I’ve had two no-shows this
week, and a couple of no-notice postponements this month. Frustrating on the
one hand, these have also prompted a more robust approach to bookings and fees.
However, I’ve discussed this
in previous entries. This week, I’m going to talk about another recurrent theme. Anxiety,
especially amongst younger models. I’ve had two no-shows, which were apparently
attributable to chronic anxiety.
I must also stress, these are
in no way attributable to my conduct/behaviour. Good reputations take
considerable time and effort to cultivate, and I’m proud of mine.
The most recent incident
involved a relatively new model, who had worked with me on three separate occasions, last year. She seemed very grounded and emotionally mature, beyond her years.
Most models I’ve worked with, become repeat customers.
Most models I’ve worked with, become repeat customers.
There are models (and indeed
studios/photographers) I have shot with, once and not since. Sometimes its just
down to different schedules. However, there are several who I would not work
with again. Full stop.
There are others, who would
need to pay me, in full, up front.
I am compassionate. Sickness doesn’t work to a schedule. The most reliable, and well-maintained cars, or childcare, can let us down. I know these things only too well, having experienced them first hand.
I am compassionate. Sickness doesn’t work to a schedule. The most reliable, and well-maintained cars, or childcare, can let us down. I know these things only too well, having experienced them first hand.
I work with models, who are
also parents and recognise, that from time to time, shoots get cancelled at
very short notice. We know how the other party works, so not overly problematic, in
the general scheme of things.
I have noticed a pronounced
spike in anxiety related cancellations and no-shows among models in their early
twenties. Anecdotally, there is quite a bit of evidence suggesting people per
se, are becoming more anxious. Social media and pressures stemming from it,
often cited as the root causes.
My first experience of a model
suffering from undisclosed chronic anxiety, came in November. She approached
me, we arranged a location shoot. Upon arrival that morning, I received a text,
advising she’d had a serious panic attack. Could we postpone for a couple of
hours?
Given I’d been caught in a
torrential downpour, and was already 40 miles from home, it seemed a sensible
move. I took this opportunity to drop in on some friends, close by. Realising
it was almost time to meet, I rang the model’s number. To my surprise, her
father answered and seemed slightly concerned.
Long story short, his daughter
did not show. However, as time wore on, I kept in contact with her father, both
of us extremely concerned for her welfare. On a slightly selfish note, I was
also uneasy, given I was the last person she was due to be meeting. What if her
disappearance took a sinister turn?
I finally headed home, after
six hours, advising her father of my movements. Ultimately, she was found in an
extremely fragile state, at her mother’s house. Her father was profusely
apologetic about the situation.
I was extremely relieved she had been found,
safe. However, I suggested she should seek professional help, before resuming
modelling. I notice she has, but I would
not consider shooting with her, unless I was paid up front, and in full.
The other model (who worked
with me last year) contacted me by text, in the first
week of January. Apparently she’d lost her modelling mojo and wanted to start
again, with me.
We floated a few ideas around,
settling on a pool/swimwear shoot. Date agreed, I received a text at 230am,
last Thursday morning, saying she had only just returned home, due to a
chronically delayed train. Therefore, could we defer
until the following (this) week.
I agreed but left things firmly in her court. I received a text confirming she’d rearranged for this coming Wednesday, same location, same time.
I agreed but left things firmly in her court. I received a text confirming she’d rearranged for this coming Wednesday, same location, same time.
I acknowledged and said I’d meet
her there. No replies to my texts, the evening before should’ve been a red
flag. However, she’d been reliable in the past. We were due to meet and shoot
at 8am, for an hour.
Icy roads, coupled with the
belief that I’d rather be 30minutes early, than two minutes late, meant I headed
out at 645. Arrived, and parked with those thirty minutes to spare…
Fifteen minutes passed, so I sent
a pleasant text, just to announce I was parked up and ready. Ten minutes later, five minutes
before we were due to shoot, I called. Her phone went straight to answerphone.
I left a message, before sending a final text, saying I would wait another ten
minutes. Nothing. I left a final text, heading back and wishing her
well.
I am compassionate yes, but
not a charity. Unless I am compensated financially, for my lost time and there
is a good explanation for her non-attendance, I won’t entertain future shoots,
with her. The same applies to other models, regardless where they are, in their modelling career.
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