This is a follow up to other blog pages in this series. Other articles dealing with model issues are:

~Basic Advice for New Models
~Photographer Myths and Models
~Models, Scams and the Internet
~Models, Copyrights and your Likeness

 

 

Let’s say you are a new model and just contacted me to shoot you. You may have never modeled in your life and have no idea what to expect. You may have modeled before but it didn’t turn out good for whatever reason. You may even have a few shoots under your belt but have not shot with a professional photographer before. How do you go forward from where you are now to where you need to be at the beginning of the shoot we scheduled? Read this article to find out!

One side note: I know this advice sounds really lame. I actually can’t believe I’m writing it. However, keep in mind that both of our time is valuable. We want to do whatever it takes to make a successful shoot. While much of this advice is “well duh I know that!” you would be surprised how many models need to hear this. So take this friendly advice for what it is.

Body

Prepare yourself physically. Modeling is about looks and energy. Starting with the day before, don’t drink alcohol. Drinking affects your looks, at least short term. Get plenty of sleep and don’t eat too much. You want to be strong and energetic, not bloated and sleepy. Do your exercises or at least stretch out before the shoot. If you are doing lingerie or showing skin, wear loose fitting clothes to the shoot so you don’t have lines and dents from elastic and straps or snaps. If you are doing full nudes and it is that time of the month, cut the string or tuck it in. Many models shoot nudes then. Don’t sweat it.

If your shoot will be physically demanding, take some Ibuprofen or something before the shoot to help with the pain and inflammation during the shoot. If your modeling regularly is climbing or hard poses etc., you should be taking Glucosamine with Condroitin every day too.

Other advice: Quit smoking, work out, don’t eat fatty foods, don’t eat red meat, eat reasonable portions, drink lots of water, read up on foods that promote collagen regeneration and eat them, take vitamins, get plenty of sleep, exercise, OK so I lost you at quit smoking. The point is your looks make you money. Destroy your looks and you destroy your income as a model. Set yourself up for success.

Mind

You are woman. You are tough girl #1. You rawk the set. Have the attitude that you can do it, that you are the one who is going to make everyone ooh and wow the pictures. You reach, you win. You get the shot. You hit the pose. There is nothing you can’t do.

You show up willing to work, ready to work and are focused on the shoot, not texting the boyfriend. The cell phone gets put away as you walk in the door.

Spirit

Happy, friendly people get more paid modeling jobs. Cranky bitches don’t so much. Successful paid modeling work is about networking as much as it’s about having the right looks and abilities. If no one can stand to be in the same room with you, they will just hire the next pretty girl. There are plenty to go around. You are not unique. Be likable. Be the one that they say “Oh she was so much fun! I can’t wait to work with her again!”.

A great body gets you some work for a while. A willingness to do what it takes to get the shot gets you more work and a great personality will get you the world.