Modeling Tips

This information is for models who have a shoot planned with me and may be helpful to all beginner models. Some things may be different depending on the photographer or assignment. If in doubt it is best to ask. The old saying the only dumb question is the one not asked is even more true when concerning your reputation and safety.

Definitions What to expect from a Shoot How a shoot progresses Escorts; Assets or nuisances How To Plan for a Shoot Tips on Picking Clothes What Clothing to Bring Other Items to bring to shoot Makeup Things to leave at home  Links To more Information

Definitions

These are some of the more common terms that you will see on this site as well as sites geared towards modeling.

• Commercial Shoot The ultimate goal for Models and Photographers this is is where the model and or photographer is hired. It can be a model hiring a photographer to build or rebuild his/her portfolio, A Photographer hiring a model for a specific project or where the Photographer and or model are hired by a third part; e.g. a magazine hiring a photographer and model for pictorial, ad company hiring a photographer who then hires a model to shoot a product for their advertisements.
• Test Shoot  A Test shoot is just as it sounds. This is a way of a photographer and model to test various aspects prior to committing time and money on a more professional shoot without knowing each other.
• TFP Similar to a Test Shoot, TFP stands for Time For Print also known as Trade for Prints or TFCD. this is where photographer and model both waive any fees and agree to pay all expenses on their own. Rarely does money exchange hands on a TFP shoot as both parties agree to terms of a release allowing each to use some or all images. Exact terms of release varies same way pay for any job varies.
• TFP Plus  TFP Plus is usually for more experienced Photographers or models working with less experienced counter parts or where one has to travel a great distance. Usually some dollar amount is included to cover expenses or pay for experience.
• Casual Portraits  Casual Portraits range from Blue Jeans and Blouse to Ballroom Gowns. they can be simple or very complex images. Generally shot with natural or existing light and minimum planning the focus is on the model and his or her personality over location and clothing.
• Implied Nudity Implied Nudity is a term that varies so before agreeing to shoot make sure both parties agree on exactly what it means. Implied Nudity is where the model appears to be nude without genitals or nipples showing. This can be achieved in various ways. Common way is the model is fully nude and covering the exposed area. Second way is the model is clothed usually in bikini, but due to camera angles and pose in the final images the model appears to be topless, bottomless or fully nude.
• Glamour Glamour Photography generally describes lighting, costumes or settings. Also known as Boudoir Photography this is the type of imagery seen in popular men's magazines such as Playboy™, FHM™ and Maxim™; as well as more romantic images used for romance novels.
• Erotic Erotic Photography is also sometimes know as Glamour and is similar in many ways, but usually differs in one major area. While Lighting, location and even costumes may be similar Glamour models may wear swimwear, lingerie, high fashion or be photographed in some degree of nudity,  but the focus is usually more romantic or classy and Erotic images usually focus on sexuality and are usually much more explicit.
• Artistic Nudes Artistic Nudes may be explicit, romantic or even erotic. The artistic feel is usually achieved thru lighting and is often shot in or converted to Black and White.

What to Expect from a shoot

• Warm up; Before you put on makeup or change into any costumes I usually like to snap off a few test shots. This helps on multiple levels. We both can relax a little, this helps set up lights and helps me spot things to look out for or for us to try and fix before shooting. 
• Once we get things ready the shoot really begins.
• Specific ideas come first. If we have any specific ideas we want to shoot I plan for them the most. After that I like to freestyle shooting new ideas as they come to us.
  • I like to experiment with a variety of looks and poses, and keep the best shots. A Shoot can last 1-2 hours to as much time as we can allow.
• If Shoots are a mix of nudes and clothed; we start out with clothed shots. After we shoot any fashion or clothed glamour we will move to swimwear, lingerie and then on to  glamour and artistic nude themes.
  • If shooting nudes avoid tight clothing for at least a day prior to shoot this includes undergarments, Jeans, jewelry and even socks. Marks left by tight clothing can cause major problems especially with digital as higher end digitals can spot things that the naked eye can not.

The person you bring can greatly enhance or hurt your shoot so please have that in mind when you choose who to bring. Male or female does not matter as long as they will not be distracting and you are comfortable with them watching. A shoot is not the place for Jealous partners, wild friends or over protective parents. They can not only make you and the photographer uncomfortable they may be extremely distractive. If they do cause problems it will reflect poorly on you and in most cases cost you future shoots.

A useful escort is someone willing to hold reflectors, fix hair/makeup or just sit back and watch preferably having fun while you have fun. Someone that will help you relax and make the shoot more enjoyable.

How to Plan for a shoot

Tips on picking clothes

• Avoid heavy patterns, especially floral and logos
• Outfits should be sexy not trashy
• We all have colors that flatter us the most these typically work best ones that enhance your skin tones or bring out your eyes.

I suggest you bring 4-5 complete outfits if you can (with accessories, shoes, undergarments, etc. for each outfit).. If we have discussed specific ideas make sure to include all aspects of the outfit. Here are some suggestions.

• Front-button-up blouses
• Tank tops or T-shirts
• Scoop neck top
• Shorts
• Dresses
• Jeans
• Business suit with skirt and jacket
• Mid-thigh skirt
• Short skirt
• Bikini or one-piece swimsuit
• Variety of lingerie
• Undergarments that will match outfits if possibly visible
• Don't forget shoes and accessories that will match your outfits

• Music; If we are in a location that allows it music can not only relax it sometimes help models get moving and can inspire completely new ideas.
• Props; if you have anything that can be used in our shoots please bring it. Depending on location some things may not be advisable to bring, but just use common sense or ask if it will be ok to bring.
• Bring an open mind filled with Imagination and Creativity; My shoots are a joint effort if I wanted a mannequin I would shoot them instead of you.
  
  I love and in fact expect input from models I shoot. The more Ideas we come up with together the better our shoots will be and more likely we will want to shoot again and again.

Things to leave at home

• Small Children and pets; Unless we are shooting family portraits please leave with babysitter. If you are going to have to bring your children for whatever reason please let me know. Only time it is ok to bring your pets is if we have discussed it in advance. Even the best trained animals can be a distraction on a shoot or worse accidentally damage expensive equipment.
• Jealous Boyfriends or Over Protective Parents; This was covered in escorts, but needs repeating as they can be distracting to the point of ruining a shoot.

• Bad attitudes; We all have personal problems pop up usually at the worst time, but if you feel that you can not get past whatever is going on in your life and have fun it is best we reschedule. With advance notice I have no problem rescheduling within reason.

• If you can change you hairstyle easily, come prepared to do that. If not just choose your best look.
• Please no drastic hair changes prior to shooting.  This includes Dying, Cutting, Perms, etc....If I have seen images of you and gotten a specific idea of how you look then you change it several hours or even days of prep time planning shoot themes may be wasted.
  
  In some cases we may be able to still shoot, but in other cases I may decide to cancel if you no longer fit the image I wanted you for.
  
  
  • This also includes other body modifications, Body Piercing, Tattoos or cosmetic surgery Prior to our shoot. Please notify me of any major changes to your appearance so we can make sure you will still work for ideas discussed or at least find other projects that will work for you.

Last, but not Least Extremely Important

If you must cancel, postpone or reschedule for whatever reason, no excuses needed. I just ask you please give me 24 hours notice by phone and/or email. Since sometimes that is not an option a call a few hours prior or email the morning at least 1 hour prior is much better than none at all or later that day after I have waited for even a few minutes. When planning a shoot I will usually give you at least 3 if not more ways of contacting me or others involved in the shoot.

If you are not able to make our shoot as long as you contact me in advance I will not hold it against you and will be happy to reschedule for a more convenient time.

We all have things come up forcing us to change our plans on little or no notice, but courtesy and manners go a long way towards professionalism. Even if we are shooting for fun I treat every shoot as a professional shoot and expect a professional attitude as well.  Models or clients that flake on me may get a second chance, but this is not baseball so don't expect a third strike before you are called out.