Model Meltdowns

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.

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 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 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.