Have an of you moms had any experience with Barbizon? They want my daughter to take their classes, but I'm not sure if it's something we should do. Any thoughts?
I don't trust any site that advertises for things like that. Getting professional photos done is 1 thing .. paying to go to school is another.. sides I think most modeling places make girls who are average size think they are fat. my 4'11" who wears a size 7 i have to force to eat at times cause of the supper skinny tall thin people she sees
LOL..... they want your $$$$
Be very wary of any modeling "school" or agency that wants you to take their classes which "prep" your child for the big time.
Empty promises from them as they empty your pocketbook.
If your daughter is interested in modeling... spend NO $$$
Send a snapshot to local agencies and if they are interested, they contact you.
I've modeled most of my life, my 16 yr old daughter models some. It is a brutal business but also rewarding. You have to have a thick skin because your daughter is not the look for everyone she auditions for and sometimes it gets ugly.
Good luck!!
If they want you to pay for a dime then it's not serious. If an agent is interested they will do a shoot and set her up with auditions.. they may coach you but I've never heard of a serious model starting out by paying for classes at Barbizon lol. If she wants to do it just google some agencies take a head shot and send it to them.. either they like it or they don't you'll figure it out pretty quickly if she's got what it'll take.
Of course I think MY daughter is beautiful! But I always said NO when called. I will do the calling if I think this is something appropriate.
*I kind of apply the same principle to everything, roofing, concrete work, charities, etc. I generally will NOT do business with anyone who contacts me. Just a little quirk of mine. I'll do my own research, ask for referrals and do my own calling TO the companies/organizations I want to do business with.
I googled Barbizon and it looks like they're a scam.
I did Barbizon when I was little. Seems to me my parents had to pay for classes and expensive pictures and nothing. Could have been the way I looked LOL, but I dont think they are that great.
Who is "they"?
I know Barbizon has been around for a long time. I've heard that they're expensive. Keep in mind that this is a business - a profit-making organization. If a business says it is interested in your child, it's really interested in your money.
If you'd like your daughter to learn some useful things like good posture, clothing choices, hair styling, etc., you might look for a summer class at a community center. That might be more fun for your daughter, and much less costly for you.
Depends on what your expectations are. I think a lot of people think they are scams because your not a model right out the door, but if you want to teach your daughter manners, etiquette, how to set a table fancy like, and how to put on make up and do her hair without putting on way too much then it's a good place to go. For the individual school you want, I don't know. I went to Millie Lewis Modeling School when I was younger and it taught me about make up, colors for your skin tone, how to do your hair without frying it to death, how to take pictures (like you don't wear graphics abstract shirts), how to walk "like a lady", how to sit, how to set a table all fancy, etc. It depends what you want and expect from a school. They took pictures of me and my parents refused to buy them which was a downer, but they let me have 3 for free (but that's back in the older days, I doubt schools do that now).
My friend took a modeling type class when she was a teen because her mom wanted her to know how to do her make up without looking trashy lol.
If they are trying to talk you into it, I'd be wary. Seems like they are trying to play your emotions to get some money out of you, so think carefully.
Excellent idea! She is the perfect age to learn how to carry herself and all that goes with it. I think it is the last place left in Phoenix that does that stuff. The olden days it was "Plaza 3". Now all the girls slouch, dress frumpy and do know how to hold their head high. Confidence is a great asset to have.
If you are asking about it as a "modeling career" stepping stone, that is a whole other ball game. Since you are "not sure" than the answer is no. That is something her heart has to be set on and she has no clue what it is like and how much time it will involve. It is like never playing softball before and signing up to try out for varsity where you'd really like to do learn how to throw and catch and learn that skill to better yourself. Then if you like it...and grow a fantastic passion for it...then you'd get coached to play varsity.
Learning to be a lady is as important as learning how to throw and catch. She will let you know later what she would want to persue.
I also would suggest a cute class called "Junior Assembly" it is adorable. It is offered only for 6th graders. The kids come from all schools in Arizona (different nights, usually grouped by schools) and learn how to ballroom dance. The boys wear suits and the girls wear gloves. (it is only for 6 weeks i think, last dance was like valentine's day- with a mother/son or father/daughter dance) I think it is only at one location, a greek orthodox church in phoenix (like 22nd st and bethanyish). it is run by the same lady for at least 40 years. Registration fills up don't know if you are too late (i know it is not till fall/winter but i remember sign ups were the summer before). i would check it out anyway. 7th and 8th grade they start to go to parties with their peers (bar mitzvahs, school dances...)and it gives confidence again.
Sorry for rambling but your question didn't give enough info to answer differently. Lots of luck
