I've been asked to do a 3 yr old kids portfolio shots by the kids mum. She plans to aproach some local agencies (I'm in Dublin, Ireland) to get some work for her kid. I've asked the mum to get pointers from the agencies she has in mind for what they want to see, but want to be prepared for anything.
What sort of shots would be wanted? i.e. do I go mad gimicky and so a number of changes of clothes, and a few tight headshots? What's normally required?
or is it pure mugshot left, centre and right profile?
I approached some agencies myself and asked what they expected from photographers. They helped me know what they expected, and were glad to do so. It helps their business when you know your business!
Don't leave it up to the Mom. Any time a message is relayed through a 2nd or 3rd party, it may have something left out, or inadvertently misinterpreted. Best to do your own research!
I've done some first-shoot portfolio work for new models here in the US, typically aged 8-15. Typically, the local agencies are not looking for stellar work, just nice, crisp, colorful photos that highlight the models' features. (Think eye color, hair color, height, etc.) So keep the lighting great on the model. Also, diversity of photos help -- can they dress up, dress casual, follow directions for posing?
Another way to approach this is from the vantage point of a photographer (like yourself). Can your portfolio images show the next photographer what this model Looks like, and how they respond to the camera? (After all, the mother is looking to sell the model to the agency, and the agency has to sell the look to its' clients.)
Thanks folks, I took the advise and contacted an agency myself and got what they want. The one thing they wanted I never thought about is they want a shot with no smiling or other expression in clean flat light.
A headshot at that age and perhaps one full length. Children under 10 are not required to have portfolios as they are changing too often.
For a serious model agency most models would need a portfolio worth a couple of grand minimum so imagine the cost of doing that for a child every eight or nine months as the previous one will be out of date.
I would communicate that to the mother and explain that you can do something and that even though the agencies may not require it she will still have a set of the most wonderful portraits and the child will gain invaluable experience in front of the camera.
