Of course, you can respond to adverts for models yourself, but having a reputable agency to represent you and act in your best interests at all times has many benefits.

Firstly, you know they will investigate every client and every assignment carefully, ensuring the safety of their female, male and child models.

Furthermore, they will negotiate a fair fee for you – and ensure you are paid promptly after completion of the booking.

Sadly, we at Models Direct hear all too many sad stories of people who have responded to advertisements for models but never end up getting paid.

An authentic, modelling agency such as Models Direct will not only do all of this on your behalf but will also actively seek work for you.

Any individual or company that is not a legitimate employment agency is not legally allowed to seek work on behalf of those working with it.

• 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

Any experienced models or new models who are wondering how to find work should always do their research thoroughly – and should read the small print on any website carefully.

By digging deeper, they may well find that a so-called “agency” is actually nothing of the kind.

Other ways of finding modelling work include networking with other models and putting the feelers out to marketing companies and photographers.

You can also follow the relevant people and organisations on social media and keep an eye on jobs boards.

And please, please remember that even if the job you find has not been offered to you through Models Direct, we are always happy to represent any of our models.

Once you have joined us, you are part of our team and if you see a modelling job that interests you, let us know and we can check it out for you.

We can also negotiate on your behalf and ensure you are paid.

Here at Models Direct, our agents are also always busy receiving requests from our incredible range of clients and finding just the right models to put forward for their assignments.

We build on the strong relationships we have developed over the past 35 years with the many, many companies, brands and organisations that use models.

And we reach out to new clients on a daily basis, pushing out in every direction to find all kinds of different and exciting assignments to offer our models.

Read through some of our other blogs and reviews to find out more about these and what our models enjoyed about them.

Modelling is a competitive industry and – like any genuine agency – we can never fully guarantee to match every model with a job.

But joining a longstanding, reputable agency like Models Direct will give you the very best chance of finding work, while also ensuring you are looked after at all times.

This is what Natalie said after an assignment through us:

“My whole family did a shoot for a global tech company and everything was so perfectly organised.

“The staff members at Models Direct were so helpful, especially Marie, and everyone on set was lovely.

“We had our children with us and we were all looked after so well.

“It was a great experience which we thoroughly enjoyed.

“I would definitely recommend Models Direct!

“Thanks again for the opportunity!”

For more information on finding work with Models Direct please contact us.

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!  

What are we encouraging? For your babe in arms to register as a baby model! 

We’re keeping it simple and easy for all you busy people out there! If your baby is aged between 0-2 years, simply apply today using our online application form. As long as you’ve got a clear, fresh snap of your little one which you’ll need to upload, filling in the application is a fuss-free process. It’s straightforward so no need to worry about setting aside loads of time to set it up. After this, Models Direct will take it from there! 

Why do clients need baby models? 

Babies are tiny but their personalities are anything but!, and why brands and companies love employing them is so that potential consumers can relate to them. Whether it’s cooing over their images in a TV ad or relating to the company’s message, their tiny personalities can become huge and impactful. 
Just to give you an idea of some of our recent baby modelling projects which we’ve embarked on, will demonstrate the demand we see with this particular modelling category.

• 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 had a calling for baby models aged 1-24 months for a well-known baby brand store shoot. 
Our team also had a request for family models to come forward for an organic, baby milk ad.
Models Direct has also worked with baby brands including Pampers, Mamas & Papas and Babies ‘R’ Us on sweet projects where babies have helped create delightful marketing campaigns. 

Our clients usually tend to ask for the bonniest baby and request diverse little people. They understand just how important it is to include all races and backgrounds so that audiences can click with what they’re trying to convey. 

Bonus info: Babies just need to be content (although we know that things can go up and down during the day) and comfortable in new places with new faces, sounds, and as do parents and guardians. 
If you’re interested in applying for your little one, or someone you know would make an awesome baby model, you’re definitely at the right place. Our agency has been doing this for thirty years now so if you wish to apply, you’ll be in safe hands.  

Yup, we were not kidding when we said we’d answer it like that. No one has time to read through lots of content and we appreciate that because everything is whizzing past super quick, we’ll get straight to the crunch here.

Modelling isn’t as rigid as it used to be. If a model’s height is below what one would think was average, or equally above, it isn’t scrutinised and then made into an issue whereby perhaps the prospect of withdrawing an application is hinted or considered.

However, there might be some height guidelines depending on which modelling category you’re looking to work in. If the matter of height does concern you, please read on:

Catwalk modelling

Those models you see donning the runway do have more height and body measurement expectations than other areas of modelling. You will generally expect to see super slim and super tall models walking the length of the runway and back, although the catwalk landscape is pushing for more diversity and inclusivity with models such as hijab-wearing Halima Aden, Naadirah Qazi and Megumi Soyer-Shima who are making waves.

Height requirement:

Women – between 5’8” and 5’11” with a 6-8 dress size and a 34″-24″-34″ bust, waist and hip measurement.

Men – around 6’0” to 6’2”.

• 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

Commercial modelling

This modelling division looks for relatable models who will appeal to a target audience which means that the height requirement is much more relaxed than for runway models. It’s all about everyday people connecting with models they can relate to and see their reflection in including models’ appearance as well as their height.

Height requirements:

Depends on what a company desires but it varies from one brand to the next.

Petite modelling

Many females, for example, fall under 5’7” making them the ideal height for petite modelling. Whether it’s for catalogue modelling, commercial modelling or promotional work, petite models are being included in the modelling industry and not being scrutinised for their height. On the contrary, they’re celebrated and embraced for their petite stature and will appeal to everyday people who are also petite.

Height requirement:

Women – under 5’7”

Plus-size modelling

The dress size which best represents this modelling niche varies from one brand to the next but generally speaking, it’s over size 16. Any model which fits in a dress size above this is plus-size although a lot of people are calling for this category to be scrapped so that body size is a more encompassing topic rather than labelling everyone. Hey, some people might not want to be put into a plus-size box and are most certainly entitled to that.

Height on the other hand for plus-size models does not follow a strict guideline.

Height requirement:

Depends on what a company desires but it varies from one brand to the next.

Other modelling niches include fitness/sports modelling, body parts modelling, and disabled modelling. Each brings its own magic and doesn’t meet typical modelling standard requirements so height diversity can enjoy the limelight without the pressure.

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.

Follow our 10 steps that include top tips and advice to help you do well:

1 If you are chosen for an assignment you must be 100 per cent sure that you will be able to attend. While we know that emergencies do very occasionally crop up, you need to understand that if you let us – and our client – down at the last minute, then it will make things very difficult. We need to know all our models are reliable.

2 Listen carefully to what our team member tells you about the assignment itself. Make sure you understand where you need to go, when you need to be there and whether you need to wear anything special or bring anything with you.

3 Ask any questions you like and gain as much understanding as possible of what will take place during the booking. This will help you to feel confident on arrival on the day itself.

4 Find time to practise poses in front of the mirror. Ask a friend or relative to snap some shots or to film you as run through some of the actions you might expect to take place on the day. Even if the shots and sequences are different during the assignment itself, this will still help you to feel confident and ready.

5 Plan your journey to the job very carefully, making sure you leave lots of time for traffic or public transport problems. Ensure your phone is fully charged, you have relevant contact details with you and that you bring a snack, a drink and a book or something else to do with you.

• 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

6 When you arrive, make sure the person in charge knows you are there. Introduce yourself to members of the crew and any other models. Ensure you know when you will be required on set and whether you need to see any wardrobe, hair or make-up team members first in order to be camera-ready.

7 Listen carefully to what the team would like you to do in front of the camera. If you have any questions, do not be afraid to ask them. Follow their instructions carefully.

8 Chat to the crew and other models when the cameras are not rolling, but please make sure you are not causing a distraction or making any noise while other people are being photographed or filmed.

9 Have fun! The more you enjoy the process of modelling, the more this will shine through in your photographs and footage.

10 After each assignment, make sure you give us your feedback so we have a good understanding of how the booking went. Don’t forget to let us have any behind-the-scenes photos or video footage you have taken and remember to update your e-portfolio with details of the assignment and any final images received.

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!

Whether the request is for our baby models, adult models or even our pet models, the demand is quite high. The year can end on an incredibly busy note but remains a magical time for us, our amazing models and our top-tier clients.

We see so many festive campaigns come to life and it makes our MD team feel very proud that we’re a part of so many people’s memorable journeys.

And then the Christmas magic rolls onto the next year where we’ve accumulated over thirty years of festive spirit now as a long-standing modelling agency in the UK. 

We’ve had great highlights this year and the collaborations have been absolutely incredible.
 
Looking back, we always smile and remember the great times we’ve had year after year. We’re looking forward to seeing what 2025 brings and hopefully, you’ll be a part of the magic, whether you’re a new model, already an MD model or a client looking to hire with us. Models Direct is here to make a big impact with incredible results.