You flash your toothless grin to the unsuspecting grocery bagger and her heart melts. You roll adorably across your security blanket to impress your teenage babysitter and she squeals with delight. Although you secretly enjoy the attention, you can't help but wonder if you can manipulate people with nothing more than your button nose and cherub cheeks. So why should you limit yourself to simply stealing the hearts of your next door neighbors when you can capture the world with your seemingly adorable innocence?
Becoming a baby model isn't just for the faint of heart. A few well-placed peas on your chin might convince your Great Aunt Sue that you should stay up a few minutes longer, but your endearing antics won't land you a comfy career on a leather couch draped in velvet unless you know how to really work it with a professional agency.
However, if you're smart enough to be reading this, then you're definitely smart enough to know that the ultimate payoff is well worth the effort, and these tips and tricks can help get you started on your path to stardom.
You'll need photos.: Most reputable agencies require a few snapshots as evidence of your angelic but mischievous features, and generally speaking, you'll want at least one good headshot, full body shot, and unique pose shot that flatters your features and emphasizes your winning personality.
Although these photos don't have to be taken by a professional, you'll definitely want a few that let your personality shine through. Agents fall all over themselves for that little extra "something." Whether you have a delicate smattering of freckles, a lop-sided grin, or ears slightly too large for your head, play up your most charming and unique feature. However, you'll want to avoid using any props or toys that will block your face, and though sunglasses may help you look suave and dashing, they don't help you land a contract with an agent.
Additionally, you're growing up too fast to build a proper portfolio, so it's recommended that you take new pictures every 3 to 4 months, and keep in mind that if you're truly destined for baby modeling, then you'll be spending a lot of time in front of the camera anyway. So ditch that diaper and pose irresistibly for the photographer.
You'll need exposure.: Once you have established your charming and adorably photogenic face on film, you need to get those pictures out there. It isn't enough to simply send a picture of your first tooth to your Grandparents and let it sit in the family album stuffed in your mother's sock drawer.
No. You have to get your picture out there for the world to see - submit that bright-eyed beauty to every contest, pageant, and agency you can think of. You'll never land the cover of a magazine with a diamond encrusted Tiffany's watch if an agent can't pick your face out of a crowd.
You'll need time and energy. : Half the battle is landing an agent, but the real struggle is the scheduling. It can be a hassle alternating between photoshoots, doctor's appointments, and mid-afternoon naps, so be sure that your current caretaker can handle the pressure before you begin.
A good majority of potential stars lose their claim to fame by failing to show up for a shoot on time, and you have to keep in mind that sometimes an entire team of photographers, makeup artists, and set designers could be depending on you to show up and look pretty without accidentally spoiling their fine linens or props.
Unfortunately, photoshoots can be long and boring, and it can be particularly frustrating if you have to sit in the nude for hours on end while the photographer changes yet another lens. If you need to blow off some steam, taunt your mother by dropping your favorite toy on the floor and making her pick it up for the umpteenth time in a row.
Good Luck: If you've carefully considered all the facts and still think that baby modeling is right for you, then we wish you the best of luck. Just because your mother thinks you're adorable doesn't mean you actually are.
