Tips for Upcoming Models

Okay, so I'm just going to point out the obvious, I am not a model. This post is not how to make it in to the modelling industry BUT it is a post on how to attract photographers in wanting to work with you. There are things that I look for in a model and if you don't have these things, chances are I won't work with you. By that I don't mean you have to "look" a certain way. I don't care about your body shape, age, gender or height (I would obviously take some of these in to consideration depending on the concept of the shoot. I can't do a bridal shoot with wedding dresses if you're a dude, can I?). What I mean is that if you emailed me asking if I would work with you, you have to give me SOMETHING to go on. So here is a list of things that I would look for when wanting to work with a model.

Send me previous work

I would like someone with past experience when collaborating. There are rare occasions where if you ask me on a good day I MIGHT give you a hand. I'm an upcoming photographer and I know how frustrating it is when people in the industry don't give you a break but, if I have a vision for a photoshoot, I want it to look perfect. I'm not expecting you to have worked with the likes of Vogue, I just need to see what you're capable of. If I post a casting I ALWAYS ask to see your portfolio. Always. If you don't have one then I may consider you, but I would likely choose somebody who has a portfolio over you. If you want to gain experience, ask a college student or an amateur photographer to help start a portfolio. I'm interested in your poses and facial expressions, if you can do that, then starting a portfolio should be easy. Just ask around.

Be Confident - Not Arrogant

I like working with nice people, who doesn't? Unfortunately, there are rude people in every industry and I have come across a small few. Luckily for me, most models are the nicest people I've ever met. I love confidence in a model, I HATE arrogance. There is a fine line between the two, if you cross it then nobody will want to work with you. Of course if you are uncomfortable with a photographer then speak up or leave. Being rude and arrogant can apply to anyone working on that team so don't take rudeness or unkindness. Do be confident. Confidence will get you a long way.

Don't be scared of rejection

There are times when a photographer will turn you down for a shoot. The best thing to do is not take it personally. You just might not be right for that particular shoot. Keep trying. Apply for castings. Keep up to date with your portfolio. Practice posing in front of a mirror. A skilled photographer will work with you eventually if you show that you’re keen in what you do.

DON'T. SEND ME. SELFIES.

To be blunt, if you send me selfies, I'm not going to choose you for my shoot. I want to see poses and how relaxed you are when doing so, I want to see your style and the sort of shoots you have done before. I can't tell any of this from a bad quality selfie. This is a big one for me. I get countless of models messaging me with selfies asking me to do shoots for them and I have never said yes to them. Selfies do not show how skilled you are as a model and that's what photographers want to see.

These are the main aspects that I look for in a model as a photographer. But like I said, I am not an expert in modelling. Here are some helpful posts that have more tips:

https://photography.tutsplus.com/tutorials/7-posing-techniques-for-non-models--photo-15608

https://petapixel.com/2017/08/15/basic-tips-posing-female-models/

http://www.modelmanagement.com/modeling-advice/

https://www.pixpa.com/blog/tips-for-aspiring-fashion-models