Your bonnie boy or gorgeous girl looks nothing less than a picture when they smile for the camera…
Why wouldn’t you want to put them forward for representation by a modelling agency?
Child modelling is fun and rewarding, and gives you memories to treasure forever more – but before you take the first steps towards applying, read our top tips.
Models Direct has been representing child and baby models for over 35 years.
We have seen how the industry has evolved over the decades and we understand the ins and outs of how it works like no one else in the business.
These are our thoughts:
Choose the right agency
It is easy to see how proud mums and dads are enticed to join the wrong agency – remember, if it seems too good to be true, then it probably is!
If any agency (or individual or business purporting to be an agency) promises to get your child work, then be very wary.
Some of these so-called agencies say they are free, but actually charge you a lot of money for a professional portfolio of photos of your child, which you just don’t need.
Others claim they are free but insist you have to pay for a vital modelling course.
Others are not legally classed as employment agencies and are not therefore able to seek work for your child – so they will simply showcase photographs on their website and hope a potential client happens along.
Models Direct was established in 1990 and has a longstanding reputation in the industry.
We are a government-registered employment agency that is regularly inspected by the Department for Business, Energy and Industry Strategy (BEIS).
And we are very transparent about the fact we charge a one-off, extremely reasonable, advance fee.
We are legally allowed to do this to cover the valid and recognised administration costs we incur in seeking work for our models.
This fee helps cover the cost of the creation of your child’s e-portfolio and inclusion in our online work-seeking publication, which promotes you to clients looking to book talent.
Look for evidence of bookings and clients
We partner major clients with recognisable names and do our very best to be transparent at all times in the way we operate.
Our child and baby models have worked with the likes of McDonald’s, Morrisons, London Zoo, Tesco, Disney, Hollywood Bowl, Sky, the BBC, Hasbro…
The list just goes on…
You can see evidence of bookings like this on our blog pages and social media platforms.
You can find out more about the clients we have worked with over the years by clicking here.
These are real, genuine bookings that take place every day within our busy, very real agency.
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- Senior Couples Wanted: The Booming Demand for 50+ Modelling Duos
- Every Ability. Every Body. Models Direct Champions Inclusive Modelling
- Do you need professional photos to start modelling?
- How to Become a Model at Any Age: A 2026 Beginner’s Guide
Read the feedback
Take the time to find out what our young models and their parents think about working with a particular agency.
Again, you can find some of this feedback on our blog pages or social media posts.
You can also peruse our review pages or look us up on Trustpilot.
When you take the time to do this, you can see just how much families enjoy working with us.
But here is just a taste:
Archie, Globber Scooter:
“My son got his first job after being on the agency for a couple of months.
“The shoot and filming went well and I can’t wait to see if he gets any more work from this.”
Madison, Bluewater:
“Madison has had an amazing time doing the photo shoot today at Bluewater shopping centre, having photos done with Santa by the Thanksgiving tree.
“All the children looked amazing in their Christmas jumps supplied by the clients.
“I would like to thank Models Direct for all the communication and making this a fun experience for Madison.
“We are looking forward to next week.”
Sam, NHS:
“This was my son’s first professional photo shoot.
“He loved every minute of it.
“The photographer and the rest of the team made him feel very welcome, which put him at ease.
“Their instructions were given clearly and in a very friendly way.
“The shoot was fun and energetic.
“He is now looking forward to more photo shoots in the future.
“Thank you.”
Daisy, Games Workshop:
“This was my daughter’s first commercial shoot and the whole experience was very positive for us both.
“There was great communication from Models Direct and a lovely client who made her feel at ease.”
Next steps…
If you have carried out your research thoroughly and would still like to put your child forward for representation with Models Direct, then apply via our online form.
One of our agents will contact you to discuss the application further.
Along with the form, you will be asked to upload some photos of your baby or child.
These do not have to be professionally taken.
As long as you follow our advice on how to take, save and upload these images, pictures taken on a phone or digital camera will be fine.
Part of the team
If your child is accepted and you decide to sign them up with Models Direct, they will be put forward for work whenever a client requests a model meeting their description and availability.
The final decision as to who to employ from our shortlist always rests with the client, not with Models Direct.
Baby and child modelling is competitive and Models Direct never, ever guarantees anyone that they will definitely be offered modelling work.
The system just does not work like that.
There are steps you can take, however, to maximise the chance of your child being selected.
Make sure you refresh your little one’s photographs every few months, as we and our client need to know they are recent.
Update information on your child and their details as they change.
Respond quickly if we contact you and add any new experiences or relevant skills to their e-portfolio as they occur.
And finally…
Remember, we are here to support you and your child.
If you are offered and accept an assignment, we will be available to answer any questions and will ensure you are kept well informed.
We will also make sure you are paid promptly afterwards.
Child modelling is about teamwork and if we all work together – then you and your child could enjoy just the exciting experience you are hoping for.
For more information or to put your child forward, click here.
