I should warn you all that I can be vulgar. Just ask anyone that knows me... oh wait, this is the internet... ;x
Okay so what is modelling? There are a few different "types" but let's break it down to the simple stuff.
Shoots versus Shows.
Shoots:
For shoots you tend to be planted in front of a photographer for the most part, be it on set, location, at a studio, in a forest, up in a tree, who knows. But you don't tend to have to do too much movement ie: walking all over the place and strutting your stuff.
Shoots tend to be more relaxed, commercial or otherwise, simply because you have more time, less of a schedule. This isn't always the case as some photographers need to shoot something really quickly, but for the most part you can goof off and have a little fun. You're supposed to feel comfortable, relaxed, etc. The idea behind this is that you will be more comfortable and ready to work with people and give them what they want (I'll discuss this in particular in a later post). You have time to chat with people, be social, make important connections, have a snack, etc. Again: comfort. Yay!
Because you're posing you can ask for a break if you need one. And it's totally okay to need a break. It's also perfectly fine to ask for one since sometimes photographers get a little too into what they're doing and as such, forget to take a break themselves! So if your feet are getting tired or your stomach is rumbling (or you need a jolt of caffeine), be polite and ask if you can take a break. It'll do you better than thinking you have to shoot for 3+ hours straight without a break. That shit is killer.
Shoots don't always but will typically involve a makeup touch up (almost always lips) and the occasional wardrobe change. If you are going to be shooting outdoors, be prepared! Bring a summer dress or something that you can pull pants/a skirt/dress/whatever up underneath of and then take off easily to put whatever top on. If you're not outdoors or in a space with no change room then yay! You get to change in privacy with no one trying to sneak a peak at your bum! (YAY!)
It's also important to hydrate during a shoot so bring a large (1L) bottle of water with you. Avoid drinking pop as it can make you bloat. Be sure to take a water break or keep your bottle just out of frame, where you can reach, so you can drink as needed. If you're on set and it's dangerous/unwise/the photographer would rather you didn't (for whatever reason be it wires or reflection of light) just ask if they/their assistant can bring it to you.
Now, posing. Most aspiring models will watch things like America's Next Top Model and the like. What they don't show you is what posing is really like. You don't just start out crazy, especially not when you're new. You start out slow. Look at magazines (ELLE and Vogue are great for this) and check out the commercial (Prada, YSL, Ralph Lauren) spreads to see that the models are doing. Are they standing or sitting? Usually the photographer will direct you (at least a bit) for the shot, be it making you stand, sit, lay down. Beyond that it's rare that a photographer has an exact idea of what he wants (if he does: GREAT!) so you'll get to play around a bit. Start by moving one arm. Try it in different positions. Try the other in the same or similar positions. Move your legs, try things out. The photographer will usually tell you if something looks great and to hold it or if something looks terrible and to change it up. (There will be a detailed post about posing at a later date, I promise!)
I will discuss a bunch of things in my shoot etiquette post that are relevant to all of this but this is the basic gist of what a shoot is about.
Shows:
These are usually more about moving, showing off, strutting around. This means catwalks, car shows, events, etc. Sometimes (most of the time) there are photographers at these events so you have to be conscious of what you're doing and posing appropriately, while walking (Sounds like drinking a slushie and running at the same time... ).
You're on your feet, moving around, and people are looking at you. You have to smile, be happy and have a light bounce in your step. You are there to sell something, not just act as a glorified hanger. If you are strutting a catwalk: breathe, prepare yourself right before you go on. Relax, smile and have fun! And for some runway shows you'll even be allowed to throw a little something extra in there, be it a heel kick as your leaving the stage, blowing a kiss to the audience or shaking your ass. It's all up to the organizer/designer.
If you're walking through a crowd it's your job to smile, be polite, and sometimes you'll even have to talk about what you're wearing. Familiarize yourself with what you're wearing. Is it a specific type of dress? Is the color special for some reason? What makes it unique? Who is the designer? Is he or she from your area? And by the way, don't you just LOVE what you're wearing? Isn't it the coolest, most comfortable thing you've ever put on? It's not your job to be critical of the design, even if you think it's utter shit you have to learn to talk it up, pull shit out of your ass if you have to, and be pleasant (Sounds harsh, I'm sure, but you signed up for it!).
You also have to think about how you're standing/posing/walking. If there's a photographer, pose at the end of the runway, plan it out first so that it goes off smoothly. Be sure to show off the features of the garment (I'll write about this too!). It's about selling what you're wearing, to the audience, making them want what you're wearing.
Often times you will be in charge of your own shoes. If you are asked to bring your own I suggest packing two pairs (unless you're told otherwise): a nude or white pair AND a plain black pair. Plain black means no stripes, print, nothing. No sparkles, sequins, rhinestones, bedazzling, etc. PLAIN. They can be shiny or matte but cannot be adorned in any other way. These are industry standards and you will eventually need to buy a pair if you're serious about modelling. IF you are given shoes, be sure to give your exact size (I tell people a European 39) and if you're a half-size and they can't get you one you have to decide if you want to round up or down. If you are wearing the shoes for 30 seconds on the runway: down she goes! You will want to squeeze your toes in so they don't fall off while you're walking (and you won't be suffering for long). If you are walking around all night I suggest rounding up. You can put padding, cushions of tissue in the toe of most shoes OR you can use industrial grade double-sided tape to tape your feet into the shoes. This way you won't have crushed toes from walking around for an hour but you won't be tripping and falling on your ass (very, very important ).
You will be asked to arrive at a certain time and you should always aim to be 15 minutes early. ALWAYS. Even though you'll likely end up waiting an hour or more, you need to be there so that they can make sure you're going to show up and that they don't need to make any last minute alterations. While you're waiting for things to start you should be quietly sitting out of the way. I suggest bringing a book, your phone (and charger!) or something else small and easy to tuck away quickly (Game Boys are great for this...). You should also bring a few snacks but nothing that can stain what you're wearing or make a mess (no raspberries or crumbly muffins!) because you'll likely get hungry while you're there. Also bring a large bottle of water as you will need to stay hydrated. Do not rely on these things to be provided for you as they won't always be and if you end up without them well... it'll suck.
I think that just about covers roughly what shows and shoots are like. If you have any questions feel free to message me!
Now, for something a little fun. I find that a lot of models don't know how to do their own basic makeup (or even crazy stuff!) so every once in a while I will post tutorial videos from Youtube that I find to be really helpful!
I love Michelle Phan's videos and so here's one on how to create a lovely smokey eye.
So lovelies, be safe, be smart and be awesome!
-Nicola Sasky
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