Industry Insider

Photographer’ Etiquette

Finding the right model for a project is critical for a photographer since not only will that person represent the image being created in the photograph, but more importantly will show the photographer’s real sense of style and taste.  You’ve often heard the term; “clothes make the man”. Well a similar verse could be “a photographer’s portfolio makes the photographer”. What you view in a photographer’s portfolio speaks volumes of who that individual is and what he is about. From the clothes the model is wearing to the light in which she is bathed, a photographer’s true self is on display. So it is that when a photographer is looking for new talent, they must be someone with which they can truly feel will excite those senses. 

Meeting New Models

Now I will say that for most of my work I find 99% of my models through agencies, my clients, or models with whom I am already acquainted. It is rare indeed that I will find a woman in the real world and ask her to pose for me. Though it’s happened. And though I will address it here, I will say that I prefer meeting my models in the previous manner rather than finding them in public. Especially in today’s times in which we live.

I need to also preface all of this with one most important fact as well; what works for me may not work for you. So as you read this remember that what I’ve done in order to make the acquaintance of a potential model may only be partially viable for you. The entire equation for meeting models can be summed up in probably one word. Trust. Gain a young woman’s trust and she will more than likely allow herself to be put through the toils of modeling for an unknown photographer.

As you probably do, when I travel I spend a great deal of my time “looking”. I’m constantly searching among the throng for those individuals I feel could be potential models in front of my camera. And though there are many attractive women out there, few really move me to actually walk over and introduce myself in what could easily turn into simply an embarrassing moment for both of us. But it does happen. But just what are the magic ingredients needed to prompt me to approach a total stranger?

To begin, she is much more than just another attractive young lady. She will stand out among the crowd without question. She is one who has nice height yes, and a face that shows smiles as easily as pensive stares, along with legs for days as they say, but most importantly, it’s that face. She must be more than simply another pretty face is all I’m saying. There must be a certain quality of attitude to go along with the eyes, the mouth, and the hair. And though what I say now is somewhat altruistic, what I see in her face is drawn from years of experience working in this business. A sort of naturalness of movement and sweetness combined. And only if I see she has all those qualities, only then will I be moved to actually approach her.

I will pardon my intrusion, briefly tell her my name and that I’m a photographer and couldn’t help but notice her standing there. I probably will smile (which is just how I am) and ask if she has ever modeled before and if not, would she have any interest. If her response is positive I will simply hand her a card and ask her to call so that we may speak more of it then. I do not ask for her number nor do I linger by dropping names trying to impress her. I want her to make her decision without further ado from me. I’m certainly not going to talk her into modeling. It should be something she will decide to do after some soul-searching and hopefully, checking me out. (See my previous column) That simple. She either calls or she doesn’t.

With that said, let’s jump to how to meet with a potential model who is stopping by for the first time. And what I say now goes both for how I meet with the professional model or the one I just met out “in the real world”. From this point forward be it the ingénue or the pro, I will want only to impress them with my professionalism and my work. I want them to “want” to shoot with me, and to do that I need to win their trust. (There’s that word again)

As soon as they arrive I will begin to get to know them. I ask questions about who they are and what their goals are in this business. While at the same time being as open and honest about myself with any questions they might have. If they have a portfolio I will review it while continuing to ask about them. And not simply for performance reasons either, I truly want to know who these women are. That will go a long way when I’m trying to decide on how I will photograph them later. And while doing all of that I will offer them a look at my portfolios.

With my demeanor being interested, yet not prying, energetic, yet not goofy, and my work being presented for their evaluation, they immediately see I am someone with whom they can trust, but, most importantly, make beautiful pictures. The bond has been made. Now the next step is putting a shoot together and sealing that bond with gorgeous images for us both.

BTS Video with CoverModel Tresha J

Industry Insider

New Models 

Working in the modeling industry you can easily come across very highly strung people who might not have the best social skills. If you are new to the modeling scene you can also get treated as a newbie in any industry would. Try not to take offense too easily. You need to have a hard skin for this business and acting with dignity and professionalism will see that you go much further in your career path.

Working with the Photographer 

The photographer on any shoot will have a lot of stress to deal with. They are responsible for the account and if they fail, everyone else does too. They are working against time to get as many good shots as possible into one day. If you have an outdoor shoot, he or she will also have the light against them and your day will be shorter and therefore more stressful. To make the photographers life easier, always be ready to give your utmost to the camera, take direction properly and easily, don't talk back or argue unless very urgent, and don't complain. Getting on the good side of the photographer is your number one priority and will help you get more work in the future. Photographers will ask for you again if they enjoyed working with you.


Working with the Make-Up Artist and Hair Stylist

These are the people in charge of your look for the shoot. They have been given instructions on how to make your hair, how dark your make up should be and what your overall image must portray. Don't assume that they are going to make you look like a princess. Your shoot might require you to have a gothic style with dark lips and eye, and wildly streaked hair. It is not your place to argue about your look, so don't. If you don't like what they have done it is not really important. What the client wants is the important thing, so as harsh as it seems, just live with anything the make up and hair stylists do unless it is something drastic like wanting to cut your hair. You must be asked before the time if you object to having your hair cut or dyed.


Working with the Designer

On a shoot or at a fashion show, you will need to be the designers display. He or she will want to fit the clothing on you until it is draped and hangs perfectly. This may take some patience on your part, so be prepared to stand around and have people measure, tug and pin outfits on you. Designers are quite renowned for their melodramatic behavior, so you need to learn to take it with a pinch of salt. You must not be disrespectful, but at the same time learn to demand respect in a nice way. Making a friend or forming some kind of connection with a designer can help to ease the stress and give you a more relaxed working relationship, but if it is your first time with a designer, just do what they ask you to do and try your best to impress them.


When you have to work with all of the other modeling industry professionals you will soon see that the modeling arena is not all about the models. You have to be professional and do your job just like everyone else. This said, you must also demand respect from the photographers, make up artists, designers and directors. They are using your services to their benefit, so don't let anyone walk all over you. You will not get anywhere in the modeling world if you do that. Having a professional, clean, and well rounded portfolio will soon catch the attention of the international modeling circuit where you can eventually be seen as a super model and work for the biggest fashion houses and name brands in the world.

Industry Insider

Managers and Agents

The term "manager" is one of the most misunderstood terms in the field of modeling. New models, particularly on the Internet, don't understand the difference between a manager and an agent. That is easy to understand since there are many people on the Net who portray themselves as managers, when in fact, they are more closely operating in the form of an unlicensed agent.

A talent manager, also known as a personal manager, is one who guides the career of artists in the entertainment business. The responsibility of the talent manager is to oversee the day to day business affairs of a model/talent; to advise and counsel talent about professional matters and personal decisions which may affect their career. Managers are more or less the quarterback of the team, setting a direction, telling the model/talent what they need to do to compete - and giving them the bad news in terms of what they cannot do. Managers make a percentage of what the model or talent earns -- not for specific bookings but for their overall earnings generated in the entertainment arena. The percentage may vary, but not to exceed 20%. It is critical, however, that the talent manager only receive this percentage AFTER the model or talent has received payment for their work, not BEFORE. But a lot of the income that can be generated by a talent manager includes workshop and/or seminar fees, photography portfolios, printing services, web services, resume services, and more. These services are not considered to be talent management, as a definition, but are important support functions for models and talent.

While managers won't represent a model directly, as an agent will, they will help them network and will promote them to the industry. These activities will help a model get bookings they would otherwise not get had they been working on their own. Models will often have more than one agent representing them in different areas, such as commercial modeling, fashion modeling, and acting (normally theatrical or commercial). On the other hand, no model or actor should have more than one manager. An agent is one who, acts in the model's stead, negotiates contracts for her, books the assignment on her behalf, does the billing and remits her monies upon payment from the client. Agents respect managers who perform the function they are intended to do. Indeed, agents work with competent managers because it is to their benefit to have the best talent available. Recently, a number of well-known agents have become managers because of the increased flexibility management has. Agents are restricted from production because of union contracts and have limitations on what they can do for their clients based on the covenants of their licenses. Many agents have found that they can be more effective as managers, and thus have made the switch. By removing the restrictions an agent has, a manager can often open doors for talent that they couldn't do as an agent.

Truly understanding what a manager does as oppose to what an agent does, is the key to selecting a good one and advancing a model's career.

Industry Insider

How do I Find a Photographer

    Every model needs a portfolio and composite cards. These are the basic marketing tools of the model, just like a resume would be to any other job seeker. At a minimum, a model should have a good clean headshot, and one good, simple full-length shot (in something that will show off the shape of the model -- a fitted dress, a leotard, swim wear, lingerie, etc).  If you are already with a reputable agency, they will likely have a list of competent photographers who you can choose from. Also, other models might be able to give you suggestions on the photographers that they have preferred to work with.

    Unless you are posing for the photographer's work in exchange for free portfolio prints, you'll also have to consider a budget. For a headshot and full-length shot, figure anywhere from $50 - $500 for the session and an 8x10" print of each. If you are getting many more looks (for a composite card), expect to pay anywhere from $250 - $1500 for session and prints.

    Before having photos done, it's best to talk with your agency to find out what their suggestions are. Again, they can't force you to have certain types of photos taken, but if they are a legitimate agency, they will want to give you advice on how to make you most marketable (again, the more money you can make, the more money they can make). Some agencies have very specific suggestions such as number of shots taken in studio and number taken on location, where locations shots are to be taken and what type of backgrounds, what type of studio background and what type of colors, print sizes, pose length (close head shot, medium length to waist, 3/4 length to hips, full length), film, and even lighting.

     It's best to discuss these requirements well in advance so that you can let the photographer know (and have time to play) the shot you need. For your portfolio work, you should plan on paying for a stylist/make-up artist. You need to look you very best, and paying for a stylist is like getting a free course in "how to make YOU look beautiful." Again, your agency or photographer should be able to recommend a competent professional in an affordable price range.

    Remember that as a model, you are responsible for your own decisions and conduct. You need to let photographers know if you feel that their conduct or requests are unprofessional (or making you feel uncomfortable). If the behavior continues, you have the right AND responsibility to leave a photo session immediately.

Model:  Desiree Michelle

Images by:  Industry Image