Top Pregnant Model

There's no doubt complete strangers have walked up to you in awe of your pregnant belly and have taken the liberty to start a conversation. Isn't it funny how the sign (your pregnant belly) of new life attracts people young and old and stimulates people's friendly bone? Total strangers walk up to you, maybe even touch your belly. Folks smile at you when they may have barely glanced your way in your pre-pregnancy days. You walk around glowing--well at least on those days that nausea isn't turning you shades of green. Pregnancy is beautiful and America has taken notice.

Fashion trends now include the voluptuous figure of expecting women; no longer is a potato sack or tailored floral curtains your only option for making a fashion UNDERstatement. Celebrity moms and keen designers have helped cement maternity departments in major stores like H&M, Old Navy, Target, Wal-Mart, JC Penny's, and Sears. A slew of boutique retailers that only specialize in maternity wear and accessories have also cropped up. Check out Pea in a Pod, MaternityMall.com, MimiMaternity.com, and Liz Lange (to name a few). These retailers are also paying big bucks to have actual expecting women model their clothes in catalogs, magazines, and fashion shows. Have you ever thought about being a model? Now's a great time to get paid for doing what you're presently doing very well--growing your baby!

If you're ready to pursue modeling, here's what you need to know:
1. You don't NEED and agent, but it sure would cut down on your leg work. Trying to find out which magazines or vendors need expecting models takes a lot of work. You can call up the retailers and offer your services, but most of them work through agencies--it's just easier for them to deal with models who have been screened and educated on the business of modeling. Your agent can also possibly negotiate higher rates for you. Sure, you're paying your agent 15-20% of your income, but isn't that worth the extra hours of sleep you'll get when you're not on the phone being transferred for the fifth time or on hold?

2. You'll need some pictures to show how well you photograph. Now don't go paying hundreds of dollars for pictures if you don't know what a professional composite card should look and feel like. If you have no idea, go see a modeling agent at one of the top agencies like Expecting Models, Ford or Wilhelmina. Put your best face forward and ask questions. Most agents will refer you to top photographers they work with and give (or at least show) you a sample comp card. Some agents require prior modeling experience before they offer representation, but if you come in the door with confidence, education about the business and a naturally striking appearance, you might just get signed to that agency.

3. You should not pay to sign with an agent. In my book, that spells scam. Some smaller agencies might ask you to pay to be in their "look book"--a book that has pictures of all of their models. This may be in print or online. I'd be savvy about this; check the agency's client list and view the past work of the agency. Just as if you were applying for any other job, do your research about the company and interview the interviewer.

4. If you're not using an agent, you'll need to get a comp card together and send it out on your own. I suggest calling magazines, catalog, retailers, and even local TV stations. This approach is not an impossible means to an end, but most places book models through agencies. If you want to get practice in front of the camera, check newspapers that photographers advertise in and ask them if they are "testing." Testing is a photo shoot where the photographer might be testing a new camera, new techniques, new lighting and may need live models for this. In exchange, you can arrange to have digital copies of the pictures given to you on CD and/or have a few prints made. This will help you work on your modeling craft and have some professional pictures to add to your portfolio. You can also scour community lists like www.craigslist.com and search the "ETC." or modeling sections of your city for modeling opportunities. If possible, take a friend with you to go-sees you schedule on your own—everyone holding a casting call is not always who they claim to be.

5. Be prepared to go to casting calls or on go-sees. A go-see is an opportunity for the client to "interview" models they are interested in. Most of them take all of 5 minutes. You check in, wait to be called in. They look you over, possibly ask you a few questions, possibly have you try on a garment and you're done. Your agent will let you know if you get booked.