Forums > General Industry > PRO MODELS: what to expect and prepare for...

Photographer

Steven Bigler

Posts: 1007

Schenectady, New York, US

I am shocked by the lack of knowledge I constantly read here.

I hope this clears things up for all those that are actually working and doing it all wrong, as well as those that are starting so they can do it right!!!...

A model should not only bring an escort AND her boyfriend... she should bring all her friends and family members to share the experience.  Also, please be sure to have the manager come... and give me THEIR usage of images contract and limitations to sign.

On jobs I think it is important for a family member to snap pictures over my shoulder, as you never know when they will actually get to see the magazine.

When contacted by a magazine for work... be sure to insist that you get YOUR day rate, as well a copy or CD of ALL IMAGES uneditted.
(don't let them take advantage of you!)

Insist on getting the cover too!

The model should also expect my studio to either send a car or a cute driver on a Vespa to pick them up at whatever hour is most convieneint to the model.

If you are not in the mood to work that day, go ahead and sleep in... I'm sure another model just like you will become readily available with no problems for the crew or client.

Model needs to be sure to bring her "kit bag" loaded with the nude underwear, and 4 pairs of different colored pantyhose, as well as a variety of matching bras.

(there are many "modeling handbooks" out there with the complete lists of 'must haves' for said bag)

Model should as well point out to me the best angles to shoot her from, as well as the lighting she most prefers... as well as anything she does not like.  I hate getting new girls that are not aware of these rules.

Thank god for the internet, as it is getting the word out to all those that would otherwise be ignorant!!!

Okay then... back to my pose book to study for future shoots.... (I'd hate to be ill prepared.)

Jun 20 06 10:05 pm Link

Model

Iona Lynn

Posts: 11176

Oakland, California, US

Don't forget that all nude models should wear tight underwear and bras right up untill the photographer askes you to remove them, this helps keep body parts from sagging for the photo shoot.

Jun 20 06 10:27 pm Link

Model

StacyJack

Posts: 2297

New Orleans, Louisiana, US

snort

Jun 20 06 10:30 pm Link

Photographer

Steven Bigler

Posts: 1007

Schenectady, New York, US

...Stacy wrote:
snort

Thanks for the reminder... never snort, it messes up the mascara. 

Oh yeah... come with eye make-up done so the make-up artist does not need to work so hard... they like that.

Smoke alot of cigarettes... makes you look cool, and everyone likes cool models.

Jun 20 06 10:37 pm Link

Model

StacyJack

Posts: 2297

New Orleans, Louisiana, US

We have to snort in order to properly do our coke.  how will we make supermodels if we don't?

Jun 20 06 10:39 pm Link

Model

ANNABELLA

Posts: 1642

Atlanta, Georgia, US

And remember to wear sunglasses up until the day of the shoot so you can have those cute marks under your eyes and on the brim of your nose.

Jun 20 06 11:04 pm Link

Photographer

Steven Bigler

Posts: 1007

Schenectady, New York, US

Remember to take the needles out of your arm, it messes up the lines of a nice blouse.

Jun 21 06 12:01 am Link

Wardrobe Stylist

stylist man

Posts: 34382

New York, New York, US

Sad thing is some people will think you are serious.

Jun 21 06 01:25 pm Link

Photographer

Dee

Posts: 3004

Toledo, Ohio, US

MHana wrote:
Sad thing is some people will think you are serious.

HUH? WHA WHA WHAT???? I so thought this was an amazing post of endless knowledge...So whats the truth then?

Photogrpahers DONT like escorts and family members? I think it is very nice when the model shows up with smeared eyeliner and humungus circles under their eyes from the party last night.... Sheesh...Now all my hopes and expectation are down the drain....

Thanks MHana!!!

Jun 21 06 01:31 pm Link

Photographer

Fade To Black

Posts: 411

Baltimore, Maryland, US

MHana wrote:
Sad thing is some people will think you are serious.

*pauses from writing down serious notes*
say what?


lol :-p

Jun 21 06 01:39 pm Link

Photographer

Steven Bigler

Posts: 1007

Schenectady, New York, US

Dee, relax... MHana was clearly joking.  There is always one here that tries to make a serious conversation something of a joke.

Back to the topic....

Jun 21 06 01:39 pm Link

Photographer

Dee

Posts: 3004

Toledo, Ohio, US

Steven Bigler wrote:
Dee, relax... MHana was clearly joking.  There is always one here that tries to make a serious conversation something of a joke.

Back to the topic....

Shew....That was close...I was getting so scared for a minute...

BAD MHana BAD!!!!

Jun 21 06 01:40 pm Link

Photographer

House of Indulgence

Posts: 585

New York, New York, US

ROFL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That is SWEET!!!!!!!!  ^__^

-S

Jun 21 06 01:45 pm Link

Photographer

ChristopherRoss

Posts: 1559

Eškašem, Badakhshan, Afghanistan

most importantly ... remember all photographers want to jump you because you're hot. So when he asks you to pull the hair back from your face, what he's really saying is "let's get naked together".

Jun 21 06 01:55 pm Link

Photographer

Vector 38

Posts: 8296

Austin, Texas, US

(ridendo) si! tutti dice i segreti interni! Ciò è grande!

FML

Jun 21 06 01:57 pm Link

Photographer

Dee

Posts: 3004

Toledo, Ohio, US

FML-Photography wrote:
(ridendo) si! tutti dice i segreti interni! Ciò è grande!

FML

Asphinctersayswhat?

Jun 21 06 01:58 pm Link

Photographer

MannyDesalamanca

Posts: 2076

Orlando, Florida, US

Be Aware of the following points:
1. Most of the models that you see featured on my MM page carry portfolios with only my photos in them and they are working steadily. The key is a well thought out, well planned, well executed selection of pictures to best market you.

2. There is NO type of modeling or photograph that you HAVE to do to be a model. You do NOT have to model swimwear. You certainly do not have to model lingerie, and you do not have to model anything that is in conflict with your cultural or religious beliefs. Certainly, the more that you are willing and able to do, the more opportunities that you will make available to yourself, and there is no legitimate modeling agency that will ever tell you otherwise.

3. Remember that this is truly a "first impression" business. You know the quote - "You only get one chance to make a good first impression." - There is no business where that is more true than modeling. Every agency or client that you contact - your photos, comp card or modeling portfolio will always go in the door before you.

4. Set your standards HIGH! You MUST use a very critical eye when selecting any images to put in your modeling portfolio. Make sure that the pictures that you show have the ability to WOW agencies and potential clients.

5. You are only as good as your worst image - and believe me - photographers, agencies and art directors WILL remember the worst image.

It is my contention that there are 4 kinds of pictures that you will potentially wind up with. Bad, Good, Great and WOW pictures.

Your modeling portfolio should consist ONLY of Great and WOW photos. Throw away the Bad and store the Good in a box of memories. Place your WOW pictures on the right hand pages of your portfolio and the Great pictures on the left hand side.

6. How many photos do I need to have?

Less is better! You will not impress with quantity - you will make a lasting impression with quality.

If you think about it - I can take two good photos of you - a headshot and a full length shot - and show that you are beautiful and have a good, fit figure. So if this is the case - why all the stress about a portfolio?

The purpose of the modeling portfolio is not just simply to show that you are attractive - it is to show your ability to portray different characters, age ranges and importantly personality!



Manny D.

Jun 21 06 02:04 pm Link

Photographer

Dee

Posts: 3004

Toledo, Ohio, US

And we have our first one!!!!

Jun 21 06 02:15 pm Link

Photographer

Steven Bigler

Posts: 1007

Schenectady, New York, US

Dee wrote:
Asphinctersayswhat?

"Pfffffttt!"

Jun 21 06 02:16 pm Link

Photographer

Dee

Posts: 3004

Toledo, Ohio, US

Manny Desalamanca wrote:
Be Aware of the following points:
1. Most of the models that you see featured on my MM page carry portfolios with only my photos in them and they are working steadily. The key is a well thought out, well planned, well executed selection of pictures to best market you.

Werll since you are being all serious...too bad for the models with ONLY your photos in their ports...A portfolio should show diversity....You know different styles of shooting and lighting....

Jun 21 06 02:20 pm Link

Photographer

Steven Bigler

Posts: 1007

Schenectady, New York, US

Manny Desalamanca wrote:
Be Aware of the following.......

Ick!!!!!

Jun 21 06 02:20 pm Link

Photographer

Steven Bigler

Posts: 1007

Schenectady, New York, US

Dee wrote:
...too bad for the models with ONLY your photos in their ports....

No actually Dee... a model SHOULD have their own personal photographer.

Pay attention, many models HERE have "their photographer"... keep up!

As a model you should insist that only your photographer shoot you, clients love the help.

Jun 21 06 02:22 pm Link

Photographer

MannyDesalamanca

Posts: 2076

Orlando, Florida, US

Dee wrote:
And we have our first one!!!!

Just wanted to throw in some trash that's all...

Manny D.

I have shot, Jerry hall, Angelina Jolie, and Claudia Schiffer as a personal photographer, and they turned out fine !

Jun 21 06 02:23 pm Link

Photographer

Emeritus

Posts: 22000

Las Vegas, Nevada, US

Thanks for this.  I got a good laugh out of each post. Each and every one of them smile

Jun 21 06 02:25 pm Link

Photographer

Dee

Posts: 3004

Toledo, Ohio, US

Steven Bigler wrote:

No actually Dee... a model SHOULD have their own personal photographer.

Pay attention, many models HERE have "their photographer"... keep up!

As a model you should insist that only your photographer shoot you, clients love the help.

Dammit see now I am all COMFUSTIDATED...I give up...I dont know the truth from the not truth anymore....

:*^(

Jun 21 06 02:28 pm Link

Model

Carrie_K

Posts: 10053

Orlando, Florida, US

Does this mean it's ok to show up to the shoot drunk?

Jun 21 06 02:33 pm Link

Photographer

Dee

Posts: 3004

Toledo, Ohio, US

Cary K wrote:
Does this mean it's ok to show up to the shoot drunk?

ONLY and this is a big ONLY, if you fall asleep half way though the shoot...Ohyeah and you MUST trip over a couple of the lights too....

Jun 21 06 02:35 pm Link

Model

Carrie_K

Posts: 10053

Orlando, Florida, US

Dee wrote:

ONLY and this is a big ONLY, if you fall asleep half way though the shoot...Ohyeah and you MUST trip over a couple of the lights too....

Well I assumed that was a given. That's why I pack rum instead of water in my "kit bag".

Jun 21 06 02:36 pm Link

Photographer

Michael Kirst

Posts: 3231

Los Angeles, California, US

Why don't the models just get a reality check and save us all a lot of headaches by going to and reading www.newmodels.com

Do your homework and drop the primadona act...you don't make that much yet.

I personally think though...that if the model is that damn good, that they should just think hard enough and make the pictures appear in thier port magically!

Jun 21 06 02:39 pm Link

Photographer

Fade To Black

Posts: 411

Baltimore, Maryland, US

I read somewhere not to expect models to be up and ready for shooting at 6AM, unless you are willing to pay more for a groggy, unawake model. Is this true?

Jun 21 06 02:40 pm Link

Photographer

Steven Bigler

Posts: 1007

Schenectady, New York, US

And #2

Jun 21 06 02:41 pm Link

Photographer

Steven Bigler

Posts: 1007

Schenectady, New York, US

Cary K wrote:
Does this mean it's ok to show up to the shoot drunk?

Only if you bring enough booze for everyone else too.

Jun 21 06 02:42 pm Link

Photographer

Dee

Posts: 3004

Toledo, Ohio, US

Michael Kirst wrote:
Why don't the models just get a reality check and save us all a lot of headaches by going to and reading www.newmodels.com

Do your homework and drop the primadona act...you don't make that much yet.

I personally think though...that if the model is that damn good, that they should just think hard enough and make the pictures appear in thier port magically!

This is too good to not type the whole thing out

Rolling On The Floor Laughing My Fucking Ass Off

Jun 21 06 02:44 pm Link

Photographer

Michael Kirst

Posts: 3231

Los Angeles, California, US

Dee wrote:

This is too good to not type the whole thing out

Rolling On The Floor Laughing My Fucking Ass Off

TY smile

Jun 21 06 02:44 pm Link

Photographer

Dee

Posts: 3004

Toledo, Ohio, US

Cary K wrote:

Well I assumed that was a given. That's why I pack rum instead of water in my "kit bag".

Oh ok yes then you are correct my dear!!!

Jun 21 06 02:45 pm Link

Model

Carrie_K

Posts: 10053

Orlando, Florida, US

Well thank goodness. I didn't want to be doing something wrong all this time. And yes, I bring enough shots to go around! wink

Jun 21 06 02:45 pm Link

Photographer

Dee

Posts: 3004

Toledo, Ohio, US

Michael Kirst wrote:

TY smile

Its even better now!!!!!!!!!!! HAHAHAHH

Jun 21 06 02:48 pm Link

Model

Lapis

Posts: 8424

Chicago, Illinois, US

It is also a good idea to fast for a week before any shoot so that you look skinnier. Sure, it is hard to have any energy to move, but just think about how great you look after not eating for a week!

Jun 21 06 03:06 pm Link

Model

Lapis

Posts: 8424

Chicago, Illinois, US

You should also make sure that your manicure looks like this:
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=55746

Jun 21 06 03:07 pm Link

Photographer

Patrick Walberg

Posts: 45336

San Juan Bautista, California, US

Steven Bigler wrote:
I am shocked by the lack of knowledge I constantly read here.

I hope this clears things up for all those that are actually working and doing it all wrong, as well as those that are starting so they can do it right!!!...

A model should not only bring an escort AND her boyfriend... she should bring all her friends and family members to share the experience.  Also, please be sure to have the manager come... and give me THEIR usage of images contract and limitations to sign.

On jobs I think it is important for a family member to snap pictures over my shoulder, as you never know when they will actually get to see the magazine.

When contacted by a magazine for work... be sure to insist that you get YOUR day rate, as well a copy or CD of ALL IMAGES uneditted.
(don't let them take advantage of you!)

Insist on getting the cover too!

The model should also expect my studio to either send a car or a cute driver on a Vespa to pick them up at whatever hour is most convieneint to the model.

If you are not in the mood to work that day, go ahead and sleep in... I'm sure another model just like you will become readily available with no problems for the crew or client.

Model needs to be sure to bring her "kit bag" loaded with the nude underwear, and 4 pairs of different colored pantyhose, as well as a variety of matching bras.

(there are many "modeling handbooks" out there with the complete lists of 'must haves' for said bag)

Model should as well point out to me the best angles to shoot her from, as well as the lighting she most prefers... as well as anything she does not like.  I hate getting new girls that are not aware of these rules.

Thank god for the internet, as it is getting the word out to all those that would otherwise be ignorant!!!

Okay then... back to my pose book to study for future shoots.... (I'd hate to be ill prepared.)

This is brilliant satire, Steve!  Oh I could say a few things about doing wedding photography ...  big_smile

Jun 21 06 03:09 pm Link