Model Advice

BEFORE THE SHOOT:

Viewing the Photographer's Portfolio

It may seem obvious but it is very important for a model to choose the right photographer. One model told me she found a photographer's pictures a bit on the sleazy side but hoped he would do a better job with her.
Another model chose her photographer by trusting a referral only. In both cases the results were not to the models’ liking and could have been avoided.

Most photographers have a certain style to which they always stay true to so for the model to do this research is essential. Simply reviewing the photographer's portfolio and trusting that gut feeling about what is there can be a great guide.

Communication and Planning Between Model and Photographer

Even a quick casual meeting before the shoot builds chemistry and trust or provides the warning signs to cancel for either of the participants.
With communication the model has a better idea about the photo shoot, more ideas to contribute and a chance to rehearse.

Planning is equally important to the photographer to ensure fresh new images and less dependency to find inspiration for every picture during the shoot. Some plans are never carried out, some plans become great photo shoot ideas or even evolve into something unexpected through improvisation. Another subject to be discussed is the time line the CD or the prints are provided to the model. Several models expressed to me how beneficial our meetings were to them to be better prepared and more comfortable.

The Question of Nudity During the Photo Shoot

This falls under discussions but the subject is more personal. In the USA nudity is more taboo and frowned upon more than in other countries.

The model and the photographer might have completely different ideas, value systems and upbringing considering nudity. An artistic photographer and an erotic photographer will certainly have different views, approaches and photographic results.

The question of nudity is best discussed and decided clearly before the shoot. Viewing the photographer’s portfolio is a good indicator. When in doubt ask! Obviously the model has the right to change her mind during the photo shoot either way about this subject but setting parameters is most advisable.

Model Release - Ownership and the Use of the Photographs

This is not a cut and dry issue but one thing is certain: the photographer automatically owns all photos taken.

The future use of the photos can be determined by the type of release signed. Most importantly who can sell the photos and the possible changes in ownership of the photos. There can be as many types of releases as photo shoots. It is up to the model and the photographer to agree on the terms. If a model refuses to sign a release the photographer has every right and a very good reason not to photograph that model. Most photographers do not do photo shoots without a model release. The model release is not written to take advantage of the model, it is there to protect the interests of both parties.

Practicing Modeling in the Mirror

Experimenting with different facial expressions, emotions, poses, hairstyles, clothes in the mirror is very useful – hey, Jim Carrey did it!
Knowing what one's good side is important but trusting in the photographer is also essential. If the photographer decides to shoot the "wrong side" let them, I have heard from models that the photos I took of their "wrong side" came out surprisingly to their liking.

Studying Fashion Magazine Advertisements

Knowledge is power. Learning what works best does not mean copying and not being original. As long as the knowledge is applied along with one's own personality it is a great way to grow.

A Good Night's Sleep

One night or several good nights' sleep can do wonders. It is obvious but often ignored. Yes, there are ways to retouch the photos later but it is expensive, time consuming and not the right solution. Often lack of energy or bad mood can be side affects of not enough sleep as well.

On the other hand there is a time and a place to break every rule. Moody, dramatic, edgy black and white photos can benefit from tired look even dark circles under the eyes, having a more "documentary" feel perhaps expressing the hardships of life.
But not in the case of a beauty photo shoot.

Being Self Sufficient and Resourceful

Most of the time portfolio photo shoots do not have big budgets and it often shows on the photos. A little creativity can go a long way. Some agencies or photographers offer a more cookie-cutter approach, quick in-and-out.
But I do not think one can produce high volume and high quality in the same time.

Not having a fashion magazine, ad agency or record label financing the photo shoot does not mean all the pictures have to be boring with graffiti, brick wall or a parking lot in the background. Finding new and unusual places makes the photo shoot more fun and the pictures more unique. Something seemingly unimportant laying in the model's closet can make a great prop or accessory. Many models borrow clothes from their girlfriends or go out on an impulse shopping spree. Keeping the tags on the clothes is optional for a convenient return and refund.

Avoiding Last Minute Cancellations – The Flaky Model Syndrome

She or he is known as a flaky model who cancels for no good reason the last minute before the photo shoot standing up the photographer.

Obviously unless it is an emergency this should not be done.
It is happening every day to many photographers and considered by most as an unfortunate and unavoidable part of the job.

DURING THE SHOOT:

Being Yourself

When it comes to modeling no experience is better than having bad experience. Once a model has learned bad posing it is very difficult and often impossible to "unlearn" it.

For the model being herself and being comfortable with herself is a great start. It can be built upon.
For a natural intimate setting my first instruction for the model is not to try anything special for the camera, no need to try to impress me, not to be overly cute or sexy, not to over exaggerate emotions or poses in other words at first do less or nothing for the camera.

The next step is to stop trying to do that nothing, because doing nothing for the camera IS doing something.
It is just the next level of being more comfortable or even unaware of the camera.

More expressive situations and settings can be built on this foundation of self confidence to create the story of the photo using the location, wardrobe, makeup, accessories, poses and emotions.

Uncomfortable Situations

If a pose is uncomfortable it will probably show on the model's face on the photos. Some models can hide it better than others.
The same is true with uncomfortable situations or requests.
The photographer might have a request which is within reason for him or her but unacceptable for the model. Planning and discussions before the shoot and communication during the session can often prevent or resolve these situations.

Having a Range

I have heard this a few times from models: "but I am a sweet and nice girl, I cannot act or look dramatic".
Being a fashion model is also being an actress. During the photo shoot the model can benefit from the practice sessions in front of the mirror or having studied fashion magazine advertisements. Every model has different looks and personalities and not every look works for every model but no model should have only one look.

AFTER THE SHOOT:

Getting the CD or the Prints

In the case of Time For CD (TFCD) or Time For Prints (TFP) photo shoots the model receives the photos some time after the session.
I have heard from models that this simple transaction is often the source of much frustration. Often it is the fault of the photographer. In any case it is a good idea to discuss this before the photo shoot.

Other possible solutions are bringing a laptop to the shoot or finding a nearby internet cafe to burn the CD immediately also simply a 5 dollar postage fee given to the photographer can make a difference in case one of the parties will be traveling before the CD or the prints can be provided.

Selecting the Best Photos

The selection can be done by the photographer and the model separately or together. If done together it offers a chance to learn more about what worked and what did not using someone else’s view point.
Another person's opinion can ensure a more balanced selection.

Much can be learned from both the "bad" and the good photos. Honest self critique or listening someone else’s criticism requires self confidence and a bit of letting go of the ego. But the knowledge gained will benefit future photo shoots.

Digital Retouching

It is not always a speedy process to receive the touched up photos. I have seen many photos in model's portfolios which were not touched up but no matter what the reason is this should be avoided.

It is understandable that the model wants to display the latest and greatest pictures but in the case of digital images photoshopping is often a must. Otherwise those photos will look unprofessional and a model's portfolio is as strong as the weakest picture in it.