Your Questions Answered...
I have started to answer some of the questions that models have asked me via email. If you have a question you would like asking, just email me (via the contact page) and I will do my best to try to answer them honestly. Please don't send me pictures asking "do you think I can make it as a model".... it's not my call!
Q: At the end of a shoot, what if I don't agree with what the photographer has written on the model release?
A: Well, that's a difficult one, but in the end, you don't have to sign anything! What you need to do is before you get into that situation at the end of the shoot, talk to the photographer BEFORE the shoot starts, so you know exactly what the photos will be used for. You can then decide if you want to go ahead. All this is a bit late though as you will seriously upset your photographer as they will have gone to time and expense in setting the shoot up in the first place. What I normally do, is a couple of days before the shoot, I email the model a copy of the completed model release, indicating exactly what the photos are to be used for and the terms of the release... Fee, TFP, TFCD etc. At the end of the shoot, I have a couple of copies of the release for the model to sign, one for me and one for the model. By letting the model have a copy a few days before, if they have any questions or would like the wording changed, it can be sorted out before the shoot date.
Q: What clothes should I take for my first shoot?
A: Take everything in your wardrobe!! No... not really, talk to your photographer NOW! Between you, you both need to decide what you are going to wear. If it's a swim wear session, take lots of different options, including a couple of sarongs and maybe some shorts. If it's for your portfolio, take a selection of items that you like and look good in... it's not always a good idea to borrow stuff from a friend unless you have tried it on and it fit's you perfectly. It is always a good idea to take some accessories, hat's, sunglasses, scarf and a selection of shoes as well... but don't over do it... there is no point taking a whole bag of clothes then trying to decide what to wear.
Be guided by your photographer... if you have a bright yellow swimsuit, but you are not keen on the colour for example, but the photographer say's the colour will work, go for it with a smile... don't forget, at some point in the future you may be modeling something you absolutely hate, but you have to look as though the outfit is your new best friend!
Q: What else should I take on my first shoot?
A: A lot depends on the location, if it is a shoot at your home, you should have everything you need. If it's a studio shoot, depending on what you are modeling in, it's always a good idea to take a robe of some sort and a pair of flip flops... shooting on some studios can be a bit of a drafty affair and having something to slip on while lights, backdrop etc are changed is always useful. Just because it's a swim wear or topless shoot doesn't mean you have to wander around the studio like that!.
If it's a location shoot, again it depends on the climate and indoor or outdoor, just be sensible, and take what you think you would need to be comfortable. I have seen shoots where swim wear was being modeled on location in winter and the models all had hats, scarves, gloves and a big coat to throw on as soon as each set was finished.
Q: What if I am going to be late for a shoot?
A: Please Please Please ring the photographer... or text them!!! There is nothing worse for a photographer than a model that is late and doesn't ring to let them know. After all it is just common courtesy to do so.
A model that is constantly late, or worse, "no shows" for a shoot will soon get a reputation and photographers will not use them. It takes time and effort to set shoots up and no one like to see their time wasted.
A new model rang me a few hours before a shoot and said she was going to be a couple of hours late.... as we both had to travel, we decided to call it off and re-schedule it for a few days later. It wasn't a problem and I was grateful she had contacted me and it saved us both time and expense.
Q: Do I need a makeup artist?
A: No you don't. If you are confident, you can do your own makeup. Always remember though, a makeup artist will have loads of experience and will be able to change the look and style of your makeup far quicker than you can. If it a shoot for your portfolio, get in touch with a few makeup artists and see if they need head shots for their portfolio's and offer to do an exchange, they do your makeup and you and the photographer let them use your prints in their portfolio. It is more likely though, you will get the "WOW" shots by using a MUA.
Sometimes, makeup artists want to try out new and exciting styles or experiment with new products and are just as keen as you to have some shots done. Always keep in touch with a couple of local MUA's just in case!
Q: Will scars affect my chance of modeling?
A: Yes and No. It all depends on where they are and how noticeable they are. Some can be easily covered by makeup or digitally removed, which can be a difficult task dependant on the size and location. Also, it depends on what you are modeling. An appendix scar for example won't affect your fashion modeling chances, but might have a big effect if you wanted to do lingerie or swim wear. That said, give it a go, you have nothing to loose and everything to gain!
Q: Will I have to pay tax on any money I earn from modeling (I have a full time job)?
A: Yes. Any money you earn is taxable. You will be liable for tax on any money you earn from modeling. If you are in full time employment and pay tax, you will need to declare any money earned outside your PAYE contribution in a tax return for each year. Contact your local tax office. Of course, it is up to you to tell the tax man... or not as the case may be.
Remember though, keep your receipts for any expenses, like traveling, makeup or photographers fees etc as you will be able to claim these against your tax liability. In all honesty though, if you are at this stage, you should now be thinking of getting an accountant and setting yourself up as a business. (PS I'm NOT and accountant.... so I can't give any more advice than this) Check out "The Business of beong a professional Model"
Q: I have been contacted by a photographer about a photo session, but it's my first time and I am nervous about meeting him. Do you have any advice?
A: I sure do! Your safety is paramount! Meeting a photographer or someone you don't know, even for experienced models always brings up thoughts of "what if...". Especially if the initial contact has been made via the internet and one of the modeling sites. Each site usually will have advice on this, but in general, here's my thoughts on it:
Any genuine photographer should be up front about his contact details and should send you his (or her) full name, address and a couple of telephone numbers to contact them on, one should be a land line number. Also, if they are genuine, you should ask them if you can meet them for coffee in a public place - Starbucks or similar, a day or so before and take a friend with you. This is always a good idea anyway, as you can talk face to face about what is expected during the shoot. If you feel comfortable with how the meeting went, it will give you a bit more confidence for the shoot. If you are not happy with the meeting, you can always telephone afterwards and say you don't want to do the shoot, and tell them why. Again, genuine photographers will accept this, it's part of the job.... we don't always like it, but we prefer to know beforehand, rather than be stood there waiting for a "no show" on the day.
It is always good to take a friend with you to act as a chaperone and they can help you get ready. Again, any photographer worth his salt won't have a problem with this and are used to other people being on the shoot. But a word of caution: I have had models bring their boyfriend/partner with them to act as chaperone... unfortunately, on a couple of occasions, part way through the shoot, they become "possessive" and start to realise that they are not comfortable with their girlfriend doing topless or lingerie shoots and the situation can become tense. If you do take your boyfriend or partner, make sure they fully understand what type of shots you are going to be doing and they are totally in agreement and support you doing it. Know your limits for modeling before hand (see types of modeling).
(Remember, In the UK, if you are under 18, you will need to take a parent or legal guardian with you, and they will have to counter sign the model release form for you)
On the day of your shoot, TELL SOMEONE WHERE YOU ARE GOING, WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND HOW LONG YOU WILL BE. Also, give them a copy of the photographers contact details.
Now of course, all this works two ways... as photographers, we also need to know about you. If the shots are going to include topless or implied nude or more, there is a minimum age limit that you need to be, so we will need proof of your age. So don't be offended if your photographer asked for documentation about your age. Also, there have been cases where models who were not happy with their photographs so went onto modeling forums and made allegations about the photographer. So we have to be just as careful about meeting new models as you do about meeting new photographers.
Thankfully, it is only in a tiny tiny number of cases that things go wrong, so, providing you do a little bit of work first, your photo shoot will go fine and you will soon start to enjoy modeling without worrying too much. Have a good shoot and I hope all your photos turn out as "WOW".
UPDATE (14/1/09): If you have any problems with a photographer - contact your agency if you have one and let them know. It is always useful to let the moderators of any online agency know as well. There might be other complaints about the photographer that they are considering. Please though, only do this if you have REAL issues, not just " I didn't like the way he/she worked" or "I didn't like my photos"
Q: Do I need an agency or can I manage myself?
A: It is doubtful you could become a successful model without an agency, and by agency, I mean one with an office, staff, phones and a good reputation. (hey... what do I know! I'm a photographer not a successful model!)
It is still to early to tell, but I don't know of an internet only agency that is becoming one of the top ranking suppliers of models. Now, be careful, there are a number of top agencies (the ones with offices and staff), that have an internet section... so don't just dismiss these out of hand.
If you are serious about becoming a full time model, get yourself an agency. They will also ensure you get paid (because when you get paid, they get their percentage!) and get paid the going rate for the job. Use your common sense, if it doesn't feel right.... then it probably isn't. Remember, don't pay any money up front.... Like I have said before... if an agency thinks they can make a percentage out of you, they will invest in you. That is not to say, at some point, you may have to 'invest" a little in yourself.
Q: I have seen an advert for a "model road show" in my local paper, are these OK to go to?
A: Yes and no! There are some genuine road shows that are held around the country... and there are some copy cat road shows as well. Some of the top agencies (such as Storm) do hold road shows at big venues like the NEC in Birmingham. There are plenty of copycat shows out there though. The basic rule is do your homework first.
The copycat road shows usually advertise in local papers or via the internet and the idea is that they get as many people of all ages to attend. They offer a glossy brochure and offer to take your picture (for a fee) and these photos (also for a fee) to be placed in modeling magazines that they say are circulated to modeling agencies, advertising agencies and maybe put on a web site. (you can do the last bit your self for free with some of the modeling sites on line) and you can approach genuine agencies for free yourself.
By all means, go.... it will give you a chance to look round and pick up any information they may offer, but be cautious if they want you to pay for anything.
Q: I have had some pictures on a modeling web site, I have now been contacted by another web site which said if i pay £300, they will include my photos on their site. The web site is (edited out)
A: How fast can you run? I suspect that this is a con. (I have stopped short of saying anything further for legal reasons) I have tried to contact someone from the site, and now the site is not available. One of the big problems is it is easy to start up an anonymous web site and put loads of pictures of girls on the site and claim that they are represented by the people that run the site. They charge you money and just simply put it in their pocket. It costs nothing now to start a web site, and if they only get 100 models to pay £300 each.... not a bad little earner for a few days work!!
As a general rule, if you are contacted by a web site, take a good look around the site, and look for contact information. You need more than an email address, look for a contact address (not a box number) and a land line telephone number. Spend a few pence and write them a letter if you want to the postal address. I have heard from someone that did this, they got a reply from a corner shop, saying that all they sold was newspapers and sweets and someone had used their address, could they please stop writing to them!
(PS... I always put all my contact details on all my paperwork and web sites... it's a pain when it comes to junk mail, but something I am prepared to live with)
Q: I have got my first shoot in a studio coming up...what can I expect?
A: Small question.... but needs a big answer! Take a look at "Photo Shoot" I have tried to walk you through a studio shoot. It's not exact, every shoot is different, but it will give you a good idea of what happens.
Hey...by the way, good luck on your shoot!!!
Q: I have had some photos taken but I am concerned where the photos might be used or the magazines they will be printed in... how can I make sure they don't end up in a lads mag?
A: You should sign a Model Release for all the photos that are taken in each photo shoot. This should detail where the photographer can and cannot use the photos. The model release should ensure where these photos will end up. For example, if you signed a release giving the photographer "Full Rights" they can submit them for publication or for sale anywhere. If you signed a model release that said "Outside UK Only" the photographer should only submit them for sale or publication outside the UK. Again, if the model release stated "For Photographers portfolio and promotion only" then they can only use them in that manner, i.e. on their website or in their printed or electronic portfolio.
It is always a good idea to talk to the photographer first about how and where he/she intends to use the photos from the shoot. Once you have both agreed, he/she should send you a copy of the completed model release a couple of days BEFORE the shoot, so you have chance to read through it and think about what it says and the usage of the photos. If the photographer intends to submit them to "xxxxxxx" magazine for publication, then it should state this on the model release.
For example, for a first shoot, I usually state that "Photos from the shoot are for my portfolio and promotion only and not for commercial gain and the the photos are for the models portfolio and promotion use only and not for commercial gain" By doing this, you know that I can't sell photos from the shoot or use them for anything other than my portfolio or promotion of my business. Likewise, you can only use them for your portfolio or promotion of you as a model and you can't sell them. Remember, I don't want to take photos of you either for TFP/CD or a fixed session fee for you to them go out and make money from them. If you want to sell photos from a session, then as the copyright holder of the photos, I would grant you a licence to use them in a specific way and you would pay for that licence. This is unusual in most modeling and is usually limited to pornographic or fetish images where models make considerable amounts of money selling their photos on specialist web sites and to core magazines.
You need to get to know your photographer and be able to trust them. Define your limits, (see types of modeling) what are you comfortable modeling up to... once you have fixed this in your mind, you will find it easier to decide if the photographer is asking too much in a shoot.
Please note, that model releases and the laws that apply to them differ greatly from country to country. You have greater protection in the USA than Europe, and very little protection in Eastern Europe. Always check the local laws with regards to releases and copyright.
Remember though... once the photos are taken, there is little or no control over what happens next. Your photos 'could' end up in places you didn't expect. Don't do anything you will regret later!
