Melisa Kelly wrote:
Hi, I am new to this field and would love information on how the system works! What is the standard procedure when going to a photo shoot? What should I expect?

I guess it really varies a lot depending on the photographer. But here's a few things that I try and do for all my shoots (especially with newer models).

I usually try and meet before the shoot for coffee or at least have a phonechat so we can cover the basics in advance. I always have plenty of clothes and shoes on hand anyway but you need to know if the photographer is providing clothes or if you are expected to bring them (often it's best to take things anyway). You should always have bras etc (since the variety in sizes mean the photog probably won't) and at least one good pair of heels. Also bring makeup and hair stuff.

I usually plan to shoot a variety of outfits and setups so we both get as much out of the shoot as possible. Make sure you've discussed what your limits are (if any) - are you doing swimwear/lingerie/nude? Best not to assume anything - if the photog doesn't ask - clarify what you are ok doing.

Also good to know what the deal is. Are you doing TFCD? What is the deal for how many images you will get, who picks then, when will you get them. Do you have to sign any forms? Often a photog will ask for you to sign a release - just be sure you get some confirmation of what you are getting out of the shoot so there's no misunderstanding.

On the day of the shoot - arrive rested (a good night sleep helps) - are you expected to be in full makeup or are you doing it there? I always tell a model - fix your makeup when you arrive - travel casual - loose clothes - stay cool and comfortable. Did you shave your legs etc?

When it comes to the shoot - if  you are not experienced in posing - tell the photog. Some may be shy about giving direction so don't be afraid to ask. Do some studying before the shoot though - there are lots of resources online regarding posing principles. Same with expressions - give some variety -listen to feedback. If possible check out the shots during the shoot. I upload after each setup (each outfit change) and I encourage the model to look. It helps us both adapt if something isn't working.

Above all - it should be fun - and you will probably feel like you've had a good workout at the gym by the time you're finished. Hopefully you're working with photogs that have decent experience so regard it all as a learning experience. Always try to make the whole thing a positive experience for both of you. Reputation matters, so even if it doesn't go perfectly, be gracious. Divas are never welcome and even if the photog doesn't really inspire you - keep smiling and just don't work with them again. However, don't let your lack of experience get you drawn into anything you are uncomfortable with - you can always walk away from a shoot if the vibes aren't good. (Hopefully you never need to - but based on the stories I've heard firsthand - it's always possible).

Good luck!

Melisa Kelly wrote:
Hi, I am new to this field and would love information on how the system works! What is the standard procedure when going to a photo shoot? What should I expect?

Expect to get creative, never expect the shoot to go as planned. As photography is a form of art, we models the muse..anything can change.

Always plan ahead with the photographer as much as you can..the date, time, location/studio, who's involved, what it's for, the concept...you can never have enough details!

Also, when booking a shoot, don't always take on every project. I, myself, have done so and it's helped and hindered me. You also want to know your comfortably and what YOU want from modeling. So, if you want to be a commercial fashion model, maybe stray from or do very little nude/implied work. If you want to be an alt model, keep an open mind and stay creative.

Things to bring;
-2-3 outfits to change
-accessories to go with wardrobe or use in any implied/nude work
-a makeup kit that houses base, powder, lipstick, eye liner, lipliner, shadow, mascara, makeup remover
-2-3 pair of heels/shoes
-hair clips, ties, headband, curler/flat iron
-a towel (to lay the irons on and possibly do makeup on (when on location)
-misc. items you may want...deodorant, lotion, mints, travel tooth brush & paste

If wardrobe, makeup, hair are provided...just always have these in your car for incase reasons. I have had stylists drop last min and I've had to rush and gather the above myself...over time, I learned to pack "just in case".

Like I said, all of the above is friendly suggestion!

Happy modeling!

allison mindy wrote:
It varies from photographer to photographer. There really is no standard. PM the photographer and ask him/her how he/she works. I guess the one thing you should expect is to have lots of fun. Also I would recommend you bring an excess of wardrobe. It's beter to over pack than under pack

+1

Especially if you haven't worked out wardrobe with the photographer. In that case, I'd suggest taking at least twice as many outfits as you expect to shoot. Also different jewelry and accessories for each outfit.

Also it's not a bad idea to take powder and lip gloss for touchups - and a hair brush and a hand mirror. Even if you're working with an MUA, the MUA doesn't always stay until the end of the shoot - especially a trade shoot.

And if you're going to be walking around barefoot, even on a studio floor, it wouldn't hurt to have a package of baby wipes to clean the bottoms of your feet.

Backstreet Photography wrote:
As was already mentioned, each photographer has a different approach.  Personally, i like to meet with the model {and escort when desired} for a cup of coffee and see if we're both comfortable with eachother.  I prefer to shoot what the model wants since it's not all about me.  I tell her to stay within her comfort zone, since it produces much better images, and afterwards, i offer a lunch or dinner depending on what time of day we shoot.  I've had other photographers say my approach is much to generous, but it's about the art and having fun ~ m'

+1

Backstreet Photography wrote:
As was already mentioned, each photographer has a different approach.  Personally, i like to meet with the model {and escort when desired} for a cup of coffee and see if we're both comfortable with eachother.  I prefer to shoot what the model wants since it's not all about me.  I tell her to stay within her comfort zone, since it produces much better images, and afterwards, i offer a lunch or dinner depending on what time of day we shoot.  I've had other photographers say my approach is much to generous, but it's about the art and having fun ~ m'

Same approach here.. I enjoy a first meet to get to know you n feel more realxed when we do shoot because we already discussed some details n what we expect of eachother.

Having fun makes creating art much more rewarding.

paul

Camerosity wrote:
You might ask the photographer that question. Every photographer is different and has his own way of conducting shoots.

I suspect that most people on MM, when they decide to shoot, set a date and then figure out what to do. To me that’s backwards. I want to pre-plan the shoot with the llama before I schedule it. (How else do you know how much time to schedule?)

I’ve found that pre-planned shoots go smoother and are MUCH more productive. Everyone knows what we’re shooting, where, in what order, what wardrobe will be used, and what moods and looks we’re going for.

For a trade shoot, I like to work with the llama to plan the shoot so that she gets whatever she wants most in her portfolio, so we come up with a shoot that we can both be excited about.


Before the shoot we've exchanged photos (or links to photos) to illustrate the looks we’re thinking of, and most of the time I’ve seen photos of the wardrobe we’ll be using – and in many cases I’ve participated in the selection or wardrobe from cell phone photos or clothing web sites. Words are subject to interpretation – and misinterpretation, especially where intangibles like concepts and looks are involved. With photos everyone sees the same thing. Then the llama and I decide what to shoot.

That way everyone knows what's expected and what to expect. Any props or accessories that would complete a look should be on hand. (“Hey, anybody know where we can find a white dove on a Sunday evening?” You get the idea.) And because there’s time for everything to roll around in my head for a while, it’s likely that the best ideas will come before the shoot rather than when I’m driving home afterward - as they sometimes do when I have to wing it for a shoot.

This is exactly how i prefer to do things! I much prefer to plan everything out beforehand. Wardrobe, Make-up, image, posing framework etc. Then we can nail down a date that gives ample time to get the wardrobe together, practice some suitable poses, think of some brilliant images.

I'm not fond of photographers that give me a date and then i struggle to get a plan out of them.. i feel so unprepared and it usually makes the shoot slow paced and a little frustrating.

Camerosity wrote:
You might ask the photographer that question. Every photographer is different and has his own way of conducting shoots.

I suspect that most people on MM, when they decide to shoot, set a date and then figure out what to do. To me that’s backwards. I want to pre-plan the shoot with the model before I schedule it. (How else do you know how much time to schedule?)

I’ve found that pre-planned shoots go smoother and are MUCH more productive. Everyone knows what we’re shooting, where, in what order, what wardrobe will be used, and what moods and looks we’re going for.

For a trade shoot, I like to work with the model to plan the shoot so that she gets whatever she wants most in her portfolio, so we come up with a shoot that we can both be excited about.

Before the shoot we've exchanged photos (or links to photos) to illustrate the looks we’re thinking of, and most of the time I’ve seen photos of the wardrobe we’ll be using – and in many cases I’ve participated in the selection or wardrobe from cell phone photos or clothing web sites. Words are subject to interpretation – and misinterpretation, especially where intangibles like concepts and looks are involved. With photos everyone sees the same thing. Then the model and I decide what to shoot.

That way everyone knows what's expected and what to expect. Any props or accessories that would complete a look should be on hand. (“Hey, anybody know where we can find a white dove on a Sunday evening?” You get the idea.) And because there’s time for everything to roll around in my head for a while, it’s likely that the best ideas will come before the shoot rather than when I’m driving home afterward - as they sometimes do when I have to wing it for a shoot.

Leone P wrote:
This is exactly how i prefer to do things! I much prefer to plan everything out beforehand. Wardrobe, Make-up, image, posing framework etc. Then we can nail down a date that gives ample time to get the wardrobe together, practice some suitable poses, think of some brilliant images.

I'm not fond of photographers that give me a date and then i struggle to get a plan out of them.. i feel so unprepared and it usually makes the shoot slow paced and a little frustrating.

I've found that most models like this approach - especially the more experienced models. The ones who like it least are those who have no idea what they want to shoot for their portfolios.

It also helps me weed out the models who aren’t serious enough to put forth the small amount of time and effort required to plan a shoot. Once a model has gone through the planning process (and had her preferences and desires incorporated in the shooting plan), the odds are very high that she’ll show up for the shoot – even if she has to drive 3-4 hours in bad weather.

Having a clear plan also makes it easier to recruit an MUA/H who will do the shoot for trade.

Some models require that the photographer explain exactly what he wants to shoot in the initial email to the model. Most of the time I just ignore that requirement, unless the model would be perfect for one of the 70+ concepts/themes on my to-shoot list – or unless I can get a fairly specific idea of what the model wants to shoot from his/her profile.

I assume that, by requesting that information up front, the model is just trying to avoid booking shoots with vague goals that are likely to lead to vague images.

By the way, the paragraphs in my first post are included in a lengthy email that I send when asking a model to do a trade shoot. Parts of the email are customized to the model, and parts are basic information that I include each time. I’ve found that it’s better to give a model too much information than too little.

>> One thing I recommend for all models (unless their portfolio is as good as it gets and will never need to be updated) is to create a list of photos that’s clearly labeled to show that the photos in it represent looks you want to do. High-quality, distinctive shots with some creativity – not the mundane ones that every model has. It’s a good idea to include both studio and location photos. It’s okay to include some that require remote locations or hard-to-find wardrobe, props, etc. – but it’s also a good idea to include several photos that don’t require any of these.

When you see something you like, just add it to the list. Pretty soon it becomes automatic.

Not only does having a list make it easier for any photographer who has the sense to look at it to plan a shoot with you. It makes it more likely that the photos you get will be what you want or need. I've been known to contact a model about a shoot mainly because she had a wish list with several looks that I'd like to shoot.