Emmy

Basildon based Emmy, had expressed an interest in working with me, a few months back. She cited variety and quality, as the main attraction. Crucially, she was able to deliver a coherent paragraph, discussing ideas, shoot plans and desired locations. 

We had originally explored industrial backdrops, but she was keen to move towards more mainstream, fashion and portraiture. She had modelled during her late teens and enjoyed it. However, a very different career path and family followed. A familiar narrative and for me, a good indicator of genuine commitment.

There has been a rise of what I call “Insta models” (as distinct from pros, or serious hobbyists, with social media presence) who are essentially expecting instant fame and recognition. A complete waste of my time and other resources.

Many have asked me to work for “Exposure” i.e. free, citing the number of followers. There are exceptions to every rule. However, how frequently do you scrutinise film, or TV credits?  Nobody is looking at, or cares about the photographer, so “exposure” is a moot point.

TFP (Time for print) is where model and photographer collaborate, on a project. There may be a commercial end, say selling on the images and splitting profits accordingly. Something I will do, with selected models, at my discretion.

Otherwise, I respond, thanking them for reaching out, and with a scale of charges. The real risk, though particularly with the “Insta” model, is late, zero notice cancellations, or no-show.

In these instances, you are running at a considerable loss-all round. Time in preparation, hours that could otherwise be billed for, transport and other, on costs. At a conservative estimate, we’re talking £250 down the drain.    

I strongly suggest that an inexperienced photographer pay a model and vice versa to build their port-folios. This is an investment and rewards with vastly superior results-for both parties. Simple.

So, having cured my Sony and Samsung’s autofocusing gremlins, we worked around a local park and woodland area. Being term time, people traffic and interruptions were minimal.

High and blustery winds were another contributing factor. However, these kept rain at bay. They also added motion to Emmy’s long brown hair, and in my opinion, a more intense flavour. 

Reliability & Referencing

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.

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.