|
Forums >
General Industry >
WORKING WITH TEEN MODELS...LIKES/DISLIKES??
Hi, As a teen model myself, I was just wondering what/why do you like/dislike working with teen models. Perhaps some other teen members/models would like to know as well. I've been told that I am more mature for my age and an easy-going person. That makes "them" want to work with me more so than other teen models. Curious, Steph  ) Jun 18 05 11:48 am Link No problem here at all.. My Problem is finding older 40+ models.. That like to think they are beautiful!! Jun 18 05 12:08 pm Link I think some of the issues with teen models has more to do with the parents than the model. Unfortunately, there are many parents that use there kids to live out their fantasy of being __________________________, ( fill in the blank of model, athlete, singer, musician, etc. ), and the reality is the kid has no desire. When you have that issue at hand, it just makes doing a shoot that much more difficult, particularly if the model has little or no experience. When parents are supportive of the teens desire the results are better. There other issue I have are girls that think just because they have guys drooling all over them that they are model material AND can make all sorts of demands.. Bad attitude at any age is ugly.. What I do like, is that younger models seem more willing to try anything, (age appropiate) even if it means getting a little dirty and nasty.. :-) Plus they seem less inhibitated about being goofy, silly and stupid in a fun way.. Seems like as we get older, unless we're still a kid at heart, we get a bit more reserved when the moment gets captured. The perfect scenerio for me, supportive, not over bearing parents, a model a little more mature/responsible for their age that understands this is a job that can be fun and a can do attitude.. And from the photographer, and I think I fit this, an attitude and understanding that this is not an adult and you may have to modify how you interact with them and just to be a kid at heart and remember what you were like at that age.. Jun 18 05 12:15 pm Link There is nothing I dislike about teen models. The few that I have worked with have always been fun and eager to learn. The more experienced people get, the more they get "set in their ways" and tend too not deviate and try new things. Hence, older models tend to either be REALLY exceptional because they have developed and honed and crafted a fantastic style ... Or... Older models can suck because they have spent years reinforcing the same old boring poses and expressions. Teen models, due to lack of experience, can often be more shy and reserved. But, once they get comfortable and at-ease they come "out of their shell" and are much more willing to experiment and change things up a bit. The one bad thing about teen models is that some can be VERY self-conscious and NOT come "out of their shell" and look to the parents for approval or direction on every shot. That is annoying as hell. Don't do that. Jun 18 05 12:27 pm Link My only problems with working with teen models have come from adults that surround them. I have encountered 2 types - mothers who want their daughters to be more sexually advanced than I am willing to shoot a 14 year old model or people who think they know what they are looking at and have no idea what went into the shoot. The pushy mother is easy to deal with - I shoot what I want and I refuse to do anything that I or the model are uncomfortable with. The other is a much touchier situation. I had some community members in a small town where I shot an aspiring model who saw the work when she brought her portfolio to school, who assumed that just because you couldn't see clothes that she wasn't wearing clothes. (Head shot of a model in a tube top where the tube top was below the crop.) Of course after way too much drama and me having to show the proof copies of the print, model consent form with parents signature, and had the mother inform everyone she was present for the entire shoot, the drama pasted, but it was enough to really put me off on teen models for a while. I am just extremely careful with what I shoot now with teen models. I will not be burned again. But as others have said - some of my best shoots have been with teen models due to their excitement and eagerness. It is great to have a model with no preset notions who will do just what you say and really has fun with it. I wish all models could have that fresh out of the box feel like that at a shoot. Jun 18 05 12:38 pm Link Well, you know I adore YOU Steph (and you too Mary)! But there have been a few teens I could have done without...like the ones that end up making out with their "escort" everytime I turn around! Jun 18 05 06:00 pm Link In my experience younger models are a lot more light-hearted and willing to try new things. Also, they do not have a lot of hang-ups and fears about what is/is not appropriate/beautiful/sexy Sometimes I wish I could go back a few years myself, and let go of some of my reservations. That is why I enjoy working with young models, because they help me learn to loosen up. Jun 18 05 06:15 pm Link A few years ago, teen models were very reserved and shy... and even the pretty ones were unsure of their beauty and "cuteness factor". Now it seems more and more teen models are very self-assured about their physical attractiveness and are easier to photograph. The only think I have found a little difficulty is in having the young models dress/act "cute and innocent" since they all want to be the next big V/S model. A few of them also don't want to wear certain outfits because "they're ugly" or "only old people do that"... Jun 19 05 12:59 pm Link Thank you all for taking the time to read my post and for adding your insights. I have learned a great deal from reading in the forums and would hope that some other teen models do as well. I don't consider myself to be a "perfect" teen model and love to learn from my mistakes. I LOVE modeling and enjoy it very much. I especially like photo shoots because I feel it is an art form where I can show my versatality as a model. I believe I am easy-going because I can take directions very easily and without hesitation. I trust the photographers that I have worked with, and those that I will be working with, because they have more experience than I do and know what the "industry" is looking for. Although my mother, Mary, is with me at all times I can make my own decisions. My mother is not someone who is there to take "control" of the photo shoot, or me, but to be supportive and make sure that "some" photographers don't step out of boundaries. That has never happened to me, as of yet. I can't imagine why someone who goes as an escort would get in between the model and photographer, unless there's something wrong going on. I've heard countless stories, here and other sites, of how escorts get in the way......OH my lord!! I've been bleseed to have so many offers for a shoot and thank each and everyone who has made the effort to get in touch with me. I also like to take the initiative to contact the photographers, MUA's, etc expressing my interest in working with them. This, I feel, is also important as a model. Thanks again for your insights and will continue to read on. Steph Jun 20 05 12:38 pm Link Posted by Elizabeth Zusev: Hey Liz, Jun 20 05 12:42 pm Link I have had the pleasure of working with several teen models over the past few years. I have found that what they lack in experience they tend to make up for with enthusiasm, and good work habits. They generally take direction very well, and most of the time their parents have been very friendly and cooperative. I can also say that I have almost NEVER been stood up or no-showed by a teen model. I will probably continue working with teen models well into the forseeable future if only for that reason alone. Jun 20 05 01:10 pm Link well i don't have any hang ups with shooting anyone regardless of age bc photography is just what i do and i love to create art. if you want to shoot sometime let me know. i was actually planning on putting together an under 18 workshop this summer with 5-8 photographers and as many models that are interested. bc i know it's not the easiest thing to be under 18 and have talented photographers to work with. this way it's in an open environment and parents/guardians will feel comfortable too. email me sometime. apparently i'm over my 24hr limit to email out. LOL cheers scott www.smlphotography.com Jun 20 05 01:11 pm Link Posted by SML photography: Scott, Jun 20 05 01:24 pm Link 18 and 19 year olds are freaky. lmao Jun 20 05 03:39 pm Link Posted by SML photography: This sounds interesting. I would love to be part of it. And M.E we could finally meet. LOL! Jun 21 05 12:01 pm Link Posted by * Visual Mindscapes *: Just wondering, how are they "freaky" V.M? Jun 23 05 04:33 pm Link |
