Modeling

[Anonymous]

My 14 yo DD is 5’10. When we are out, we are frequently asked if she models. I have never considered this as we have always pushed education and sports. She, on the other hand, is now interested. I don’t even know where to start to find a reputable agent, someone to take photos for a portfolio, and whatever else is necessary. Does anybody have any experience in this? Any suggestions are welcome as we consider whether or not this is something we will pursue. I am trying to keep an open mind.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn’t bother with this path to be honest.

[Anonymous]

Is she prepared to lose weight? Quickly? Does she have a thick skin, or will she cry if people point out that her thighs touch or the gap isn't big enough? Is she prepared to be around people doing coke and shitting liquid from all the laxatives they take, and say no thanks when they offer her some?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is she prepared to lose weight? Quickly? Does she have a thick skin, or will she cry if people point out that her thighs touch or the gap isn't big enough? Is she prepared to be around people doing coke and shitting liquid from all the laxatives they take, and say no thanks when they offer her some?

And don’t forget about anorexia or bulimia. You’re setting her up for a lifetime of body issues or at least being around people who have body issues.

[Anonymous]

Is she prepared for leering and possibly sexual assault?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is she prepared to lose weight? Quickly? Does she have a thick skin, or will she cry if people point out that her thighs touch or the gap isn't big enough? Is she prepared to be around people doing coke and shitting liquid from all the laxatives they take, and say no thanks when they offer her some?

And don’t forget about anorexia or bulimia. You’re setting her up for a lifetime of body issues or at least being around people who have body issues.

AMEN.

[Anonymous]

One of the feeder pimp types for Epstein was a pervert who ran a modeling agency.

[Anonymous]

I am 5’10” and was approached by “modeling agents” several times in my youth. Happily, neither my parents nor I ever took it seriously. Modeling isn’t a reasonable career to pursue. The vast majority of girls who attempt it end up losing money on it. The few who do end up as professionals live a pretty terrible life for a while. I really can’t imagine letting my daughter pursue it.

[Anonymous]

If she's serious about it, she can get do it in college

[Anonymous]

Noooooooooooooo.

[Anonymous]

Body issue concerns aside, it’s often a lot of cost to little benefit. Does your daughter have any other unique features that make her marketable?

Don’t forget that you will have to set up a professional portfolio, plus they often recommend classes on everything from walking to smiling to makeup. Even regular casting calls often happen through the day, with no guarantee she will get a job, so you can anticipate her missing school.

[Anonymous]

My child models. I or our nanny attend every shoot. No one is offering laxatives or other substances. It’s nothing as described above. My kid knows most casting agents are looking for a certain look and does not get upset when they don’t book something. They don’t have eating issues and are naturally trim. Do not use any agent that asks for $$ for anything upfront. We are not in DC anymore but try Linda Townsend Management, Taylor Royal, Or Camera Ready Kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My child models. I or our nanny attend every shoot. No one is offering laxatives or other substances. It’s nothing as described above. My kid knows most casting agents are looking for a certain look and does not get upset when they don’t book something. They don’t have eating issues and are naturally trim. Do not use any agent that asks for $$ for anything upfront. We are not in DC anymore but try Linda Townsend Management, Taylor Royal, Or Camera Ready Kids.

PP, how old is your kid? OP's daughter is a teenager; if your kid is a younger child, that experience will be different from what a teen experiences -- and I'm guessing OP's teen is definitely not picturing mom or a nanny babysitting her during shoots.

OP, just because your DD is interested, that does not mean you need to say yes. Is your DD ready and willing possibly to give up her sport and other extracurriculars and activities? If she is doing modeling classes (how to walk, makeup etc.) and doing shoots, she may find that it eats the time she now has for those things and for seeing friends. If you can keep her academics up and she models that might be all there's time for, if she actually gets work.

Have you asked her what seems appealing about modeling in her mind? Does she feel flattered that strangers tell her she's pretty? Does she think of it as easy? Does she have friends who are encouraging her to try this? I'd want to know why she's interested, beyond just "It sounds interesting." Can she make s real argument for why you should let her try?

[Anonymous]

I would not do this. I did a little bit of catalog modeling as a teenager and honestly it messed me up. I was a beanpole, 5’9” and 115, people would discuss my leg shape and breast size in front of me. I feel lucky that I didn’t develop an eating disorder, but I still have food/body issues in my late 30s. One comment about my thighs made me extremely self conscious for many years, so much so that I would wear shorts over my swimsuits.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would not do this. I did a little bit of catalog modeling as a teenager and honestly it messed me up. I was a beanpole, 5’9” and 115, people would discuss my leg shape and breast size in front of me. I feel lucky that I didn’t develop an eating disorder, but I still have food/body issues in my late 30s. One comment about my thighs made me extremely self conscious for many years, so much so that I would wear shorts over my swimsuits.

NP here - for me the minute I turned 18 they tried to put me in a see through blouse for a runway. I also missed out on a lot of stuff at the start of college because I was working and your schedule is not your own. Wouldn’t recommend it.