You may be lucky enough to work with a professional photographer – if so, here are some hints and tips from the Models Direct team to make sure the shoot goes smoothly and you get what you want from it.
Always follow the rules below when working with photographers:
- Be punctual. Being on time is very important.
- Take a friend or parents along with you or at the very least inform someone of your whereabouts.
- Make sure you tell the photographer that someone knows where you are.
- Make sure that you know exactly what you’re supposed to do during the shoot. Never feel pressured to do anything that you do not feel comfortable doing.
- Whether it’s a professional studio or on location, ensure that there is a separate changing area.
- Reputable photographers will NOT touch you. Make sure you remind them of this if they get within your safety zone.
- Make sure you get a modelling agreement “release” signed before the shoot. You must be informed where and how your images are going to be displayed, and give your consent.
- Read all paperwork closely before signing a contract at a photoshoot. Never sign a contract unless we tell you it’s okay. Sometimes, crooked photographers will try to get you to sign a contract at a shoot and then sell the photographs without your knowing. In this case if you signed a contract so there’s nothing you can do about it!
- Beware of contracts that prohibit you from working with other photographers. The amateur model should not accept this kind of contract. When you are starting out, you need to make as much money as you can working for as many different photographers as possible.
However, don’t be paranoid – most professional photographers are more concerned about film, make-up, and the position of the sun. To most of them, ‘time is money’.
