Why I (almost) flaked as a model
I thought I’d take a minute to discuss one aspect of modeling which isn’t well understood either by the models themselves (I think), or the photographers who wish to work with them. You may have noticed a number of forum threads on MM (usually initiated by a photographer) which are basically complaints about models who don’t show up, or follow through on requests to shoot (some even initiated by the models themselves). I’ve had my own experiences with this (one in particular which really sent me round the bend early in my career), and I thought I’d talk about what it feels like to be on the model’s side of the camera.
Jessica Bleier, who shows up (in magazines) all the time!
Photographer: John Fisher; Model: Jessica Bleier
Modeling is easy, right?
A long time ago (maybe twenty five years ago), Proctor and Gamble decided to reintroduce a marketing icon, Mr. Clean, back into their advertising. As a part of their re-launch of the Mr. Clean logo, Proctor and Gamble had a Mr. Clean look-alike model search to use at supermarket openings. A woman executive at an advertising client of mine got in touch with me about this and suggested it might be fun for me to enter the model search (the Eastern Regional contest was being held in Washington, DC where I was based back then). It seemed a little silly, but I did look a little like Mr. Clean at the time, and I thought it might be interesting to experience what models go through emotionally when they are sitting on the other side of the table from me during an interview.
I did all of my due diligence, learned the song, got the outfit, buffed up a little, and as the time grew closer many of my friends said they wanted to attend the contest finals with me at a big hotel in DC. So far, so good. But a funny thing happened the night before the contest. After I had all the makeup and the outfit ready to go, I suddenly decided this was a little silly, and I had no idea why I thought it was a good idea several weeks ago. I told my wife I wasn’t going to go downtown in the morning. But she reminded me I looked perfect for the part, that all my friends were coming over to join us for the show, and my wife wanted to know why I was going to disappoint them. So, I once again decided to go to the contest in the morning (after all, I did have the makeup and the outfit).
So the morning came, and as we started to go to the show, I once again decided that this was just too silly and I wanted out. I really wanted out. We could all go into the hotel and watch the contest, but I wasn’t going to participate. And then it dawned on me, this is what it’s like to be a model going to your first casting or job interview. Everyone has always told you that you could be a model, and you are happy that they think so, you want to be a model, but when it finally comes to doing it, it suddenly feels like the worst idea possible! I decided to power through the contest, it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done; sitting in a room with 50 other Mr. Clean look-alikes, singing the song, and answering questions about why I wanted to be Mr. Clean. But I did it. At the time I was a 35-year-old, fully grown man, with a (relatively) successful career behind me, and I somehow managed to push my way through the interview.
90% of life…
Here is the rub as I can best explain it. When people say you can do something, you are flattered. When they say it often enough, you consider it. When the opportunity sounds like fun and it will impress your friends, you get excited about the opportunity and you seek it out. Everything is great, you can be a model. The only fly in the ointment is when you actually try to be a model. Then, and only then, do you risk failure. If you never actually try, you can always be – forever. It is only in trying that failure is possible–and let’s face it, even likely. All the cards are stacked in favor of wanting to do it, saying you want to do it, but not in actually trying to do it. You get all the psychic rewards… with none of the risk! Now I was 35 when the Mr. Clean contest was held, and had a lot of life experiences behind me. Think how powerful these emotions are on a young person whose life experiences are short.
Even today, when I have a big job to do for a major client, these emotions are with me. I am so excited when I interview for the job, so happy when I get the job. But the day before, or the morning of the actual work, I am a little terrified and I wonder what was I thinking. But I put one foot in front of the other and out the door I go. When the job is finished I am frequently very pleased with what I’ve done, and even a little surprised at times. But I’ve done this many times before, successfully (thank God!), or I wouldn’t still be in the business. That young person interviewing for their first modeling job doesn’t have any of this to bolster them. In some respects it’s a wonder anyone actually shows up!
Just something to think about while you’re sitting in the studio with the client, makeup artist, and the stylist, drumming your fingers and wondering, where the hell is that model? And yes, as Woody Allen said, “90% of life is just showing up!”
July 28, 2013 at 5:07 pm, Virginia Kidd said:
Wonderful, thank you for the insight…
May 25, 2012 at 7:59 am, Esaapayne said:
Thank you John for all of your experience and advice.
Much appreciative,
Esaa
April 28, 2012 at 9:56 am, Modelmayhem said:
Sorry, but I don’t think your experience going to a casting call with 50 other people trying to get a gig relates at all to the problem of models (or photographers) that flake without any consideration for the other people involved. Instead, it reads more like an excuse to get your name and website URL out there. Unfortunately, there are those that might read this and think it’s OK for them to be a flake.
April 27, 2012 at 10:37 am, Booking said:
I have to tell you, John, you could just as easily change the title of this post to, “Why I (almost) behaved irresponsibly”, and it would still apply to not only your example, but countless other situations.
The problem is not as much of a model (or photographer) approach to their professions, than it is a lack of professionalism on hoe it was handled after the fact.
I would venture to say that a lot of flaking has to do with a lack of maturity within (i.e., familiarity with) the respective field. It is about fear. Unfounded or not, how you handle these fears is a reflection of your psychological maturity.
In your case, your initial reaction is a perfect example of how a normal, well-rounded adult handles his/her reaction to fear. Some people are overwhelmed by their fears of the unknown, and others tackle them by putting by, as you said, putting one foot in front of the other.
Tackle your fears properly, and you lessen the possibility of it controlling you, and preventing you from meeting your obligations.
Most people would understand and accept this behavior in others. For the most part, photographers understand that lack of experience goes hand in hand with mental maturity when the individual is a young adult.
On the other hand, I think that the forum posts are less about models (ot photographers) flaking, and more about how the issue was resolved, which it usually isn’t, because a lot of people would rather close the door on their less-than-exemplary behavior, than have some total stranger judge them for their shortcomings.
Having understood that, I always have a backup plan.
If someone doesn’t show up for a studio test shoot, then I try to have someone else on stand-by.
If it is outdoors, then I keep other options or activities in mind.
If the situation is resolved properly (chit happens, you know?), then I am ok with it.
If it isn’t resolved, then I don’t work with said individual again, and I don’t recommend to others.
I don’t blacklist – I just choose to not recommend or give a reference.
April 26, 2012 at 7:03 pm, Jlfisher said:
I don’t think I’ve done a good job writing clearly about the point I was trying to make. This has nothing to do with internet modeling (I deal almost exclusively with agency models, and those trying to get into major fashion agencies). The girl that got me thinking about this many years ago was a beautiful young girl everyone wanted (she eventually signed with Elite, ….and left almost immediately). She was enthusiastic, tall, young, thin and beautiful, she just failed to show up (twice) for (my) client shoots, and missed several request castings. I could not for the life of me figure out why the model I knew, and the model I had to deal with, were such different people.
It’s not about nerves, this behavior in beginning models is about a fear of failure, about embarrassing yourself in public, about disappointing those closest to you. Something that is much more powerful. And something I still deal with personally all the time, but as I mentioned, I’m older and have experiences to fall back on.This was not meant to forgive models, or to excuse models, but to explain why their behavior (particularly beginning models) is sometimes unexpected. I spend a lot of time explaining how the business at the agency level actually works (no limo’s pick you up for your castings, no one pays for editorial, and you’re going to go to ten castings to book that first job…. if you’re lucky!). Helping a model understand their experiences aren’t unique, but part of getting started, helps more models succeed I believe.I will say that I don’t make mistakes about models physically, I am recognized as one who can pick beauty. And I hear what the model’s say, and I chose to believe them. But I have learned that when what they say and what they do are different, believe what they do. No mater how beautiful, you have to walk away.
John
PS: Someone asked, so I’ll tell you. I finished third out of about fifty contestants at the Eastern Regional. At the end of the year Washingtonian Magazine did “events of the past year” story, and they used my picture for the Mister Clean contest, so that was cool!
—
John Fisher
900 West Avenue, Suite 633
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
305 534-9322
http://www.johnfisher.com
April 26, 2012 at 12:04 pm, Nick Kane said:
God Bless. I this was just what I needed. Both for my personal encouragement and confidence on dreams never tried, plus to heal my tears of anger verse my last 3 shoots having model flake issues.
April 26, 2012 at 9:24 am, Miami Fashion said:
Yea… sorry… this doesn’t explain models flaking or give a valid excuse why to be so disrespectful. Because your nervous? Who cares. If your nervous and can’t go through with it…. call and cancel in advance. How hard is that. The photographer gets nervous too before a shoot that they will do a good job and that their client will like them. I get nervous every time before I shoot a wedding. Should I just flake and not show up? What a joke…. sorry but…..seriously. And work with someone that does this for a living is a nice tip but also still full of flakes. We have an on going joke as photographers…. ‘If you want one model to show up, book 5″.
April 26, 2012 at 9:15 am, Patt said:
This sounds like the jitters associated with the interview process that a model might go through. Which would be much like the nervousness experienced by anyone going to interview for any job I suppose. That is quite understandable.
However, I think this thread is a little off the mark. First of all, I don’t think it relates at all to the countless thread about models flaking and photographers complaints like it suggests. Most (not all I am sure) cases that are discussed here are models that have discussed shooting with a photographer, agreed to shoot and in many cases have scheduled a shoot. Therefore, they already have the job. There either wasn’t an “interview” process or they have already completed that phase and got the job. Assuming for a moment that this is true…then, it is purely a matter of good ethics and professionalism.
In order for someone to establish good ethics and professionalism (not to mention common courtesy), has nothing to do with wether or not one is being paid or not. It is an attitude and a drive. It is that attitude and drive that will build a solid reputation. That reputation (once created…good or bad) will always show up to the shoot before you do or even if you don’t show at all!
I have never been a model not do I strive to do so. I also would consider myself a journeymen photographer at this point. However, I do know and understand a fair amount about ethics and professionalism at my age and after 26 years of military service.
For those that are just starting (in front or behind the camera) keep in mind; at good rep works for you and pays dividends in the long run. However, a bad rep follows you far too long, is relentless and some times impossible to shake.
If you don’t want to do the work, don’t trust the person, don’t like their style, etc, then don’t agree or schedule the shoot. Graciously decline and wait for an offer that suits you. But, by all means, make sure you build a reputation that will become your namesake rather than a curse that haunts you forever!
April 26, 2012 at 8:58 am, Rolfejames said:
This article has no relationship to the countless number of the young (mostly early-mid 20’s) female models that flake for a shoot. They are irresponsible and unprofessional… period.
April 26, 2012 at 8:37 am, Mohammed Karam said:
i don`t know
April 26, 2012 at 8:08 am, $18263862 said:
Nice reading article. Indeed, rejections sometimes hard to take. But I fully agree with Lydia Anne; if you love to model, you always show up……
April 26, 2012 at 6:57 am, Darlene8519 said:
This is a really good post. You actually making me reconsider going to John Casablanca, even though i heard good and bad about them.Thanks a lot!!
April 26, 2012 at 6:13 am, Leabee said:
Not impressed.
First of all, “this is silly” is a very insulting thing to say to a professional outfit trying to brand their product and make commercials about it. And, ahem, if you actually do look like Mr. Clean, “silly” is something you’re probably already comfortable with.
Second, not showing up for something is unprofessional. Period. At the very least, a phone call or text with a reasonable excuse and apology is mandatory. I spend a great deal of time and money preparing for shoots – to just decide not to show puts me and my crew out.
What you didn’t say was that 90% of the ‘models’ on a site like this are just girls who want to feel attractive, feel sexier than their friends, show off a bit, and claim they are a ‘model’ when they hit the clubs. Actually working is so, like, lame you know?
April 26, 2012 at 1:29 am, Miss Aniela #1126305 said:
Hey,
We have been using MM for our events over the last couple of years (UK
& US).
Overall it has been awesome and we thank everyone involved.
Over this period we have used 70 models in total – ALL PAID
6 of these were “no shows”
14 were late
There are other attributes we list for them (both positive & negative) but
they are not relevant to this post.
Our advice….
If you are using MM make sure you book an extra model.
It is business, be prepared.
We ALWAYS book an extra model for our shoots just in
case one “flakes” or turns up late.
We use 5 models at a time so it would be madness not to.
Our odds say to us that even if we PAY them there is a 14%
chance they will either be late or not turn up at all.
We ALWAYS talk to our models via Skype or Phone to try and
build a relationship early on. This reassures them and help allay any fears.
We understand about nerves etc but Photographers suffer
these as well!
If you understand MM’s strengths and weaknesses you will do
well.
We have met and worked with some incredibly talented,
friendly and professional Models from here and hope to meet more.
Regards
Team Aniela
April 25, 2012 at 11:18 pm, bpi said:
thanks for the info ,,,,,,thoroughly enjoyed reading it !!!!! and will feel more at ease when models are not able to show up !!!!!
April 25, 2012 at 5:43 pm, Kyle MM#1663377 said:
I found this an interesting article. Naturally as only one person’s experience there will be lots of pro/con arguments about it, however I still applaud that it presents a different view.
To me there are two key concepts in it. 1) That models (newer) sometimes “lose their courage”—this is well known. 2) That everyone loves to have the ego stroked, and the possibility of being a model (or a photog 😉 ) can be more appealing and satisfying than actually doing it.
There is an incredible number of model profiles on MM that are “active” accounts with almost daily activity, yet almost never see new photos because the “model” doesn’t actually do any shoots. I assume they just appreciate the attention, perhaps even collectively with a friend or two. Whether they don’t follow through, or simply don’t commit in the first place, the outcome is the same—they’re a model in their mind only. If that adds to their personal happiness, I guess more power to them. Personally, I just learn to spot the signs (the hard way) and move on. 🙂
April 25, 2012 at 3:18 pm, Newrisa said:
I can’t explain how helpful (validating, reassuring, useful) this article was to me. Thanks so much for sharing. At times the fear of rejection, the dread from possible results of the seconds I had for dinner, the negative vibes that I get (all from my enemy within) when I first walk in the door “Do they think I am a fraud?” “Maybe I look way different than my pictures suggested!” — all these things can bubble up inside me and cause me to flake or quit. But I don’t. I haven’t. I hope I never. I may delay a shoot but I hope to never deny myself the opportunity to be great and to meet the great folks that can help me to make it happen.
April 25, 2012 at 11:55 am, Stevetob1 said:
Sounds very possible.
April 25, 2012 at 10:39 am, Peter MM#1724172 said:
Oh, ok now I get it, models flake because they are nervous or they have pre-shoot jitters. I really appreciate your initiative here to look at this from the models point of view, but I gotta tell ya, it still makes my blood boil when models don’t show up or cancel at the last minute or take you through a War and Peace sized back and forth communique that results in nothing.
Now before you models start jumping down my throat, I understand that there are many good and reliable models here on MM and I have worked with many great ones from here…but…MM is not an agency and don’t expect to get agency quality or reliability. The majority of the models on MM are amateurs, wanna be’s and exhibitionists who really don’t give a crap about your time or anyone elses, and that’s the reality of it. I can tell you hundreds of stories of shoot plans gone south but most of you already either have gone through it or have heard it a million times before.
I guess my point is, no matter how much you try to avoid it, it’s still gonna happen to you. Whether it’s paid or TF, experienced or newbie, models are gonna flake and seriously, it’s probably not because of their nerves.
April 24, 2012 at 1:35 pm, George Leez said:
Being late/flaking is inexcusable… When a job need to be done, and everyone has agreed on certain times for meeting/achieving the result… and the model DOESN’T follow through on those agreements: that model becomes unreliable.
I can be sympathetic for whatever the reasons may be that the model was late, but I’d never use the model again.
April 24, 2012 at 1:18 pm, Mountainimagephoto said:
I see the point of the article, but I still don’t see the logic is signing up for something you don’t intend to do. OR if you chicken out the first time, just pull your port down and chock it up to experience.
April 24, 2012 at 11:00 am, FADM_Nimitz said:
Everybody flakes at one point or another. That’s why they call it Mayhem. LOL.
April 24, 2012 at 9:58 am, Sarah said:
This is good, from the perspective of someone who is STARTING as a model. I think most photographers expect an inexperienced model to have some qualms about showing up for shoots. It is intimidating. However, I think the biggest problem is with established models who charge booking fees or are booked for time conscious shoots and flake out, causing deadlines to be missed and a lot of frustration. In these situations an excuse of “Well I got cold feet.” is not enough.
April 24, 2012 at 9:58 am, Richdiltz said:
I’m sure you will get flack for this, but I think you make some good points. I think your piece is even more important as a general approach to life than it is about model/photographer relations. Thanks for contributing.
April 24, 2012 at 9:54 am, Lydia Anne said:
If you love modelling enough like me, you will turn up early just to make sure you make a good impression.
April 24, 2012 at 9:49 am, JasonC said:
So i’m guessing you didn’t get the job as Mr. Clean? Iv’e had model flake before. I will usually give them another chance as long as they emailed or called me before the day of the shoot.
April 24, 2012 at 9:46 am, Brian said:
Nice dose of informed empathy. This and the Serenity Prayer may get me through the next time someone doesn’t show 🙂
April 24, 2012 at 9:40 am, Sunburstdj said:
This doesn’t excuse the countless models that show up late, and instantly take attitude with everyone on the set as if we are supposed to bow to their every whim. They were hired to do a job, not offer their opinion or bitch about how we want to portray them for the interest of our client.
If I ask you to be on set at 10am, it doesn’t mean 10:15, 10:30, or 11:00. Then when you get to the set, you act as if everyone is being mean to you for asking you to act like you want to be there and do the job that is being asked. You are being paid for a reason, and maybe you should show some respect not only for the people that hand selected you for that job……but for yourself as well.
April 24, 2012 at 11:14 am, Katarina MM #1565152 said:
My advice? Choose models who do this FOR A LIVING, not hobbyists. It’s amazing but if you model to pay the bills, you tend to show up on time, well rested and with a positive attitude. Everyone has to eat and you don’t get booked continuously if you have a reputation for being unreliable.
I worked as a glam and fetish model for 15 years and I don’t know one long-term successful working model who was flaky. It’s a tough biz and showing up and keeping appointments is the bare minimum requirement for success in this industry.
April 26, 2018 at 9:23 am, Dee Annie said:
maybe its because you’re scam artists who promises to pay models but never do.
April 24, 2012 at 9:37 am, Luis Serrano said:
Good Point….Thank You for your insight…..
April 24, 2012 at 9:34 am, Brian Espinosa said:
The difference here being that you were going to a contest with lots of other people that was going to happen whether you showed up or not. This was not an appointment you set up with another professional who has blocked out time from their schedule for you and gone to a location to wait for you, etc.
April 24, 2012 at 9:50 am, Reed Mangino said:
Absolutely Brian. If you take up my time, on an appointment we work out together, and you do don’t show up, I can guarantee you that we won’t be working together in the future.