Expert: Don Wood - 4/26/2004

Question
I am an AllExpert volunteer in the Medical category, and my question is as follows: My Granddaughter (10) is a fascinating individual with a great deal of persona. (Not because she is family)! Her father is a very talented photographer, and Bryana (the child) has posed for photographs since she was born. Her dad made a CD with some shots of her which I would like to expose to a professional and get an honest opinion of how to pursue a career for this young lady. I do not consider her a raging beauty, but she has a congenial appearance, fantastic awareness of detail and expression. Her ability to precisely mimic an individual's body mechanics, verbal communication, and vocalization, is remarkable.
The question is: What path should I take in seeking an HONEST reconnoiter. I want to avoid scams, and profiteers. Sincerely: Lauren  

Answer
Dear Grandpa,
I too am in your catergory, I have 8 grandchildren. You pose an interesting question. There are people seeking talent that seem to be more interested in selling photography, making an album with many poses. or selling the clothing they're showing. Then when it comes to finding jobs, it's hard to work with them, if you can find them. Periodically people will come to put on a fashion show, use local people for models, and we find that they're only interested in getting money for their services, through photos etc.
Perhaps if you asked someone in the field of putting on fashion shows for their opinion, you may get some help. Possibly the local college if they have a fashion designing course they may have some ideas. If they seem to be more interested in selling photos, albums which you can use to get your foot in the door they may be suspicious.
You might also examine the papers for people looking for children to use in advertising. They're derisively called cattle calls. There are literally millions out there that are very convinced that their munchkin is the cutest and should be used. This is a common syndrome. Not to discourage you but perhaps your son has expanded his photographic skills by using her as a model.
You might also check with some clothing store owners. Not necessarily the chain store but the small owners. They may have some ideas on how to promote.
I would make some hard-copy pix rather than relying on the CD to display the pix. Reason is that they would have to pop the CD into their computer in order to view the content. My feeling is that if they have some pictures to look at first, than they may be inclined to request more pix. Then you could introduce the CD. I would print them at an 8x10 size on the best paper you can get, the highest resolution I could make. Object is to reduce pixillation and make it look like a natural picture taken with the traditional film-based camera.
I wish you well, I can tell that you are proud of your grand-daughter and want the best for her. I would further guess that this is probably your first grandchild because after several grandkids the newness wears off. Not to say that we don't love them any less, it's just that there is more people to absorb the love we give them. Please don't take offense. I too think that all my kids are extra-special and that their kids are the greatest.
I do wish them and you good luck. Thanks for asking.
Don