to me it is about 2 people interacting

depending on characteristics of the model I find some shoots to be 'over prepared'.

I tend to go the agile way, especially at some point during the shoot, sometimes right from scratch. What I see in the model is not always what the model thinks or shows in email preparation. Or is able to do etc. The fact I mainly work with amateur models may also necessitate this approach.

With professional paid projects it is more selection and preparation, as the result is predetermined.

So in general I tend to plan lightly (so right clothes, props, environment are available) but I abandon plan at will


"a plan is merely condensed future disappointment"

Rehashing everything we confirmed over email face-to-face seems to put everyone at ease - even the photographer!

Discussing themes or common goals always helps

Discussing boundaries (i.e. I don't invest into bondage, fetish or erotic - nor spread my legs for vagina shots)


Those are the major ones...

No dairy

Always a plus if they have food and drinks before mua arrives

Discussing if it's tfp or paid work the day before

Making sure they have a release form

Discussing themes before because the photographer/mua usually explains the theme or sends me images so I get what is going on

Photographers are usually fixing lighting while I'm eating or while the mua is putting make up on me

2-5 min chat before photoshoot to get a calm atmosphere with both mua and photographer

Music helps so much for the whole photoshoot

And I love a little direction from the photographer if they suddenly have a new idea they want to try on the spot

I like to send the model a few idea shots ahead of ime so we are on the same page as to what I would like to get. I also like to se some ideas that the model may have so we can maybe work those in also.

I give the model a quick tour of the studio, changing room, makeup station, etc. Have them bring in all their wardrobe and sort of get staged. Then it is paperwork time as well as verbal comments about myself and how I shoot. I make sure I include what and when the model will receive the files (if they will) and cover copyright and usage. We also discuss any shots that exceed our predetermined comfort level and how those will be deleted if needed.

If there is an escort I show them the cable TV and WiFi so they don't get bored. I also cover where and when they are invited to assist or be in the actual studio vs the lobby.

Then I turn my phone off or to vibrate and take the studio phone off the hook. I expect the same of them with personal phones. The only time I want their phones out is if they are going to hook up to the studio's stereo system for music.

Hmmmm.....