Advice for New Models

If you are a new or aspiring model there are many things for you to consider. I have noted those things that come to mind as a photographer, or that I have heard mentioned by models with whom I've worked. The simplest and best advice is to trawl the web and talk with others who have been down the same path. The Resources page has some helpful links.

Security

Your personal safety should always be foremost in your mind. This applies to both male and female models. While there are many genuine, decent photographers out there, it is sad to say that there are also a minority whose motives are less pure. Without wishing to sound alarmist, there have even been reported cases where models have attacked or injured.

The advice here is aimed primarily at models working via Internet modelling sites. If you are working through an agency they should be vetting all jobs they send you on.

There are a few basic precautions you should always take.

Check references. Look at the photographer's published work. Is there sufficient volume and quality to indicate that s/he is a genuine photographer? Ask for the names and contact details of other models with whom s/he has worked. Contact them. If a photographer has published work with models who have an online presence, feel free to contact them directly.
Bring a companion on the shoot. This is often a contentious topic with some photographers having legitimate objections to chaperones. Some have had bad experiences with jealous boyfriends etc.. However such concerns can often be overcome by bringing a more neutral companion. If there is no official makeup artist or stylist a female friend can be a big help with these things, and provide you with peace of mind. The photographer may even get a second model with this arrangement!
If a photographer refuses point blank to accommodate a companion you will need to gain significant comfort via other means (references etc.) that you will be safe.
Let somebody know where you will be and what time you expect to be back.
Meet up with the photographer in advance of the shoot in a public place. This will not only give you an opportunity to discuss the shoot in person, it will allow you to decide if you get a good or bad vibe from the photographer.
Agree the theme of the shot in advance, and any boundaries you may have in relation to style (e.g. glamour vs. fashion) or levels of nudity. Do not allow a photographer to push you beyond your comfort zone.
If you have any doubts before, or even during, a shoot just walk away. There will always be other photographers and shoots.

Makeup

It goes without saying that a professional makeup artist or stylist is a great boost to any shoot. Unfortunately, particularly on amateur shoots, it will not always be possible. As mentioned above a sympathetic girlfriend can be a help in such circumstances.

Some shoots call for a neutral, "invisible" makeup style, while others demand the wild and funky look. As always with makeup, even if going for a funky look, subtlety is always key.

For a more neutral look, foundation should be light and even - enough to cover any blemishes but no more. The camera will pick out every detail and amplify it. Be particularly careful with the edges of the makeup, under the chin, etc.

Beware of fake tan. Unless expertly done this will usually end up looking worse than a pale complexion, particularly if converting digital images to black and white. Many photographers consider fake tan to be the ultimate evil. If you feel the need to use this, please discuss in advance with the photographer.

Your skin is one of your greatest assets in modelling. Clear skin is much loved so take care of yours. Watch your diet; avoid fatty foods; drink lots of water; and cleanse and moisturise regularly.

Avoid late nights and heavy drinking sessions the day before a shoot. There is nothing worse than a tired model with bloodshot eyes and a hangover. A hangover also makes your skin look bad.

Outfits

If just starting out, stick to outfits that you feel comfortable with, that you know make you look good. Once you've become more comfortable with how the shoot process works, and the technicalities of light, posing, etc., then you can start to experiment with different looks. However, start one step at a time. Trying to learn the complexities of working with a photographer, posing, taking direction, mastering your facial expressions, getting you make up right, etc., the last thing you need is to be wearing clothes that may not suit you or that are just not "you".

For new models I normally suggest a few scenarios and ask them to dress for those. It's not a rigid thing, more a way of getting some variety in the shoot while sticking to your personal sense of style. The scenarios I normally suggest are:

Lounging around on a lazy Sunday morning
Day out shopping with the girls
Interview for an office job
Night out clubbing
Romantic dinner date with the one you love

Underwear, and bras in particular, often elicit heated debate. My philosophy is simple. Only things which are a deliberate component of the shot should be visible. Therefore, if underwear is not a part of the shot, it should not be seen. I am not saying that "going commando" is obligatory. Rather, pick underwear that does not intrude or dominate (plain colours, smooth textures, etc.). Obviously, if going for the "underwear as outerwear" look, it's a different matter.

Feel free to add to this list or ignore any that are just not you. However, avoid having just one look. Equally, avoid turning up with your entire wardrobe. Pick the outfits you want in advance. Obviously, if you and the photographer have agreed a particular theme to the shoot in advance, work with that. The above suggestion is aimed at getting you kick started.

I would suggest avoiding nudity, actual or implied, for your first few shoots. Even if this is the area you want to concentrate on, it is better to start off with clothed shoots. Nude work is much more unforgiving and it is better to get comfortable being in front of a camera before tackling this style of work.

Posing & Expressions

The most essential skill for a model is the ability to convey a range of moods, emotions and feelings using your facial expressions and your body's pose.

I have heard models talk about "learning poses". Try to avoid this or you will end up with a very narrow repertoire. It is better to look at poses in magazines, photos, etc. and look at why the shot works. Examine the model's body type, the angle of the camera in relation to the model and the lighting as well as the positioning of arms, hands, legs, head, etc. Try to find models with a similar body shape to your own and examine those shots with particular care.

For poses, but more importantly for facial expressions, practise in front of a mirror.

On every shoot you do until you are totally comfortable, analyse every shot and try to work out why the shots that worked did so, and also why the ones that didn't did not.

Links

Some sites I have found with useful information are:

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