Forums >
Model Colloquy >
MODELS: What should I know about you upfront?
I'm putting together a big project that I think will help a lot of models, in particular up and coming models, to get more gigs. The basic idea is to help the photog to get to know you better. So, I ask you, the model, to indulge me. What should I know about you, upfront? What are questions you'd like to answer about yourself that you think a regular photog would not want to ask? This will help me in constructing this project. Thanks! Deb. Oct 20 20 05:32 pm Link Are you looking for like, a dating profile? Because if so, that's not what modeling is for. Like... my being selected to be in front of someone's camera has nothing to do with my astrological sign, what I do for a living, whether I like long walks on the beach or prefer dogs over cats, or anything else really. All that should matter is whether or not I reflect light in a way that suits the photographer's (or client's) individual project. If you're instead, looking for things like "capable of hair, makeup, and wardrobe styling", "certified yoga instructor", "black belt in karate", "classically trained ballerina", or "credited actor", it might be best to clarify. Those things are beneficial to being a model, as they can affect one's ability to show up camera-ready, assist with planning shoots, and pose/emote. Oct 30 20 10:23 am Link I'm also really confused about this prompt. The only thing a photographer needs to know about me are my capabilities as a model and what I can bring to their project--and I think both photographers and myself are pretty open about that. If it's a specific project a photographer is looking for that I apply to, or they search me out for, the photographer may not end up knowing all my capabilities and talents that I can offer--but that is just because it isn't necessary for the work we are doing. And if I like the photographer and think I would enjoy or benefit from working with them again--I try to tell them more about possible work we could do together that may also be outside the box they may have considered already before we depart ways. Oct 30 20 04:10 pm Link Rachel Jay wrote: If someone is a classically trained ballerina I definitely want to know. I think dance is such an underrated art form and especially ballet. Ballet needs to be supported in every way, we don't want to lose such a valuable genre in an already overlooked art form. Oct 30 20 04:12 pm Link I sometimes ask about hobbies. If model plays the ukelele, I might want some ukelele nudes. Dance skills and broadly physical skills are good things for models to include in their profiles. Oct 30 20 08:15 pm Link I just want to know if the model's escort is willing to hold my light pole - too cheap to hire an assistant and hate sandbags. Nov 09 20 10:57 am Link rowdan2020 wrote: You could make the model's escort carry the sandbags. Nov 09 20 08:26 pm Link E Thompson Photography wrote: escorts make very good sandbags. Nov 10 20 03:00 am Link Dear Penthouse, Nov 13 20 12:38 am Link Hi Deb, Perfectly reasonable question. With inexperienced models, it might be an idea to 'meet on set' earlier and chat with them while they are getting make up etc done - but nothing more than standard/casual chat. With experienced/pro models, that won't be necessary. Better to spend your time (while they are in make up), explaining exactly what kind of result you want. Mood boards, examples of similar things you have seen elsewhere, famous people that have that look/expression that you are looking for. The only exception to this would be shoots that involve nudity/fetish/depictions of violence etc. In those cases, you need to map out CLEALY what is needed BEFORE you engage the model at all. There will be a perfect model out there for you, but no one likes nasty surprises - so just be super clear about the shoot if you intend to 'push boundaries' Overall, I would say that the fact that you've asked this question - shows that you will be empathic enough for most shoots :-) Amateur Model: General chit chat Pro Model: Be super specific about the result needed Good luck! Nov 13 20 04:25 am Link PR Zone wrote: I'd also ask any newbie OR experienced model some deeply personal questions, like if they have a boyfriend and if he's okay with them modeling and if they ever do sexy pictures just for the boyfriend and what does your nana think? Models love that and it'll put them right at ease! Nov 15 20 03:40 am Link Aisbarika wrote: Very curious about this one. Nov 15 20 05:42 am Link As a Photographer - I need to know up front if the Models most recent internet Photos are an accurate representation of her ( and if not I request a recent photo ) Recently I had a new unsigned model contact me seeking to shoot . Her recent IG photos looked good - so I failed to ask if anything had changed with her appearance . A few minutes later a friend of hers contacted me to ask if she could shoot as well . The friend however was signed with an agency so I had to work that out with them ....Then a a couple of days before the shoot the original model contacted me to say that she had forgotten to add that recently had added blue highlights to her ( brunette hair ) and she sent me a selfie to show me this .( i think it may have been a Halloween thing ) ..So I was forced to tell her that while her new hairstyle was quite eye catching - it did not work for the fashion / beauty style that i shoot . We agreed to reschedule for a later date ( when the blue tint had washed out ) and I cancelled the makeup artist I had hired and studio that i had booked for the shoot And I have had past situations where Models have shown up for the shoot looking much older and heavier that any photos they have posted - So I have learned that it better to double check regarding the accuracy of a Models presented image before hand than cancel the shoot I no longer engage in much pre shoot discussion with Models about the Genre , Styling , Fashion , Posing or Makeup for a Shoot . I instead send them a comprehensive moodboard on Pininterest that I have set up for the shoot and ask them if they are ok with all the Looks featured . Generally they are quite fine with the moodboard but sometimes some discussion results If I sense that a model may have any concerns about shooting alone with me - I invite her bring a female friend ( but this is not something i ask her about up front ) Everything else is mostly chit chat once i meet the Model and I try to gauge my level of talk to hers Nov 15 20 05:02 pm Link |