5 Sins of Models or How to Kill a Professional Relationship

5 Sins of Models or How to Kill a Professional Relationship
- By Bob Hubbard

In reading numerous forums, and talking with models and photographers alike, I’ve come across a few ways models destroy their working relationships with photographers. In this short article I touch on five of them.

Sin #1 : Flaking

Flaking is usually defined as a “No Call, No Show” situation. Flaking however can also take the form of a last minute cancellation, which is often combined with a fictitious excuse. Most photographers will understand when an emergency comes up and gladly reschedule, however this is sometimes combined with additional expense to the photographer. Studio space must be rented, make up and hair experts hired, wardrobe provided, and assistants brought in. All of them must be paid for regardless of the models presence. A last minute cancellation can cost a photographer significantly. Do yourself a favor and don’t miss a scheduled shoot.

Sin #2 : Late Arrival.

One on one shoots are the most common of shoots arranged online. More serious photographers however looking to shoot more involved work will reach out to other professionals such as make up artists, hair stylists, wardrobe experts, body painters and other support staff. When you arrive late, you can put not just your shoot behind schedule, but other photographers shoots as well as other shoots that your photographer might have that day. Professional photographers rely on all of their team to be in place promptly in order to have a smooth shoot. Plan your travel so you arrive on time ready to work. This includes making sure you have proper directions, reliable transportation, bus and plane schedules and tickets, and some pocket money to cover minor travel expenses as needed. Be professional, arrive early.

Sin #3 : Arriving unprepared.

Unless arranged previously, photographers expect their models to arrive ready to work. When you show up, then need a half hour to get ready, this can put a shoot behind schedule. Don’t wait until the night before to assemble any wardrobe, makeup, shoes or accessories you are bringing to a shoot. Double check your list the night before and be sure you have everything you need in your shoot bag before leaving the house.

Sin #4 : Constant Cell Phone Use.

Few things bother me more than when I work with models who need to pause every few minutes to answer a phone, or check a text message. You are there to do a job, not socialize. Call or text your contact when you arrive, periodically check in with them, and let them know when you are done. The rest can wait. I’ll cut a shoot short if I’m being constantly interrupted by excessive cell phone use. Be a professional, respect the job and the photographer and put the phone down for a bit.

Sin #5 : Editing the Images

Photographers will often give you digital images for use in your ports. Unless you have written approval to modify them, don’t. Most photographers will be quite unhappy with models who “fix” their work. If you are unhappy with how a photographer has edited a shot, you should discuss it with them in a professional manner. Don’t just change it and think it’s ok. It’s not. If you get a reputation as someone who doesn’t respect the photographers you work with, you will find the pool of photographers willing to work with you shrinking. Ask, be polite, express your concerns and work with the photographer. You’ll find most appreciate the feedback and will work with you to showcase both your work at it’s best. In the rare case where you find resistance, it’s best to let it go and be more selective in the future. Better to lose 1 image, than gain a reputation and lose out on working with better shooters who can take you farther in your modeling career.

I hope these five tips help you improve your net presence and gain more serious work offers. I’m well aware that these sins are not just a model issue, and that photographers also err. But, the focus here is on helping the model. I’ll pick on photographers in another article. There are of course many more tips than these, and all can be expanded on, but this is a short article. Good luck, and lets shoot!

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Bob Hubbard is a professional photographer specializing in martial arts event, nature and portrait photography. Bob’s photography can be found at bobhubbardphotography.com and his martial arts photography at martialphotos.com. He may be reached through these sites.
Copyright © 2010 – Bob Hubbard – All Rights Reserved
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