As a model you may work with a team of stylists as well as a photographer on a photoshoot. You may be working with them as a model who is being paid to fit a certain look or create a certain look, this look and style may be defined by the client. You may not have a styling team but still be employed by a photographer to fit his vision. In both of these situations you will more than likely be told what you will need to wear and how your hair and make-up should look. As a model your job is to bring a vision to life. If it is a private booking by a photographer then you may be able to have a small in put - as long as your vision matches that of the person hiring you.
The photoshoot may be on a TF* basis, whereby nobody is getting paid. This usually means that everyone involved will have some kind of say on what they would like to get from the shoot. In this case you can put your ideas forward to the photographer and styling team, if there is one, and hopefully get some great images that will benefit all involved.
The other scenario is that you want to update your portfolio and you are paying a photographer whose work you like and you have also booked a make-up artist and hairstylist (if hair and make-up is not included in your portfolio package). In this instance the photographer and stylists are your employees and they have to fulfil your vision. As professionals they will often give their own opinion and advice and you should definitely take this on board. You booked them due to the fact that you like their work, so you should respect their experience and opinions on what may work best for you.
If you are being paid to fulfil a role you may not have a say on the overall look, however you should still state if there is something you are not comfortable doing. For example, if you are booked on a shoot and you do not do nude work of any form but when you are there the client says you will be required to shoot nude, if it has been made clear that you do not shoot to that level then you are within your rights not to continue the shoot. Also, if you were booked via an agent or if your online profile clearly states your levels you can refuse to shoot. This does not mean that if levels were not previously discussed that you have to do what ever the client says, you don't. You should only ever work to the levels you are comfortable with. No matter what.
If the shoot is a TF* or a portfolio then you are likely to have a lot of control over the outcome of the shoot. In order to plan a shoot you will need to discuss:
- Levels - do you want to shoot to implied, topless, nude or merely fashion?
- Style - are you looking for high end fashion or classic glamour? Do you want something that is totally different to anything else you have?
- Styling - will it be lingerie, swimwear, natural looking, big hair, lots of make-up etc?
- Location - studio, on location, hotel or other? Never shoot somewhere that makes you feel uncomfortable or never agree to a shoot if the location can not be decided. Your safety is of the utmost importance.
- Date and time
- What props you may need to take.
- How many images you will receive from the shoot. Will they be on CD or Printed and will they be retouched? Will they be in high-res or low-res?
- What will the images be used for? It is very important to discuss this - if you do a TF* shoot then someone goes on to sell the images and you are not given a percentage of the earnings you may have a case for a claim.
- How long will you have to wait for the images?
- Any images you have that you want to take inspiration from or emulate.
In the case of a TF* shoot it is advisable to get all parties to sign a model release form stating where the images will be used and what for. In all instances it is always worthwhile getting everything in writing. That way you know where you stand and if anyone disagrees you have backup.
As with everything you should always do everything you can to remain safe. You can find safety tips in our advice section.
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