Lulu,

Marisa has done modelling for some time now and I really have to emphasise to do your homework... there are >>sooo<< many dodgy agencies out there, and of course they will ask you to come in for an interview and sign you up as it means more money for them even if you don't get work...

Some tips I would suggest would be to find out how many kids they have on their books and how many in each age category, how many they send out to each interview/potential job etc. Find out if they are a member of any industry associations - the controversial "Polkadotts" was not and they are the ones who went down and took everyone's money with them! See or search for any testimonials by clients and maybe families too.

It's really hard to find a good agency, and remember, you are never guaranteed work as you never know what the client is looking for exactly and especially if the agency has lots of kids. Good luck and sorry to sound negative!!! There is work out there though, Marisa has been to lots of Target shoots and also K-Mart. This included a swimwear shoot on the beach, which of course is done well before summer and it was very upsetting for her at only a year old being cold (starting to rain - it was spitting!), I told them it was too cold to continue to do it and will always stand my ground in such circumstances.

I don't let them take over totally just so they can get their shot regardless, but normally they do a great job to ensure the kids are having fun and have lots of bubbles, toys, beach balls floating around in the background to make them smile/laugh or to destract them. She has gone a couple of times and been upset so I just tell them it isn't her day and pick her up for cuddles. But this was moreso when younger and they all have their days at that age.