model tips
ive come to realize that i get an awful lot of questions about modeling, the industry, how to get in to it, etc. instead of answering every single question, every single time, i decided to create a sort of “guide to modeling” for those of you interested.
the MAIN ADVICE i have for individuals are the 5 basic rules:
BE NICE
BE ON TIME
BE PROFESSIONAL
NETWORK
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
now, to elaborate on each of these topics a bit.
BE NICE
seems easy enough, right? wrong. believe me, there are times when i would love nothing more than to chew someone out for canceling on me, requesting that i work for free, or for just being a jerk; but it’s just not necessary. it takes so much more effort to be nasty than it does to simply say, “thank you for your time, perhaps we can work something out in the future.” this policy on niceness also comes in handy when a shoot is slightly awkward, ie: the photographer is kinda goofy or maybe your personalities just don’t mesh well. that’s ok, everyone is different, not everyone is going to be your cup of tea. my advice? grin and bear it. tell yourself it’s the best photo shoot in the world and find a way to make it fun! ask them questions, keep conversation flowing, and before you know it the shoot is over and your job is done for the day. people are way more likely to rebook you if you’re nice and polite rather than a frigid bitch.
BE ON TIME
i’ll be the first to admit that i suck at punctuality. i’m working on it. i absolutely HATE being late. it throws me in to a panic and my anxiety levels go up. that is not a good way to start a shoot. being frazzled and stressed out is not a good look for anyone. never mind the personal stress, the fact that being late is completely disrespectful to the person hiring me should be reason enough to be on time. it’s really important to be aware and respectful of other people’s time. who is to say that my time is more important than theirs? people have shit to do and no one wants to sit around waiting on your ass to decide to grace them with your presence. technically, being 10 minutes early is on time and shows professionalism.
BE PROFESSIONAL
professionalism is key. yes, its nice to make conversation and chit chat while shooting. getting to know another individual is always fun. that being said, keep it professional. keep in mind this is your first time working with them (or even if its your 10th time), you want to make a good first impression. they don’t need to hear about how the last photographer you worked with jipped you out of some money, or that your second cousin’s baby’s daddy is in rehab for the 3rd time. this is a work contact and the relationship should be kept as that. yes, ive made friends with several photographers that i’ve shot with, but there is a time and place for girl talk and it shouldn’t be while you’re working. while on the topic of gossip, be careful about what you write on the internet. if you have a bad shoot, don’t go to your twitter account and talk about it. you should assume that anyone you work with looks at your twitter, facebook, blog, etc. and if you write about how awful they are at photography or how you had the worst shoot ever, they’re going to see it and never book you again. not only that, but it could hinder you from getting other jobs. if you’re able to talk about one photographer who’s to say you won’t do it about the next person that is thinking about hiring you? another thing i find really important is a good handshake. seriously. work on it. don’t be afraid to make eye contact when you shake someone’s hand and be firm about your grip. don’t play that whole dead fish thing. it sucks. no one wants to go in for a good handshake and get let down by a wimpy, half-assed attempt.
NETWORK
guess what? there is this thing called the internet. USE IT. every day you have access to millions of people. there is no excuse why you can’t be out there promoting yourself. no one is going to know you exist unless you throw yourself out there. i know it can be scary, but one of the biggest fears that people have is the fear of success. so many people are afraid to take the jump because they’re afraid of falling, but the fall is the best part. find photographers in your area, stylists, make-up artists, etc. go ask your local vintage store if they’ll loan you clothes for a shoot. i bet you they say yes. it never hurts to ask! try to remember that people are just that- PEOPLE. they have feelings just like you and i. sure, rejections sucks but what if they say yes? YOU NEVER KNOW! don’t be afraid to send someone you admire a message and then ever so nonchalantly attach your website to the end of the email. chances are, they’re going to look at it. if they like it, they’ll tell you. if not, they’ll thank you for your email and continue about their day. either way, it’s all good. it puts you on their radar in the very least.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
last but not least, take care of yourself. yes, modeling is a business and you need to understand the business aspects of things, but lets not forget that an extremely large portion of the business is based on your looks. please, wash your face. i know everyone has a drunken night of no return and you forget to take your makeup off when you pass out face down in your pillow. it happens. every other night… take it off. shoot makeup can be very heavy and your pores need to breathe. moisturize and use sun block. if you like to be tanned, use self tanner and be aware of ankles, hands, and your neck. those can be tricky areas. keep your hair maintained, nails manicured (neutral polish is best), and try to keep in shape. walking a couple miles every other day will not hurt you. try walking to the post office instead of driving. if you live in an apartment building take the stairs instead of the elevator. also, drink lots of water. this isn’t something i practice regularly, but drinking water really helps your skin a ton. get plenty of sleep, and be well rested especially before a shoot. don’t go out and get drunk the night before. that goes back to the professionalism of it all.
i know this was long but i hope it helps. i’m going to link this on my profile so it will always be there if you care to come back and visit this post in the future.
best,
jos live view
