Modeling while expecting is one of the greatest joys of any working Fashion Model. I know it was for me! These are the Photos you are really going to treasure the most in your career! I remember going to my Bookings… so excited.. because my baby was going with me!!
Nowadays Most designers are designing a Maternity line and there are numerous Maternity Magazines, Advertising Campaigns and Catalogs for the expecting Model. So don’t think because you are pregnant that you can not keep working.
So models already signed to an Agency, I have found it’s best to stay represented by your Fashion Agency while pregnant. You will continue to get your day rate and see better clients then switching to a “maternity Agency.” Of course, if your Agency doesn’t rep Maternity Models then you must look for an agency that does. Unlike Fashion Agencies that want to see regular snapshots when you’re first starting out.. A Maternity Agency would prefer you have a Photobook with you tearsheets &/or Pictures. This is because you only have a time span of about 4 months that you can work! You can’t work until you look pregnant and that’s usually at about 4 months (at least). So when you send in pics to agencies.. whether through mail or email.. Show all your best professional fashion work and include 4 recent digitals of you in a swimsuit or form fitting clothes. Agents still love to see YOU.. what you really look like, all natural and smiley. ALWAYS INCLUDE YOUR DUE DATE!
If you live near a major Fashion City (Miami, NYC, LA, Chicago) then go in for an Open Call. You are more likely to be signed to an Agency if you live pretty close to a major city. Bring your Photobook and your SMILE!! It’s very important for agents to see that your energetic and you have a great personality. This will make all the difference in this type of work as most of the jobs you’ll book is all about looking Healthy and HAPPY while pregnant.
If you haven’t seen it already.. check out my Video on “How to take Maternity Pics” at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKGffwL9hIM&NR=1. Don’t take your digitals unless you’ve watched my Video because it will explain exactly what agents and clients look for… You’ll want to know exactly how to do this properly because once you are signed to an Agency.. your Booker (agent) is going to ask you many times to email her recent pics (digitals). This is because not only is your belly constantly growing but also in the modeling business clients ALWAYS request recent pics of models. They don’t want to spend the money to book you and possibly fly you there and then you show up and look nothing like the pics in your book online. This is why you will constantly be taking recent digitals in this business. I have included in the side panel some example pics of me while working with FORD while I was expecting.. that I sent in. You will see I am wearing formfitting clothes with barely any makeup on. Clients do not want to see you all made up. Please don’t have a fan blowing your hair either. Just simple pics of you. You can have your Mom, Dad, Sister or Best Friend take the pics.. it really doesn’t matter as long as you look Natural!!!
I have heard lots of Models say they worked like crazy while pregnant.. there is a lot of work out there and a constant new crop of pregnant models. I knew a girl who was flown to Tahiti for 5 days to shoot a story (8 page layout) for a magazine!! That’s pretty Awesome, No? I worked a lot while pregnant and I can tell you it was a ton of fun! I shot the cover of E-Pregnancy, Parents Magazine and Fit Pregnancy Magazine (see side panel) which was a real honor because that Magazine Rocks!!
I would love to hear your thoughts, So please leave a comment down below with any questions or feedback. Also, if you liked this post and want to pass it on to your Twitter and FB friends.. Please click on the share buttons below. I really do appreciate it!!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
To your unstoppable Success…
Hi,
Well how do i start this off? I’m 23 yrs old, 8 weeks pregnant and want to model! I use to be a jazz dancer in my prime. Lol, funny how I’m speaking as if I’m an oldie. I’ve never been taken seriously with my looks when it comes to modeling. When Men look at me they see SEX and nothing more. I get the “you have so much potential and I expect nothing but big things from you” crap. Finding professional photographers is hard enough because I dont have the money for that. I feel like a horrible mother already because I can barely take care of myself. Couch surfing from place to place is what I’ve been doing for the last 2 years. Sad isnt it? Its not where I wanna be period, and doing something about it is like pulling teeth. I get so many people who say “yes I’ll help u, but whats in it for me?” Its as if I cant move to the direction Id like to go because they’d rather see me in porn than a good career. So how can I start a career with no money to start a portfolio?
Who cares what men think? What matters is what YOU think about yourself!! There is a market for more sexy models.. that’s why Victoria Secret is so popular! You do not need professional Pics to get started in fashion Modeling, if that is what you really want to do. You just need regular snap shots like the ones on my ‘model submission’ post. If a modeling agency is interested in you.. you don’t have to pay a dime. They will pay for you to get you started : ) Keep your head up sweetie.. You will get through this!
OMG! I wanna model while I am pregnant but I never stay in great shape. Any tips?
I use to model in my early twenties and I had an agent in Miami, I resided in FL at the time. Now I am in my early 30′s, size 8, 5′-8″ and expecting! I always wanted to do maternity modeling but being that I am considered high risk will it even be worth it to pursue being that flying is not an option for me. A little background: I reside in Atlanta, GA, I am almost 10 weeks and due 8/23/2011. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Barbara.. it is important not just for Maternity modeling but just for your health in general to stay healthy and fit while pregnant. It’s very important to eat nutritious food and do some type of workout, whether yoga or walking, while you are pregnant. Clients are not too picky while you are pregnant, they know you are going to gain weight but it’s important to stay as firm as possible.
Roz.. Maternity clients book models out of Atlanta. You should be able to get an agent while pregnant.. doesn’t hurt to try.
Nice article! I’m a working model in Houston and expecting my first. I hope I can pick up a couple of maternity gigs. That would be sooooo cool! I have submitted to Expecting Models but not sure if they have any work in Texas.
That’s okay that you live in Texas.. I believe Expecting Models works with Models anywhere in the US… as clients can book you from any where and fly you to the location!! Good Luck Cara!
Hello Lisa,
I’m 22 years old. I live in Texas and I’m currently pregnant with my first baby. I’m 12 weeks and my due date is October 9. I have been thinking of being a model but never got around to really think that it was possible. I was in the military and now as a Vet. I see that anything is possible. Knowing that even when you are pregnant you can still model really gives me that goal to reach. Since Texas isn’t that big on Fashion it seems to be a little hard but i know not impossible to reach. I’m very happy to see there is someone out there that is willing to help! Any information would be amazing. You seem like such a great person and someone who really enjoys what they do.
Thank you Crystal! I do love, love what I do. You can model while pregnant.. why don’t you submit your pics to expectingmodels.com They work with models in Texas. Also girl, you are still young enough that if you want to pursue modeling as a career you can submit your pics (after baby of course) for that too. There are tons of working models in NY with kids (I am one; ) Don’t let that hold you back. Your baby will be so proud of you for being Bold and pursuing your dreams!!
Hi Lisa,
My name is Sylvia Michel and i’m currently 5 months pregnant. I’m live in south florida “west palm beach” and interested in maternity modeling. I’m not sure how to get started. I started looking online for any open calls for pregnant model but, still no luck, maybe i’m looking in the wrong place. any tips on how to locate open calls and maternity models agenices in florida or agents in mind. any help in the right direction would help. thanks for your time.
Great tips! I’m going to go take some photos right now! Thanks
I think the only agency that reps Models while prego Is Expecting Models In NY and LA. You can submit pics directly to them and if they are interested they will call you. Make sure you send really clean clear pics of you.. Little make-up and beautiful.. show off your Belly.. Push belly out (this is one pic that bigger is better; ).. and just Go For it. I would submit online on their website.. Good Luck!
Hi Lisa,
I am almost 7 months pregnant and having trouble finding good work, I have always wanted to model and would love to model while I am pregnant and even afterward s, but I have no clue what to do, and where to start, I’m not tall enough to do run way modeling, but I would love to model in magazines or even adds, TV commercials or anything really. It would be a dream come true! I am due Sep 10, and currently right now and 132 Pounds I still wear a size 2 pants and am 5’6 ft. If you could help me I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks so much
Kind regards
Jessica
Hi Jessica..
Congrats on your pregnancy! I had an adorable baby boy in January so I hear your struggle. Don’t diet or try to control your weight while your pregnant.. Just exercise normally. I’m not sure what you mean by.. you are having trouble finding work!?! Do you mean you are having trouble getting a Maternity Agency? Because the Agency will find you work once you are signed to them during your pregnancy. If you don’t live close enough to a US Model Market (chicago, LA, Dallas, NY..etc) then it will be hard to get an agent.. and find work..
Since you want to be a Career Model.. I think it’s best for you to focus on Modeling After you have your baby and you have lost your baby weight. Being 5’6″ doesn’t necessarily mean you can not be a High fashion Model.. it all matters on how you photograph.. Are you more edgy, different or are you more commercial… ?? If you are more commercial then yes, you will go out for more print advertising and TV Commercials but regardless You NEED to be in a MAJOR MODELING MARKET to work.
The best thing is to send your pics to Agencies closest to you.. (LA, Chicago, Miami) or if you want to move to NYC.. send them to Me or directly to NY agencies. This is how you get started.. You have to first get interest from a Good modeling agency.. then you start testing with photographers and working..
So to sum it up.. either send your pics now to Expectingmodels.com and see if you can still do maternity modeling or after you have your little bundle of joy and are back in great shape (don’t push it)… then submit your pics to me or directly to agencies. YOU CAN BE A MODEL.. Just have to get signed by an agency first and this is the hardest part..
Please be on the lookout through my newsletter for a NEW Video Series I am almost done creating that will walk you thru the process of getting a TOP Modeling Agent in NY.. I have three AMAZING Tactics to get you Signed!! I can not wait to share this with you!!
Hope this helps baby ; )) XoXoXo Lisa
Hi Lisa!
I just recently found out I am pregnant. 4 WEEKS exactly. And I wanna create the most of a nest egg before my bundle gets here and show off my beauty! I previously thought of maternity modeling with my first child 7 years ago, but was not confident enough to persue it correctly. I looked on expectingmodels.com and they said that they ONLY represent previous models. Where and how can I find agencies or agents or designers/product endorsers that will take a real day to day mom with little to no modeling experience? Im looking for specific companies, designer, and/or product magazines that would even want to just interview me for a cover story. I’ve looked online and called Ford and Wilhemina agencies and no such luck. Can you please help? Because I know the info and opportunities are out there?
Ive always wanted to model but im not tall enough. Now that im pregnant and i feel beautiful i would really want to be involved in some modeling and show off my cute belly. im 7 months pregnantLlisa i would really like to hear from you!
Ive always wanted to model but im not tall enough im 5’3. Now that im pregnant and i feel beautiful i would really want to be involved in some modeling and show off my cute belly. im 7 months pregnant Llisa i would really like to hear from you!
Hello!!
first I want to start of by saying you take great pictures.. I was also wondering I just found out I was 2 and a half weeks pregnant I am a model, but it is really hard for me to find work out here in FL can i get some tips if you have any or websites. Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Thank you Nayelis! You are too sweet.. and CONGRATS on your pregnancy! If you are already a model and have pictures in your book then you can model while pregnant. You just have to send your pics to a Maternity Modeling Agency in Miami, NY or LA. Try to get with an agency in Miami forst, since you live closest to that Market. Call the Agencies there and see who reps Maternity Models. Your booker at your agency your with now for fashion should be able to advise you on who to call. You are still barely showing so you have time to get an agent.. maternity models don’t work a lot until they are really showing, at least 6 months. Good Luck and let me know if you need further help! xo
Hey Ashley.. You have to send your pics of yourself (face shot and belly shots/full length) to maternity modeling agencies in NY/LA. It’s harder to get an agency if you are not already a working model because the window to work is so smal that you actually look pregnant so these agencies prefer models with Books (portfolios). But I know Heffner’s in Seattle reps pregnant models and agencies in Miami. So, just get your pics emailed to them or upload them on their website. Good Luck!!
P.s. Remember you can do Commercial print modeling in NY at 5’3.. so don’t let that stop you girl… xo
Hey Samara!
Congrats on your pregnancy! How exciting! Yes, I noticed now expecting models now only takes working models but the reason is is maternity models only have a small window to work where their belly is big (6-9mos) so there’s no time to build a great book.. So clients are going to book the models that they either have worked with previously or have a beautiful book of pictures they can see how you photograph.
Send your pics anyway.. it’s not impossible to get an agent while pregnant. Just take GORGEOUS digitals.. upload them to the agents anyway.. take a chance~ You never know.
Also, look on the casting breakdowns (castingnetworks.com) and submit your pics for the jobs that need pregnant models. These are the same breakdowns maternity agents see…
Also, A LOT of mags ask for pregnant moms to send in their pics.. Be resourceful! There are always ways to work in this Biz… regardless if you have been a working model.
the other thing I would do is choose the closest city to you (Seattle, Chicago, Miami, San Fran..etc) and send your pics to a Fashion Agency that reps pregnant models and let them know.. you would like to work and to please keep you in mind if anything pops up… Just get your Face (and your belly) out there!! Good Luck Mama!! xo
Hello Lisa,
You have such amazing photos!!! I have dabbled in the modeling field before. I have done runways, classes and print, but nothing serious or consistent. I do not have an agent and now that I am four months pregnant and looking uber fab I am trying to get back out there. I have been calling modeling agencies this past week with no luck. Any tips on how to get out there again?
Thanks,
Tasha
Hey Latasha..
Thank you!! Congrats on your pregnancy.. If you have worked as a model before and you have a book (portfolio) already then you can try to get with a maternity modeling agency. I know there are two out there in LA and NY. Most modeling agencies won’t take you on for Maternity if you are not already represented by them for print, runway or TV. Have you tried castingnetworks.com I know they post jobs for maternity a lot.. Hope this helps ; ) Good Luck!!
Hey love, what are good agencies that you can recommend here in the miami area so we can apply?
I think the two maternity agencies are in NY and LA. Now there are modeling agencies in Miami that represent their signed models while pregnant. If you are not an already working model it can be harder to get repped while pregnant. Go on the websites of the Fashion and Commercial Agencies in Miami and see if they rep maternity models. Like Gillaroos, next, Wilhelmina, Ford, Michelle Pommier, Image..etc They should be able to point you in the right direction and posibly rep you while pregnant but there isn’t a crazy amount of work..
Thanks and Good Luck with Baby!!
I’m 23 weeks pregnant with my 5th child. I’m 5’11 and weigh 150. Very interested in maternity modeling!!! I just don’t know how to even get started. I really need to earn extra money for the family. Any advise would be great. Thank you
Hey Sandy. Congrats on your 5th Baby! WOW!! OK, You could work as a model while pregnant if you live close to a Market that has Agencies with a Maternity Division… Like Chicago, NY, LA, Miami, Seattle..etc. You would have to send your snapshots in with your stats and due date… or even better if you already have some professional pictures from when you modeled before you were pregnant (or before kids) you can send your Book (portfolio) Pictures and some recent snapshots to Bump Models or Expecting Models Agencies in NY or LA. They represent models while pregnant too. Heffner’s in Seattle has a great Maternity Division as well that book tons of Catalog jobs.
Castingnetworks.com has Maternity castings too.. that you can submit yourself for.
*Call your local agencies and see if they will represent you while pregnant… Always make sure you send AMAZING snapshots in.. Take pictures just like the ones in my EXAMPLES OF AGENT REQUESTED PICS on this page http://www.lisaphillipsny.com/maternity-modeling/. Good Luck!
Hi Lisa, I’m a working model now in NY city, just found out I’m two months pregnant with my first child. My agency doesn’t represented maternity models, do you know any good ones that have open calls for pregnant models. I’m 5ft 10 and between a size 2-4 right now.
Hey Sharmalyn.. I got your email with your gorgeous pics inside and I will write you back with more in depth info tonight. But wanted to say you should definitely send your pics to Liza at Expecting Models in NY/LA she is great and will take care of you. It’s the only maternity agency and I think you will do well, especially since they only really take previous signed working models. Good Luck!! xo
Got it sent my pics in and I had a meeting with them this week. Hope it works out with them. Thanks Lisa
I would love to model, I am currently 3 months pregnant. Any chance I could get to model while pregnant?
ExpectingModels.com I think that’s the only agency in the US that books maternity stuff.. It’s easier to get signed if you are an already working model with a book. But if you are tall and fit and photogenic they might take on new faces.. upload your pics to their website or go in for an open call… Good Luck and congrats on baby ; )
YAY!! That is so awesome Sharmalyn.. You should work a lot.. ; ) Good luck with your pregnancy and let me know if you need any help after baby is born and your’re ready to work again! xo lisa
I did commercial print modeling in my early 20s. Now I’m 29, 5’2 and 4 months preggo. Does height matter in maternity modeling like it does in fashion? Also, how far along are most models when they start to book work?
Hey Shannon,
Your height still matters yes but if you have previous model experience and a book-that matters more! So, I would definitely try.. Maybe there are clients that prefer petite models. Expecting Models will see you at 4 months and start promoting you to their clients. Some women show earlier than others, some magazines like smaller bumps, etc. The most important thing is.. if this is what you want to do GO FOR IT!!! xo Lisa
I’m currently casting a show for a major cable TV network. We’re looking for women at any stage of their FIRST pregnancy from those trying to get pregnant all the way through to those women who have given birth within the last 6 months. We’re casting from LA but will be filming in South Florida – no one will need to travel as our team will be coming down to FL to meet with potential cast members.
please email TheBabyProject2011@yahoo.com if you’re interested and live in the greater Miami area!
That’s Awesome Julie! I will do a post on this for you.. Sounds like a lot of fun for any expecting or new Mom.. Thanks for Sharing ; ) Lisa
Hello I am 23 weeks pregenat and 22 years old, I always wanted to be a model, but one thing is I have the face, but my teeth are not up to standard so that set me back a little. I hope to become a model, because that is one dream of mine. I would love to know how to get started I reside in northern California as well, so i hope it comes true for me.
Hi! Congrats on your pregnancy ; )
If you are serious about being a model you will have to fix your teeth. Gaps can be cute but for the most part models have to have beautiful teeth, white and straight. So, it’s worth the investment. Why don’t you use your downtime (pregnancy and post0baby, before your body is back to normal) to wear a retainer or braces? You are the product remember ; )) xo Lisa
Hi Lisa!
I love your blog and how inspiring you are to women! I’m 24, 5’8″, very fit, and 12 weeks pregnant with my first baby! I’m so excited and feel blessed with this little angel inside me. I did some modeling a few years ago but I’ve been so busy with my career in the corporate world that I haven’t had a chance to pursue it lately. I’ve always been told I could be a model, but I just haven’t known where to start. Since I’m pregnant, I think it would be awesome to do more modeling. Would it be possible for me to send you some pictures just to see what you think?? Not to be too forward, but I’m nervous because I wear a 34 D bra and I know most models have smaller breasts. Also, I live in Dallas… not sure if that would work or not!
Thank you again, and I hope you have a wonderful day! I look forward to hearing your response
Sincerely,
Morgan
Hey Morgan! Thanks for writing me ; )
First off.. CONGRATS on your baby- How exciting!! The wonderful thing is there is lots of opportunities now for pregnant models to work. Dallas is a good place to be. Have you tried sending your pics to expecting models in NY and LA? They are always looking for new faces. The best advice I can give you is to send them your professional photos from when you modeled before.. they really on sign models to work while expecting, so make sure you tell them you have worked as a model. Just put your bust size as a C.. and flatten those babies down ; ) That’s not as big as a deal while doing maternity because most womens breasts get big while expecting..
Have you also tried calling Page Parks or other reputable agencies to see if they have maternity clients?
Ok, email some pictures of yourself to me and I will write you back from there.. Looking forward, Lisa xoxo
Lisa,
Thank you for your kind and insightful message! What is your email address? If you’d like, you can send it to me at morganhollowell@gmail.com…
Thank you again!
Sincerely,
Morgan
Morgan.. you have to sign up for my newsletter ((on the homepage) and then you automatically get my personal email ; ) Then we can chat more there! xox
Hello dear,
I have 22 years of age, live in CA near LA, I’m in my first pregnancy and I am pregnant with a boy. I’m already six months, I’m weighing 112 pounds and 5’3. I’d like to find some work for model pregnant. If anyone has any tips, I appreciate it.
I hope you can understand me, I’m still not speaking English very well. My native language is Portuguese.
Thanks!
I’ve always want to be model as well but I’m only 4’11 and most people say I’m too short . But I have a seen beauty and would love to show that too the world . I just don’t know where to start ?
Hi Lisa!
I just found out that I am expecting! I am only about 4 weeks, I guess… Due in August. I am wondering if I should wait until I am bigger to send photos to agencies, or if I should use some of what I have? I am a professional dancer, so I have lots of headshots, bodyshots, movement/dance shots that I can send, but of course, there’s no sign of a baby… Should I send some of these out, or wait? and if I should wait, how long? Since it’s such a short window… I don’t want to wait too long!
Thanks so much for your help!
Hi i am looking for a way to make pregnancy look pretty and also make some money (unfortunately my financial situation is not where it should be
…
i currently live in the seattle suburbs and would like to know if there is a modeling agency or magazines that are interested in working with me. i would appreciate any help and advise. i am 23 weeks pregnant and i think anything from high fashion to natural/fit and health would fit my personality.
thank you so much for your help. please also check out my fb site
Sure, have you called HEFFNERS Model management.. they are in Seattle and represent maternity models with books.. You can also send your pics to Liza @ expectingmodels.com in LA/NY Can you post your pics to MY facebook wall.. Lisa Phillips- Model mentor and scout.. then I can easily view your pics and offer more advice. thanks so much and Major congrats on that little baby ; )))) xoxxoo
Hey! No, start sending maternity pics right away, just put your due date on the pics. I mean you can’t stat working until you have some bump showing, that’s usually about 5 months.. and the bulk of the work is when you really have a big belly.. but I think it’s always best to start getting the agencies attention and secure a spot on the board early before they fill up and say “We already have a model similar to you!” Which agencies just LOVE to say…. lol Congrats and just GO FOR IT!!
Love you story! I’m trying to get into modeling now that I’m pregnant but I don’t know where to look. I live in Georgia (close to Atlanta & Athens). What place or website can I go to or sent my photos to?