Alternatives

to Professional Modeling

Having read the information we have provided regarding teen modeling, the model or the parent might find it inappropriate for the teen to start a professional modeling career.  Whether that is because they are uncomfortable with the profession, school or work doesn't allow enough time or the teen simply isn't ready to make the commitment necessary to be successful, there are alternatives.

It isn't necessary to have a professional modeling career to enjoy modeling itself.  Being in front of a camera does a lot to bring the introverted teen out of her shell.  It instills confidence and grows one's self-esteem.  There are a lot of positive benefits to participating.   Beyond that it can simply be fun and rewarding.

We don't generally recommend modeling schools because of the high cost versus the limited benefit.  The alternative is Photo Days and arranged photo shoots.

In many areas, particularly in Southern California, there are a whole cadre of family events where groups of photographers meet at places like parks to shoot in groups.  Typically one to thirty models with shoot with one to one hundred photographers.

They are generally contests and some prize money is involved.  It is a good opportunity to shoot in a controlled environment.  The model gets experience, gets some pictures and has fun.  Don't expect Photo Days to lead to a modeling career.  While some Photo Day models have gone onto fame and fortune, the events themselves had little to do with their success.  Also, don't look to be discovered.  While some professionals do come to these events, they are rarely looking for their next "big find."

The other alternative is to look for photographers that will trade photos for modeling services.  While the photos you get will often not be of great quality, the teen will have fun.  I have, on occasion though, seen a model get a great image from one of these arrangements.  More importantly, it will give the model a chance to be in front of a camera while she waits for the proper time to start her professional career.

Now a word of caution. Using the Internet to find modeling opportunities, while tempting, also brings with it safety issues.  Be careful when shooting with an unknown photographer.  It is best to shoot in studios or public places.  In any event, get involved with your daughter and accompany her on all of her shoots.

Make careful decisions about which Internet websites you list your daughter's information and from which sites you respond to ads.  Be wary of all offers and remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn't real.

Finally, give out as little personal information about yourself and your daughter as you can.  Until you have met a photographer, shot with him and have satisfied yourself with his credentials, try not to reveal anything more than an e-mail address.  Everyone out there is not who he says he is.  The Internet is filled with desperados.  Be safe!

These alternatives are not going to start a career, nor are you going to be able to get professional management to help you do these things.  Legitimate managers and agents work on a percentage of income, so there is no economic benefit to them working with a model that is not accepting paid assignments.

However, there is no doubt your daughter will have fun, gain poise and will better understand the business when it comes time for her to model professionally.

The bottom line is that if professional modeling isn't right for the teen, try making it a hobby.  Just have some fun and it will still be rewarding.