j_francis_imagery wrote:
What, if anything, have you learned about photography or lighting, that you didn’t already know, by working with numerous photographers?

What correctable mistakes do you see photographers commonly make?

"OMG, I learned that, like, photography requires a total camera and stuff, or somethiiiiiiiing.  And that, when the photographer has a camera, they tell you to do things, like, pose and stuff.  Sometimes they don't even tell you to pose but they just sit there all quiet behind the lens, like,  'Do something so I can take a picture of you.'   
I also learned that, like, every photographer is also an agent and they always tell me important things like, 'You should totally not work for free with other photographers, cause they should pay you and stuff because, I mean, what's the point of modeling if you're not going to make money off these guys?  But for me, I'm an agent and really popular on social media and you should do TFP cause I'm building your portfolio for you with good pictures the other photographers can't do, soooooo... you should be getting paid by the others, though, cause they're going to want to pay you to totally try to take the same things I'm shooting for you for free right now.'

My modeling career has slowed down and stuff - literally, I haven't modeled in the last ten years - but that was the best advice I ever received from that first photographerrrrrrrr who helped me out early to get my start on the right track.

Oh yeah. And that if I want to be a fashion model that I should get naked early and often and stuff.  Like, A LOT. 

For lighting and things?  I've really learned that light is totally necessary and works way better when it's turned on and being used.  Also, for modeling, standing in it is really important cause some photographers get all, like, 'WTF? Why are you facing that way?  Do you see your key light?'  Which is totally stupid cause I can't tell you how many times I've heard that and thought to myself, 'F-in RUDE!  I'm totally posing right now and you're all interrupting me and stuff?  You have your camera right there pointed at me so I know you can totally see me in it so there's plenty of light. Like, what's the problem?  Besides, key lights don't matter cause I didn't even drive here, sooooooooo; you're blacklisted already and stuff when I get back.'

The biggest mistakes I see a lot of photographers make is that they don't give me all my images after paying me.  That's totally unprofessional and that, like, timeliness is important.  And they don't realize that I'll completely tell the world and other models not to work with them. I've got, like, so many photographer friends who encourage that as often as possible when it happens so it's not like the advice to do it is unprofessional or biased or anything.  Seriously, I have social media and a bunch of sites where people are waiting to see new stuff of me and that I can't be waiting for like, EVER, to get my pictures of me from the shoot that they paid me to do!

For mistakes photographers commonly make I can't really think of any.

Except for the things they do all the time that aren't right, like telling me how to stand or what to do or how and where to look and they worry too much about useless things like looking around at the set, or at props, or wondering what time of day it is, and stuff.  It's a total waste of my time AND THEIRS cause we could be spending it shooting me posing!  I'm totally all business so when that hour's up it's up!  And I don't feel bad cause it's not my fault they missed out on capturing me that whole time while they were fussing about really stupid stuff. 

My boyfriend/escort/agent/model-friend/photographer-mom insists I'd be more famous and so would the photographers if they just listened and did things the right way.  And stuff.  Or, somethiiiiiiiiing...'

~ Val.
Professional Published Model • Retired • And Stuff

j_francis_imagery wrote:
Models: what have you learned about photography ?

(Also not a Model) Social media sites such as Instagram have enforced that self shot mediocrity will suffice. The internet Model has evolved, the pandemic an amplifier.

Fleming Design wrote:
I thought J Francis was the mockee?

How is "What correctable mistakes do you see photographers commonly make?" mocking models?

ROUA IMAGES wrote:
"OMG, I learned that, like, photography requires a total camera and stuff, or somethiiiiiiiing./quote]

This is mocking models, and one of the reasons many models don't participate in the forums much any more.

I can tell you that I learned how to better position my main light from Melissa Trout, who is a fantastic model.
I learned that a strip bx with a grid is better than a rectangular softbox for Latex shoots from Jade Vixen, also fantastic model.
I learned that using a reflector can produce a softer fill than a Kicker light from Paper Doll Princess who also taught me not to underestimate the knowledge anyone brings to a shoot.

ROUA IMAGES wrote:
Val is also a huge fan of white knights and expresses her gratitude, and promises to date each of you, for standing up to the tyranny that oppresses her right to model unabashed of what she has or hasn't learned in all her years. 

I think j_francis_imagery's question is a good one.  One that sat somewhat stagnant for 10 days with no answer, but - I'm sure there are models (very much not like Val), the ones with stand out images - in their own and in the photographers they've worked with - portfolios, who are continually working, presently, who have learned a thing or two from photographers over the years.  Things that help them make a good shoot a better shoot from understanding lighting and photography tips gleaned over time.   Tips to give to photographers who don't know anything about where to put their main light, for example, or the function of a grid vs. a softbox perhaps.

There are also plenty of models who step over to the other side of the lens as well.  So, to say they don't need to know anything about photography except to get in costume and take direction, seems a very broad and generalized statement that -

- is very mocking, frankly, and I'm deeply offended on behalf of, not just Val, BUT ALL the models out there! (My gosh, this armor gleans!)

You’re the one who made me roll my eyes and post a response. Going off on a needless ranting which insinuates how dopey the models are. Then a few others made brief statements concurring what you wrote. Stupid.
As far as models needing to know the technicals of photography I have shot people who know nothing and some who are photographers themselves.
Having some posing experience and confidence is helpful but technical knowledge is not necessary.
When you see a toy or clothing ad with small children do you think they knew what an f/stop, or a grid, or a flag was? No, the photographer knew what he was doing. See a beautiful wedding album, the groom is in investment banking, his wife a buyer for a restaurant supply company. They are not photographers, but the professional wedding photographer knew how to stage, pose, and light them.
I’m sure the OP of this thread intended to try and start a dialog that may have produced a constructive conversation but you decided to turn it into a let’s throw stones at people event. Usually when I sense an AH I don’t respond; today I made an exception.

ROUA IMAGES wrote:
~knights in white satin....~

That’s just dumb. Satin makes lousy armor.

Robert Lynch wrote:

That’s just dumb. Satin makes lousy armor.

True.  But it's very shiny!

Xaina Fairy wrote:
Top 5 things I have learned from photographers:

1. If they take a photo of you, look at their viewfinder, and make a funny face, IT'S NOT YOU! They likely didn't have the camera setting correct and the result wasn't what they were aiming for. You probably looked great, but the image didn't.

2. It is often just as much about the social element as it is the artistic element. Who wouldn't want to make friends with beautiful and talented people? If you make it a personal experience, not only will the images be better, you are more likely to create an ongoing working relationship with that artist. And they will be more likely to recommend you to others!

3. Lighting is HARD! Especially outdoors. The sun's location makes a world of difference, and shadows are tricky. And, in the studio, knowing where your main lights are make a huge difference on posing and where you should be facing.

4. Shooting styles are vast. Some will snap 1000 photos and sift through for the best. Others will meticulously frame, set, and pose every shot. Some shoot Digital and have unlimited frames, others use film and only have so many shots. I've learned be patient, versatile, and adaptable.

5. It helps to know the frame! I love it when an artist will show me our progress. Knowing what they are seeing helps me better incorporate myself into the image.

+1 
Thank you for engaging and sharing from what is a clearly experienced perspective.