Let me state one caveat: If you feel the need to walk away, do so and do not wait. Your life and safety is worth more than anything anybody could ever offer you. I'm not talking about, "Oh, you know, I just don't feel comfortable doing this shoot that I agreed to do and have had time to think about how comfortable I am with this type of work." I'm talking about knowing where you stand with yourself, your limits, arriving on set and getting that gut feeling telling you to turn around and walk away from that door (and this can happen at any time during the shoot). Your reasons are your own, and, while I do not endorse flaking, there simply are moments that require you to take care of yourself and listen. If you are paranoid about your safety and listen to all the hype, taking it to writing in stone, do not model. It will drive you insane. I know people who are not models, photographers, anything related to the industry who are driven nuts by the sheer fear factor.
Back on a positive note and into the business of it all, you must take care of yourself and respect the world you live in. If you gain nothing from the rest of this article, remember this alone:
Always be prepared. You are your own brand, business, and company.
- Know Your Basic Needs
- It's a safe bet to say that if you have a four hour shoot ahead of you, or even an hour long one, you may get thirsty. Bring a water bottle. Bring two. Bring something to keep you from fainting from hunger (not a burger or pasta dish - something light and preferably not overbearing in smell).
- Whenever you model, your appearance is a key factor and Photoshop only works post-shoot. Until then, you are your own Photoshop, and you must keep yourself looking exactly as the employer desires. Hairs will stray or not look as full. Curls may fall. Sweat may be a factor. If you're female, Mother Nature may deem that it's time to start shedding another month's of hard work. If you're male, you could be one of the random men that happen to have a tampon or pad on them when they know they work with women on a daily basis (Yes, I have seen it happen a few times - pick your jaw off the keyboard), but by no means must be. Mascara may run. You may not be "shiny" enough (hello, baby oil or vaseline).
- Congratulations! You are human. Humans intake and excrete. Make sure everyone involved has a location agreed upon for bathroom use. Not everyone is comfortable with a bush. Not everyone brings toilet paper. Get my hint?
- Know Your Job Details
- References are your best friend. If you are approached by someone or would like to work with someone you have never heard of, do some digging! If you can navigate the internet, you can manage to be your own background check. Check references, websites, check references of those references if need be. Particularly on networking sites such as One Model Place and Model Mayhem, you are blind to the person you are working with. The more time you spend in the social circles of your peers (and potential employers/partners), the more you will learn about reputations and the values of them. Also keep mind that my positive experience may not have been Georgia's experience with said make up artist/hair stylist/photographer/model/retoucher/etc. Ask more than one person! People like to talk. Trust me.
- You've received an address to where you will be driving to for your shoot. Great! Google Maps is amazing for it's ability to see street views. If you're new to an area or in any way are unfamiliar with it, Google Map it! It will help prevent you from driving in circles, wasting everyone's time, money, and your gas. If you have questions about which place to go, it also allows you the time and opportunity to inquire the exact location of said shoot.
- I would hope this goes without saying, but we will cover it for the sake of it. Date, time, location, content, who is coming, how long you are shooting, what you need to bring or NOT bring, waiver details, paid or trade, what your face and hair needs to look like, and even nail color are all incredibly important details to know. Ask questions. Don't be shy. If you are a smoker and know you will need smoke breaks during the shoot, bring it up before hand and make sure there is a safe/appropriate location to smoke! It's unprofessional to be in the middle of a shoot, stand up, and state that you need to take ten minute smoke breaks four times within an hour and a half. It annoys everyone, wastes time, and breaks up the dynamic.
- Basic Manners
- Look people in the eye and have a firm handshake
- Stand up straight! You are your own resume and artistic piece!
- Do not yell, speak over someone, or nearly whisper while communicating. All are annoying and take away brownie points.
- Procrastination isn't useful. Ever.
- Address what you need to address. Be sociable! Smile.
- Be honest. Be genuine. Be you.
- Be aware of your surroundings for the simple fact of knowing where everything is located should it be needed and not wanting to get lost.
- Deliver. Do your job. Do it with a great attitude. No one invites back a lazy person, a grumpy person, or a walking drama tv show.
- Listen.
Those are three of the most important topics I deem necessary when communicating and starting out as a model, starting any form of communication. It truly isn't hard to use your brain, trust your gut, and make sure you cover all of your bases. Body language, eye contact, and appearance all make and form impressions - especially with people you have just met. Be on your best behavior for you are present to do a job. Oh, and always remember to take breaks if you need them. A dead model is a useless model.
With Much Love,
Aina <3
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