In a nutshell, it involves children (typically aged between 2-12) who are booked for photoshoots or video shoots promoting products or services. This could be for catalogues (physical and/or digital), commercials (TV or film), or promotional (live) work. With Models Direct, our jobs are so varied – take a look at our jobs board – there’s true diversity in the projects that are presented to us by our clients who call for our star child models.

Bonus info: what are clients looking for?

From our thirty years of experience helping to book our young models with clients, we’ve often seen brands and companies (micro to giant) look out for youngsters who enjoy being in front of the camera lens and are comfortable trying out new things and following directions. 

• Do I need professional photographs to be a model?
• From Blossoms to Big Smiles – Spring Photography Tips for Child Models
• How do I find modelling work?
• Our Guide to Modelling with Models Direct
• The Ultimate Models Direct Guide to Getting Your Child Into Modelling

So, how do you get the ball rolling with Models Direct? 

We understand that we all want to keep our costs down so when we request you to take pics of your little one, we recommend that you do it yourself since using a professional photographer can be expensive. Quite frankly, you can do it just as well. Just remember to make sure the lighting is natural, the background is clear and your mini-me can be seen clearly (no fuzzy pics, filters and emojis, please).
Submit their application as soon as you’re happy with everything, and leave the rest with us!

What to expect on set

It varies from assignment to assignment but when child models are booked, they can generally expect a schedule from the client which will be shared with them (but it can sometimes not go to plan so being flexible with alterations helps!). 

Naturally, they can expect lights, cameras and action, alongside potentially other models being invited to the same campaign. There will be lots of hubbub and directions being called out to listen and follow. It’ll be a busy day/set of days but hopefully plenty of fun!

Capturing the charm, vitality, and authenticity that children can bring to a campaign is what pushes us to commit to our word: that child models can do it and enjoy a part-time career in modelling. If this sounds interesting, let us know!  

Children with that extra special something can really excel at modelling, with the camera often picking up on that specific sparkle or engaging smile and really highlighting it.

Models Direct has worked with junior models for almost 35 years now.

We know how to spot the children who will really shine during a photo or film shoot and we know how to find just the right youngster for each assignment.

Over the decades, clients we have worked with who have featured our child models have been as varied as Disney, the Paddington Bear Experience, Morrisons, Linda McCartney’s and Tottenham Hotspur FC.

We have teamed up with clothing ranges, food producers, holiday firms and many, many charities.

And you only have to skim through our client list and read our many other blogs to gain a flavour of these.

Those seeking to book child models approach us with their requirements and our team then investigates each and every client and assignment thoroughly.

As a fully government-vetted and accredited employment agency, we understand our responsibility to all our models – especially the little ones – and we have the necessary depth of experience required when it comes to working with children.

Once we understand more about a booking, we search through the e-portfolios of our child models, looking for little ones of just the right age and appearance – and with that special something.

• Do I need professional photographs to be a model?
• From Blossoms to Big Smiles – Spring Photography Tips for Child Models
• How do I find modelling work?
• Our Guide to Modelling with Models Direct
• The Ultimate Models Direct Guide to Getting Your Child Into Modelling

This is why we need you, Mum and Dad, to ensure you have uploaded a great selection of recent images that really show your little Ben or Bella at his or her very best.

We like to see pictures where you have captured that cheeky smile or lovable laugh – that mischievous look or impish grin.

And we also like to hear from you why you think your young model is just that little bit different.

Are they confident when performing on stage? Do they have skills like singing, dancing or playing an instrument? Do they love nothing more than playing in a football team at the weekends?

If your child has modelling experience, then please, of course, tell us about that too…

But if not, it really doesn’t matter – some of our best shoots have been with youngsters who are modelling with us for the very first time.

Read the reviews from the parents of our other child models before filling in our form and sending us some photographs.

Your child is unique – but we need you to tell us why!

And before you know it, your young model could be having fun and earning a little extra income.

This is what Dan and Jack’s parents told us after they were chosen for an assignment with Transport for London.

“Dan and Jack really enjoyed the photo shoot today.

“They got to wear lots of different outfits, from Christmas jumpers to Easter attire to summer casual clothes.

“The team was really friendly and easy to work with.

“There were lots of giggles along the way.

“Thanks Models Direct for another opportunity to earn money and have lots of fun at the same time.” 

We understand the strength of having modelling talent to leverage new campaigns which is why we’re always about getting new models to sign up with us and request that our existing ones continually update their ePortfolios, reels and measurements/skills so that brands have a holistic overview of what they have to offer.

Our team has seen that brands have a knack for curating innovative products and services that aim to captivate and inspire their target audience, and they do it incredibly well. Shaping their brand’s visual identity is an exciting process and a long-term opportunity to collaborate with agencies like us as we value creativity, innovation and authenticity.

What brands may look into investing  when building their campaigns could include:

Product shoots – they will plan, style and request for high-quality product photography which may include models who will appeal to their target audience. This will mean recruiting models of all ages and even pets!

Lifestyle shots – brands will want to create beautiful lifestyle imagery that reflects the personality and vibe of their brand, weaving products and services seamlessly into real-world scenarios.

Content creation – they may intend to produce a steady flow of on-brand, engaging content for use across social media, websites, and marketing campaigns.

• Do I need professional photographs to be a model?
• From Blossoms to Big Smiles – Spring Photography Tips for Child Models
• How do I find modelling work?
• Our Guide to Modelling with Models Direct
• The Ultimate Models Direct Guide to Getting Your Child Into Modelling

Video content – brands may create video content, long and short-form for reels, TikToks, and ads, blending campaign-forward style with eye-catching storytelling.

Building a brand will take time. Whether you’re a new or established brand seeking models for your next campaign, Models Direct can help. We’ve got diverse models – baby models, junior models, teenage models, adult male and female models, mature models and pet models.

We really did think this through and understood how brands will need models of all ages and from all backgrounds. So here we are, over thirty years on, still recruiting and providing models fit for different scenarios our brands suggest.

Here is a snippet of some of our client’s reviews. There’s more of this which you can take a look at here:

Focal Point Digital

“Everything went fine, and the models were great. Very happy with the service provided.”

Marc Cain

“Just to say that Terry was lovely! I’m very pleased with the service – quick, efficient,and everything was sorted very fast. If I need something similar again in the area, I wouldn’t hesitate to contact you guys again. Best Sarah”

The Avid Seamstress

How was your talent booker – friendly, efficient, quick? Yes, great responses and very thorough.

How did the assignment go on the day? Very well, model was on time and fantastic to work with, great energy and very flexible.

How did our talent(s) perform – did they do a great job? See above.

Are there any changes you would like to see? None.

Would you use us again, if so, why? Yes, cost effective.

Are you a brand looking to hire? Let our MD team know and we’ll be happy to help – always! We look forward to hearing from you.

Families exude a kaleidoscope of emotions with love resting at the top of the list. These genuine, raw feelings within a family unit can then be translated on screen or in images, and that’s where brands and businesses step in and team up to make some fascinating and timeless campaigns.

Our modelling agency, Models Direct, is not surprised that our clients call for real and manufactured families – dependent on the logistics of the campaign. But when it comes to real families coming together to create a standout campaign, there’s no better place to hire them than from us!

Why?

We provide a diverse landscape of talent.

Our families come in all formations and sizes. Some consist of two family members whilst others consist of more.

Provide us with your brief and we’ll present a selection of families who closely fit what you’re looking for.

If you’d like to arrange a casting call or self-tape, let us know and we’ll arrange this for you.

You’ll have access to our selected families’ portfolios and see their diverse and up-to-date range of images and reels.

You’re in control as you get to choose who you want for your project. We don’t sway your decision. If you change your mind and don’t want to go ahead, there are no hard feelings! We totally get that things change – marketing visions and directions can always alter right till the last minute and we accommodate these changes from both our clients and models side of hiring and booking.

We request feedback from our clients and want to know how it went – the positives and the negatives – so that we can continue to improve our services and provide the best experience for everyone.

• Do I need professional photographs to be a model?
• From Blossoms to Big Smiles – Spring Photography Tips for Child Models
• How do I find modelling work?
• Our Guide to Modelling with Models Direct
• The Ultimate Models Direct Guide to Getting Your Child Into Modelling

Take a look at our client reviews to see what they had to say about our family models:

Hoburne Holidays

How was your talent booker – friendly, efficient, quick? Very quick and efficient, great service

How did the assignment go on the day? Really good, the family were great, kids great and everyone worked well.

How did our talent(s) perform, did they do a good job? They did a great job, very responsive and listened well.

Are there any changes you would like to see? None

Would you use us again, if so, why? Yes, we would, very quick and efficient, great models.

Sanctuary Housing

How was your talent booker – friendly, efficient, quick?

Molly is always friendly, efficient and quick. On this particular occasion, we required models with very short notice and Molly was able to get the assignment moving with only a week’s notice and find us exactly what we were looking for.

How did the assignment go on the day?

The models arrived early with no problems getting to the location. They were exactly what we were hoping for and made the shoot a breeze.

How did our talent(s) perform, did they do a good job?

The Brown family did exceptionally well considering it was their first assignment as a family. We shot in a variety of different locations and they took each scenario in their stride. In hindsight, the 4-hour day was perhaps a little too much for the youngest member of the family, as you can tell towards the end that he was getting a little tired! This wasn’t a problem for us as we came away with plenty of great material anyway, but it is a learning curve for us for booking younger actors/models in the future.

Are there any changes you would like to see?

No, we are always really happy with the service that Molly and talent management give us.

Would you use us again, if so, why?

Definitely. We think that Molly is brilliant, and we are really pleased with the talent we have been able to find through her, they have fitted the briefs perfectly.

For more of this, head over to this page and if you’d like to hire a family for your marketing campaign, let us know right here! We look forward to working with you and helping you build your campaign.

The takeaway

The demand for modelling has skyrocketed with our agency and we’ve got new and existing clients coming to us for our comprehensive services backed with expert knowledge and experience in the sector. If all this sounds good to you, we’d love to have you join us!

Whilst there are certain restrictions to high-end fashion modelling, the diversity in commercial modelling is evident. We do not specialise in any type of model. Commercial models encompass everyone, from toddlers to mature models, males and females from all backgrounds. The one attribute for commercial models is that they must be dedicated to their assignments, from regularly updating their portfolio photos to representing themselves (and us) on set. The rest usually takes care of itself.

Some people fare better in modelling jobs than others. Not everyone is suitable for all our jobs. Age and gender are key factors, but thankfully modelling experience is not required. That’s equally critical, as it shows that anyone with the desire to become a Models Direct model can succeed.

What’s also important is knowing the range of different types of models we’re always interested to hear from. Some agencies specialise in plus size modelling, while others mainly have females on their lists. Some will have more of an emphasis on pets.

We’ve been the UK’s leading commercial modelling employment agency for a number of years, and we put all our effort into each booking, no matter what type of model we’re representing.

• Do I need professional photographs to be a model?
• From Blossoms to Big Smiles – Spring Photography Tips for Child Models
• How do I find modelling work?
• Our Guide to Modelling with Models Direct
• The Ultimate Models Direct Guide to Getting Your Child Into Modelling

And which different types of models are we experts at putting forward to our numerous clients, giving them the best chance of being seen and ultimately being offered their dream commercial modelling job?

Here’s the list of the main types:

Commercial modelling – diversity is the key here, with commercial modelling appealing to everyone. We are always interested to hear from anyone with the desire to work with top brands all over the UK and abroad. Commercial modelling is totally accessible, well paid and fun. Read more about commercial modelling here.

Mature modelling – age is not a limitation. Instead, embrace your wealth of life experience by signing up with us and uncovering plenty of modelling jobs as a mature model.

Baby, child and teenager modelling – modelling is not just for adults. We’ve provided our clients with hundreds of youngsters in exciting shoots (accompanied by their parents and guardians, naturally). Babies are usually classed as infants up to two years of age, child models are up to the age of twelve, and the age of teen models should be self-explanatory. The range of assignments on offer for children is limitless; all we ask is that they are well behaved and have fun in a safe environment.

Pet modelling – perennially popular with several clients, household animals of all shapes, sizes and breeds are always welcome!

Plus size modelling – for those with a fuller figure, there are many chances to be seen by our clients. For the past few years, we’ve experienced a surge in plus size modelling, so we welcome anyone to join us and have the best chance to be selected by top brands looking to appeal to the public.

We cater for anyone and everyone – and it starts with having the desire to become a model. After that, registering with means we’ll show our clients what you have to offer!

This is why we always speak to potential new models – or their parents if they are children –  on the phone once they have uploaded their application form and some photographs.

The reasons for our friendly phone chat are numerous – but, in a nutshell, we need to know that you are right for us, we are right for you and you understand exactly how we work.

We have been in the business for over three decades now and have built a solid reputation for the way we operate, our transparency, our professional service and the care we take of our models.

So, why do we need to talk to you?

We like to get to know you!

Firstly, we will, of course, verify that you are who you say you are and that you are genuinely interested in taking on paid, part-time modelling work through us.

But we also want to find out about the real you!

What you enjoy doing, whether you have previous modelling experience or if you have other skills or qualities that make you suitable for this kind of work…

• Do I need professional photographs to be a model?
• From Blossoms to Big Smiles – Spring Photography Tips for Child Models
• How do I find modelling work?
• Our Guide to Modelling with Models Direct
• The Ultimate Models Direct Guide to Getting Your Child Into Modelling

We like to find out what kind of modelling you are interested in, what your availability is like and whether you are prepared to travel.

We need to find out if you are confident enough to step out in front of a camera and can listen and respond to instructions.

And we will also explain to you how important it is that you are organised, prepared and punctual because we need models who are reliable.

And, why should you want to talk to us?

So you can get to know us too!

We can tell you more about the clients we work with, the wide variety of assignments we send our models on and how our processes work.

We will explain to you just how competitive modelling is – and that we can never guarantee to find work for any single one of our male, female, child or pet models.

This is because we don’t make the final choice.

When our clients approach us for a model (or models), we give them a selection of suitable individuals and they choose who they would like to employ.

During our phone chat, we will explain more about how you can maximise your chances of being chosen, primarily by ensuring you keep your e-portfolio and modelling photos up to date.

During our call, we will also explain that we charge a small initial admin fee, which goes towards the costs of seeking work for you and promoting you to clients.

This fee can be reimbursed to you after your very first booking through us.

And we will tell you more about how much you might earn for an assignment.

After our discussion, we will submit your application – along with feedback from the phone call –  to our panel and they will decide whether you are right for us.

Equally, you will be expected to take some time to absorb everything we have told you and to decide whether you think modelling through us is right for you.

But, please don’t be nervous about receiving your phone call from us – all our agents are friendly, warm and approachable.

You only have to read some of the feedback from those who have modelled with us to see just how much they invest in their relationships with our models – and just how much our models think of them!

If you’re thinking about your child joining you as an existing female or male adult model or as a new model, then you’re probably wondering if they’ll be suitable for the profession altogether. Let’s take a quick dive into seeing if they’ll be model-ready with Models Direct.

Comfort level

One of the first areas we look at, and a particularly important one at that, is your child’s comfort level. So, the questions to ask yourself would be:

Does my child feel comfortable being around new people?

Do they feel comfortable being in different environments?

Do they feel confident in themselves?

Do they feel comfy in front of the camera lens?

If you answered yes to the majority of these questions, then your child might be ready to move up to the next level.

• Do I need professional photographs to be a model?
• From Blossoms to Big Smiles – Spring Photography Tips for Child Models
• How do I find modelling work?
• Our Guide to Modelling with Models Direct
• The Ultimate Models Direct Guide to Getting Your Child Into Modelling

But remember, if they aren’t so confident you can always go ahead and put in an application for them and see how it goes.

If your child feels unsure or anxious, we’ll accommodate and start them off with a small campaign so the process doesn’t feel overwhelming.

Patience and focus

Two challenging factors for children are their patience and ability to stay focused. Both can be very tricky to manage when work needs to be accomplished and time is pressing. Depending on their age, these factors will fluctuate, meaning there will be phases where their patience and focus levels rise and dip.

Enjoyable moments

Finally, will your child enjoy the experience? This is usually a knock-on effect from the previous points, but will your junior like the modelling world with MD? Only time will tell of course, but it’s good to decipher this before they get into the booking system.

If you think your child’s ready for junior modelling, talk to them about it and see if they would like to try it out. Granted, the younger they are, the more difficult it will be to ask this with a confirmed response, but it’s important to keep communication channels open and honest.

Our child models have enjoyed a multitude of varied modelling assignments, including Zainah on her magical Disney collaboration and Sienna on her TOFT campaign. Read their respective feedback below!

Zainah’s mum shared this recount:

“When I signed my daughter up, the process was very easy and smooth, I was very much in the loop every step of the way. Within a few months, my daughter was offered her first assignment, which was great!

I was over the moon as it was so fast, plus it was for a global kids company. The assignment was well explained to me, and I knew exactly what I needed to do as Claire kept me posted very frequently.

On the day of the assignment, I met with the team who were all lovely and welcoming to both me and my child. It was a very great experience, and my daughter had the time of her life representing her favourite character. We would definitely recommend models direct as we have had nothing but a positive experience since signing up, and we are sure there will be more to come.”

Sienna’s mum left us with this lovely review:

“Sienna had so much fun at the shoot. They were really friendly and it was a nice, child-friendly, relaxed atmosphere with plenty of breaks. The products were lovely and Sienna really enjoyed them. They made her feel very comfortable.”

If you want your child to expand their skills, hit the apply button today!

Modelling is one of those jobs that welcomes families. More than that, some modelling jobs specifically requires families. And even better news – no one in the family needs modelling experience. And there’s more – family modelling usually demands a higher modelling day rate. What’s not to like for fun-loving, camera-friendly families?

Your family could get into modelling, no question. It’s a very real possibility, and the first step is to make a quick application with us here. After that, we’ll have a look at what your family can collectively offer our clients and then our wonderful booking team will be in touch. It’s counter-productive to make the application process too complicated. All we need is for a family to submit their interest and contact details and we’ll do the rest. If you’re reading this after registering with us, have a quick look at the FAQs to give you a little inside information.

There are many benefits to modelling as a family. Firstly, we’ve mentioned the potential group fee (usually taken charge of by mum or dad). For a family of four, and average fee for a days’ modelling might be £250-£1,000. We’ve seen much larger pay cheques than this, though. A read of our family reviews will tell you that the fabulous Friend family collected £6,000 over seven bookings. This demonstrates that if clients like a model, then they can easily work repeated bookings.

Secondly, modelling is fun. It’s often a new experience and nerves can affect anyone. But once families arrive on set – having been prepped by us – and then speak to the set managers and photographers or film makers, they quickly settle down and thoroughly enjoy being in their modelling environment. Families feed off each other, each member comfortable with their surroundings. Family modelling is hugely rewarding, and they cannot wait for their next job.

Thirdly, modelling families are as natural as they come. There isn’t a great deal of acting on assignment, as a family’s instinct is to be sociable and radiant whenever they come together. It’s what our top clients are looking for: down-to-earth, close-knit families to help them market products to other families.

Fourthly, some of our families have worked abroad. Yes – they have been paid to go “on holiday”! Well, it’s a working assignment, but just try telling the Golding family that. They were chosen for a four-day job in the South of France, starring in a commercial for Oliver’s Travels and their luxury villas. Talk about hitting the jackpot.

If you’re an ambitious family who love to spend time together, modelling is the perfect job for you. It can be done part-time, and the pay is usually great.

Now, to that registration page.

You can start the ball rolling as soon as they’re born

You’re beautiful mini-me doesn’t need to be a particular age to qualify as a baby girl or baby boy model. The best thing is, they don’t need to have previous modelling experience either which is perfect for model newcomers.

You’re more than welcome to fill out our online application form before speaking to us. One of our coordinators will schedule a call with you, but if you’d prefer, you can contact us beforehand and get to know us, what our agency does and how we can help your baby find modelling work.

What you can expect from our modelling agency:

Representation with a long-standing UK-based modelling agency operated by real people
Support, advice and guidance with your baby’s ePortfolio, measurements and milestones.
Actively being put forward for modelling assignments which meet your baby’s suitability, and commitment capacity.
Access to our live job board where you have the chance to directly apply for baby-focused opportunities.
Being paid on time.
On-hand support before and after the assignment.
The opportunity to leave feedback.

Models Direct does the hard work for you so that you can enjoy being a parent or guardian to your bubbly twins, triplets, or little tribe of babies.

If you’d like to keep in touch, give us a call. Stay in the loop with our website and socials, and most of all, enjoy a life-changing, memorable experience which you can share with your little one as they grow older!
Don’t take our word for it though, our testimonials speak for themselves! Check out the following:
Autumn had a fun time on her Tottenham Hotspur campaign. Her mum left us with this sweet and short feedback:

“We had so much fun today at the photoshoot, Rob was so good with Autumn and was very easy to work with. He made me and Autumn feel comfortable. I felt like it was a really good experience and we would definitely do that again!”

Another one of our baby sensations, Ace had a fabulous time on a TfL campaign. His mum shared this with us:

“Ace and I really enjoyed shooting for TFL. Molly’s communication was flawless before the shoot & all the team on the day were very lovely & accommodating – we had great fun wearing the outfits and they even gifted Ace with a cute pair of dinosaur wellies! Excited to see how the pictures turn out and really looking forward to our next job :)”

There’s more where this has come from, just head over to our reviews page.

We offer paid, part-time work to a range of different models who may be seeking all sorts of different modelling work.

From lifestyle and commercial modelling to promotional modelling work, our assignments also vary between jobs of just a few hours up to work for several days.

Our clients come to us with bookings that are right here in Oxford, as well as jobs that may be in area parts of the UK or even abroad.

Once models are signed up with us, they may be put forward to any client offering the kind of work they have requested and requiring a model of their age, look and body type.

Our clients then make the final decision as to who they would like and then we discuss the job, the fee and all other details, including duration and location, with the chosen model.

It is entirely up to our model whether or not they would like to accept the booking.

We have child and teen models on our books who are still at school, as well as students at college or university.

We have female and male models who have full or part-time jobs, families to look after and busy social lives.

They all accept work from us as and when it fits in with them – after all, it has to be right for them, as well as for us and the client.

One of our young male models accepted an assignment modelling football kit for Oxford United.

This is what he told us afterwards about how modelling for Models Direct works for him.

“Models Direct is absolutely easy to deal with and leaves any model (beginning, starting out in the industry or professional) at ease.

“They plan and book everything, which makes being a freelance model a lot easier.

“It also makes keeping a part-time job or working full-time much more realistic.

“I really embrace the process of Models Direct.”
Apply here to find out more about working with us.