Photographers have a lot to focus on in preparation for a photoshoot. From location to lighting, sometimes the model and social etiquette can be easily forgotten during the shoot. This can leave a bad impression or even worse make the model super uncomfortable during the shoot. A relaxed model is important in getting the best and most creative shots you can. As I've been on both sides of the camera, I've collected my top five tips for photographers to know and respect when shooting models in order to provide a safe, professional, and most importantly successful photoshoot. Let's get started with tip number one!
Positioning the model in the sun
Nothing worse than a squinting model in harsh lighting, makeup ruined by watering eyes, and leaving the model with sunburnt eyes the next day. Not just for blue-eyed models, but for all of them, be mindful when positioning your model to directly face the sun. Ways to avoid an overly bright location can be as simple as finding a patch of shade, shielding their eyes with a soft reflector, using backlighting instead, or in desperate cases, having them close their eyes and open them quickly to take the shot (but only for one or two photos). You'll find the photo looks more natural and not as strained.
This also ties in with modeling in extreme heat or cold weather. Make sure to tell them to prepare for the weather and take breaks as often as necessary. The best situation would be to arrange a photo shoot at a better time or keep it brief. Busily working as a model, sometimes we don't notice until it's too late that our body was affected by the elements. There are many times, and almost always on summer shoots, that I've ended up with sun poisoning when I got home. To be brutally honest, sun poisoning is not something to easily ignore. It gives you cold sweats, a body rash all over that can take weeks to heal, and vomiting. Please remember to take care of your model and be mindful when you book a shoot during these months.
What a model has, is all they've got
Most models aren't rich and can't afford your clothing requests. They put together the only clothes they have, and while criticizing what they do have isn't going to make anything better, keep in mind of their limited selection and provide your own if you absolutely must. This is your time to get creative with what little everyone has. We have clothes, but probably not everything will suit your tastes. You can ask if the model can buy something, but don't take advantage of their kindness and pressure them into doing so. If you're looking for unique clothes, try reaching out to designers and stylists to see if they are willing to contribute to the photoshoot.
Having a theme in mind
Whether you are working with a professional or amateur model, it's a good idea to have a certain mood in mind for the theme of your photoshoot. It can be something as simple as showing the model a few expression poses that you want or explaining the mood as sexy, smiling laughter, or tell them to just mix it up. As a photographer, you are also the director of the shoot. Giving the model a single hint can help them understand what the goal of the photoshoot is. We can take a pretty picture, but if we smile and you get frustrated or disappointed because the expression wasn't what you wanted, be sure to communicate before and during the shoot to give us a clear direction.
Arranging your ideas last minute
While things can change before and during a photoshoot due to creativity or incidents, leaving your model guessing the location of the meetup point, time, or what to wear the day before or the day of the photoshoot can put unnecessary stress on both of you. Things will be forgotten, miscommunication will happen, and the shoot won't be the best it could be. Always be prepared, organized, and inform the model of the basic details of the photoshoot for a smooth session. If you aren't good at staying organized, it's a great idea to make a checklist sheet that you can use for every photo shoot and mix it in with a mood board file too.
Understand the comfort level of the model's clothes
Must I say, quit taking a straight-on shot when a model is sitting in a short skirt? Unless intentional panty shots are both your goal, then be mindful of exposing the model in unwanted ways. Don't be hesitant to point out if something is "exposed" and don't be a creeper about it by laughing at them. We'd rather know so that the point can be fixed right away. A little embarrassing, but better than ruining 100 or so shots with unwanted exposure. Or better yet, bring some double-sided tape for gaping shirts and suggest they use it, short skirts position them carefully, or when jumping in a dress, tell them the limits of the clothes. You can see what's happening, but models definitely won't know.
Shoes! If a model is wearing heels, walk slowly while going to different locations, don't ask for poses that aren't possible such as a high jump on asphalt, and be mindful that if walking a long distance outdoors, give them time to change into comfortable shoes to move to the next location. It takes up more time, but with blisters and unwanted strap marks, it's best to be mindful that having on heels creates limitations in a model's movements. Each pose will take some time to set up if there is action involved or high fashion shots. I highly recommend wearing a pair of heels (even as a man) and experiencing the limitations and toll it puts on your body. You'd be surprised!
Asking for sexual or sensual poses
This one is mostly for male photographers working with women models. Although it's ok to ask for these kinds of poses, if that's the intention of the photo shoot, it's best to present these ideas before the shoot. Plenty of times I've had the shoots go sour and my respect for the photographer drops when suddenly in a normal-looking shoot with casual clothes they make a distasteful request that is super uncomfortable. Of course, I turned it down and we awkwardly moved on, but still, my respect for the photographer was gone and never again did I book the same one. Don't surprise the model with these requests but be upfront about it before the shoot otherwise, the model feels in danger or won't trust you.
Model fears and endangering them
As a model and working with other models, we have one thing in common, and that is to deliver the best shoot we can which sometimes includes sacrificing our own comfort or trying dangerous things. We want to make a good impression, but if the model starts to look super stiff, uncomfortable, or hesitant then you shouldn't push them. Luckily, all the photographers I've worked with have listened to my requests when it was too much. Things like going into the ocean in winter, jumping off of anything (I'm terrified of heights), and jumping off of stairs in high heels, these are just a few of the situations I politely turned down. As the photographer, feel free to ask the model, they may want to try it, but if you can think beforehand if it will endanger the model's health or body, it's best not to push them this far as injuries can happen.
I hope these few helpful tips from a model's perspective can make your photo shoot a better success. It's important to remember that models are people who have needs too during the photo shoot. In order to make them comfortable enough and not tense up during the shoot, be mindful that they are human. I've had many photoshoots I've wanted to leave (not just because of these situations) but because of the photographer's manners of treating a model like an object to shoot instead of a living subject. We aren't trying to be divas by refusing your requests but would like to give you the best results while keeping ourselves safe.
Tips for Photographers (A Model's Perspective)
Photo Credits:
Wix platform photos
Photographer Kazuaki Takata Instagram @kazuaki_takata21
Model/ Jossalyn Tori Instagram @socialt77 Web www.jossalyntori.com
These tips are very thoughtful and insightful.