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On the Job- "Prepped and Ready"

The big day is here. You've primped and prepared. She's perfect. She's ready to go. Her hair is done. Her outfit pressed & ready. Then it happens - a spot, a stain, coiffed hair undone, a button pops, a seam unravels, perspiration, sticky fingers... Experience tells you that if something can go wrong, it very well might. So, now what?

A true "Model's Mom" or Dad's work is never done. From the preparation for a photo shoot, pageant or show to arriving and completing the job, there can be many obstacles in the world of the child model. Understanding the possibilities and being ready to conquer any of them is the mark of a true professional.

One important weapon in this arsenal that every model should have is what we affectionately refer to as "The Model's Emergency Kit". This is a tote of some shape or size that carries a vast array of products aimed at handling just about any unforseen or uncontrollable event. These items may include, but certainly not be limited to safety pins, brush/hairspray, diaper wipes(very important), quick-acting spot remover, powder, gloss, extra undergarments, white & ivory sock/shoe, water and any other necessities in your model's secret grooming arsenal. The more prepared you feel, the better she'll feel and the smoother things will go. Trust us. Having your own supplies in situations like these is like gold. The photographers will love you, show organizers will respect you and other participants will admire you for having the foresight to be prepared for anything!

(Below are some handy product tips: Why you want to bring this and what to do with it.)

*Safety Pins- The "band-aid" of the fashion industry. (You never know when the outfit might not fit quite right or the way you remembered it looking. Be ready to deal with faulty zippers, loose seams and popped buttons.)

*Hairbrush/Hairspray- Even a curling iron! (If you don't carry at least ONE of these then you don't belong there!)

*Diaper Wipes- They're not just for babies! We recomend you never leave home without them. (They are perfect for dealing with dirty faces and hands not to mention their wonderful clean-up of make-up, dirt and food stains on clothing. You'll wonder how "you" ever got along without them!)

*Spot Remover- It can never hurt to carry a small bottle of these fast-acting miracles.

*Makeup- This is one of those "personal decision" categories, however, if you're going to have your child engaged in these activities there are a few products we highly recomend. A neutral, hypoallergenic face powder is very important to have on hand for potential perspiration and "shine" that stage lights and cameras love to pick up on. A light blusher is wonderful for bringing out a child's "natural glow" as is a neutral or light pink lip glaze to "fill" the lips. (We say "glaze" instead of "gloss" so as not to mislead you into believing that we're recomending that sparkling, '70's lipgloss look!) Mascara & eyelash curling is relevant to certain model age categories and events which in the right circumstances is an important aspect of the "finished look".

*Undergarments- In preperation for life's little mishaps! Always bring an extra pair of NEUTRAL (skin-toned) underwear. Too often, models show up to a shoot or event wearing their favorite purple & blue underwear which glow right through the attire they're modeling! It's always better to "do with new than to do without!" (Don't forget..whites can show under white.)

*Socks & Shoes- Again the buzz-word is "Neutral". Quite often, at fashion shows and photo shoots the model is reponsible for his/her own shoes. Often having a back-up pair of "neutral" white AND ivory selections can make or break a look. This goes the same for socks. (The more options you have to choose from at that moment, the better!)

*Water- Even in "No refreshment" zones it always wise to have some extra water buried away.You never know when you may have to answer the thirsty and nervous dry-mouthed calls of your model or "family member." Plus, water is generally much easier to deal with in the case of accidental spills than anything else.( Infant & toddler models require special needs and never should be more that an arms length from their trusty water bottles.)

These are only a few suggestions aimed at making your event a more organized and successful one. Experience and personal choice will dictate how you develop this important resource for yourself and your model(s).

NEXT MONTH: Photo Shoots: Suggestions from the Photographer

HELP: We will be featuring monthly articles of this nature, as well as product reccomendations and tips aimed at 1st time models to seasoned pros. If you'd like to contribute your own ideas, tips, recomendations or products that you'd be willing to share with others, let us know! We'd love to hear from you! E-mail or Fax us!



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