Modelling Tips and Photo Shoot Advice

Modeling is an upcoming industry were lots of new comers are interested to step in. We are giving some tips for entering the glamour world.

Preparation for a photo shoot

Ensure they have different sets of clothing, all of which they feel comfortable in.

When picking outfits for the shoot think about props that may enhance the effect you are trying to achieve, you can always leave them out if you change your mind later. However, if you are trying to build a portfolio, props and jewelry or similar artefacts can sometimes detract from the focus of the image. In portfolio photography you are trying to sell yourself, not your lovely necklace!

Try to practice posing in front of a mirror prior to a shoot and remember things that sometimes look a bit over the top in a mirror and don’t always come out that way in the still shot that a photographer is trying to achieve. Learn how your face feels with a perfect smile – no gums, eyes open but not squinting. If doing their own make up they need to understand that the lighting being used will naturally ‘wash’ them out so the photographer may request that you apply more than normal to combat this.

Do’s for a beginner

Let the photographer know if you are not sure what to do with your hands or feet, Listen to the photographer and let them give you direction in your posing. Body parts can be obscured by the angle of a camera.

Remember not many people can stand in front of the camera and not feel self-conscious at the start of a shoot, but as much as possible try to relax so that this doesn’t show through in all of your pictures.

Don’t’s  for a beginner

Don’t pose in front of the camera. As much as possible a model needs to be able to relax with the photographer so that the photos in turn also look relaxed yet professional.

Tips  for modeling during a photo shoot

Practice is the only way. It really gives the key to all images you get from your time in front of the camera. The way you smile, the way you pose and anything else you do while in front of the camera will all help you feel more relaxed and get the images you require.

Check your outfits a few days before the shoot….do they look as you expected they would, do you need a different pair of shoes. Choose your favourite outfits to take with you but take an extra one in case something doesn’t look perfect in front of the camera.

Don’t try anything new the night before. Changing your hair colour at 7 pm when you have a booking at 9 am the next morning won’t give you time to resolve anything that goes wrong!

Don’t turn up from a night out on the town and come in after hardly any sleep. You won’t look your best and that early night really would have paid off when you see the final images!

The key to all photo shoots is being professional and this applies to the photographer and the model as well. Make sure you arrive on time, know the kind of images that you want even if this means taking some pictures that you like. This will help the photographer know what you want for the day.

It is hard to know whether you should take a friend along to the shoot or if you should go on your own. As a general rule I would suggest that you don’t take your girl/boy friend but do bring a friend that will understand that they may need to leave you to it. Alternatively ensure that people know where you are going, how long you will be gone and give them the photographer’s details.

Advice for beginners

Be careful of the model agency you sign up with. Some agencies may charge a high price, some may say you must have a portfolio done with their team of photographers which can be very expensive.

Make sure you are committed; modelling is a very hard industry to get into. Keep your contacts with all the major co-ordinators in your area.

Commercial modelling

Commercial modelling is defined by the term ‘commercial’. It refers to the type of assignment and covers the promotion of various products and services provided by companies. This can range from a number of different products including things like clothing, perfumes, cleaning products and all other commercial products. This type of modelling will appear in print and on television in newspapers, magazines, billboards, posters, TV adverts and more.

Requirements may vary, but this type of modelling can give you massive exposure and bring in good pay.

Fashion modelling & Catwalk modelling:

The term fashion modelling covers a wide range of work from editorials and covers for fashion magazines to commercial advertising campaigns for manufacturers, including the top brands.

Catwalk means modelling clothes in fashion shows.

Perceived to be glamorous, it is very hard work, very difficult to get into and only a few models make it to the top. If you do get there though you will become very famous and are very likely to see the world.

Distinctive facial features are on and off in demand, but the requirements and expectations change constantly. You need to be tall, thin and young generally.