Model Basics

From experience with working with many different models in a handful of countries, I’ve learned a thing or two about what it means to be a model and what is expected of them. This creative industry is hard to crack, however, follow these tips to make a good impression and you’re much more likely to get booked again.

  1. Be on time.

There is nothing more unprofessional than a model who turns up late to a shoot or as it may happen, not at all. It immediately creates a negative impression of the model and can have an effect on the shoot. Normally if you’re working on a concept with a photographer they may have hired a studio, lighting or they may have borrowed clothes from designers to shoot. They have deadlines to meet and by turning up late you disrupt that. Time is money. Be punctual, an early model makes a very good first impression and will encourage a photographer to work with you again. If for any reason you can’t make the shoot it’s polite to let the photographer know ASAP and at least 24 hours before the shoot.
2. Be professional.

Always imagine how a supermodel would behave. Even if modelling isn’t your full time job you should treat it with the same amount of respect as you would your primary income. You’re being hired based on your appearance and it’s important you take care of that on a regular basis.

Within 48 hours of a shoot or runway show you should not:

• Apply fake tan to the skin. Photographers want a blank canvas not someone with patches of orange dye on their face or hands. If you require a tan for any specific shoot it will be organised professionally.
• Cut or colour your hair. You have been hired on the basis of what the photographer has seen previously. Without a doubt he/she has a theme in mind and changing your hair style or colour could damage that. You must inform the photographer if anything about your appearance differs from your images.
• Drink alcohol. Makeup helps to an extent but tired bloodshot eyes do not make for good images, not to mention the drying effect it has on your skin. Do not assume every photographer will retouch these things out. They shouldn’t have to. How can you perform at your best when you are hungover?

When turning up to the shoot or runway show you should:

• Have dry, recently washed hair and ask beforehand if it should be straightened or curled before arriving on set.
• Have removed all body hair which will be visible. The lights are very powerful and show up every stray hair on your face, arms or anywhere else. Make sure and remove it beforehand! Male models can get away with trimming very close to the skin and for that I recommend a Phillips Bodygroom. I have one myself and it’s a lifesaver! Men’s hair is thicker and so we’re more prone to ingrown hairs through waxing or shaving and so most professionals trim just before they have a casting or job.
• Have a face free of makeup unless asked to do your own makeup by the photographer. Make sure you moisturise regularly so the makeup takes to your face easily!
• Be well rested and enthusiastic about the shoot ahead irregardless of what has happened in your personal life. 

3. Do your job!

Whatever you are feeling is magnified in an image or on the catwalk. If you’re scared or nervous, it’s important you don’t let that show through. No matter how inexperienced you are, enjoy yourself and be proud of your body. You’ve been hired because that person believes you have what it takes so don’t doubt yourself. Be confident and you’ll do well.

Don’t hold the same pose for the whole shoot, experiment and let the photographer capture as many different shots as possible. Variety is key. If he/she particularly likes something they will tell you. Don’t wait to be told to change your position. Allow them to take 2-3 shots and change your expression or position regularly. Not every image will be attractive, but don’t be afraid to try new things, that’s where the best images come from.

If you’re on the catwalk try to walk in time with the music and it’ll help you keep right. Be aware of what you’re wearing and walk accordingly. For example you wouldn’t use the same walk for a ball gown and a swimsuit would you? It’s your job to channel the designer and convey whatever mood they want. One walk is not enough, even supermodels have to adapt depending on what the client wants.

Don’t be a diva, this includes the boys. No one will want to work with someone who complains about every aspect of the shoot. Things are often shot out of season and so you might have to shoot winter clothes in the height of summer. Try to remain polite and professional. The quicker you get the shots the quicker you can get out of them. If you don’t like your hair or makeup do not make adjustments yourself, these have been decided by someone higher than you should accept that they will contribute to a specific final look.

4. Choose what type of model you want to be and make sure you contact appropriate photographers.

I frequently receive responses to my castings from models who fall under the category of glamour/fetish modelling. If they had looked at my portfolio in any great detail that they would see i do not take these kinds of images. Your folio represents you as a model from day one. If you want to do glamour images there are plenty of photographers out there who will happily shoot you. If that’s not the area you’re interested in make sure you work with the correct type of photographer from the get go! It’s possible to be sexy without being smutty. Just look at the Victoria’s Secret Girls!

5. Make sure you have unretouched polaroid images available to send to potential clients.

We are all aware that in the world of fashion that retouching is common practice. It helps take images to the next level and they become works of art rather than just a simple snap of everyday life. Unfortunately this means depending on the experience of said retoucher, someone may be photoshopped in a way which renders them unrecognisable. It’s important that photographers and MUA know what to expect when working with you if you’ve never met. Having a non-retouched headshot and full length shot will allow them to anticipate skin problems or size issues before you arrive on set.

Contrary to the general attitude of many models they are not the most important person on set. Have fun and show off your personality but don’t forget there are plenty other people out there fighting for the same jobs as you. Don’t make excuses, be professional and creative. If you do what’s asked of you and show off your personality, you’re sure to do well and hopefully be rebooked in the future!