My very first experience at a group shoot was incredibly fun and equally irritating. How could that be, you´re likely wondering? I had been shooting with a handful of other women throughout the day during a group shoot, and the *one-on-one's had started. Two shoots in, I came to learn that my things had been rumaged through and discovered missing money I had stashed deep in my bags from a shoot. The annoyance that shot through my face and brain was one I can still remember. Truth be told, however, it lasted only for a couple hours and, half the time, I was mulling over my luck with thieves. All of the other girls had left full purses in an open, empty room nearly ten models visited throughout the day. How did I end up being the only one missing well hidden money? My unfortunate experience aside, I decided on a few changes that I hold true to and recommend for group shoots - no matter who you shoot with and where the creativity is going down:
- Walk in with little, leave with just as much. Come to find out, I wasn't the only model who has experienced theft in their modeling career. While I have never had any belief that "x" "just won't happen to me", it made grateful to have lost only cash as opposed to a credit card, atm card, and $250 lingerie piece. I did not bring in a purse with me to the shoot - especially with the knowledge that the house is community property, so to speak. Keep this in mind wherever you go. Group shoot, private shoot, any shoot requires your ID, your phone, your keys, and not much else past styling items and clothing. Theft happens anywhere and everywhere.
- Valuables should not leave your side. Ever. I have seen brand new iPads be left without supervision in open areas. Fat wallets have been peeking out of very full purses. Brand new phones buzz just under a shirt you tossed onto your suitcase. Anything of value, including your car keys, need to go with you. Why? If I were a thief and your car is parked out of the sight of 95% of the people shooting, my chances of getting into your business are pretty good. I may not take your car, but you may have other goodies in there. Did you bring your credit card with you? Stick it in a small purse and take it with you. ID? Gift card? Square swiper? Business cards? Phone? It also goes with you. Less is best.
- Be comfortable with the idea that your hundred plus dollar lingerie or jewelry piece might disappear without your consent. Carrying your suitcase around with you is completely impractical and unprofessional. It isn't something I recommend. However, please, do yourself the favor of not leaving blatantly expensive pieces in broad daylight. Yes, your corset may be the most stunning thing I have yet to see, and thank you for showing me! But, don't play temptress and leave it strewn about like you could care less. Everything we purchase as models is replacable; let's be honest. That doesn't mean that we should have to replace it if we can help it. We work hard for our goodies! Let's keep them!
- Shut. Up. Stop. Bragging. "I just bought this ADORB french lace bra! It makes my boobs look absolutely flawless, and the color looks amazing on me." Attention will get you nowhere - except for maybe a lighter bag when you leave. We all love that feeling of sheer adoration for our finer posessions - especially if we worked for it and earned it. Making people lust after you, your emotions about the piece, and desire that same feeling isn't putting any points in your corner. For all you know, too, jelousy or "putting you in your place" type of thoughts may come up. Keep the spirit light and put good intentions out into the world you're working in. Forcing your insanely expensive bra down my throat will make people avoid you - or go the extra mile to make the bragging rights their own.
I found myself advising a new model in a recent shoot to keep her valuables with her for generic safety and good keeping. My general rule is to be able to fit 95% of your valuables in one hand, preferably something clutch size. Not the loop to a bag. Not over your shoulder. ONE hand. Uno. There are a few reasons for this: One, it's easy to keep a comb or lipgloss in there for a super fast touch up. Two, it's not hard to carry around as you change sets (don't forget it!). Three, it's easy to tuck contact cards in there. Four, you don't have to wonder if any of your valuables are safe!
Best of wishes as you continue your journeys as artists! Be conscious of your surroundings, and never believe that you're exempt from others' will. Enjoy your shoots worry free, and it will definitely come through in your pictures.
With Love,
Aina
