If you’ve followed along, you will remember there are three other segments:

So you want to be a model: A models inspiration

So you want to be a model: Styles/Genres of modeling

So you want to be a model: Making money

When you’re done reading those you’ll be up to date with us so we can continue. The next part of the series deals with some of the things new models and photographers can expect at the shoot. If you’ve read the previous three postings, it’s my hopes you know by  now, modeling, REAL modeling isn’t as simple as being told you’re beautiful and you go out and start modeling. To really do modeling, you have to put a lot of time, effort and work into it. To be in demand, you have to do the leg work and that’s where a lot of models fall off.

The shoot is one of the MOST important parts of being a model. By this time, you will know what type of model you are, so you know what’s expected of you. Before we discuss the shoot as a whole, we’re going to discuss the pre-shoot as that TRULY is the most important part of the shoot. Any photographer that has shot more than one shoot they put together on their own, will admit the things the model does BEFORE the shoot has a lasting effect on how the shoot goes. Lets jump right into it;

Your appearance.

For your session, not only should you look the part for whatever shoot you’re doing, physically, but appearance wise also. What does that mean? Simple; get eight to 10 hours of sleep PRIOR to your shoot! The attitude of today is “Fix it in Photoshop” and that’s a poor excuse. There is ZERO reason why a model cannot get eight to ten hours of sleep prior to the shoot. A model will be standing and being directed for anywhere from two to ten hours. Being sleep deprived will not only cause red eyes, baggy eye appearance, but most importantly, impatience and lack of energy. This will result in poor photos, relationships and most importantly, performance. Why waste everyone’s time a model can’t commit to being energized? And no, sorry but energy drinks aren’t an answer. They will give you anywhere from one to two hours of energy and a HUGE energy dump after. An energy dump so large that MORE energy drinks won’t recover it. Failure to do this is not only disrespect to the photographer and or client, but to this new found profession of yours.Remember, you are selling yourself, your appearance at the shoot is EVERYTHING!

Fingernails/Toenails.

The WORST thing in the world is when a photographer is doing a colorful shoot and the model shows up with black fingernail polish. Unless specifically called for PRIOR to the shoot, you should have clear finger and toenail polish. I keep a nice fresh bottle of fingernail polish removal and cotton swabs on hand to remove it. Yes, I can fix it in Photoshop but why? Even if you don’t think your toes will show, keep them clear and well manicured as you have no idea what the shoot will bring. Most times, photographers don’t know where the shoot will bring us until it’s happening. If the shoot calls for something dark or goth, the Art Director or Photographer will discuss this with you, but even then most times they’ll have you come Plain Jane and do the darker or make up intense stuff last.

Skin care.

If you’re a person who likes to tan, please have your last tanning session at least 24hours PRIOR to the shoot. On the flip side, if you’re planning on being outdoors and have a shoot, please use a nice helping of sunblock/screen. I was talking with a model and she said she loves to layout on overcast days. I asked if she was using a generous amount of sunscreen/block and she replied with “No, cause the Sun isn’t out!” If you didn’t know, that’s the PRIME time to get burned as the Sun IS out, but hiding behind clouds. Overcast or Cloudy days are the worst for suntanning because you can’t SEE what the sun is doing to you. The reason why you shouldn’t tan 24 hours before a session is I’ve seen it a million times; Model goes to get that one last suntan before the shoot and either its a spray tan gone bad, or burned city. Canceling the shoot because you’re burnt is not only unprofessional, but a gross neglect of yourself and your body. Acne is a problem with everyone of every age. It used to thought that it was a problem with teenagers, but many adults have issues. Being a model, your face/skin is your product. It should be taken care of as well as everything else. Youtube has a lot of wonderful videos on how to take care of your skin and get yourself out of any jams that exist.

Makeup.

I personally believe that some people, such as U. S. Americans…oh wait, wrong post. I personally believe that all models should have at the very least, a basic understanding of makeup. I feel as though every model should be able to at least know how to properly cut down the “shine” on forehead and chin areas. They should know which makeup works for them and how to do it properly. Having a strong shooting base in Colorado, I’ve had many models compeltly clear their face and put very little makeup on. A lot of girls felt it was necessary to have strong eyebrows and black lip liner over red lips. No, sorry, that doesn’t cut it. You should be able to do one look very well and at least alter it a bit.

Clothing.

Your wardrobe doesn’t have to be as vast as your ability to pose and give facial expressions, but some attention to detail should exist in your wardrobe. Clothes should match. No moo-moo‘s! And lingerie should have matching tops and bottoms. On a set where there’s an Art Director, clothing will be provided. If you’re wanting to start your career, usually you’ll have to model your own clothing. If you don’t know what you want to wear, look at magazines that represent the styles you’re shooting. Shop there. Shooting casual look? Get a nice pair of Guess Jeans and t-shirt. Ambercrombie jeans and t shirt. Hollister and so fourth. Want to be a lingerie model? Victoria’s Secret and so on. If you don’t have money, save until you do. There’s no reason to have un-cared for clothing. Clothing that’s been thrown into a bag or bunched up so they have wrinkles is not ok. Taking pride in everything about you is the answer! On a shoot, there’s nothing more that I love to hear than “I brought my entire closet” because it tells me you have enough variety to mix and match and get some great shots.

Now that you have enough sleep. Clear finger and toenails, your clothes are pressed and ready, no over tanning or burnt tans, make up is good, you’re ready to step in front of the camera. The next segment will cover the shoot.

 

Cheers!