Since I was born, I have been surrounded by quite literally, the best bodies in the entire world. My Dad is one of the most renowned fitness photographers of all time, and I am truly blessed to have a Dad as talented and passionate about his career as he is. More recently, I’ve had the privilege of getting to work in both the photography industry, as well as the fitness world. It started out a couple years ago when I needed a summer job. My Dad hired me as a second assistant… I ended up doing much, much more….
I learned SO MUCH in that summer about what goes on “behind-the-scenes” of photoshoots and the entire photography business in general! I had the privilege of working on a variety of shoots.. from lingerie catalogs, to magazine spreads to high fashion editorial.
I’ve had the opportunity to prep shoots which included things like finding models, arranging call-times, setting up wardrobe and other little details most people don’t see (the prep seems virtually endless at times and can be very stressful). I got to assist at the shoots themselves as well. I helped put together sets, put up and move lights, work with the photography-computer software and of course most importantly.. fetch coffee. 
I was also taught how to handle images after the craziness of the shoot came to a close. I learned how to work in all sorts of programs to process them, edit them and even retouch them.
Since then, I have gained substantially more experience and gotten the opportunity to play even more roles! I have assisted, art directed, photographed, retouched, edited, done hair & makeup and modeled! Having worked in just about every area of the photography industry.. I have learned a few of the top “do’s” and “don’ts” for models.
A few tips I have for girls just getting into modeling:
- Learn to do your own makeup. This is crucial. You never know what might happen, and you need to be prepared to touch up or even do your own makeup and hair entirely.
- Leave your problems at home. Don’t bring an attitude to the set. A negative attitude is just as infectious as a positive one (so make it positive).
- Don’t step on anyones toes. While a thoughtful suggestion now and then is ok, trying to give your input on every aspect is not. Assume that the art director knows what they want, assume that the photographer knows where the lights should be, assume that the makeup artist knows how to do your eyeliner. Unless you are doing a portfolio building shoot where the creative direction is your own, do not try to fill other people’s positions. They are paying you to model.. so model.
- Be nice to everyone, even the people you don’t think matter. I can’t tell you how many times I was ignored or treated like a servant. Guess what, I had a whole lot of influence and I used it. The models, makeup artists, stylists, etc. who were kind and positive got a recommendation from me when we were looking to fill those positions at future shoots.
- Bring more than you think you’ll need – Always bring more clothing options than you think you’ll need. You never know what could happen. “If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail“.
- Bring multiple styles and colors of bras & underwear. Avoid patterns or ruffles that might show through clothing. Neutrals and blacks are safest.
- Don’t bring things you absolutely don’t want to wear – If wardrobe is not provided and you have to bring your own clothing, keep this in mind. The chances that the photographer or others at the shoot will want you to wear them are HIGH. If you hate it, don’t bring it.
- Come as your best – Don’t come with chipped nails or wild colors (unless pre-planned). Don’t show up with dry skin, a hair color or cut that was not previously approved, or in an entirely different “shape” than you said you would be in.
- BE ON TIME!!! Plan for the “traffic” This is quite possibly the most important tip. One of the WORST things you can do is be late for your call-time. The entire day is planned out so as not to waste time or money. Do NOT be late.
Trust me… the people you work with will remember you for the good AND the bad. You don’t want to make anyone mad or burn bridges by being unprofessional. Bring your A-game always. Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to developing positive relationships with individuals in the photography industry! =)
