Photos

IMG_0085
Originally uploaded by atomicnumber26

After a fabulous photoshoot, I still needed a variety for the photo sheet "headshot". The only variety I can make with babies is maybe put some with maybe hats on. They don't yet yet walk, so very few poses are needed.

Anyhoo, with the kids, clothes and toys in tow, we headed down to the pool area- set the kids down and bossed everything around me as the precious sunlight was disappearing. Yes, I looked like a fool trying to get their attention- clapping my hands and playing peek-a-boo using the Daddy (the one actually taking the photos) as my wall. Anything to get them to smile.

A family's Chihuahua kept running around trying to play with the babies as what looked like a 5 year old girl kept chasing the dog in circles, right in our shot. Then out of nowhere a little toddler in a pool-soaked diaper felt like running around us. Ahhhh! The scene was cute enough to not get mad at the situation... but the precious sun light was leaving us.

As my husband saw a side of me he didn't know exist, I kept making the silly noises and even though it might have been their dinner time, I wouldn't doubt that I freak out the family playing in the pool. One by one they slowly (and swiftly) grabbed their belongings and left.

All this to say, that we were able to take a few photos, add variety (to our already existing AMAZING photos) and post them up online. There were a few problems with sites I chose, but that I am a member of almost every photo uploading service- I'm done. Waiting on the agent to let me know what they like.

The Hunt, The Wait

Watch out! It is very easy to be taken advantage of when looking for representation. There are companies that will charge a one time 3 or 5 year fee to refer you to agents. While it all sounds very believable, it took one call to a SAG franchised agent to tell me they are operating illegally. That information alone took two meetings with companies off my agenda. It also doesn't hurt to check out www.ripoffreport.com.

Things you need to get started: photos or headshots, an agent, a work permit and a coogan trust account. Once you get representation from an agent, they'll make sure you have what you need.

Work Permit- This application form is filled out by the parent, the doctor and then mailed or walked into the local Division of Labor office in your neighborhood. After about 15 minutes in my local office, I had permits in hand.

I'm a new parent, I take photos. A lot of photos. I'm also a salesperson- always have been. I had tons of photos, but I wanted to make a GOOD impression for agents. So, I called up a local photographer I knew. She took amazing photos and I plan on working with her in the future for updates. It's recommended that photos be updated every 3-6 months. Unless, of course, you want your one year old looking a little premature.

The hunt for representation began. I started going down the list, targeting agencies that specialize in representing youth. I called and asked if I can submit photos by email and usually was able to get a positive response (hey, it saves on wasted resources if they choose not to represent your child). I preferred sending photos to the people who picked up the phone and sounded nice. Not everyone is exactly pleasant, especially in entertainment. They can be preoccupied or stressed about some project- I got a few "just mail it in" remarks... i didn't.

By the end of the week I had a handful of agencies that expressed interest. It took the work of one agent to shine to make decision. She was motivated to sign me up and continued communication with me throughout the weekend- while every one else was 'out til monday'.

Now its the sit and wait game. I make sure I turn on call forwarding- should I get a call for a job when I'm away from the house. I check and supply my diaper bag and make sure that the file folder with their permit information is ready to go. No telling when a job might happen, but we're ready when it does.