This article is from 2nd issue of OTS E-Magazine  Pages 8/9


Copyright: Photographer Marc Binder OTS #10519
Models, How did you get her started?! 

Here we are, another month!  I am so excited to continue this adventure with OTS and You!  For those who don’t know me, I’m not only a model but a Model Mom.  I have two amazing kiddos - Jessi, 6 years old, and Wade, 16 months.  Jessi has done a little modeling and I do believe she’s a natural!  Of course, I am not biased at all...  So this month I am going to deal with a question I am asked constantly, “How did you get her started?”  Much of this will apply to you older girls as well.

First thing, everyone will tell you not to spend any money.  You must realize they don’t mean EVER.  Eventually you’ll need to shell out some dough, but we’ll get to that.  In the beginning, do not pay a big name photographer for your child’s first shoot.  Modeling isn’t just about a pretty face, it is about how that face translates onto film.  So Step 1?  Find out if your kid can hack it.  Look up local photography workshops needing models or contact photographers in your area to see if they are interested in a TFP session.  Expect to hear no and be happy to hear yes.  If their response is unsure, chances are they don’t know how to say “No” without hurting your feelings.  So respect that and move on.  Photographers talk to each other and if you continuously push your child at one of them, they will all know and you will be avoided like the plague.  When you do find a photographer willing to test shoot, try to find other models that they have worked with and get references.  This will be easy if they are on a portfolio hosting site such as OTS.  Quick tip for the first shoot – cute but comfortable.  Your child will do their best if they feel like themselves; save the glamour for another time.  If they’re truly photogenic, he or she will look great in their Garanimals outfit from Walmart. 

Afterwards, review the shoot as well as the shots.  How cooperative was your cutie?  After Jessi’s first shoot, we waited almost two years before the next; I still space her shoots out because she is not quite ready for more.  And now for the hardest part…be honest.  Is your child really photogenic?  I don’t mean adorable; they are all adorable.  If you put their picture among 10 others, would it stand out? 

When you’ve decided he/she is ready, that’s when the real work begins - networking, finding representation, building a good portfolio.  This is when it will pay to put a little green behind the adventure.  If you are already there, let me know;  I can recommend some great photographers and resources!  Obviously there are many other ways to get started, this is simply one of them; there is much more past this point than I could possibly write about here, but hopefully this well help you get off the starting block. 

I also want to share with you a tip I just found out myself.  I go through plain hair elastics and clips like crazy.  For savings on these, instead of driving to the store, I now order from websites that sell hairbow making supplies.  If your daughter (or you!) is like mine, you will have no problem buying enough to offset the S&H charges; you can always go in with another Mom to really save! 

Before I leave, here’s  a tip for you older girls.  Closer to the camera = bigger; further away = smaller.  To minimize your bottom half when facing the camera, push your tush back and lean forward slightly.  To minimize a large chest, try a classic high-fashion pose – hands on hips, elbows and shoulders pushed forward, and upper back scooped or ‘hunched over’.  Be sure to extend your neck so you don’t look like a turtle!  Jessica Sauer’ has an excellent example of this pose in her portfolio by Mark Matthews of “The Loft”. 
PHOTOGRAPHER - The Loft Studios - OTS ID: 20335 and MODEL Jessica Sauer - OTS ID: 14095

Well, I think that’s it for this time; I hope you found something you could use here!  I would love some feedback – whether you loved, hated, or have questions about anything here, let me know!  I’ll see you guys and gals in a month and remember, it’s all what you make of it!

 PHOTOGRAPHER - Marc Binder - OTS ID: 10519