewards so she's giving it one more year, she's 21.

So many models have spoken about what a traumatic, predatory industry it is (and those are the successful ones). The teen years are fragile enough: can you support her to find a different hobby or career choice that will nourish her and not be based on her waist measurement?