Recently I’ve had two zero-notice
cancellations and a no-show. The reasons vary. From models citing sudden
academic deadlines, to more serious, health issues.
I don’t employ a blanket
policy for these situations, since it can often depend on personal
circumstances. Sickness doesn’t work to a schedule, the most reliable, properly
maintained cars, or indeed childcare can let us down. I’ve been there!
However, unless there are
mitigating circumstances (that I have been made aware of), two cancelations, or
a no-show and there’s no way back with me. This is particularly acute, in a
commercial shoot context, where an experienced, professional model is being
paid.
A lot of planning goes into
shoots. From the choice of location, appropriate equipment, snacks/drinks to
maintain sustenance, pre-empting potential problems and their solutions etc.
I was recently approached by a
model, who suddenly went cold, cited a whole heap of pressing engagements. She
has subsequently been wanting to shoot. Intuition tells me she’ll cancel again.
From my perspective, there are plenty of reliable, committed models to choose
from...
Thankfully, my pre-shoot
screening process weeds out most potentially/ unreliable candidates. Being out of pocket and there’s little redress, other than
a negative reference, which will only induce another, by retort.
Another model, seemingly keen to work
with me, postponed one week. Fair enough, I hadn’t booked a studio, or got in
my car… Being self-employed, there’s always something needing my attention.
The shoot was rearranged-same
time, this week. I got in touch, 48hours beforehand (not to mention, the
morning of said shoot), checking she was still able to attend.
She confirmed and so I headed
out...
Upon arriving at our agreed
meeting point, I received a text advising she was unable to attend, for
seemingly genuine reasons. Could we move the shoot to 1pm instead, or move to
another day??
I was already irritated but
seeing as I was already there (1 hour away from base), agreed to the later
slot. Light would still be good, and chances are, the weather would’ve also
cheered up a bit.
Ultimately, she didn’t show
but I got a real sense of her vulnerability, from talking with her father. Our
focus shifted to locating her and ensuring she was safe. Thankfully, she was.
I’m a compassionate person, so suggested she inform people of her conditions
beforehand, allowing understanding and, informed choice.
I also suggested she could
concentrate on finding the right support, getting stronger before resuming
modelling. She has the makings of a very capable model, so it would be a real
shame if she bowed out.
Blocking
To date, I have only blocked
one model. She was based in Bedfordshire, a 90minute drive from me. This
coincided with a trip to the Midlands, so theoretically, a great fit. After
some formative discussions, she went cold. She refused to disclose the venue’s
address, or supply her phone number, 24hrs before the scheduled shoot. I
blocked her in preference to leaving a bad reference.
A Cambridgeshire-based model also approached this week...Then I noted 4 no-shows, out of 7 shoots. Not worth the risk. Let alone fuel, time and hassle.
Models (and indeed,
photographers) can “Ghost” (fall silent on a project). However, so much easier
to act professionally. Say you’ve had a change of heart; or if arrangements
have been made, give notice. Ideally at least 72hours.
The Flip Side
By the same token, I know of
models who have been approached by photographers, seeking to shoot fashion,
when their port-folio consists exclusively of erotic/adult images.
Having gone through a phase of shooting fine art nudes, I can appreciate its easy to get typecast.
Having gone through a phase of shooting fine art nudes, I can appreciate its easy to get typecast.
I’m happy (With the right
models and appropriate safeguards in place) shooting this style. Nonetheless, there are
several other genres I’d prefer to be associated with.
The model in one instance,
asked the photographer to detail the shoot specification, 48hours beforehand,
or she would not attend. A request he declined. She refused to attend and
subsequently received a negative “no-show” reference.
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