WORKING TOGETHER...

Working Together…

Is it all about you?? Think again.

There is a special relationship between the model and photographer. Whether the model or photographer has little experience or is a working pro there should be an element of “comfort”. The photographer has many different technical and creative challenges when photographing a model, so the model shouldn’t expect miracles based solely upon leaving everything up to the photographer. The model needs to do more than just stand, sit, or expect constant guidance from the photographer. There should be fluency from both model and photographer, so both parties need to work together.

If the opportunity is available to actually meet the photographer before the actual scheduled photo-shoot…take advantage of it because it allows you to get a feel for what the photographer may be expecting, as well as giving the photographer a sense of your experience via your portfolio. There is not always a chance to meet before a shoot, but just as many models have online portfolios…so do photographers, so you can check out their work and their experience that way.

Part of a photographer’s job is to assist the model in looking their best. It’s not just about only having “nice” pictures to show friends and family…modeling is a business. “Their Best” is however they need to look to book future jobs. The model’s portfolio should be made for ALL of the model’s prospective clients. So, beyond a photographer needing to have the technical skills to master the art of photographing a model, they also need to have the vision and personal skills of offering direction to the model to enhance their poses.

New models often rely on the photographer to guide them into their poses and even experienced models rely on the photographer to maximize their best assets and minimize their flaws. Photographers tend to be “visual” people, so they not only have a concept in their mind, but need to communicate their vision to the model. Not always easy. Sometimes the model understands…while sometimes there is a lack of skill or communication. Regardless, the less frustrated that the photographer gets when they are not getting the result they want…the more likely they will be at assisting the model in achieving “their vision”…or something a little closer. If the model senses that they are doing poorly it can hinder their creativity, too, so at that point…professionally assess what can be done to step up the session and have a positive outcome. (Do this job because you like it most of the time…if not, find another job.)

Stylists can enhance the photo shoot, as well as provide the most professional outcome. They are a team of make-up artists, hairdressers, & photo stylists that work with the photographer and model to achieve that goal that the clients want. Different clients want different looks, so when a model is building a portfolio they want to have the types of photographs that will help them look their best for those prospective clients. This is where a professional team works together and when the results are fantastic…all can receive credit. Not every experience is “fantastic”, but everyone should keep it professional and offer their best work because their name is their individual business reputation.
Word travels through the industry and your reputation is part of your business whether you are a model, photographer, stylist, etc. Pleasing the client is crucial, so always keep in mind who you are working for and keep that vision in mind.