5 Tips for Models Working With Photographers

Working with new photographers can be very exciting but also a little bit nerve-wracking. That’s why I made these 5 tips from a photographer’s point of view to help you feel more comfortable – quicker, and you can relax and give your 100%! These tips might be more useful to those starting off or are thinking of getting into modelling. Here are 5 Tips for Models Working With Photographers

Tip 1: Get to know your photographer!

It’s all well and good that you like each other’s work but how do you build a rapport that shines through in your work? Here are some tips models might find useful!

Well, before I work with my models, I like to know more about them. Artistically, what inspires them? What are their ambitions etc? I share a little about myself too. Goals, aspirations etc. This forms a bond.  On the day, when you meet, there’s a sense of comfort. There are more things to take about. The mood is more relaxed and the nerves are gone. I find most people willing to artistically collaborate on projects are usually easy to get on with anyway but it helps when there are fewer nerves and worries of first impressions.

Tip 2: Have realistic expectations!

I love working with models. It’s a real chance to meet another creative person that has a passion for their work. There’s this collaboration between two different art forms. Unfortunately, some models might be unhappy with the results. They may not like an expression on their face, a particular pose or something (I’ll come back to that). Or, you agreed to do head and shoulder’s photos but then they may be upset there weren’t any full-body shots after. Or you shoot 100 photos but you only give them 5, which is normal (more on that later). Communication is key.

If it’s a Time For Portfolio (TFP) or perhaps a more collaborative shoot,  take the time to make sure that what you are agreeing to. Have a plan. Even if it’s a loose plan, it’s good to agree on terms of what the shoot may entail. A good photographer will try setting the right expectations for you. After all, it’s not fair for you as a model and the photographer if both of you leave not getting what you both hoped.

“There is one thing the photograph must contain, the humanity of the moment.” – Robert Frank

Tip 3. Have confidence in your photographer!

Most people don’t pick the most flattering pictures of themselves! It’s true! A study by psychologist, David White, found that people don’t choose the most flattering photos of themselves. We can’t view photos of ourselves the same way as strangers do, therefore we’re inclined to not actually pick the best photos of ourselves. This study got people to rate their own self-selected images (amounting to 12 per person) and then they got 160 strangers to rate the images. The self-selected images made less favourable impressions than the images chosen by strangers.

That’s not to say, everyone else is right and you are wrong. But bear in mind, that others might actually be good and choosing images of you that are most flattering.

You can read more about that study in this condensed blog post or if you are super nerdy, here’s the original study!

Tip 4. “You took a bazillion photos, why am I only getting a few images back?”

This is pretty reasonable to think at first but there’s a good reason. Photographers are under a lot of pressure, battling with changing light, wind, environment, different lenses, flashes, directing as well as managing all their gear. A huge number of photos will be unusable or not to the standard the photographer desires. This shouldn’t be taken as your fault! Never think that. It’s all those things I mentioned! These unused photos usually don’t see the light of day. The temptation might be to ask the photographer to see the RAW files.  It’s OK to ask but don’t be surprised if the photographer says no.

Some photographers are OK with it but most, I know dislike giving RAW, unedited files out. It’s like asking a musician to hear the bad recordings before the ones that made it on the album. They’re unfinished, unusable and the photographer doesn’t have control of the RAWS once they get out there. You give the RAW files away and someone might do their own post-processing and it may be very different from the photographer’s style. Then, the photographer might still be attributed to the photo they took but don’t want to be associated with.

5. Tip 5: Have fun and be safe!

Most photographers are generally good people pursuing their passions just like models. Shoots can be challenging but it doesn’t mean you can’t have fun and make the most of your time together!

Have fun! Don’t be afraid to enjoy yourself on the shoot but always be professional. Modelling is tough, but also very fun and rewarding. If you need to check your phone, make sure you do it on a break. The photographer might be checking some technical stuff but always be ready to start snapping again!  Get to know your photographer a bit more to help build rapport. Ask questions! Be curious! Stay safe! Have a laugh! 

Hope you enjoyed 5 Tips for Models Working With Photographers!