Models: What does the photographer expect of you during a photo shoot?

Model: Grace Monck, MUA: Mary Li, Styling: Hannah St James

Introduction

You may be a new model looking to get into the industry and not really knowing what to expect from photographers and what they expect from you. I hope to give you an insight into what is expected of you, and to help you think more about your role during a shoot. The opinions expressed here are my own views, derived from my own experiences as a fashion and beauty photographer. Take from it whatever you find useful, and feel free to agree or disagree in the comments section below.

This article is not a "Modeling 101". I won't be going into specifics about how to pose, where to place your arms and hands, etc. It is also geared more towards new models, and what is expected of them, rather than the photographer (we will save that for another time). However, I will be writing an article soon which does go into more specifics about modeling and posing. So keep an eye out!

Expect and Prepare

Photographers can be an interesting bunch. Like any group of people, there are many different types with varied personalities and differing expectations. As a photographer, I tend to take a lot of control during a photo shoot regardless, but what I expect of a model varies greatly on the situation. If I have been commissioned for a portrait session or a portfolio, then the onus is on me and only me. I will direct the models every move and pose... but, if you as a model have been hired for the shoot, then you need to bring it. This applies to tests and collaborations as well.

As a model, you will soon discover that every photographer has their own style of shooting. Some photographers will barely say hello to you, let alone give you any direction. What are you going to do in this situation? Standing there confused, waiting to be told what to do, isn't going to cut it. Believe me, the final product in this situation is going to be... less than spectacular. You need to be confident. You need to know what your flaws are and how to hide them. You need to know what your best look is. You need to be prepared.

I know it's been said a thousand times before, but spend a lot of time in front of a full length mirror. Experiment with how and where your neck pivots. Look at how your limbs form lines and shapes. Read a lot of high-end fashion magazines and study the poses. The goal here is to understand what makes a good pose, and to develop a set of "go to poses" that you can bring to any shoot.

During a photo-shoot, there are many things a model needs to take into consideration. One of these is the lighting. Although it is by no means your responsibility to be in control of the lighting, it certainly would pay for you to have a basic understanding of how light works; particularly in how it falls on your face in relation to its position. However, don't concern yourself too much with this, as lighting is the responsibility of the photographer, and a good photographer will give direction in regards to the best posing positions for the situation. A photo-shoot is a team effort, so educating yourself on other aspects of the shoot can certainly be useful.

Move

What photographers absolutely do not want is a model who stands there with a blank expression, waiting to be told what to do. Dance around, pull a silly face, jump up and down, bark like a dog... Something  -anything- is better than nothing (ok maybe don't bark like a dog, but you get the idea). Sometimes the best shots can come from an off-the-cuff "between takes" interaction. A good photographer will be able to capture the right moment. Do your part to the best of your ability, but leave "getting the shot" up to the photographer.

Ultimately in most situations, what we want is a model who can move gracefully and fluidly from pose to pose. This allows us freedom to shoot as we go, without having to worry about posing the model. The end results are often far more dynamic and interesting, than shooting static poses. An excellent example of fluidity in posing can be seen below. (thanks to very talented Shantia Veney).

If you practice enough, you too can get to that level of posing. Again, don't worry if you are not nailing every move. Let the photographer worry about when to click the shutter button. You will only improve with time.

Confidence plays a huge roll. A lack of confidence will show in the final image. While you may be working with a photographer with great interpersonal skills who makes you feel at ease; For whatever reason, you may just not be feeling very confident. If you find yourself in this situation, it may sound simple but often the best strategy is to actconfident (even though you may not necessarily be feeling it). By doing this, you will find that you actually start to feel real confidence. Other factors which can positively influence your confidence include: Getting a good nights sleep, eating well, exercising, and basically making sure you are as prepared as possible. If there is no music playing at your shoot; demand it ;)

Communicate

Firstly, be honest about your experience level. If you feel like you need more direction, let the photographer know. Speak up if you have any concerns at all; especially when it comes to doing anything you are not completely comfortable with. There is no shame in saying no to a particular pose or concept. If you feel the need to bring an escort to the shoot, be sure to ask the photographer well beforehand. Many photographers are ok with escorts, but just as many are not. Every extra person present at a photo-shoot is a distraction (whether they are being helpful or not) so keeping the numbers to an absolute minimum is usually the best bet.

Lastly, have fun, relax and leave your inhibitions at the door. Don't be afraid to look silly, and don't be afraid to try a pose that might not work! As a photographer, I don't care if 9 out of 10 shots don't work. Those will just be deleted. What I care about is that 1 in 10 that do work.

Parting Words

Whether you are a professional or hobbyist, Modeling, is not an easy thing to do. Most people only see the polished end result in that art print or glossy magazine. They have no concept of the time, effort and dedication the model puts into each and every shoot. I have the utmost respect for a model who is dedicated to his or her craft, no matter their level; as it can require a lot of courage, while being emotionally and physically draining. It can also be incredibly rewarding.

So in closing, I say thank you for the time and effort you put in. Thank you for the late nights, and early starts. Thank you for bravely facing the elements. Thank you for letting us cover you in glitter, and thank you for the hours you spend in the makeup chair. You are an integral part of the creative process, and without you, there is no final image.

~Geoff Jones, Photographer