New Model tips

New Model tips

Submitted by Crystal on Dec 04, 2009
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1. SHOW UP! Yes. Please. Show up to the shoot. I have had models contact me to shoot them, set up the shot, and never, ever show up. No phone call. No apology. This is very, very bad. Your rep will be ruined. You will not get work in a small town like this if that word spreads. Photographers have lots of friends in the biz. Beware. Keep your word for that is all you got when you start out.

2. SHOW UP HAPPY. Nothing worse than a model who whines, is frazzled, doesn't want to be at the shoot. Worse than a leaking faucet at night. Be happy models. Don't be the cause of grief. A shoot is a wonderful experience but it takes discipline, endurance, and comittment. When you've been standing for 4 hours and the Photographer says, "Let's shoot it again," do not slap him or curse him, frown, huff and puff or run away. Smile and say, "I'm ready."

3. DO NOT INSIST. Be courteous. Do not insist about anything. Collaborate. Treat others around you as you want to be treated. Let kindness and the spirit of comaraderie be your guides.

4. DO OFFER IDEAS IF YOU FEEL LED. Suggest different, sometimes better, look for the shot.

5. BE PREPARED FOR EVERYTHING. Bring lots of stuff with you. Keep it in the car, but have it. Everything from makeup to hair spray to props, nail polish, creames, scrubs, washes, hair extensions, the works. What if that coke you are drinking spills on your outfit? Have two or three replacements.

6. CREATE A PORTFOLIO. Think of a portfolio, or PORT, as a resume of pictures. You should always have copies of your port with a brief resume on the back of each shot.

7. BE PROACTIVE. Unless you are cast for a shoot with a major player in the mag/media world, and as a newbie, this is highly unlikely, be a bit proactive. Call the photographer before the shoot. Ask him if there is anything you can do to help. In most cases, he won't ask you to do anything, but he sure will appreciate your energy and commitment. When on set, ask if you can help with scouting the location and scene. Again, the photog will probably decline but you have scored tons of points with the photog and crew. You will be asked to shoot with him again
8. PRACTICE ON SITE. Find a mirror and practice your looks. Ask for your looks. Ask the photog what mood he wants then practice. Practice pose, look, mood, feel, movement even.

9. THANK THE CREW. Thank the crew for being a part of the shoot. For they bust their butts too. A thankful model uplifts the heart of the crew. And when the crew is feeling good, the shoot comes out good.

10. DON'T GET PUSHED AROUND BY ANYONE. Of course you must work with the crew, but don't let them push you around like a doll. You are not just a subject but a person and the sole focus of the shoot. Without you, there is no shoot. Don't let anyone be rude or disrespectful to you. Always maintain a friendly but professional attitude, especially if this is your first shoot with a crew. If you find you are ibeing abused, give the crew a warning that you will walk if they continue their antics. One warning only.

11. THE EXTRA TIP: BE SMART. If you have never shot with someone before, and have not heard anything about them from peers, take someone with you to the shoot. If you are doing nudes, please take a strong/tough guy with you. Sadly, there are some photogs out there who are less than legit and only interested in placing women in compromising positions. Also, if you plan to shoot nudes, you run the risk of limiting yourself. Of course, there are fabulous photographers who specialize in nudes and who will honor the female and male body and expose them as works of pure art. Just be smart and don't jump into anything without some forethought and due diligence.

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