Teenage Modeling, Career, Teenagers, Teens, Super Young, Model, Tips, How to Get Started, What to Do

Guide for a Teenage Modeling Career

Ever Dreamed of Becoming a Teen Model?

Getting into the teenage modeling business doesn't have to be rocket science but you do need to follow a few guidelines as a beginner.

First, the sooner the better. Although there are people of all ages who happily work in entertainment the ones who start out super young have an advantage. For the large agents and management companies in NYC, Milan, etc. getting started at the ripe age of 13 to 15 years is almost essential. Elite and Ford are two on the top of the list and this is where they start looking. And, Don't forget IMG who hosts an impressive parade of female and male teen models. If you land a contract with one of these guys be prepared to work hard and expect to travel.

How Tall do I Need to Be?

This varies with the type work you are applying for but here are some attributes who work for the agencies listed above...

* Height = @ 5' 9" to 5' 11" (with some exceptions)

* Weight should be proportionate to how tall you are

* Measurements = @ Bra Size of 34, Waist 22 to 25, Hips 34 to 35

Of course there are always exceptions but you really should be close to this if you plan to do anything in runway or high fashion teen modeling.

With that said there is the matter of working locally. If you start out at a young age, you'll be experienced in acting professional and feel completely comfortable posing for photographers. This gives you the edge when more than one model is applying for the same job or photo shoot.

Now, we've talked about teenage modeling heights and figure but what about other types? Here are a few other considerations, especially if you want to go the local route.

* Catalog - Modeling clothing or accessories such as hats, mod tote bags, coats, etc.

* Promotional - These are the teen models you'll see at trade shows, managing booths, posing for pictures or maybe even giving out credit card applications. Not very glamorous but it's still work.

* Body Parts Modeling - Self explanatory, pictures of hands, feet, etc.

* Commercial - This is wide open, height and age are not that important. The teenage advertising industry is big time and in need of models who are outgoing, not camera shy, able to master posing, body language, facial expressions, etc. to sell a product or service. You'll still have competition but there are more slots open. Call some agencies and ask if they handle commercial modeling jobs.

No matter if you want to get into commercial teenage modeling most talent agencies look for girls and boys that fit the standard figure of a model. Many times, there are specific height windows as mentioned above in the fashion section depending the type teenager you are.

Agents also place emphasis on weight and your having an ideal figure for clothing, waist, hips, and even bust sizes. They are mostly looking for very specific teens to fit their bill at any particular point in time.

The bare fact is, if you have the kind of body they are looking for this month or this year, you will probably get lots of modeling shoots very quickly. Whenever you are hired, always take the job very seriously throughout your child and teenage years because if you make a good impression during those years it could very well lead to a break in the higher markets later in life.

It's still a fairy tale ending but there is always the possibility you could end up the next top fashion model because of the knowledge you gained as a child model. These are the reasons for getting started young if you can. I hope you success!

Bob Pardue Photography