So a few weeks ago, we met with Shawna, the owner and lead agent at the CleKidz Model & Talent Group, to talk contracts, expectations, etc. After reviewing everything and asking a few questions, we took a day or two to really think about it because it really does involve commitment. Sometimes you only get 24-hours notice that your kids have been booked, and you can always turn down a job, but you turn down too many and then they don't bother to consider you at all. We basically decided that if it was within driving distance, it would be a reasonable request. Three major toy companies have offices within 30-45 minutes of us, and Zulily would be a quick day trip to Columbus if we're asked to do a shoot for them. So why not? So we signed the contracts and my kids officially became "models" with an agent. Scary stuff.
Next step was head shots. Shawna does photography as well, so she graciously offered to do head shots for free. So we met up with her a few days later to take pictures, and let me tell you ... THAT was an adventure and if it's any indication of what's to come, this should get interesting.
We decided to meet at a park so we could use the natural lighting, which means lots of distractions, both good and bad. In a stale studio setting, I'm not sure we would have had much cooperation since this is something that is pretty new to them. But on the other hand, being outside and getting them to focus is quite a challenge. B tried his darnedest to NOT smile. He'd be on the verge of breaking out into a huge grin but would just clench his cheeks as hard as he possibly could to avoid it at all costs. We finally resorted to pulling out Mickey Mouse and having him "tickle attack" Mommy, which made him pretty much lose it in hysterical laughing. Shawna managed to capture pretty much every one of B's moods, from being stubborn, to thinking everyone around him is completely crazy, to his sweet little nature, to laughing so hard I thought he was going to fall off the picnic table.
P on the other hand was even more of an adventure. That kid will NOT sit still for more than about 6 seconds before he's off and running. Pictures sitting on the picnic table turned into pictures she had to take while chasing him around the park. We haven't seen his shots yet, other than a few she showed me on the camera before we left the park, but she seemed to be pretty pleased with what she got and thinks that the toy companies will really be interested.
So we're off and running. B's photos are now up on the agency's web site, soon to be followed by P's. Now we sit back and wait. I don't know what to expect, and I'm going to try my hardest to not be disappointed if nothing comes out of this. Personally, I think I will deem this successful if we even only get one shoot out of all of this. And we haven't invested any money (no legit agency is going to ask you to pay them fees upfront - they should only get paid when YOU get paid), so we've got nothing to lose. So we'll chalk it up to an adventure and see what happens. Who knows - maybe you'll see my kid in an upcoming baby Gap and or maybe not.
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