thought I would write this up for new models so they would have an idea about what to expect and requirements for a working with a photographer and getting in to the industry.
First thing to remember is:
1. ITS HARD WORK
2. SEE NUMBER 1
No photographer wants to work with someone that cant put in the effort while there at the studio or put the effort to turn up ready for the shoot. Its unprofessional and a waste of time.
When you book a shoot you should always:
1. Bring shoes - Yes I know it seems quite obvious but it really is important
2. Make sure your clean and presentable and dont smell like last nights beer mat.
3. Dont be Hung over you wouldnt turn up to a day job like that so dont turn up to our job like that either.
4. If you have to bring along a chaperone make sure that they are not:
A. A complete psycho
B. The most annoying person in the world
C. a back seat photographer.
The main thing to remember for your chaperone is SILENCE is golden unless engaged in conversation by the photographer.
5. Remember that some photographers wont allow you to bring a chaperone, this is mainly because you wouldnt bring someone to stand next to you and watch you on a checkout at asda would you?? If you check out the photographer first and see references then they feel this should be enough.
6. Bring the clothes you have been asked to bring not miss matching stuff and ooops I forgot, this can be really annoying for a planned shoot.
7. Keep your rates sensible - Dont expect £££ per hour, your not Jodie Marsh, Jordan or Nicole Scherzinger. For example I know a top model that works up to nude for £25 per hour. That is a really good rate and she works hard to earn that money. Set your rate to the level that you do and remember that at lower levels there are a lot of models all competing for the paid work that is around. As ali G would say "KEEP IT REAL"
Now most of that might seem obvious to us all but talking from expierience here you would be suprised how hard the above is for some people to do!
Now some DONTS:
1. Be drunk - Its a health hazard and you really arnt that funny when drunk.
2. Hair in the wrong places (unless arranged) - Ew
3. Complain that things used to fit (you put them in the case so you should know if it fits).
4. Change the agreed levels for the shoot especially on a paid shoot - Good photographer will agree the shoot outline and level for the shoot beforehand. This is what he will be expecting to shoot. The only reson to change a level is if you are uncomfortable with the tog and if this is the case end the shoot at that point so the there is no more time wasting on either side. But dont expext to get paid if you end the shoot.
5. Eat during the shoot - Just dont.
6. Be a diva and expect to get riders and everyone bowing and scraping at your feet. Its not going to happen.
When you apply for a casting call it is very important to read the casting all the way through and make sure that you fit what the photographer is asking for. First and most important is that you do the level required, please dont email saying "I only work up to ---, will that do?" my typical response to that is "Here is my delete button, that will do"
A photographer may ask you to show examples of your work or ask for pictures of you at the level you are applying to do. He isnt being pervy or strange, the photographer is simply:
1. checking that you fit the concept for the shoot
2. Weeding out time wasters (doesnt always work but its better than not trying).
The pictures that you send or show on a portfoilio site dont have to be professional to begin with (we all started somewhere) but they should be a clear shot in portrait of your face, a full length body shot (bikini / lingerie) and a shot of the level that you work up to i.e. topless etc.
To put it simply you wouldnt buy a car without looking at the engine and checking that the car will do what you need it to do and perform well.
When Starting modeling you should have a clear idea of what you want to do and most importantly what level you want to work to (level is basically how much you want to show). Dont be wishy washy about this as it casuses confusion and at worst could cause offence to either yourself or the photographer.
Hair and makeup may be required to be done by yourself or you may have an mua provided, make sure that if an mua is being provided then dont come looking like you have attacked yourself with an big orange pot of polycell crack filler and a roller. Clean natural skin for the mua is best.
Speaking of orange policell, fake tan it is the absolutle nightmare of photographers world wide, DO NOT PUT IT ON WITH YOUR HANDS - it looks aweful, your hands will turn black and youll have streaks everywhere. GO have a spray tan done professionally and listen to the tanner, two more shades darker and more Orange will not make you look great, youll end up looking like a reject umpa lumpa.
If you have questions dont be worried about asking them before the shoot, its always best to make sure that you understand exactly what is going to happen, what the shoot is about, the level that you are going to do and what it entails.
