To not want ds to be a model

[Themumalwayslate]

Ds 16 was scouted by a large reputable modelling agency when shopping with friends 3 weeks ago. He wants to go for the rest shoot but I don't think it is the right thing for him or are family. It is causing a lot of problems as well. Ds is a twin with ds2. This going to sound really bad but ds is more conventional if you know what I mean. He is 6ft has lovely deep set blue eyes and just has that unique striking look that models have. However I don't want him to end up with an eating disorder or give up at school. Also ds2 is really bitchy saying stuff like you could never model etc aibu saying no to ds?

[MyballsareSandy]

Not always a scam if they're scouted in shopping centres. My DD2 was, when she was 12 by Bookings. She is very tall and they thought she was nearer 16. We ended up going to their London offices for a few photos, no money was mentioned or I wouldn't have done it. They said they are interested in her but she's too young and want to see her again at 15.

She is also a twin and I was worried about her sister but she was thrilled for her.

Just tread carefully and don't part with any money.

[GloriousGoosebumps]

I am always saddened by parents who will not see their children as individuals. The fact that his brother is jealous isn’t a reason to prevent DS from grasping an opportunity particularly when, as others have said, you wouldn’t stop the brother from attending a top university simply because DS doesn’t have the same academic ability. Let DS explore this opportunity. You also need to have a chat with the brother about controlling his jealousy and reminding him of his own academic ability.

[TheNewStatesman]

As others have said, be wary of scams. Check the agency out, and do not pay for a portfolio of photos to be taken!

[Bulbasaur]

I'm sure it does happen legit sometimes, just in my experience it's been a scam where they invite you in and then slap you with a package price for the sample photos that you hand out to modeling agencies.

Just don't hand over money, that's all.

[claraschu]

Bulbasaur, that's not necessarily true. My nephew was seen skateboarding and got "scouted". He had some pictures in Teen Vogue in the US, but then got fed up and it never went anywhere. He made a bit of money and quit when it got boring.

[MyBaby1day]

God this is my dream, you're mad, DS2 is clearly jealous, boys can be very jealous too. He should be encouraged to go for it. Think of the money!.

[WorraLiberty]

Why do people want to know the agency? I also wouldn't tell on public forum.

Why? Surely it might put her mind at rest if other people's children have happily worked for this agency with no problems?

It might be a public forum but it's hardly going to out the OP or her DS.

[itsbetterthanabox]

I think modelling is not something to aspire to and not for children.
Male models are still encouraged to be rail thin. My friends ex is now a top male model who was skinny to start with but has lost so much weight he looks gaunt. That's not a life I would want my child to dream off. Conforming to a narrow ideal and be judged solely on your looks.

[Bulbasaur]

Modeling agencies don't go to you, you go to them. If they're "scouting" people in the shopping centers it's a scam.

You need to create a cover photo and a resume of sorts to get into modeling.

For the sake of letting him try, let him go. But don't hand over money for a photo shoot. Models get paid to allow people to take photos of them, not the other way around.

[CocobearSqueeze]

Why do people want to know the agency? I also wouldn't tell on public forum.

It's bad that your other DS is jealous but if he say got a full scholarship to Cambridge or Harvard - would you stop him because of your other DS?

[Floggingmolly]

I take it (by your refusal to answer) that it's not one of the well known, reputable agencies??

[2minsofyourtime]

Pleas stop restricting ds1 because ds2 is jealous. Would you stop ds2 from going to college because ds1 doesn't want him to.

You mentioned your mum and her looks and I wonder how much your thoughts about your mum are influencing you thoughts.

[MoonAndBackAgain]

I was approached by a modelling agency at 16 and turned it down, given how my life has turned out now it was the worst decision I have ever made. I'm not saying that this will be the same for your DS but ultimately it's his decision at the end of the day and I echo what other posters have said; as long as it doesn't interfere with his studies then I would say let him do what he decides to do.

[notagainffffffffs]

Go along with him. Ask lots of questions and do not part with a single penny ever.
Good friend of mine was spotted and he has worked internationally for 6 years now, live in nyc with a famous singer. Could be a fabulous opportunity.
Also his diet and fitness is incredible, not disordered super skinny etc

[Housemum]

Do your homework, look up the agency online and see what clients they say they have. Then don't be afraid to call the companies and ask if they get models from X company as you wanted to be sure they are legit. No guarantee of course that your son would get work, but at least you'd know the agency weren't scammers.
I don't know anything about that age group, but for younger kids it involves a lot of being asked to go to castings at short notice, so be prepared for lots of fruitless train trips.
DD2 is coming up to 12 and I am not sure I want her to be modelling into her teenage years, precisely because I'm worried that she might get self-obsessed or feel pressurised to conform to a stereotype. Luckily my kids are different ages so there is no competition/jealousy even though the eldest didn't model.

[LokiBear]

I was 'spotted' by a 'reputable' agency when I was 18. The photo shoot had an administration fee of £250 that they neglected to tell me about until the day of the shoot. I should have realised that being 5ft6 and a size 10 would not make me model material! I have no idea as to how to advise you with your son, but would suggest being cautious.

[Gawjushun]

Oh, was going to add that he may soon change his mind when he realises that modelling is quite boring. Friends who have modelled tell me it can get very tiresome having people faff around you for hours, and it soon gets tedious. He may even quit after a couple of photo shoots.

[CitizenFish]

you dont really get much say do you, as he is 16. You cant 'enforce strict rules'; he could just leave home and do as he please

id try offering sensible advice and support, to do what he decides

[LittleBairn]

It's unfair to stop your DS1 based on his jealous brother. Will you stop DS2 going to Uni if DS2 doesn't get the grades?

[Gawjushun]

I'd say at 16 he's old enough to make a decision, but obviously there need to be strict rules and you'll need to do a bit of research to make sure he isn't being ripped off or exploited. He needs to realise that modelling isn't a long term career choice, and so his school has priority.

I think it'd be a good opportunity for him. And it'd be a shame to not give it a try and potentially regret it in future.

[Themumalwayslate]

I think we will see how it goes and decide from there

[Alisvolatpropiis]

Are we talking Storm, Elite, Select here?

[Szeli]

i used to work for an agency, i now occasionally work alongside an 'agency'.

with the proper one we really looked after our boys, plus a lad with an ED wouldnt sell and at 16 you still get to decide, he can't sign a contract until 18.

what's the agency? if reputable let him do it, it's good money if he can get the work

[MoreBonkersThanBonkers]

If DS2 is more academic then it evens out doesn't it. . You wouldn't dream of stopping DS2 going to a more prestigious Uni than his brother in case it causes problems with his brother would you?


I would let him give it a try but only after thoroughly researching the agency. (Double and triple checking everything) Who know what it could lead too? He shouldn't be asked for any money.