So, it is important to do everything you can to reassure and prepare them.

First of all, it’s essential to know that your point of contact here at Models Direct will do all they can to help you prepare your child.

They will give you lots of information about the photo or film shoot and tell you whether you need to dress your child in a particular way or bring any special props from home.

They will also suggest you bring plenty of toys, games and refreshments to keep them busy when they are not required on set.

If they have the information, they will let you know who will be there to meet you on the day, the people the crew is likely to include and whether any other child models are taking part.

Once you have all this information, you can spend a little time practising striking poses with your child.

The best way of doing this is to take them to a mirror – then get them to try out a few expressions: happy, sad, quizzical and thoughtful, perhaps.

Ask them to make funny, silly faces and then to be completely normal again.

Try to make them laugh to show them how much fun performing for the camera can be and try different poses with them sitting on a chair, lying on a cushion and standing up.

Then, get out some of their toys or books and ask them to play or read while you take a few more photos.

Turn a light or two on and gently direct it towards them, then ask them to look up at you and smile as you take another round of snaps.

Click away as they play, calling for their attention from time to time to get them to look up.

The team on the day will know how to get the very best from your little one and from the other models on set – but practising striking a few poses ahead of time will certainly help put your child at ease.

Maybe “surprising” isn’t the right word, as they’ve been on top of their game for many years now. It’s never a bad time to become a teenage model, as our clients know. Teenagers are an essential part of several types of modelling campaigns, and their popularity has never wavered. With their fast-changing looks and limitless appetite for new experiences, teens are vital to brands looking to get their products and messages across to a wider audience.

As we’ve been the leading commercial modelling agency in the UK for some years, we know just the right type of teenagers that are always in demand. We’ve built strong business relationships with thousands of brands, and they come to us in the first instance whenever they need a particular model (or groups of model). They rely on us to get their promotions and campaigns off to a winning start, and that start often comes in the form of putting forward models for them to choose from.

Teenagers are no different to adult or baby models in that respect. We closely follow a client’s brief to recommend the models we think will be the most beneficial, which in itself is a fantastic reason to join us as a model. Clients come to us – not the other way around – so registered models always have the very best chance in securing top modelling assignments. There is no third party involvement, and all our clients have been stringently checked before we commit to anything.

Applying with us couldn’t be simpler. We just need a couple of photos that can be taken with a Smartphone, and two minute’s of a parent / guardian’s time in completing the online application form. This is vital, as joining an agency shouldn’t be done on a whim. Teens should discuss it with a parent, and they need to know that gaining regular work isn’t guaranteed, as the final choice has always been the client’s. However, teens will be in the best position to be presented to well-known brands throughout the country – and all for as little as £1 / week. It beats paying for expensive photographers or joining insincere setups that promise work with absolutely no intentions of finding models work; not all agencies do this, but there are some around.

Teens have many experiences that contribute to their growing list of life skills: physical development, experimentation, mental maturity, strengthening of social awareness, promotion of work ethics…this list goes on. These can all help anyone in their teenage years with modelling.  Teens can make new friends on set and gain contacts to help boost their fledging careers. Plus, we encourage all teens to be accompanied by parents or adult chaperones whilst on assignments.

If you’re curious about some of the types of teenager looks that have landed modelling jobs, take a quick look here. As you can see, just about any teenager with the desire to become one our next Models Direct models can realise their dreams. The teenage models here were definitely pleased they applied with us.

We’re here to present the best teenage models to our clients. If you or your parents / guardians have any queries about us or the commercial modelling business, you can contact us anytime during our opening hours here at Models Direct Head Office in Norwich.

We look forward to seeing you.

They also love seeing photos and videos of themselves having a good time on social media and in advertising campaigns and promotions.

At Models Direct we know this because we have worked with young people for decades – and because most of us are parents ourselves!

So what makes child modelling fun?

Well, our little ones love the whole colourful experience of being on set and seeing how cameras, lights and photography or filming works.

They love the idea of play acting and stepping into someone else’s shoes for a time – after all, much of modelling is about pretending to be someone else, somewhere else.

They also enjoy the attention they receive, not only from their parents who accompany them and have dedicated their day to being with their child, but also from the production crew.

The clients and production companies we work with know exactly how to look after child models, explain to them what to do and make sure they feel comfortable at all times.

And what makes teen modelling fun?

Well, teenagers love modelling for many of the same reasons as children, but they are also often drawn to it in other ways too.

Lots of our teenagers love nothing more than getting out and about and meeting other young people of a similar age or even other models on set who may be older or younger.

They also love to see the final photos or film when they are posted on line or used in another format, such as a brochure, advert or other campaign.

They love being able to tell their stories on Instagram and elsewhere on social media and to share our posts when we promote the project they modelled for.

And, of course, teenagers also love having the opportunity to make a little extra money.

Most of them like being able to buy their own clothes, make up and games etc – and earning a fee of their own can give them these opportunities.

Our child and teen models can tell you exactly what they have enjoyed about working with us when you browse through their review pages.

Then, if you are still interested about finding out more about child or teen modelling, contact us by filling in a form here and we will come back to you to explain more about how the process works!

Opening a world of opportunities 

School’s almost out for summer, and children will be looking forward to getting some downtime after dealing with the turbulent experience of the pandemic. The impact it has had on being away from the classroom desk and playground has been difficult, but children have been resilient and bounced back.

Extracurricular activities are a quintessential element of children’s development, as well as educational. From performance and music to sport and community service, there are lots of choices for children to explore, learn and grow. Not only this but for any prospective or existing junior modelling talent, acquiring new skills outside of school can be an asset as model-hunting companies like to see what sets you apart from other children. They want to know if you have the X factor and what you can offer them should they select you for paid work.

What are the benefits of out of school activities?

Here is a snapshot of what children can reap from when taking part in out of school activities. (We’re sure that there’s a lot more so if we’ve missed out on any, give us a shout on our Facebook page and we’ll add them in).

• Learn new skills
• Greater opportunities to make new friends
• Develop communication skills
• Expand knowledge
• Boost self-confidence
• Become part of a team
• Increase independence
• Promote self-motivation and drive

Inspiration for out of school activities

We’ve compiled a list of activities that children can enjoy outside of the school setting. They are:

• Public speaking
• Dance classes
• Learning an instrument
• Playing chess
• Horse riding
• Pottery and ceramics
• Arts and crafts
• Computer programs
• Swimming
• Football
• Karate
• Acting
• Yoga
• Gymnastics
• Cooking
• PE
• Fitness and training
• Origami
• Martial arts
• Volunteering in the community
• Dressmaking

Beavers, cubs and scouts also offer life-changing experiences alongside the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. They all target essential real-life skills, some of which schools cannot cover.

As a great example, having read the latest news, the Scouts Association is launching a new merit badge focusing on money. It’s a response to the disruption in maths numeracy learning caused by the pandemic where 1001 surveyed parents stated that their children aged six to 10 didn’t understand money and lacked the basic financial skills and knowledge.

Get them in the loop

If your child hasn’t started anything as of yet, not to worry. Talk to them about whether they’d like to start something new, if not now then later. If they’re quite young, you might have an idea of what could be quite fitting to their personality and preferences.

We’d like to hear from you

So, if you’re a parent or carer reading this, does your child take part in any activities? If they do, let Models Direct know! We’d love to hear all about it, what they’ve learnt and taken away from their experience. But before you do that, head on over to our modelling application form and fill in your child’s details for modelling opportunities.

As a heads up, they will need the confidence to be in front of cameras and new people, listen to directions given, have good timekeeping skills and professionally conduct themselves. These skills can be gained from the out of school activities making them another reason for being a worthwhile investment. For a greater insight into how other junior models have got on with our talent agency, you can read through our reviews. Apply for your child today and reap the rewards of trying something out that’s unique (and of course, paid for!).

Backpacks have been an essential item for a while now. Many people enjoy wearing one as they’re a helpful accessory for keeping those arms free whilst carrying a load of necessary supplies on the back. From school children through to teens at secondary, college and onto university, backpacks have been filling our educational world and essentials for years now and plenty more to come. They’ve become ingrained in student’s checklist of important school supplies.

Now that we’re all easing back to “normality” as best as we can given the current situation, children, teens and adults will be seen sporting the handy shoulder strapped no-nonsense bag on the back that’ll be conveniently carrying their everything.

The student backpack still quite young though – aged around 44 years old. It has gone through some aesthetic changes over the course of its time meeting the ever-evolving demands of its users. What was once a bulky sack of material on the back with leather straps has now morphed into super sleek bags that boast a minimalistic look catering for not just book supplies but electronic devices. Being able to pop in a laptop or gadget is now integral to the designs of backpacks churned out nowadays and even with everything screaming less is more, backpacks certainly don’t appear to be a bag that’ll become obsolete any time soon.

Now that most of the nation’s youngsters are slowly heading back into education, backpacks will be making it into the top ten of crucial supplies and equipment for students, no doubt.

If you haven’t already grabbed yourself one ready to fill every corner with textbooks, stationery, food and water supplies, we’re wondering why! You’ll never look back once you’ve bagged one – we’re certain.

Read on to find out why Models Direct believe you should have one hanging on your over the door hook or lounging on your bedroom floor if you’re still in two minds.  

Maximum comfort 

Backpacks are so practical. The fact that they sit on your back, leaving your arms to move freely and not having to worry about anything sliding off your arms or waist – we’re thinking about shoulder bags and bum bags right now – is what makes them so magnetic. The weight of your belongings sits nicely on you in the most convenient way, not pulling you forward, back or sideways and helping the weight become more manageable than carrying in your arms.

Place your trust in it 

Place your trust in a bag?

Huh?

Okay, so by this we mean, place all your essential items in your backpack and trust us – you’ll fill it up with a lot more stuff than you expected! Most backpacks come designed with lots of neat compartments for mobile storage to side water bottle compartments. You’ll find nifty pouches that you never knew existed if you look hard enough (okay, we might be exaggerating a little here because it depends on the manufacturer, but it is possible). Hands up if anyone wants to let us know if they’ve found a handy compartment they never knew about before.

Great for trekking and going away

The genius idea behind the design of a backpack extends to it being superb for a trek or a going away weekend too. Models who’ve been booked for assignments will definitely enjoy using one to pop in everything they need for walking trips, days out, staycations and going away.

Whichever style of backpack you choose for your return to school or uni we know you’re going to wear it with style!

For more tips and advice for aspiring teen models click here