Yet again, a shoot has been
thwarted by a model’s profound lack of professionalism. Now, before I discuss
some non-defamatory specifics, lets explore the definition of professionalism.
It’s defined by the Oxford
Learners Dictionary as the “high standard of skill demonstrated by someone well
trained in a particular job”. I would expand by saying it’s a holistically high
standard of performance, and behaviours expected of someone who makes a living
from a given trade/profession.
Models have an unenviable reputation/notoriety
for being unreliable and sometimes downright unprofessional. This has been my
experience of novice models. Those dipping their toes into the water, rather
than with serious direction/intent.
This group often discover
modelling is more demanding than they imagined. A Vegas based model used an
amusing acronym GWT (Girl with Tits) to describe those with little talent, or
professionalism. Someone who expects to stand there and be paid, just as the
GWC (Guy with Camera) has no interest in photography beyond access to young wo/men.
Sweeping hobbyist models and
hobbyist photographers into this unsavoury category, would be grossly unfair,
and inaccurate. There are many professionals who have/used status/power to push
levels and generally mistreat models. Nonetheless, it irks me when I’ve booked
and planned a shoot…
We’ve agreed the theme, I’ve
planned and prepared my equipment, driven to the venue…Only to discover the
model has cancelled without notice, or can’t be bothered to turn up. Taking a deposit, to cover lost time and other
costs certainly helps.
Talking of which, I’ve heard
models say they’ve turned up for group shoots and one or more models has been
under the influence of drink/drugs. Any professional studio/photographer will
simply stop the shoot, if only for insurance purposes. Someone drunk or high is
extremely unpredictable and exposes everyone to unnecessary risk.
On a wider level, any model,
or photographer feeling uncomfortable should stop a shoot. I’ve done so twice,
a decade back. In the first instance I realised the model was being cajoled
into a level she was not comfortable with, by her “partner”. So, last Thursday…
Communication had been
reasonable and having double checked all was fine the night before, I drove
thirty miles to her chosen studio. Having just engaged my car’s handbrake, I
received a text from her “Manager” advising that she would not be shooting
today. Hmm, well I’d come this far, and wanted to investigate this claim a
little further.
Having knocked at the door, I
was met with her manager and we had a very insightful, conversation. He was a
semi-retired photographer who recounted similar experiences throughout his
career. His stance (rather like my own) is to drop a model who failed to show;
or cancelled with zero notice. I explained that I am compassionate and
recognise emergencies can hit us like a hurricane. Some things can’t be helped.
However, the professional thing is to communicate this, promptly. I learned she
also had an underlying and relatively serious condition. Something she
should’ve disclosed during our initial communications.
Not difficult to appreciate
why a model wouldn’t, for fear of being dropped. However, if I know, I can take
an informed view and possibly re-book, should they be suffering before the shoot.
I can also factor more
frequent rest breaks, avoid poses which induce pain/discomfort etc. I’m glad I
spoke directly with him. I also advised I would not consider working with her
in future and would explain this via email, which I did.
So, with these things mind and
in the interests of balance, some things to consider when working with models
and photographers.
Working with Models.
As a photographer, select a
model who works to the levels you are looking to capture (e.g. fashion,
lingerie, editorial, topless, implied nude, art nude, fetish etc) and do not
ask them to go outside of these, ever.
Check references carefully.
Some novice models will not have any, which requires greater scrutiny. In these
instances, I turn to pre-shoot communications. If they cannot explain what drew
them to me, and my port-folio specifically, I end things
there. I now insist upon a deposit too, to compensate, should they not show, as
agreed.
Keep all communication online.
Either via email, or personal messages if communicating through port-folio
hosting sites. Be clear about the nature and structure of the shoot. What
where, when, how many and turnaround times, for images.
Check all your equipment the
night before, ensure all batteries are fully charged. This includes flashguns,
tripods and other portable lighting.
Ensure your record keeping is flawless
and always ensure you have seen and take copies of photographic id e.g. driving
licence, passport etc confirming their age and identity.
I prefer non-invasive third
party/chaperones at shoots, regardless of genre. Protects model and
photographer from accusations of wrong doing. Steer clear of anyone (model, or
photographer) refusing to entertain the idea.
On the day of the shoot,
ensure a studio, or location is correctly set up, has a suitably private
changing area and you are there, on time. Ideally you will have exchanged
contact numbers at least 24hours beforehand, in case of unavoidable delay.
Ensure model(s) and third
parties are sober i.e. not under the influence of drink/drugs. Stop the shoot,
if there is any hint of incapacity. Similarly, do not be afraid to stop the shoot
(and leave) if you are made to feel uncomfortable at any point.
If you are paying the model,
ensure monies are readily available i.e. if you are paying cash, have it
beforehand.
Direct models professionally,
politely and essentially, as you’d want to be treated yourself. NEVER touch; or
invade a model’s space.
Both parties tend to warm up,
during the first twenty minutes, or so. Allow for this. Stick to the discussed
levels.
Factor in short, comfort
breaks- for both parties and be very clear about shoot durations.
Occasionally, a model may want
to go from fashion to lingerie, or lingerie to implied. I decline, especially
if this is your first shoot, together. What may appeal at the time, may be
regretted later. In these instances, I suggest they go away, think about it and
re-book a subsequent shoot. Gives them time to “cool off” and consider whether
its genuinely right for them.
Models: Some Notes On Working With
Photographers
Research potential
photographers carefully. Look at their style, their genres covered. Is their
style compatible with yours? Check references carefully but also see how they
communicate and keep these discussions in writing.
Either via email, or
port-folio hosting site messages. If
someone’s port-folio is exclusively nude and your intention is fashion, it
would be prudent to look elsewhere, or ask some very searching questions.
Swerve anyone who is resistant to a well-behaved chaperone/third party.
If you feel uncomfortable, or
a photographer/assistant has overstepped the mark at any point, do not be
afraid to stop the shoot and leave-promptly. Be guided by your gut and check
exit points upon arrival.
Turn up at the location, at
the agreed time and fully prepared to shoot. Sickness doesn’t work to a
schedule. If you suddenly awake feeling terrible, then contact them as soon as
possible.
That said; do not ring them at
3am! (unless the shoot is very early). 72-48 hours is a reasonable cancellation
period for either party. Time is costly, and do not be surprised if he
photographer will not work with you, in future.
Respect the photographer,
studio and their equipment.
Do not be surprised if a
studio/photographer insists in a reasonable deposit upfront (but check terms)
this is to safeguard against no-shows and other issues. If you have agreed the
fee, pay it. I’ve had models turn up, insisting I pay them. Hopefully you can
see the importance, of recorded and thorough pre-shoot communication.
All the models featured in
this post were professional in every respect, and a joy to work with.
