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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

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Original poster

Teen modelling - anyone got experience?

15 replies

woolytang · 05/03/2020 19:19

Hello, my DS (17) wants to model and has had some photos sent via a photographer (for free) to a couple of agencies. These agencies want around £200 for a couple of years access to their database of clients. Is this normal practice? I don't know anything about this and obviously don't want my DS to get fleeced. Does anyone have any experience in this area, or kids who are modelling now? How did they get started? Thanks

OP posts:

Jins · 05/03/2020 19:24

Two friends have daughters that modelled, one between 15-18 and one 11-14. Both were ‘spotted’ by agencies and signed up. Neither paid a penny.

Original poster

woolytang · 05/03/2020 19:59

Thanks, they also say they take 20% of any earnings. I guess they have to make money somehow but with the fees as well. I'm just not sure

OP posts:

LooseleafTea · 05/03/2020 20:01

I’m very sceptical as most of the agencies seem to prey on parents’ or children’s vanities and take money off them. I think if a person is spotted and doesn’t have to pay anything it sounds a bit more positive! Not that I’d want to go down that route but some may enjoy it .

LooseleafTea · 05/03/2020 20:04

I would look at the particular agencies’ websites and if you wonder why some of the models are on there it might warn you but equally they might be ones with a good reputation ?

nancyjuice7 · 05/03/2020 20:12

From my basic knowledge, models are scouted rather than photos on a database you pay for? It should be the other way around.

She should get into acting or fashion and find an opportunity that way.

Also be wary that 17 year olds don't think long term careers so although this is her interest it could change next week and ensure that she is still pursuing education

amihavinganervousbreakdown · 06/03/2020 14:16

You shouldn't pay for anything.
The agency will take (at least, depending on the type of work) 20% fee but they will never charge you for anything if they are reputable.
Any decent agency will want to meet her and make sure she's right for them and take test photos of her anyway so please don't let her pay for anything.

mynameisnotmichaelcaine · 06/03/2020 19:47

DD was scouted at 13, we never paid anything. She's now 16, and been dropped because she's not quite tall enough. She's completely fine with this, and saw the whole thing as a massive confidence boost. I'm glad she got dropped for height rather than weight though!

I would definitely not have paid.

Travelban · 07/03/2020 10:14

How tall do they have to be? Kate Moss is 5'7 isn't she?

elizabethrose · 07/03/2020 10:23

My daughter was spotted, but we did have to pay for their registered photographer to take photographs for spotlight, and pay for the spotlight registration which is annually. If I remember correctly it was £45 for 4 images. We've had lots of paid work, but now we've moved to a theatrical agency it's got a little more intense in terms of castings. My daughter is likely to be spending 6 months in Dubai without me as it's all via chaperones, so please be aware of the commitment you are entering into. Modelling though is usually just for the day, but I've always had to pay our travel expenses.

daisypond · 07/03/2020 10:25

My friend’s daughter is a model. High-fashion stuff, ads, magazines, Vogue, etc. She was scouted. Not tall either- so can’t do catwalk. Paid no fees. But agency takes a cut.

StormBaby · 07/03/2020 10:38

Good modelling agencies do not charge to sign up, just a percentage

elizabethrose · 07/03/2020 10:51

I think most charge for the initial photographs. We've been with BizzyKidz London, Kids London and now with Face Model Management and all have charged us for the initial images. We've always been very happy and my daughter has earned a good wage from it, it's just a very big commitment. I suppose it's different when they're older, as they only have to manage themselves. We're Yorkshire based and all castings are usually in London, so we've had to juggle quite a lot. We don't do London castings anymore, and it's gives us a bit of breathing space. She is still securing jobs though.

mynameisnotmichaelcaine · 07/03/2020 18:26

The agency she was scouted for have 5'9" as a minimum, they mainly do catwalk work. They suggested some agencies that might take her, but DD doesn't really want to do it anyway, so we've not pursued it.

Travelban · 08/03/2020 12:04

Wow 5'9!! That is very tall but I guess probably not that tall for catwalk stuff!

Dd did child modelling and we never paid any fees at all. We did get paid for the shoots but if you factor in the travel then I would say it was a loss rather than a gain. I understand rates are different for adult modelling, eg 16 plus

kateybeth79 · 11/03/2020 22:31

Definitely don't pay. The agent makes their money by taking a percentage of what the model earns. I initially just had basic snapshots taken by my agent in my portfolio, I then built it up with the work I secured. There are a lot of scammers out there so it's good that you've asked on here!

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