Model With Integrity: Getting Started on a Shoestring Budget

I just got this question from a friend of mine, "How would I get [my children] started [in modeling]? I don't work, so we don't have a lot of money to put into it. Thanks for any advice."
Can models and actors get started without putting a lot of money out up front? Absolutely! In fact, if anyone asks you for money to get you started, please go elsewhere. Most likely, it is a scam. Having said that, there are some agencies that also have classes (which you do pay for) to teach you the basics. I must admit some people really do need this. But realize there are many people who go through the classes and do not get any work after that, and there are also many people who do not do classes and get a lot of work. I just saw an email from Kathy Wickline Casting in Philadelphia who is offering a 1 hour basic class on 2/19/2011 entitled The Acting Basics - Getting Started .
For $25, it would be worth your time.

So, to even get an agent, what do I need you might ask?
Answer: Great pictures.
But isn't a professional photographer expensive?
Answer: Yes, they can be but you may not need a professional photograph right away and there are some other, lesser known possibilities you may not be aware of.

My son, Will is a great example. I paid to have some photographs done locally but when we met with the agency in NY they wanted us to go out in our backyard and shoot some digital shots of our own. They picked the ones they liked and I had 50 5x7 prints made. That is what we used to get started:

Finally, some photographers do what they call "test shoots". In most cases the models do not get paid BUT (and this is a big but) they usually get the photographs for free. This is a fantastic way to build a portfolio. In fact Will, Zach and I all recently modeled for a photography seminar in Bethlehem, PA. We were not paid, but look at some of the fabulous photos we got (some to use for their portfolios and some as cherised keepsakes for me!)