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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> Modeling portfolio for 11 month old
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04/14/2008 04:32:39 PM · #1
So I have been posting ads on craigslist looking for photography experience. I have had quite a few responses, some quite promising. This one kind of concerned me...what are your thoughts?

Her email:

"I saw your ad on CL that you are looking for experience, and I am building my daugher's modeling portfolio. She is 11 months old. I would also like some shots of my husband and myself, separate and together, and some shots of the family. "

The first thing that comes to mind is some sort of stage parent who is going to force their child into modeling. Or am i too much of a pessimist? Is "baby modeling" legitimate, and should I offer my services...or just let this one pass me by?
04/14/2008 04:52:05 PM · #2
I recently worked with a child model of 13 years old. At first I thought he was very motivated (email), but while we were talking before the shoot, he told me he didn't even knew my name or work. His mother took care of everything.

That felt very weird, and made me dicide to think twice shooting a child again. I want the model to be movivated itself, not the mother.

With a baby it might be different because of the age, but still, the baby can't decide herself.

In short: I agree with you. Don't think you're a pessimist.

And: Who wouldn't want shots of herself and husband and family? Think about that. Her baby is the model! They can also go to the local photographer, you know. I think this way the mother is "using" you to have some nice shots of her family she doesn't have to pay for.
04/14/2008 05:00:49 PM · #3
Originally posted by biteme:


And: Who wouldn't want shots of herself and husband and family? Think about that. Her baby is the model! They can also go to the local photographer, you know. I think this way the mother is "using" you to have some nice shots of her family she doesn't have to pay for.


That thought crossed my mind as well.
04/14/2008 05:14:08 PM · #4
Baby modeling is a legit business. Think of the print ads that come out every week from Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target, etc. They always have baby clothes on sale, or some type of toys and they are modeled with babies or kids for the ads. My cousin had 3 adorable girls and did this with them to make money to put away for college for them. Now they each have nice little nest eggs for school. As babies, they are not working per se, they just dress them up/and or hand them a toy and take pictures.

As for the parents, I would offer them prints for a price. It's really no different than any other job.
04/14/2008 05:18:30 PM · #5
Baby modelling does exist and its entirely possible she is legitimately wanting her child to be a baby model, though I would agree this sounds like someone looking for a free/cheap family portrait.

Its down to personal choice if you want to get involved. Baby modelling is an ethically grey area, my point of view is where children are doing something for profit there is always the risk the parents will take advantage or just go too far competitively. I also dont like the idea of kids being judged on their appearance.

But there is a demand for it, just walk down you local high street and count the pics of babies in professional adverts. I know a girl who used to do a fair bit of these kinda shoots. She said 95% of the parents are grounded and the child is enjoying it but the 5% of kids being bullied into it was enough to make her stop shooting children.

Difficult decision really...
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