Child models have a lot to deal with...when there isn’t a global pandemic going on. But since the start of COVID-19, both child modeling agencies as well as the models themselves have had to adapt to this new business model (and way of life). This pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives, so it is no surprise that the modeling industry has been affected as well. Child models are now expected to follow strict safety protocols to protect themselves as well as those around them. For a window into what has been happening in the industry, here are some of what child models have been going through while working during the pandemic
Like most of the world, we all know how much face masks have become a part of our everyday lives. However, for child models, they need to wear them more than most people. Due to the sensitive nature of their jobs and the amount of people they may interact with, they are expected to wear face masks at all times. Even when they aren’t working. This is to ensure that when they do come to a job site they have been safe. While working, they are also asked to wear their most effective face mask in order to maintain a safe environment.
This is a concept that was foreign to us before 2020, however now everyone understands what this means. Child modeling agencies have been informed that while their model is working they must practice social distancing throughout the shoot. This leaves room for less interaction with other models and supporting staff so as to keep everyone as safe as possible. This can be difficult during a shoot and often changes the artistic concept. Models cannot pose the way they normally would and the photographer has to make sure that the models are spaced out in a way that is safe, but still make the pictures print ready.
One of the most difficult things child models have to go through during this pandemic is multiple COVID-19 tests. They need to make sure they test negative before they show up to a project. This can be frustrating because while booking more jobs is great, it also means multiple tests a year. This can be tough on child models, especially younger ones because the test can be a bit uncomfortable for them. It’s all for the best, but it is another challenge that child models face during this pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected us all in ways we would never have imagined. At Bensimon Models & Talent, all of our lives have been affected, and we are all doing our best to make sure everyone is safe. Perhaps this year more than ever, we admire our amazing child models, for their strength, their poise and their beautiful attitudes.
