Expert: Kitty Kavey - 10/24/2009

Question
Yes please. Im a new at this and I am trying to figure out how to find an agent in Florida for my children.  also, who would I turn to in order to take "portfolio pictures" to submit to them?

I live in between Miami and Orlando but would be willing to travel if there was a reputable agent interested in either of them. Its hard to find someone who wont charge you to sign up with them and I really want an honest opinion to as to whether they have what it takes.

Both of my children have been photographed before and even a photographer who was doing a story for the newspaper today started to take candid shots of my daughter. Finally she approached me and told me she was photogetic.  I would rather someone who knows the business tell me yes or no before I invest time and money into it.

Your advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

carol


Answer
Many of the agencies in Florida will represent children, although most start at around age 2 or 4 and up.  You can check the list of agencies on http://www.florida-models.com/agencies.htm

Towards the bottom of the list is World of Kids, Inc. in Miami: http://www.worldofkidsagency.com
They specialize in representing children for both modeling and acting.  I haven't personally had experience with them, but I've not heard anything bad about them either.

If anyone asks you to get professional photos taken for a portfolio for a child under the age of 12, I would suggest trying another agency.  Commercial print models don't usually use a portfolio, but rather a modeling composite card - and very young children often just use a snapshot or two rather than professional photos as their "look" (and sizes) change so rapidly.

No one should charge you to sign with them, that is illegal in the state of Florida.  An agency should be making their money by finding their models and/talent work.  When a model or talent lands a job through them, the agency takes a percentage (usually 10-20%) off of the money earned by that person from that job, and the model or talent gets the remainder.

Some "agencies" do try to scam a quick buck by charging for other things; photography services, printing services, classes and the like that are required or strongly encouraged in order to work through them.  I hope you don't run across any such people, and there are a lot of reputable agencies out there who may also love your children and find them to be photogenic and marketable.

If World of Kids isn't right for you, check out some of the others on the Florida-Models.com list of agencies.  Some of the listings say when they represent children, and some may not.  I can't recall if Famous Faces represents children, for example, but you can call them to ask.  If they say they do - great, you can ask them what their submission process is.  If they don't, be sure to ask if they can recommend an agency who does handle models of your children's ages.  That can be a great way to get a referral to someone good.

Good luck to you,
~Kitty