Invest in Professional Headshots

I work with a local Christian TV station called Keys Media. http://www.keysmedia.tv/

In my research for information on comp cards (or composition cards), which all actors need to provide to agencies, I came across this article from the Houston Chronicle. Notice that STEP 1 is to invest in a professional headshot!! A professional photographer will be able to manage the lighting, posing, and editing of your images to make you look the best that you can be! And that’s what you want to put forward.

This applies not only to actors but also to any professional. LinkedIn is a professional networking site and in my opinion, your headshot should be professional and not a cropped photo of you on vacation! You want potential employers to see that you take the job search seriously and professionally and that is what you will bring to your next job as well.

Tara Flannery Photography is always available for professional headshots. We are currently creating a new package for aspiring actors that includes photography, digital images, and comp cards. Contact us for more information!

How to Manage a Kid’s Modeling Career

by Faizah Imani, Demand Media

Kickstart and manage your child’s modeling career.

If you have a child who consistently rakes in compliments on her looks and personality, a modeling career may be right up her alley. Some parents seek outside assistance to oversee their child’s modeling career, while others choose to go at it alone. These solo individuals are also referred to as “momagers.” To successfully manage your child’s modeling career solo, you need to know how the modeling industry works and how to find gigs for your child.

Step 1

Invest in professional headshots. Child headshots should be simple and capture the look and personality of the child. For best results, choose a photographer who specializes in taking headshots of children. Some casting directors will accept amateur headshots for children; however, having professional shots will show that you’re taking this endeavor seriously.

Step 2

Turn the child’s headshots into “comp cards.” Comp cards are simply the child’s photograph printed on premium photography paper, with your child’s name and contact information printed on the bottom of the card. A good comp card includes several photographs (three to five) of your child to show off his or her modeling range. The comp card also includes a physical description of the child, including height, hair and eye color, weight and clothing size. Comp card companies, online and offline, can design and print the comp cards for around $1.00 or less per card. If you’re good with computers, though, consider using one of the many templates available online.

Step 3

Enroll your child in modeling classes or workshops. There is an art and technique to modeling, working the camera and walking the runway. Modeling classes are a great place for your child to learn these techniques. The fee for these classes vary by instructor. Research the instructor before signing your child up for a class. Ask the instructor for a portfolio of clients he has worked with, and ask what percentage of his students go on to book modeling gigs. If the percentage is lower than half, bypass that class. Get instructor and class recommendations from the parents of other kid models in your area.

Step 4

Create a modeling resume for your child. This resume should include her name, age, height, weight, hair color, eye color and clothing and shoe sizes. The resume should also include the child’s formal training and modeling experience, both professional and amateur.

Step 5

Check with your state’s department of labor to determine whether or not your child needs a work permit. In most states, children under the age of 18 need one before accepting paid entertainment gigs, including acting and modeling. Some states, such as New York require all children under the age of 17 to have a permit.

Step 6

Submit your child’s comp card and resume for new modeling gigs. To find gigs, visit modeling casting call boards. There are plenty of casting call boards online. Some boards provide casting information for free, and others charge a small monthly membership fee. Stay away from casting call boards that guarantees to get your child gigs, as no casting call site can back such a promise. If a casting director is interested in booking your child for a gig, he will contact you.

Step 7

Enroll your child in beauty contests and pageants. Talent scouts and agents often attend these events. You never know who may recognize your child’s modeling skills.

Step 8

Keep a copy of all print work your child is featured in. This copy is referred to as a “tear sheet.” Keep all of his tear sheets together in a physical portfolio or album. Use this portfolio to show off your child’s skills to future casting directors.

Step 9

Take your child to a kid’s modeling agency to get agency representation for your child. Whether or not the agency represents your child all depends upon whether or not your child has a marketable look that fits the agencies current needs. Once your child is signed on for representation, the agency will help the child find modeling gigs. You still retain management rights. However, the agency receives a percentage of the profits for each booked gig it finds for the child. If you find a gig for your child, without the assistance of the agency, you do not pay an agency fee.

Step 1: Invest in Professional Headshots | Houston Spring Head Shot Photographer