Louisa-Marie wrote:
Hey guys,

I'm a new model trying to build my portfolio to include fashion, lingerie and swimwear.

I've been asked by several photographers about doing tasteful lingerie shoots (no nudes, no spread legs etc) in an upscale hotel room... I understand that this is probably the best setting for lingerie shoots.

However, as a young girl on one of her first shoots, I am obviously a little nervous about showing up at a hotel by myself. The photographers have offered that I bring anyone along I like.

However, if I wanted to go alone, how can I become less nervous and anxious? Any advice from models who have done similar?

An upscale hotel is probably going to be 10 times safer than other locations - security personnel and cameras everywhere. Hotels are very, very common locations to shoot.

Louisa-Marie wrote:
Hey guys,

I'm a new model trying to build my portfolio to include fashion, lingerie and swimwear.

I've been asked by several photographers about doing tasteful lingerie shoots (no nudes, no spread legs etc) in an upscale hotel room... I understand that this is probably the best setting for lingerie shoots.

However, as a young girl on one of her first shoots, I am obviously a little nervous about showing up at a hotel by myself. The photographers have offered that I bring anyone along I like.

However, if I wanted to go alone, how can I become less nervous and anxious? Any advice from models who have done similar?

You can start by checking the references of the photographers.  Speak to other models that have worked with them in hotel rooms.  If you decide to go alone, be sure that someone else knows who you are shooting with and where the shoot is taking place.

In all honesty, in order to get good images, the model needs to be comfortable in her surroundings.  If you are nervous because you're alone it is going to be reflected in the pictures.  If the photographers have offered to allow you to bring a friend it might be best for you to do so until you are comfortable doing these types of shoots alone.

Louisa-Marie wrote:
However, if I wanted to go alone, how can I become less nervous and anxious? Any advice from models who have done similar?

Go. When you don't get murdered, it'll be easier next time.

Louisa-Marie wrote:
However, as a young girl on one of her first shoots, I am obviously a little nervous about showing up at a hotel by myself.

Louisa-Marie wrote:
I kind of feel I should go alone, I'm a big girl and should be able to handle myself as such.

Naive, innocent victim-in-waiting to rational, responsible woman in one hour and seven minutes.  That just might be the fastest growing up process I've ever seen.  Congratulations, and have fun.

Louisa-Marie wrote:
Thanks for the replies guys. I have the photographers phone number, real name etc etc and we may also shoot swimwear at the hotel pool which is obviously a very public domain so I understand there is nothing to worry about. However it's better to be safe.

If the pool is indoors, you might be able to get exclusive use of it, if you want to try different lighting, etc.

It doesn't happen often - but the bell captain held the other guests at bay for nearly an hour while I set up and did the pool shot in my portfolio. I wanted to use a gelled light for the blue effect. We didin't want some guest knocking the strobes into the water- roughly 500 volts stored in the capacitors between shots.

Yes, the light stands were sandbagged - and an assistant also had his hand wrapped around the stand the whole time.

Louisa-Marie wrote:
On one hand I would feel better if I brought someone with me, on the other hand I feel this could be quite distracting or disorientating. I kind of feel I should go alone, I'm a big girl and should be able to handle myself as such.

Another option then is to bring someone but have them wait in the lobby/bar/somewhere nearby.

I don't allow escorts but I have no complaint about having someone drop off the model and pick them up. And I've had models make check in calls/texts when they've arrived several times, I see nothing wrong there either.

I once had a mutual cancellation with a model who insisted her boyfriend be in the tiny hotel room with us while we shot. That's too awkward for me, it would have been just the three of us in there.

Louisa-Marie wrote:
On one hand I would feel better if I brought someone with me, on the other hand I feel this could be quite distracting or disorientating. I kind of feel I should go alone, I'm a big girl and should be able to handle myself as such.

You could bring someone so you feel safer having someone close but leave them in the lobby, poolside, elsewhere so they don't interfere with the shoot or distact you. Just the fact that there is someone nearby would probably help put you more at ease.

And like has been said... Check References

-JAY- wrote:
Check references and do your homework.

Go. When you don't get murdered, it'll be easier next time.

+1 Hahahahaha

Generally most shoots in decent hotels are quite safe and of course reference checking is a must but as a precaution always keep in mind your own safety. Now I am not trying to scare off your confidence but I speak from experience that even though I took every precaution in the book some photogs just lose their marbles. Your best safety defense is to own your own confidence, as vague as that may sound but it does deter a would be pervy photog if he realizes that you're not one to be trifled with.

Packing some heat would help too haha

Moodscapes wrote:
From a photographer's point of view the main thing is that you do whatever you need to do to feel secure and comfortable. If you don't this will show in the shots.

This.

Jansu wrote:
If it's gonna be a love hotel or a cheap motel. I refuse.

Cheap motels with peeling paint, stained bathrooms, torn furniture and bad lighting can result in some great photos.
On the other hand, if there is no studio available a high end hotel is probably much safer since they usually have good security.

Louisa-Marie wrote:
However, if I wanted to go alone, how can I become less nervous and anxious?

If you don't trust the photographer then don't go.

If you do trust him then you should feel fine after a few minutes.




Ciao
Stefano

www.stefanobrunesci.com

-B-R-U-N-E-S-C-I- wrote:
If you don't trust the photographer then don't go.

If you do trust him then you should feel fine after a few minutes.


Ciao
Stefano

www.stefanobrunesci.com

+1

Dean
www.Orcatek.com

Louisa-Marie wrote:
Hey guys,

I'm a new llama trying to build my portfolio to include fashion, lingerie and swimwear.

I've been asked by several photographers about doing tasteful lingerie shoots (no nudes, no spread legs etc) in an upscale hotel room... I understand that this is probably the best setting for lingerie shoots.

However, as a young girl on one of her first shoots, I am obviously a little nervous about showing up at a hotel by myself. The photographers have offered that I bring anyone along I like.

However, if I wanted to go alone, how can I become less nervous and anxious? Any advice from llamas who have done similar?

Same as if you're shooting somewhere else.  Find out about the proposed shoot, find out about the photographer, and trust your gut.

I have two images from hotels in my port.  Feel free to guess which ones.

Jansu wrote:
If it's gonna be a love hotel or a cheap motel. I refuse.

Super 8, $38 for the night. (18+)
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/p … 7#14350437

Lightfire Creative wrote:
I also think that bringing someone along isn't the best idea.  First, some rooms can still be small (even more up-scale hotel rooms).  I've done hotel room shoots and I have gear strewn all over the place.  The more people in there, the more chance someone's gonna trip, step one something, etc.

This.

Quite a few images in my portfolio were shot in hotels and B

Louisa-Marie wrote:
Hey guys,

I'm a new model trying to build my portfolio to include fashion, lingerie and swimwear.

I've been asked by several photographers about doing tasteful lingerie shoots (no nudes, no spread legs etc) in an upscale hotel room... I understand that this is probably the best setting for lingerie shoots.

However, as a young girl on one of her first shoots, I am obviously a little nervous about showing up at a hotel by myself. The photographers have offered that I bring anyone along I like.

However, if I wanted to go alone, how can I become less nervous and anxious? Any advice from models who have done similar?

TO ME:    I would never ask a model to work in a motel or hotel room..  Most generally you will not be able to get permission from the property owners..   If you try to sneek it through and they find out..  I hope you have bond money...

I shoot in the studio..    If there is something that the Ad agency wants,  then I will rent or borrow it from  a furnature store,  we have several that we work with..

Louisa-Marie wrote:
On one hand I would feel better if I brought someone with me, on the other hand I feel this could be quite distracting or disorientating. I kind of feel I should go alone, I'm a big girl and should be able to handle myself as such.

If it seems appropriate get someone to drop you off at the hotel then wait at a cafe and then meet you afterwards. Long, quiet lonely journeys can be time that your nerves run riot.

-B-R-U-N-E-S-C-I- wrote:

If you don't trust the photographer then don't go.

If you do trust him then you should feel fine after a few minutes.




Ciao
Stefano

www.stefanobrunesci.com

I never understand this 'trust a complete stranger' mentality, why would you trust someone you had never met?

Dekilah wrote:
Most of this has already been said, but I will echo it again:
- check references with llamas who have shot in hotel rooms with the photographer

- let someone know where you will be and text them the room number once you know what it is (more for your peace of mind)

- if you do feel bringing someone will help, maybe have someone drop you off at the room and then arrange to have them meet you when the shot is done, this way they are not in the way, but you get your peace of mind

But most importantly, if you are getting any red flags, there is no reason to do the shoot. You will likely look uncomfortable in the shots and that is of no use to any one.

All of that being said, I have done plenty of shoots in hotel rooms and never had an issue.

This

plus it should never be about the money, but if it's the right direction for your port and whether you will enjoy it or not.

Besides, the two old ladies in the next room are going to call the police anyway...