Our Interview with Our World Contemporary Photography

by renee'

Tonya Dailey, Owner & Lead Photographer

Our World Contemporary Photography
832~978~6129
www.owccphotography.com
http://lifeofaphotogchic.blogspot.com/




2.9.09
INTERVIEW W/ AGENCY DIRECTOR OF CLICK MODELS IN PHILADELPHIA
Each month I will interview someone who deals with children in some sort of fun and exciting way. This month I had the pleasure of doing an interview with a really great person, Renee Lauren. Renee has been like a mentor to me over the years and given me great advice about the modeling industry and how it works.
Renee is the agency director for a very well known modeling agency, Click Models. She runs the Philadelphia office and she also has a modeling site and book with a wealth of information on child modeling.
I want to thank Renee, AGAIN for taking time out of her busy schedule to answer those parent questions about child modeling.

Tonya's Interview with Renee Lauren of:


Tonya: Renee can you tell us a little about yourself and how you got started in the modeling industry?
Renee: Hello Tonya, yes I started as a model then opened a small agency and later merged with Click Model Management in New York.

Tonya: What is the first step parents should take to get their kids into modeling?
Renee: First thing we always tell parents is to take a few digitals of their child to see if they like being in front of the camera, then practice with them a few days just taking fun snapshots trying different expressions and settings.

Tonya: Does Click Models represent children?
Renee: Click Models only represents children with the Philadelphia office and the division is very small so it is usually preferred that the child has experience.

Tonya: What big name companies have your models worked for?
Renee: We book models for the top clients, Abercrombie, Macy's, Target, Kenneth Cole, Seventeen Magazine, Glamour Magazine.

Tonya: Being that Texas doesn't have a huge market for children like Florida or California, what advice would you give Texas parents who want to pursue a modeling career for their child? Is relocating to one of the larger markets really necessary?
Renee: No we don't recommend that you move from state to state for booking work unless it is really what the child wants to do and you have the resources and money to do so. There are several good agencies in Texas that have small children's divisions. Most agencies like the talent to live within 50 miles of the agency for castings and bookings.

Tonya: What advice would you give pageant moms who want their daughters to model? How would they start to separate pageant modeling from commercial modeling?
Renee: Oh we luv the pageants we just had one of our girls who went all the way to placing third in Miss Universe. Yes you must keep the photos separate, modeling photos should be more lifestyle, editorial as pageant photos are much more posed and theatrical with the costumes and makeup. You can not have all the makeup and hair styles that are represented in your pageant photos work for your modeling photos they are not natural enough.

Tonya: I know parents approach you a lot saying that they have really cute kids, and everyone tells them their kid should model. But in all honesty what does a modeling agency really look for in a child? Does talent and personality play a huge role over looks?
Renee: You never can tell, we may be looking for a look that we don't represent at the time, a certain age a client is looking for that matches a size for shoot we are casting. You just never know what the call is going to be for. Correct, it is not always about looks sometimes it is a certain smile or expressions the child has.

Tonya: Is it best for parents to submit snapshots or professional headshots of their children to the agencies?
Renee: It is always best to submit snapshots unless you have done a professional shoot then of course submit those with a few snapshots but the agencies will always want to see snapshots of your child for personality and how natural and comfortable they are. Then they will look to the professional photos for how well they photograph.

Tonya: When picking a photographer is it best to use the agency referred photographer or can parents use someone else? And if they go with someone else what should the parent watch out for as far as image quality?
Renee: Most agencies will give you a list from anywhere from 3 - 5 photographers that they like working with but they will also offer you the opportunity to work with whoever you would like if they are good photographers.

Tonya: What scams should parents be aware of?
Renee: If an agency does not offer you the opportunity to work with a photographer that you like and insists that you work with their photographer for an outrageous amount of money. Modeling agencies should never take money for photography sessions unless it is a school or training classes. Modeling agencies are paid by commissions from bookings they get for you.

Tonya: I know you have a book out for parents who want their kids to get into modeling, how can they purchase that book?
Renee: Yes we do thank you it is on our site childmodelsadvice.com and also you can download it here http://www.models-fashion-advice.com/mfa_cm_Ebook.html

Tonya: Again Renee, I would like to thank you for the interview, I'm sure parents will enjoy reading this. I hope you have a great day!!!!
Renee: Thank you Tonya it is always a pleasure to work with you!

To Learn more about Click Models visit their website at Click Models !!!!

To read the interview and see Tonya's amazing photography!!! visit here:

www.owccphotography.com
http://lifeofaphotogchic.blogspot.com/