THE DO'S AND DON'TS OF FIRST SHOOTS

Being Easy to Work With

- elizabeth jones

Successful modeling requires you to work in all kinds of uncomofortable and stressful situations. There are time limits, there are photographers and/or lighting assistance waiting on us---all with their own schedules to keep. There is the sun and trying to work with the natural light at very limited intervals. If you are not patient and flexible yourself, you may create even more stress to the situation or worse---you may develop a reputation for being difficult to work with. And yes, photographers talk! Some photographers are much more patient and if you find those they are much better to work with when starting out. Likewise, if a photographer has a reputation of being easy to work with and good with novices then beginning models will stand in line to work with them. They are hard to find and most beginning models dont' recognize a good thing when they have it.

Respect and Professionalism

Bringing escorts or other person at all to a shoot with an established photographer can be seen as an unecessary distraction. Unless you are traveling to a strange city working with a photographer with no website or contact info if you feel like you have to bring someone on a shoot then you need to clear that with the agency and the photographer or you will probably never get very far in modeling. You don't bring someone to any other professional work, photographer is no different. Don't be disrespectful!

You will often be given props including clothing to wear. These are usually worn previously as they are way too expensive to wear just once. They are always professionally cleaned. Tops, bras, lingerie, don't be germaphobe! Unless it was worn less than 24 hours ago and not cleaned (which never happens) you will not have to worry. Forget about the mystical germs and focus on your shoot!

Tell the photographer ahead of time what your boundaries are. If you get into a shoot and she says, "Ok I need you to take off your shirt" and you refuse, it would have been ok had you notified her in advance so they could plan differently or even work with a different model if necessary. Many shoots are spontaneous and showing skin is just part of the process. Very rarely is there tasteless nudity, but rather the photographer is going for something artistic and you need to trust that they have the vision to see the final output even if you don't! Trust them! Remember that we are talking about Professional Photographers not just any GWC (Guy With a Camera). There are amateurs who cannot adequately train or pose models who don't have a professional reputation and in those cases you may want to properly vet them or bring a friend especially if it's an abandoned building or hotel room for boudoir.

Paperwork - Make sure you get the model release form signed and back to the photographer or agency in a timely matter. No serious modeling work is done without a relase form so make sure you sign anything given to you quickly. Don't risk getting a bad reputaion (or worse---blacklisted) over something that is supposed to be the easiest part of your shoot!

Cancellations - Like any other profession if you cancel at least give at much advanced notice as you can. Just being a 'no-show' can ruin your career before it even begins! Show some respect for the other people who put aside time out of their busy schedule just to get you in!

Lastly, don't be in a hurry to see the photos. If you see the pics on camera they usually don't look very impressive before cropping and final editing. You don't know what the photographer as an artist will do with the final product.

They will usually show you a couple during the shoot to encourage you or may use them to help direct you. So don't keep asking to see the raw photos because you won't be able to see yet what you think and you may sound like a amateur. Give them a week or two for the final product (if they are doing post-production work). Be patient---it will be worth the wait! Also, give them feedback when you see the photos---both positive and tell them what you don't like or if they can make changes. They will appreciate knowing what you like and don't like so they know what direction to go in the future.

AND HOW TO SET YOURSELF APART

PREPPING

There are standard protocols but each shoot is different so ask the photographer if you are not sure in advance.

Be on Time! If you are delayed communicate that immediately. Plan to be very close to the time and not too early either. The more successful photographers may have a photoshoot session before yours. Call to ask if you can come into the studio early. They will appreciate this!

Makeup - ALWAYS ask in advance. No one should wait 30 minutes for you to do makeup because you came unprepared. You may need frensh face (no makeup) especially if an MUA is hired or you will most likely need to do your makeup to the best of your ability. Don't be insecure about your own makeup job. There is a reason we hire professional MUAs. No one expects you to be perfect.

Shaving - Do not shave the day of the shoot. If you need to shave at all (ask if body hair is preferred) shave 36-48 hours minimum before the shoot to heal the red marks and bumps. This is a trade secret! High level Photographers will be impressed if you don't come with those scratches and red marks after shaving that morning. These red marks show up on camera FAR more than tiny hair follicles! If they want a fresh shave it's done on set usually to their specifications. This goes for all body areas head to toe!

Loose the Bra - Yes you read that right. Unless you are doing a glamour shoot where a bra is part of the photos, fashion often avoids the unnatural look of a mannequin chest. Also, bra straps and lines are horrendous to edit out for photographers. No bra and absolutely no pasties unless requested. The same goes for panties. Avoid wearing any or make sure they have minimal lines. There are special panties for this and high level photogs may have some new ones upon request if you don't own any. Be an adult.

Have a good attitude. Nothing will ruin a shoot faster than a sour attitude. Models have to pose in lingerie in freezing ice water in a fountain or pond or get in the mud. It's what we do! Always just have fun with the process no matter the conditions. No complaining!