Professional Modeling dos and don'ts

A model should listen to instructions. – If the photographer says do this, then do it.  It’s that simple.  And don’t sigh when you do it either.

A model should be well practiced. – Even it you’re inexperienced, you need to put in some mirror time or maybe even a few mock shoots that your girlfriend does for you.  With digital photography making test shooting FREE, you have no excuse for not being well practiced.  Have someone shoot you and examine the picture to see how well you did.  Try to ignore the lighting and technical aspects of the shoot.  Just concentrate on the posing.  What works and doesn’t work?  You have to learn by doing.

A model should be prepared. – Have what you need, even if you don’t think you’re responsible for it.

A model should be friendly. – Nobody likes to work with a pain in the butt.  It’s that simple.  But don’t overdue it either. 

A model should be helpful. – If you feel that you have a suggestion that may help the shoot go more smoothly and you think that the team would be receptive, go ahead and give it.  If you have some down time between shots and you think that you could be doing something to prepare for the next shot, ask someone if they think it would be helpful or not.  * a little warning here…  Sometimes you may not be aware of the specific schedule of the shoot.  You can’t assume that you’re done with that outfit and go ahead and chance into something else.  There may be other plans that you are not aware of.  Always check to make sure that what you have planned is ok with what they have planned.

A model should be focused. – There are times during a shoot when focus isn’t an issue and then there are times when it is.  You need to be focused when it’s important.  In my opinion, there are just too many blonds in the modeling industry. (If you know what I mean)

A model should be honest. – I once hired a hand model that crushed his finger the week before the shoot.  It might have been nice if he would have told us BEFORE he showed up for the shoot.  Jerk!  And short sighted too.  Like I said before, reputation is everything.  He might have been paid for that shoot, but I would NEVER recommend him for anything else again.

A model should not be overly talkative. – I’ve had models that just wouldn’t shut up.  I’m trying to shoot and they’re slowing things down by trying to carry on a conversation.  The shoot’s about taking pictures, not telling me about your cat.  Know when to shut up.

A model should be patient. – There are times during a shoot when the model just has to chill for a while.  Be patient, you’re getting paid.  Don’t appear annoyed, even if you are.

So, these are the things that I think a model should be and not be, do and not do.  I’ll keep adding more as I think of them.  Check back from time to time…