Young Models: The Dark Side Of The Spotlight

By Denise Dougherty of Sunshine Spirit Photography

Have you ever thought about getting your child or children into modeling or commercials?  There’s an overwhelming amount of information when you Google this topic.  Where do you start?  How do you figure out which companies are a scam and which companies are legitimate? 

We are in an age where society praises beauty, especially in the younger generation. Most parents will say their child is model-material, and nothing is more flattering than being told your child is model-worthy. Almost all modeling agency scams and fake scouts prey on that fact. Here are some tips to keep in mind when approached or seeking out modeling programs for your child:

Tip #1: Avoid Agencies That Tell You There is a Registration Fee.

Reputable agencies will pay you/your child – it’s not the other way around.

Tip #2: Do Not Enroll Your Child in a Modeling School Course.

If you do your research, you will find that many agencies will tell you that a school is not necessary for the kinds of child models they hire.

Tip #3: If the Offer Sounds too Good to be True, it Probably is.

Be weary of phrases like “your child has just the ‘look’ we’re scouting for” or “our experts will evaluate your child and the chances of their success, and only then will you be accepted into our program.” Those phrases really mean “I need to sign up as many people as possible for good commission” and “we accept everyone. I’m just making it sound like we are really exclusive.”

Tip #4: No Agency Will Charge you $1,000 for Test Pictures.

You may have to pay a small fee for test pictures if you decide to get them through an agency, but it should never be near that much money.

Tip #5: Read Any Contract or Documents Before Signing.

Even the fine print. You would be surprised what can be found.

Tip #6: Do Your Research.

Research the agency extensively. If it does not seem reputable or you find accusations of them being a scam business, it probably is.

There are many modeling & talent “agencies” right in New Jersey that fit within the criteria for being a scam-based business. However, while they may be practicing bad business ethics, they are not doing anything illegal.

You will pay around $1,000 for photographs or comp cards, upon which they will claim to help your child find work. However, the success rate of their “models” and effort put into booking your child jobs is minimal to none. They focus on quantity rather than quality because of the commission, so your child is just a paycheck to them. A red flag should go up when you are signing the contract with them that states after the $1,000 for test shots, you will not have to pay them for any modeling jobs you get afterwards.