Models, Do This

A while back I wrote a little post based on what I feel photographers should not do when it comes to models. Or rather how not to behave when interacting/working with models. That was based on loads of hard solid intel directly from models themselves.

What I am going to do now, is flip things around a little. A bit of Role Reversal if you will. These are a few of the things that I, and some fellow photographers, feel models should not be doing.

1: Be ready to shoot: If a photographer is paying you for your time, in the photographers mind, that time is paid predominantly towards shooting time. We are not paying to sit around watching you get ready for a shoot that you should’ve been ready for, at the agreed upon time. When it comes to changing looks or make up during the shoot, that is a different story.

2: Pre Comms: We get it. We really do. You’re really really busy. You’re inundated with emails, requests, perverts asking you to do weird n wonderful shit. We get it. A the very least, I get it… However, some of the Pre Comms could be a little friendlier. “Hi. How are you. Hope you are well.” goes down better than “Yes. Or No” one word answers. If you can’t be bothered to type all that “Hello, how are you crap” 100 times a day? Do what I do… Type it once in Notepad, then Copy and Paste to your hearts delight.

3: Location Comms: We know you want the job. We know you want to get paid. But a photographer would like some variety with regards to the shoot location, especially if they are shooting at your location. It would be appreciated if you would inform the tog that you’ll be only able to shoot in the bedroom and that the rest of the house is off limits. Or, that you have a small kitchen and backyard that could also used. I once shot a model who lived in a converted barn. The place was amazing. And I’ve also shot in a 1 bedroom flat, where everything was off limits, except the bedroom.

4: References: This is a biggie for some photographers trying to make a name for themselves. If a tog, amateur or pro, has taken the time to leave you a praise worthy Reference, then it would be polite to do the same. Don’t think just because the images are not for Publication or you’re a well established model working with an amateur that it’s fair to not leave a reference. Granted… If the tog was rude, impolite, pushy with regards to levels or making inappropriate sexual comments, then don’t leave a reference. But if he was polite, friendly and doing his best to get the best images possible, then a nice reference would boost their confidence and subsequently could secure more work from them in the future.

5. Drinking: Seriously… I think this is a no brainer. I worked with a model a while back who was not only an hour late and hungover, she asked if it’s ok to crack open a beer during our shoot. And would I like one too??? Nope. I try act like a professional, I suggest you do the same.

6. Smoke Breaks: These are fine. We cannot and will not prevent you from taking a 5 minute smoke break. But 10 of them in an hour??? Come on. Buy a nicotine patch and slap it on your shoulder. I would rather use Photoshop to edit that out, than have the shooting interrupted every few minutes (This hasn’t happened to me personally, but I hear about it all the time)

7. Read Our Profiles: Just like you, we take our hobby/job seriously. Most of the time our rules and expectations will be on or Profile or our Email Comms. Just like you would have “I don’t do adult” or… “I don’t work to nude levels” on your Profile or Portfolio, we’ll probably have some do’s n don’ts as well.

8. Photo Usage: If you are going to use a Photographers image, especially an image that is watermarked or an image that was taken when he paid you for your time, please:

• A: Have the photographers permission to use the image
• B: Make sure their watermark is clearly visible
• C: Throw the photographer some sort of shout out. Whether it be via Social Media, or tagging them on your Online Profile. Don’t just screen grab an image and use it willy nilly. Or edit out the watermark. That’s not on…

9. Don’t Go Pro: If you are an amateur with little to no experience, do not request to be paid rates HIGHER than those of Professional models. Professional models have put in the hours, got the experience, have tons of positive feedback and paid their dues. Some of “models”” take selfies, create a profile and request £50 an hour???? It’s not going to happen, unless you have a very specific look that a Photographer is after. Personally… I only pay professional models these days. And maybe semi pro… If you’re an amateur, we will be working together on a TF basis.

That’s more or less the jist of it. I am aware that not all situations are equal and sometimes things happen that are beyond anyones control. Sometimes it’s a lack of communication, other times it’s literally just a case of “I didn’t think about it like that” but let’s be courteous to each other. Act in a professional manner and help each other out, then maybe we can try get rid of the Stigma that surrounds the industry that “All Togs Are GWC Assholes” and “All Models Are Money Hungry Divas”