This is based on my own experience but Before reading this, I encourage you to look through the other reviews. You'll notice several people describe experiences similar to mine, including being charged different amounts and having difficulty getting responses afterward. Many of us have connected because we believe parents deserve answers. One thing about moms we will always come together when it comes to protecting our children.On May 26, I took my two sons, ages 5 and 8, to audition with Rise Talent after seeing an Instagram advertisement for a print campaign. My 5-year-old is nonverbal and autistic, so I thought print modeling would be a great opportunity for him. My 8-year-old was especially excited, and he was the main reason we decided to move forward. During our audition, Dawn spent a lot of time talking to my oldest son about acting. She showed him videos and photos of well-known actors, including Mark Wahlberg and Mekhi Phifer. Because of my experience, I have chosen to reach out to the managers of the actors whose names and images were used during our meeting. My hope is simply to make them aware that, in my experience, their names and photos were used as part of the presentation to prospective clients so they can decide whether they are comfortable with that use. I believe parents should be able to make decisions based on clear and accurate information. My son left believing he had a real chance of becoming a movie star based on what was presented during the meeting.. As a parent, I felt the presentation created expectations far beyond what we originally came in for, which was a print campaign. We were told it would cost $475 for Dawn to represent both of my children, and we were instructed to return that Friday, May 29, for a photo shoot. I asked for a receipt twice but never received one. For context, I previously modeled in Chicago, so I know how professional photo shoots are typically handled. Unfortunately, this experience did not meet those expectations. Dawn wasn't present for the photo shoot. What confused me was that the person taking our photos was the same man who had been working as the receptionist during our audition. He was the one sitting behind the front desk, checking families in, and writing down everyone's names. During the audition, Dawn also introduced him as one of her models and said she was helping him get into acting. Then, when we arrived for the photo shoot, that same individual was suddenly the photographer. That raised concerns for me because I expected a professional photographer, especially after paying $475. The entire session felt rushed, particularly considering one of my children is nonverbal and autistic and may need additional patience and accommodations. After the photo shoot, I was told Dawn would contact me. Exactly one week later, I emailed asking again for a receipt since I still hadn't received one. She replied saying she wanted to schedule an appointment to answer my questions. I responded immediately but never heard back. On June 12, I emailed again requesting a refund. That's when she finally responded and asked me to send her my phone number, even though she already had it. I still didn't receive a call or text. On June 17, after emailing once again, she replied that she would be in touch that afternoon. She finally texted me at 2:37 p.m.That same day, three and a half weeks after the photo shoot, I finally received my children's photos. They were unedited, and Between both of my boys, only 12 photos were usable ,just six of each child. She apologized and promised the edited photos would be completed within 24 hours. She also offered free use of her studio for acting classes and other services because of the inconvenience. However, we didn't sign up for acting. We came specifically for a print campaign.The edited photos were not delivered within the 24-hour timeframe I was promised but 5 days later . I had to contact her yet again, and I didn't receive them until five days later. In my opinion, the edits looked very minimal. Also on June 17, she texted me saying she had submitted my 8-year-old for a job and would keep me updated. After hearing nothing, I reached out again on July 17 asking for an update. My message was read but never answered, and it still remains unanswered.My biggest disappointment wasn't just the money. What hurt the most was watching my son become so excited and truly believe that big opportunities were right around the corner, only for the communication to stop completely. As a parent, that was heartbreaking. Parents deserve to know what they're paying for before they spend their hard-earned money. read more