Over the last year and a half of modeling, I have heard some pretty appalling stories of things that aspiring models do on a photo shoot. I have seen many posts with tips of what to do during and before a shoot but haven’t seen many on what not to do.
As someone who is very concerned about remaining professional, here is a short list of bad choices I have heard of (and even witnessed) aspiring models making. I am not perfect either and have kicked myself for a couple of things, mostly missed opportunities, been a bit late a couple of times and felt absolutely terrible about it and I continue to learn from my mistakes. I hope that if you’re just starting out or maybe trying to take things to the next level that this collection of thoughts will be useful for you.
1. Don’t drink during or before a shoot. It makes you sloppy, clumsy, flushed – which doesn’t photograph well, causes “drunk face” and just downright isn’t professional. If you show up hungover, chances are you’ll look awfully green, might have to take barf breaks that inconvenience everyone involved and if you aren’t feeling your best, the photos won’t look as good as they could. If you are feeling nervous and need to loosen up, try putting on a playlist of your favorite music instead.
2. Don’t swear like it’s going out of style. Most people anymore are not offended by it but nevertheless, lots of swearing doesn’t leave a good impression. If you are shooting with a photographer you know well and also swears, it’s a little different, but I say just keep it to a minimum or don’t do it at all. If you are shooting with someone new or planning a shoot with someone new, treat it like a job interview. You wouldn’t drop “f-bombs” when applying for a job, don’t do it at a shoot! (Believe me, I do swear, I just have a mental off-switch that I am very thankful for.)
3. Don’t bail on a shoot. If something comes up and you have to reschedule, don’t leave the photographer, makeup artist, hairstylist or anyone else involved hanging. Tell them the situation as soon as you can and remember,since you are the one that can’t make it, you are the one that needs to make the effort to reschedule.
Even if it’s that you just can’t afford to shoot with someone right then, let them know! If you don’t tell them, you are inconveniencing everyone involved and most likely, losing the opportunity to work with any of those people in the future. Worse yet, in a small community like the alternative modeling one, word travels quickly so it may ruin chances to shoot with other photographers.
For example, I recently had to reschedule a shoot due to a bad sunburn despite my almost religious level of using sunscreen. I felt awful and was disappointed but I let everyone know right away and we were able to create some great images the following week once my skin had calmed down.
4. Do not assume a photographer will have wardrobe options for you. While some might have wardrobe to choose from, if you show up empty handed with nothing in mind and they don’t have wardrobe for you, you won’t be able to shoot. This also applies to makeup and hair, if one isn’t provided and you aren’t experienced with doing your own, hire someone!
5. Don’t assume you know everything there is to know about modeling. Just because you have been doing something for a while doesn’t mean you are an expert. I know I have learned so many things from watching and talking with other models. While I do see that I have made a lot of progress, I want to continue making progress so I take the advice of others into consideration.
6. Don’t rely on your looks if you are really trying to make a name for yourself. There are so many gorgeous girls out there trying to be models, set yourself apart from the rest. Be creative with your concepts, your outfits and locations. Work hard, be outgoing, be professional and work on your skills as much as you can.
7. Don’t forget to be true to yourself. Be kind but know your boundaries. If someone wants you to shoot something you are not comfortable with, speak up. For example, I have had numerous creepers offer to pay for nude shoots. While nude photography can be very artistic and beautiful, it isn’t for me. – Implied nudes are something I’ll shoot but not full nudes. – I declined these offers and even had to tell one guy off after numerous harassing emails (honestly, after some deeper digging, I found out he isn’t even a photographer). Not only will knowing your boundaries keep you happy with what you’re doing, it can keep you safe.
I hope this list provided some new perspective and at least, some food for thought. I’d also like to add that if you really want something, go after it and don’t give up. If you had told me when I first started out that I would be creating the kinds of images I dreamed of (like the one below), putting myself out there with the confidence I do, and having this much fun following my dreams, I wouldn’t have believed you.
Photo by Kat Attack Photography, Makeup and hair by Toni Stirling
Xoxo,
Melissa Misfortune
Melissa Misfortune 