When most people think of the modeling world, images of a cutthroat business filled with extreme diets and fierce competition may spring to mind. But what about child modeling? Do kids face the same extreme pressures as their adult counterparts? Ursula Bensimon, founder of Bensimon Models & Talent, doesn't seem to think so. Instead, she sees it as a place where kids can have fun while expressing themselves and their unique personalities -- a place where beauty is celebrated in all its hidden forms. Ursula created Bensimon Models and Talent, the top kids modeling agency in San Diego, to find and capture the beauty in kids of diverse looks and backgrounds. To her, uniqueness and personality are where the most beautiful moments are captured. Modeling for kids should be fun and rewarding -- a place for them to learn and grow, embracing themselves and letting the world see them shine. Her French roots inspired her to create a boutique, avant garde agency that has revolutionized the youth modeling world on the west coast. Read on to meet the mastermind behind the kids modeling many of the biggest global brands like Abercrombie & Fitch, Nordstrom, Target, Zara, GAP kids, Disney, Dolce & Gabbana, and many more.
Ursula Bensimon’s keen eye for style and talent for photography set the stage for her reinvention of kids’ modeling in Southern California. Previously a casual beachy scene, the Southern California modeling scene was soon introduced to the high-fashion, European flair of Ursula’s previous life in Paris, where she was a fashion photographer. Bensimon’s uniquely creative approach captures the natural beauty and essence of childhood.
As a little girl in France, Ursula was surrounded by artists and creatives. She was born in the city, where fashion is a must. Her mother was a fashion designer and her father and grandfather were both photographers, so it was just a matter of time before Ursula was swept up in the magic of it all and became a fashion photographer herself!
Soon after, she moved to the beautiful city of San Diego, California. Known for beaches and biotech, but not fashion, Ursula pursued her dream of photography in Southern California. She began capturing photos of her young daughter and fell in love with photographing child models. She realized that San Diego needed a different style of modeling agency - one with diversity and European flair. And thus, Bensimon Models and Talent was born!
When Bensimon Models and Talent began, child modeling agencies in Southern California had not yet embraced the beauty of uniqueness in models’ signature “looks.” Ursula found the beauty in not only the look of the child, but the unique personality that could be captured through photos.
Ursula’s distinct style reflects her love for the natural look of kids. For Ursula, this means candid and real images, with no heavy makeup or photoshop! She believes that children are not born models, but instead they learn to let their personality and uniqueness shine through with practice. This philosophy has led to the models appearing in campaigns with renowned brands from around the world.
Ursula’s one of a kind projects make child modeling interactive and creative. The models in her agency have the opportunity to take part in a series of fun themed photoshoots with other kids in the agency. As a result, the kids practice their skills all while having fun and building their portfolio. Kids get to interact with other models for photoshoots and Ursula is always accessible to them as an agent, manager, mentor, and friend. This is the rare small agency feel that is unique to Bensimon Models and Talent!
Check out the Bensimon Models and Talent website for more information and a peek at the magic!
