BABY MODELLING IS DIFFERENT
Baby modelling is obviously a different kettle of fish to child / teen modelling. Nobody expects a baby or a toddler to follow direction, pose and smile for the camera in the same way they would an older child. Yes, it is important for your baby to be cute and photogenic, but their temperament is equally if not more important. A baby model must be of a smiley disposition, comfortable around strangers, and able to be separated from its parents without problems.
ARE HEADSHOTS FOR BABIES NECESSARY?
Because babies change so quickly, you may find that your portfolio no longer accurately represents your little one after a matter of months. Casting directors are well aware of this so if they are interested in your child’s look, they will often request a raw photo taken that day of your baby, or even a ‘self tape’ video of them crawling / playing with a toy etc.
The main reason babies still get their professional headshots taken is, in all honesty, to prove that they can; that they can perform in that environment to produce great shots.
DON’T BE SURPRISED IF THERE ARE MULTIPLE BABIES BOOKED FOR THE SAME JOB
Once you and your baby have secured a job, you may be surprised to turn up to set and find one or more similar looking babies also booked for the same job. This is because we know babies are unpredictable. They might have been the happiest little cherub in the world, but on the day of the shoot suffer an awful toothache or be hungry or irritable etc.
Casting directors compensate for this by having at least one back-up baby on set ready to substitute in depending on the results. You and your child will be paid either way for your time on set. However, if your baby is used in the final cut, you will often get an additional usage fee. This is negotiated on your behalf by the agency.
WORK HOURS & PAY FOR BABY MODELS
Children under 3 years old can work a maximum of 4 hours a day, 3 days a week by law
The minimum amount of payment you are looking at is $85 an hour although it is usually much more
Considering that babies are required for less hours filming than adults, this is not the career to enter into as a money-making scheme. Your prime goal should be a feeling of pride seeing your baby as a brand representative.
