Kicking it Old School
Back in the day, I was a kid…
When I started out working at the magazine in the city, I’m gonna confess NO ONE HAD DIGITAL CAMERAS! Ok so now you know I’m OLD. One of my jobs at the magazine was to call the agencies to request the models to come to my magazine’s casting for the editorials. Once the models came by for casting, I would get out my Polaroid camera (not the Instax kind) and take their photo. From there my editors and the creative director would choose the models from these Polaroid photos. These days these photos are still very important but instead you can use a camera phone.
2 reasons
- Your child wants to apply to modelling agencies
- Your child needs to update the agency
If your child is applying to agencies, these photos will determine your acceptance. If it’s for reason 2, these photos will be used for their portfolio. After you join an agency you will take these digitals (old school Polaroids) updates every 2-3 months.
prep time
Make sure to find a white wall in a room with plenty of light. Don’t put on artificial room lighting if it’s too dark, instead take the photos at a different time. Pick out simple clothes, this is not the time to wear designer gear. Don’t add accessories like hats, sunglasses, pacifiers, etc. They distract from the face. Style hair naturally, and no makeup!
tips
You can use a camera or even smartphone to take the update. Place your child on the white wall and take a test shot. Look at the photo, see if there are any shadows. If the lighting is uneven find another location. Take a variety of photos, front, back, side, etc. Trying to get your child to smile is not necessary.
after the session
Choose your photos based on your children looking as natural as possible. Please don’t add filters. If you are submitting to an agency, mention child’s age, height, weight, shoe size and clothing size. If you are sending your digitals to inform your agent if there are any changes in your child’s age. Don’t forget to include recent facial changes like teeth missing and haircut.
good luck!
