Poses, locations, etc. for daughter's "fashion pics"?

My 4 yr old daughter is going into modeling, but she needs pictures for her portfolio. The agency she will be signed with has a photographer and stylist team that shoots them for $475, but I have the option to have them done myself. My grandfather is a retired photographer so I am going to have him take the pics, but I need ideas as far as poses and backgrounds for the shots. FYI: im in WI right now and we just got 8 inches of snow so outside probably won't work cuz she would need to be in a snowsuit. Any ideas or photo examples would be helpful. Thanks!

If your grandfather knows his stuff he will let you know. For tips you need to research child model photos - I am really not sure adult poses would work as they are mostly linked to sexual psychology (read any decent body language book to confirm this).

As for backgrounds, if it's photogenic your grandfather can decide what to do with it - i.e. throw it out of focus.

Unfortunately there are a lot of scams around, every mother thinks their child is ideal for modeling, and some 'agencies' prey on that.

A bona fide agency won't ask for any money for registration or portfolio shoots, if they seriously think they can make money with their existing customers by using your daughter they will pay for all that.

Have your Grandfather take the shots, if they reject them and 'strongly recommend' their photographer then alarm bells should be ringing.

Ask them for a list of models, which a good agency will freely give you, and talk to them.

Sorry to be down on this, but it is a real blight on the industry, there ARE good agencies out there - good luck and I hope you find one.

Chris

Just make sure she looks natural and relaxed at all times. else the pics may look creepy.
Pictures with a pet dog might be nice, or playing with a large interesting looking toy. Also shots with other children or babies, to show she can interact as she would if she were featured in a clothing catalogue. Some black and white, some colour. Make sure her features are clear and not hidden by hair or fussy clothes.

A lovely picture to do is of the child held in the air, laughing.

You could also try her sitting on a beanbag or chair and get her to roll about and jump up and down and dance. Quite often waving something interesting just behind the camera elicits the best smile. Don't worry if she is not looking directly at the camera in every picture. Just make sure her attention seems to be on something.

Take a LOT of pictures, rapidly. The minute differences between them can make or break a shot. Use digital format if you can so they can be emailed and you save money on printing costsd.

Versatility is key, so make some shots girly, some shots tomboy...
Give her plenty of breaks and make it like a game. Don't pressurise her.
You don't need too many pics to begin with. Once she gets work, you can add those pictures to her portfolio.

Poor kid, changing clothes all day! All the kids I know hate getting in and out of clothes and being made to smile.

8 inches of snow, guess you need to do them in studio. Means you will need a professional.
Why would anyone take your daughter seriously as a model, if you cant show them a professional portfolio.
Lighting and backdrops will be as important as hair, make up and clothing. In California, that price would be a bargain. So, if the photographer is good (you will know when you see his/her work) then invest (not spend, INVEST) in your daughters future.