Everyone has a role in a photo session: know yours
Everyone in a photo session has a role, the photographer, MUA, everyone, and as such there are generally accepted rules to follow. As a model, your role in the shoot is basically that of a glorified hanger or living mannequin. That’s not meant to minimize your contribution or be demeaning, BUT let’s face it, you come on set and act as a way to highlight clothing, accessories or props.
Everyone else on set also has a role and the general rule is to let them do their job while you do yours. As a freelance model, especially once you may be hosting your own shoots, it can be tempting to try to do everything. Whose. One, it’s just unprofessional and two, it makes you come across as negative.
As a bit of etiquette and pre-filming advice, here are the roles of those who may be on set most often, the rules for dealing with them, and the only times it’s okay to push your boundaries.
The photographer: This is the person who is taking the photos. This should be the only person there taking photos.
Rule: Let the photographer shoot. Follow their instructions, it’s as simple as that.
The exceptions: If the photographer directs you to do something off camera or even on set that you simply aren’t comfortable with, then by all means voice your objections. Keep in mind, however, that as a model, not all poses will be comfortable and angles may look awkward, so shut up and hold on if all the photographer asks you to do is arch your back or turn your head. head. As an added tip, yoga, Pilates, and just stretching will help loosen your body up enough that weird poses won’t be awkward.
Barber: This is the person who will style your hair. Chances are good that unless it’s a photo shoot or hair show, all they’ll do is do their hair (no cuts, no dyeing).
Rule: Let the stylist do your hair. Be honest about your natural hair type and length and whether or not you wear extensions before your session.
The exception (pre-shoot): If you have a different hair type than the models in the hairstylist’s portfolio, ask them if they feel comfortable working with your hair, but do it politely.
The exception (on set): If the hairdresser tries to cut or dye your hair on set and you were not informed beforehand, you have every right to speak up and even walk away.
The makeup artist: This is the person who is going to do your makeup.
Rule: Let the makeup artist apply your makeup. Let them know before your session if you are prone to breakouts or have any known product allergies.
The exeption: If a makeup artist is unsanitary (i.e., she applies lipstick from a used tube to her lips or doesn’t use disposable mascara wands), tell her before applying any makeup to her face.
The wardrobe stylist: This is the person who provides the clothing and accessories for a shoot. These items are often borrowed
Rule: Wear what the wardrobe stylist brings. If you have any clothing restrictions, i.e. no animal fur/hair (please specify if imitation is okay) or nothing that shows a certain part of your body, please let them know before the shoot, as soon as you agree with the session.
The exeption: If a stylist comes up with something specifically on your “do not wear list”. and finally…
The model: You are the center of attention during a session.
Rule: You’re a clothes hanger, that’s an actual term used in the industry, so if it offends you… get over it. You are also supposed to be an actor/actress. You’re supposed to make me feel something with that one photo I’m going to see in the ad. Whether that sentiment is “Wow, that looks great, I want that” or “She sure looks warm in that coat” or maybe “I guess the coffee is delicious.” That is your job as a model. Sure, there are jobs where you’re not really “selling” something, like bikini sites, lingerie sites, etc., you still have work to do. That job is to look sexy enough for guys to sign up and pay for access to the site you’re on.
The exeption: There’s pretty much nothing else than doing things you’re just against. For example, if you don’t smoke, you shouldn’t have to “pretend” that you do. If you are vegan, you don’t have to wear leather/fur coats etc. Even if you’re hosting a session yourself, paid or TF, you need to give everyone as much information about your vision as possible and make sure they understand it, and then let them do their job.
Stick to these rules and you’ll be respected in the industry and you’ll get much better images (assuming you’re working with quality equipment).