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.  

And in this latest blog, we’ve got an announcement to make:

Families, we need you to sign up with our agency so that you can enjoy our family modelling services, as our lovely families have done too. You don’t need to be a traditional family to apply nor do you all have to be part of the package if anyone decides to opt out.

Our agency’s viewpoint is: whatever your formation is as a family if you’re happy, we’re happy. Nor do you need to have previous modelling experience. All you need is a passion to work together, be professional but enjoy yourselves and be ready to try something new every time your family is selected for a modelling assignment.

If this sounds like something your family would like to try, then you’re at the right place because Models Direct can help represent you and put you forward for 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

Here are some of the reasons why we need you!

The demand for family models is high among our clients
Clients want families to make their marketing more relatable and impactful
Families are a great structure of society to tap into appealing to a target audience by building trust and enhancing an emotive narrative.

We’ve got a lot of models in our books but we believe that we can never have too many families who are willing to join us either. Every family is different – in looks, age, size, and ethnicity and we appreciate all the differences.

Here are some of our current superstars, alongside the three mentioned at the beginning, who’ve been part of successful campaigns:

The Friend family
The Burton Family
The Karlsen family
The Sanghera family
The Goulding family
The Simpson family
The Agyemang Family
The Bakshi family
The Moore family
The Grimsditch family
The House family
The Rizkalla Family
The Walton family
The Ezobi family
The Norwood family
The Coombs family
The Vadlir family
The Saddigh Family
The Yusuf family
The Tavares family
The Dawson family
The Harewood family
The Vyakaranam Family
The Hillier family
The Bond family
The Priestley family
The White family

There are certainly quite a few families, and they all deserve a shout-out for the brilliant work they’ve done with our UK-based modelling agency. We’ve collected feedback from so many of them and here’s a compilation of what they’ve had to say about working with our team.

The Bakshi left us with this review:
“Ace and I really enjoyed shooting for TFL. Molly’s communication was flawless prior to 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 J”

Whilst the Rizkalla family shared this:
“We had a really lovely time at the booking. The videographer and photographer were really friendly and gave lots of constructive direction. The director kept time and made everything run smoothly and efficiently. They were all very kind and professional, very considerate and patient of our daughter on set. The venue for the shoot was beautiful, luck was with us and the weather was absolutely amazing. We were fed and watered throughout the day and my daughter was even given a little freebie at the end of the day. It was hard work but the whole family had a lot of fun.”

Our team loves connecting new and existing family modelling units with all sorts of campaigns. We’re very proud that we wake up doing a job that we love, and hopefully, you’ll share some of this positive energy with us by placing yourselves in front of the camera and readying your family for a new modelling adventure! Sign up or if you have any questions, contact our team.

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!

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.