Safety in Freelance Modeling is priority one!

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When you are bringing someone there as a safety precaution, please convey to them that they are only there for that. They are not there to direct, interject, or assist with the shoot unless asked for. A lot of people have not told the photographer who they are bringing and they end up calling the shoot short due to disruptions and comments made by the other person. Tell your safety person what you are shooting beforehand. That way there are No surprises when the shoot commences. Again, communication is key to make a shoot a smooth success.

Checking Out References

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References need to be checked when working with a new photographer. You need to know who you are working with. Also, to make sure that they have the reputation that they have given to you in the beginning. If you are unsure of shooting with someone, ask questions. Communicate. If you need to, cancel the shoot but, convey the reasons as a professional.  Perception.  People can always make fake emails but, also get phone numbers for former models. And at all shoots, take someone to be there on your behalf.

To learn more about how MBC can help guide you in your freelance career visit our Features & Benefits of  Model Boot Camp page.

Freelance Modeling is a Fluid Business

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Modeling is a fluid business. With the rash of no shows and no calls that have been happening on both side of the camera, it is imperative that the role of communication is open to make sure that everyone is on the same page. Make sure you have actual contact information on the other party. Don’t rely on messenger or texts. Make that call and confirm the time and place. If you have to cancel, please give as much notice as possible as you want them to be able to fill that spot that you are not able to. It is the professional thing to do.

To learn more about how MBC can help guide you in your freelance career visit our Welcome to Model Boot Camp introduction

MBC Vendors

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My Modeling Boot Camp has a variety of vendors that are available to assist you in getting you the look that you are wanting for your shoot. From basic wardrobe to skincare for your red-carpet event. Ask them about how they can tailor their products and services for you!

To learn more about becoming a vendor click here and be sure to look over the current vendors, available here.

Overbooking

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It happens. We try to work with everyone and then the shoot either runs longer, traffic, and everything else happens. The next assignment is furious! I actually got burned on this two times and then decided that I was never going to book two assignments in a day. Not just because my look was not going to be as fresh as it was at 6 am but, that I would have someone waiting.
The courtesy of this is to only book one shoot or to leave enough time to have ample buffer for the next assignment. And also let the first assignment know when you need to leave.

Communication is everything. You need to be honest with yourself and with each team on whether you can actually pull off several shoots in a day. And still look amazing. Also to look rested. Be professional in this. If it is not feasible, then move around the schedule so that it is. They will thank you for it!!

Never Work With

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I hear this a lot. I see the screen shots and it is a little funny in some cases. I know that there is text that comes across the wrong way. It happens. But honestly, some people just want to argue, debate, and have the last word. If you are not going to work with someone, just say that, and move on. It really is that simple.

Unless this is a predator, scammer, or fraud, you don’t know that this person is really someone to spread the word not to work with. You can give someone insight but, unless you have firsthand accounts on things, you better just steer clear. Assemble the facts for presentation. Make sure you have all of them before making this sort of post or call out. You never know if they might try to go after you for slander or libel.

What is in the Name?

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Your modeling name and your stage name. Which name do you go with? It has to be one that you will stick with. You are branding yourself to photographers and agencies. How will they present you to potentials? And what name will you answer to?

The big thing is not to link your professional modeling life to your home life. Unless you want everyone to know who your friends are, when you are going on vacation, and all of that personal stuff. It is best for you not to have them friended by your modeling community. If you have worked it correctly most will understand why you are doing that. You have to be professional on whatever profile you use for your modeling. No one will hire you if you are going on rant after rant after rant. This is only the basis for a reality show.

TFP and the stigma with that type of shoot

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There is a misconception about who works and who does not with a TFP shoot. I am amazed at how many people get offended when someone who has posted about a TFP shoot will not work with someone else. Again a TFP has to be beneficial to both parties. Not just one. If you are a model or a photographer, this can be to your benefit or not. You need to make sure that you are one wither getting the education that you need to perfect your craft. Or to get the images that you can use to help your portfolio attract more clients.

The issue I hear about most is that the number of images and hours into the shoot are not communicated very well.  If you are not going to have this in writing beforehand, there really is no reason for you to go into a shoot with false expectations. The also misconception is whether you would be getting raw or edited images.  Make sure this is also out in writing. Manipulation to images after they are edited is a huge rule that this not easily forgiven.

The chaperone/safety debate

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It has been going on for years, who says that there are not to be chaperones and why can’t I bring someone? I always have brought someone to my freelance assignments.  I just wanted to feel comfortable, safe and honestly, I didn’t want to drive. I could relax going and coming back from my shoot. It was simple.

Now in this day and age where people are always pretending to not be who they say that they say that they are, you wonder. When or did the chaperone become taboo? Did we make it that way so we don’t have to address the current issue of having or accepting one?

Taking it to the limit?

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It is one thing that in modeling you hear very often. You hear about limits being pushed. You hear about condescending, suggestive, and interesting comments being made during a shoot. This is one avenue that I find gets pushed as the shoot progresses.

A photographer might say “Let’s try this.” In some cases it is very innocent and it is something that maybe a new photographer might want to try. There has to be pre-planning to any photo shoot. How else will you know what to bring to wear? How will you know how to do your makeup or hair? Rolling with the punches at a shoot, I have found in some cases just wastes time. The more time that is wasted then the more time that the model has to get tired. Even if a model is shooting all day, if the model is not resting or getting the looks refreshed…Then the images show it in the long run. Then the complaints from the photographer about having to do so much editing come in.

The other issue that always needs to be addressed but sometimes is not talked about is where are the images going? If it is a paid shoot, there should be a models release and a contract. Even if it is TFP, there needs to be some parameters on the usage.

Limits are there to protect each other. You never want to hear about a model who has been pushed to her limit and then had to quit modeling from that experience. It happens too often. If a photographer wants to try something that is past your current comfort zone, talk with that photographer and ask about how you can schedule a shoot for that theme. Easing into it and not rushing into it possibly will assist in the outcome of the images. Again communication is key.