Is it possible that you and your stunning new baby could be spotted on the street and then offered an exclusive modeling contract, which in turn will pay for your child’s college education? Yes – but it probably won’t.

In Chicago, Ill., Erin Crews, manager of the children’s division for Ford Models, spends at least some of her time scouting for fresh, new baby faces. It’s her job to provide child talent for client companies such as Sears, Target and the baby catalog One Step Ahead.

But believe it or not, the majority of the parents Crews approaches with baby modeling opportunities never take her up on the invitation to visit Ford Models’ downtown office. Because although you may think so, you’re not likely to get rich in this business – no matter how cute your baby.

“What parents don’t realize is that it requires a lot of work to get your child into modeling, and the payoff is much less than what most parents expect,” says Crews, who arranges modeling opportunities for babies and children ages 1 to 15 in the Chicago area. “When the parents of prospective baby models meet with me for the first time, I spend a long time ‘educating’ them about the business. After that talk, many of them never come back.”

Modeling can be lots of fun for babies, children and parents alike, however. According to Crews, the parents who are the most successful at getting their kids into modeling are the ones who view it as a hobby. “I tell the parents, ‘As soon as it’s not fun anymore, it’s time to stop,’” Crews says.

What Agencies Look For
Contrary to what most parents might think, it’s not always the drop-dead gorgeous babies and children that get the jobs, Crews says, especially for the “older” children. For example, from ages 5 to 13, companies are really looking for a strong character and a great personality. Looks help, of course, but not in the traditional sense.

“Often, what a client asks for is a certain type of ‘look,’” says Crews. “For example, a client might request a child with red hair and freckles or a quirky smile. Children with diverse ethnic backgrounds are also very desirable.” Crews notes that she looks for good-natured children (and babies) who aren’t shy in front of the camera.

Tina Smith, a mother of three in Maryville, Tenn., first got interested in child modeling after attending an open call in Chattanooga three years ago. “My eldest daughter was such a ham I thought she would love it, but when we got there she turned so bashful she wouldn't even talk, so they didn't choose her,” Smith says. “So then I thought if I got my twins into it before that bashful stage they would be accustomed to being around strangers, and that could be helpful.”

What It Takes
Crews receives hundreds of photos a month of babies and children sent in by parents interested in getting their children involved in the business. Of those, Crews will select the most promising faces and invite the parent(s) and child in for a face-to-face interview.

“Meeting the parents is as important as meeting the children,” says Crews. “Not only can I tell a lot about the child through the parents, but it’s important to talk to them to make sure they fully understand the nature of the business.” As far as the prospective child models are concerned, Crews wants to see how they interact and what they look like in person.

For children 3 and older, Crews has an “Open Call” each week at the Ford office in Chicago. Every Thursday, dozens of hopeful parents and children come to “audition” for a contract with the agency. Of those, a few are usually selected for an in-depth interview.

If a baby (0 to 12 months) is chosen for representation by Ford, the parent is required to send new photos (20 copies) to the agency each month for distribution to prospective clients. “Babies change so much so quickly, so we need current pictures,” says Crews. They don’t need to be “professional” photos, but they should be colorful, in focus and show a good depiction of your baby. Children are required to have professional photo cards produced by Ford at the expense of the parent. These need only be done every six months or so, but they cost around $500 for the photo session and professional developing.

Smith says that for her, it has been very difficult trying to find an agency. “Everyone wants us to pay money up front,” she says. “When I began, I was told if it costs money to get started, then it's a scam, so I am very wary of all of the ones I have come across.”

Crews warns hopeful parents to be extremely skeptical about agencies who require parents to pay any amount of money to sign up. “These are not legitimate modeling agencies, and parents need to know this,” she says.

What Baby Makes
So what’s the going rate for baby models these days? About $65 an hour, but the modeling agency takes a 20 percent cut of that. “Add to that the cost of travel, gas money, lunch and possibly parking, and you are walking away with about 50 bucks or so for a one-hour shoot (the maximum time for infants),” says Crews. “I tell parents they are not likely to get rich doing this – it’s strictly for fun.”

Children can make between $75 and $100 an hour, depending on how long they have been in the business. But the 20 percent agency commission applies to them, too.

Documentation Required
If your child is invited to join the agency, there is some serious documentation that needs to be gathered before a single photo can be taken and any money is earned. This in itself is often a deterrent for some parents, says Crews.

First, Ford (by mandate of the State of Illinois) requires an original or certified copy of the child’s birth certificate, along with a Social Security card and a work permit. This applies even to babies. For some states, work permits require permission from a child’s pediatrician in addition to legal documentation (birth certificate, etc.). For school-age children, permission must be granted by the school principal in the form of a signed letter. The laws regarding child modeling vary state by state, so it’s a good idea to check into your state’s specific requirements early on.

“Because our clients work 9-to-5 days, that’s when print and commercial (TV) shoots are done, which requires children to leave school for those hours,” says Crews. “That in itself often dissuades parents from getting their kids into modeling, because they don’t want them to miss school.” There are time limits, though. Child labor laws mandate that a child can only work three hours a day, up to 18 hours each week, during the school year.

This is why the summer months are exceptionally busy for Crews and the children Ford Models Chicago represents. “We get crazy in the summer, because kids are out of school and readily available,” Crews says. But unfortunately, she says, “You can’t just have your children do modeling only during those months. It really has to be a year-round commitment.”

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