5 Tips For A Top Model Shooting Experience

Since the saying goes, there's a first time for everything… Using a commercial model isn't any different. It will be intimidating at first but well worth the effort.

So far you've probably been shooting family members and friends, possibly whilst on vacation or at special events. These are definitely all great learning opportunities because allows you to hone your skills and make mistakes in a non-critical environment.

But now you're itching to take things further and also try your hand at a modeling shoot in a studio set-up. So you've seen videos of the pros at work, snapping gorgeous models with windswept hair striking pose after pose, while assistants and MUAs run around ensuring every eyelash and crease is in the right place…

Well just stop right there…

That is not going to happen, at least not for your first shoot or unless you've got a big budget available. In all probability you will be photographer, assistant and casting agent all rolled into one along with the rise in interest in microstock photography, a lot of photographers are starting to work this way.

Simply to say, this isn't a tutorial on studio photography techniques or makeup tips. There is plenty of information out there already. So lets start my 5 tips for a successful first model shoot.

1.Finding models - So you've exhausted your contact list and its time for you to find new talent to cooperate with. One option is asking model agencies if they have any new faces that need test shoots. As a first timer, its unlikely they'll give you the opportunity so that means looking elsewhere. The online world has lots of sites like model mayhem and onemodelplace where new and established models register their profiles. Another option is somewhere like craigslist. Often you'll find some who are ready to work on a Time For Print (TFP) basis. i.e they provide the time free but expect copies or digital files of the shoot in return. I personally prefer to at least pay travel costs, as there'll be less chance of a no show if there's a financial incentive. I would also at this point look for models who do their very own makeup as it's one less thing to coordinate.

2.Booking a Studio - Again the web is your friend, just google for studios near your home. The rates are usually on an hourly or half day/day basis. Ask if you can drop by, as the studio images on their web site (most will have one) are usually taken with wideangle lenses and look bigger than they are. Check if lighting apparatus is included. Some of the expensive studios will be geared towards pros and will typically be well specced in terms of facilities like high ceilings, model changing areas, showers, client area etc but these will be overkill for what you require for now.

3.Bringing it together - Now you have the model and studio selected, it is time to go with a few dates and check availability with both sides. Once a suitable date is located you can book the studio. They will in all probability ask for a deposit, which is standard practice.

4.Communication is key - Let the model know what you will be seeking to do i.e. the style and look of what you're trying to achieve. For your first time, I recommend something simple like a white backdrop shoot as this will let you completely focus on trying different model poses and learning to give instructions. Having some notion of poses to try is invaluable as this cuts down on the model standing around wasting studio time (You'll also look more professional). Email him/her clearly with the time, date, what to wear and location (A map will help). I often ask them to arrive a little late so I have time to set-up. Call the studio and model a couple of days before the shoot to reconfirm.

5.On the day - You can ask a reliable friend to come along who can act as assistant for the day. Bring some refreshment like water or soft drinks, your model will appreciate the gesture. You should always be professional and respectful all the time. At the end of the shoot thank the model, let them know you'll be in contact and when they can expect to receive their prints/files (if it's a TFP shoot).

Note: If the model is a no show then you'll just have to take it on the chin. Most photographers say it goes with the territory. The reconfirm in point 4 is to give you a heads up in case. You may be able to make alternative arrangements.

Happy Shooting!

By: promodelposes

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Promodelposes is a site dedicated to model photography model poses