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My Modelling Advice
Thanks Libbs, Ren and others:)
Some more...sorry if some of this is really really basic....!! Just trying to help ppl starting out or curious!
A successful shoot comes from recognising the symbiotic relationship between model photographer. He/she needs you, without you, there is no shot. Similarly you need the photographer! A shoot where you come in feeling sub subsurviant and over awed by the photographer, will not produce great results. There needs to be some bonding between the two, even if at a subliminal level. People like Mario get such wonderful shots, not just because they are great photographers, but they can relate to and make their subject feel liberated and loving the shoot. Don't feel that you are some commodity that has to just stand there like a mannequin. A successful model is one that comes alive on a shoot and afterwards leaves an impression not just in the camera but in the photographers head. Don't try and force it and flirt or be overly friendly and chatty. Do though really look the photographer in the eye, engage him/her. Smile a genuine happy smile a lot. Put your mobile on silent. Don't slump, yawn, switch off during pauses. When the photographer is messing with his equipment or bent over the PC, know that what he is doing is for you as well as him. Getting the lighting and exposure right is key to a good shoot and if that takes some time, be alive and interested in it all and don't just flop and look miserable. In breaks just drink water, even if you are cold, don't take hot drinks like coffee in case your skin flushes or you perspire. Eat before you go to a shoot. Although you may see others doing it, don't get into a habit of taking a drink or something else before shoot to make you feel more relaxed and alive- bad- very bad!! Things to take for a shoot are, directions and contact number, water, pain killers (for headache/period pains etc), breath freshener, anti-perspirant, small mirror, fone, face wipes, baby wipes, your own flesh thong/knickers in case required, your comp card/ID, pen and some energy foods, but don't take all of your cash and credit cards (some times you will have to leave your day clothes and belongings in a locker or more usually on a table or the floor) and don't go wearing your prized jewelry, even rings as you may have to take them off. If you are not with an agency but going to a shoot you have set up, make sure someone else knows where you are going.
I tend to catagorgise shoots into 3 types. "The Freeze", "The Dynamic", "The In motion".
"The Freeze" Some shots, especially with products or detailed props, can require one to hold a very fixed and precise position. Let the director get you into that position and then be prepared to hold you body exactly as they want it for ages and ages and ages until you are almost dying! I really recommend Pilates and Yoga for any model. You need flexibility and strength and the ability to hold a position without quivering and collapsing! You will earn kudos and call backs if you can hold without whimpering, some positions for a long time. Remember though that in this "freeze" situation, your face is key. The eyes and the mouth are a great proportion of any shot. Your face needs to be alive and portraying the look/emotion that is required. Don't let your face and brain freeze! Breathing can affect how the shot looks if you breathe too deeply and also you may end up hyperventilating. Like a rifle shooter, you should be able to calm your breathing and heart rate to get the perfect still shot. So Pilates/Yoga breathing- all important. It comes naturally to some, others need to work at it. Don't be a foolish hero, if you feel pins and needles or you get desperate for a pee, say so! I once tried to hang on but the photographer simply said that I looked as if I needed a pee lol
"The Dynamic". This is the usual type of shoot where the basic genre of the shoot is explained and the photographer/director will tell you what to do for a start but then around each theme/position you as the model have to "work it". Modelling is not about taking up one pose and two shots being taken then off home. Modelling nowadays with digital SLRs is about shooting many many frames. As a model you have to work really hard improvising around the theme and be moving every couple of seconds subtly changing posture and look, holding then moving again and it's very VERY hard work some days. They may shoot 200 or more frames in the expectation of 4 or 5 being stunners. The photographer is wanting you to vary everything in the hope that there will be a couple of magical shots. The more one moves body and expression, the more chance there is of nailing "the" shot. A photographer wants to maximise the chances of getting "the shot" by you being as varied as you can be around the central theme. Keep it moving, new look, hold, new look hold, don't wait for him to tell you to move, he will soon shout for you to hold or tell you that's great when you hit a sweet spot. This is what working a shot is all about and it takes a great deal of stamina and a love of the work. You have to feel it in you and not try and push it, fake it or you will quickly become tired and pissed off and it will show through the lens. The best trick it to forget the setting and the hard work of it all and just lose yourself, imagine you are on a beach and have just had cocktails and the sun is setting you are feeling "hot" lol. What one feels on the inside, shows through on the outside. If you let a shoot make you feel tired and fed up and you just want it to end, or the feedback is getting bad, just move out of that setting in your head and get to the beach head:) It really helps if one has done drama/dance. So be fit, have stamina, love the work, feel the passion, exude life and sensuality, connect with the photographer, work it all of the time he needs you to, don't wilt, keep moving, keep it fluid and upbeat. If you are new to modelling get a friend and a dig cam and practice, working through over 300 shots and get to know how to move and look and what works and what just looks silly. Every new model should experiment a great deal and use down time not to mope around fashion mags all day but to get to know themselves and their range and develop that confidence and breadth of poses and looks to meet any challenge that may arise.
Got to run, more another day.
Alicia
xx
Some more...sorry if some of this is really really basic....!! Just trying to help ppl starting out or curious!
A successful shoot comes from recognising the symbiotic relationship between model photographer. He/she needs you, without you, there is no shot. Similarly you need the photographer! A shoot where you come in feeling sub subsurviant and over awed by the photographer, will not produce great results. There needs to be some bonding between the two, even if at a subliminal level. People like Mario get such wonderful shots, not just because they are great photographers, but they can relate to and make their subject feel liberated and loving the shoot. Don't feel that you are some commodity that has to just stand there like a mannequin. A successful model is one that comes alive on a shoot and afterwards leaves an impression not just in the camera but in the photographers head. Don't try and force it and flirt or be overly friendly and chatty. Do though really look the photographer in the eye, engage him/her. Smile a genuine happy smile a lot. Put your mobile on silent. Don't slump, yawn, switch off during pauses. When the photographer is messing with his equipment or bent over the PC, know that what he is doing is for you as well as him. Getting the lighting and exposure right is key to a good shoot and if that takes some time, be alive and interested in it all and don't just flop and look miserable. In breaks just drink water, even if you are cold, don't take hot drinks like coffee in case your skin flushes or you perspire. Eat before you go to a shoot. Although you may see others doing it, don't get into a habit of taking a drink or something else before shoot to make you feel more relaxed and alive- bad- very bad!! Things to take for a shoot are, directions and contact number, water, pain killers (for headache/period pains etc), breath freshener, anti-perspirant, small mirror, fone, face wipes, baby wipes, your own flesh thong/knickers in case required, your comp card/ID, pen and some energy foods, but don't take all of your cash and credit cards (some times you will have to leave your day clothes and belongings in a locker or more usually on a table or the floor) and don't go wearing your prized jewelry, even rings as you may have to take them off. If you are not with an agency but going to a shoot you have set up, make sure someone else knows where you are going.
I tend to catagorgise shoots into 3 types. "The Freeze", "The Dynamic", "The In motion".
"The Freeze" Some shots, especially with products or detailed props, can require one to hold a very fixed and precise position. Let the director get you into that position and then be prepared to hold you body exactly as they want it for ages and ages and ages until you are almost dying! I really recommend Pilates and Yoga for any model. You need flexibility and strength and the ability to hold a position without quivering and collapsing! You will earn kudos and call backs if you can hold without whimpering, some positions for a long time. Remember though that in this "freeze" situation, your face is key. The eyes and the mouth are a great proportion of any shot. Your face needs to be alive and portraying the look/emotion that is required. Don't let your face and brain freeze! Breathing can affect how the shot looks if you breathe too deeply and also you may end up hyperventilating. Like a rifle shooter, you should be able to calm your breathing and heart rate to get the perfect still shot. So Pilates/Yoga breathing- all important. It comes naturally to some, others need to work at it. Don't be a foolish hero, if you feel pins and needles or you get desperate for a pee, say so! I once tried to hang on but the photographer simply said that I looked as if I needed a pee lol
"The Dynamic". This is the usual type of shoot where the basic genre of the shoot is explained and the photographer/director will tell you what to do for a start but then around each theme/position you as the model have to "work it". Modelling is not about taking up one pose and two shots being taken then off home. Modelling nowadays with digital SLRs is about shooting many many frames. As a model you have to work really hard improvising around the theme and be moving every couple of seconds subtly changing posture and look, holding then moving again and it's very VERY hard work some days. They may shoot 200 or more frames in the expectation of 4 or 5 being stunners. The photographer is wanting you to vary everything in the hope that there will be a couple of magical shots. The more one moves body and expression, the more chance there is of nailing "the" shot. A photographer wants to maximise the chances of getting "the shot" by you being as varied as you can be around the central theme. Keep it moving, new look, hold, new look hold, don't wait for him to tell you to move, he will soon shout for you to hold or tell you that's great when you hit a sweet spot. This is what working a shot is all about and it takes a great deal of stamina and a love of the work. You have to feel it in you and not try and push it, fake it or you will quickly become tired and pissed off and it will show through the lens. The best trick it to forget the setting and the hard work of it all and just lose yourself, imagine you are on a beach and have just had cocktails and the sun is setting you are feeling "hot" lol. What one feels on the inside, shows through on the outside. If you let a shoot make you feel tired and fed up and you just want it to end, or the feedback is getting bad, just move out of that setting in your head and get to the beach head:) It really helps if one has done drama/dance. So be fit, have stamina, love the work, feel the passion, exude life and sensuality, connect with the photographer, work it all of the time he needs you to, don't wilt, keep moving, keep it fluid and upbeat. If you are new to modelling get a friend and a dig cam and practice, working through over 300 shots and get to know how to move and look and what works and what just looks silly. Every new model should experiment a great deal and use down time not to mope around fashion mags all day but to get to know themselves and their range and develop that confidence and breadth of poses and looks to meet any challenge that may arise.
Got to run, more another day.
Alicia
xx
more..
Profile/Portfolio Pics
The shots you have in any on line profile/portfolio are part of your entry ticket to securing work. In some cases they will be all that a prospective client will have to form an instant judgement whether to look further into asking you to come for a casting. It is critically important to make these shots as good a possible. Some tips from me:
They should be very very varied. This is your opportunity to sell your range, let the client see how many genres you can fit into, let the client see as much of who you really are. Let the client see successful work you have already done. Avoid any two shots that look the same, it is a waste of a shot.
There are no set rules but my advice for generally modelling would be to have one close portrait, not a bland smiley high street shot but a really good mood/edgy look and ensure you look perfect and stunning. If you have amazing eyes then use them and stare straight into the lens with them. Then one body shot so the client can see what kind of a body you have- avoid a cheesy standing up bikini smiley pose and make sure the lighting is correct as mentioned before. You need to look hot but not cheesy and glamoured. You are aiming for a class shot that shows off your body in a stunning way. Then one sophisticated dress, jewellery shot, maybe laughing in mid twirl or something that exudes sophistication and style and life. Then one really edgy, either in look, lighting, pose, angle, something that gives a wow factor and shows you can think and do more than just stand and be photographed. Some can be full body distance some should be really close and cropped and in the viewers face. Make sure the perspective of the shot is what you want by using the right focal length, distance and shot angle.
Avoid cheesy poses. I know I have said that before but so important. Avoid the Myspace bend forward look, the hand on hip bikini look, the awkward I don't know what I am doing look.
Avoid topless etc unless that is the sole market you are after, The shots should be sensual for sure but not tacky.
Expression. Don't have the same expression in each shot. Change your mouth and eyes. Bookers get really bored seeing the same expression on a prospective models face in shot after shot. It does you no favours. So much can be conveyed about you and what you can do, by showing a wide range of expressions. The role of the mouth and eyes in modelling is so extremely important. It's wonderful to see great variety and depth in a model's look. Expression is key.
Quality. Any shot should be technically good. Doesn't have to be with an expensive camera but has to be good in terms of reasonable resolution, framing, lighting, exposure, shadows, free from other objects in the frame that should not be there.
Aim to have shots that grab the eye and make people want to look more, avoid the bland.
By the way I though hangovers only lasted one day. This one is still killing me:(
Alicia
xx
PS if you are sending in pics to an agency on their on line submission system, do "excatly" as they request for the shots, By all means also send in some different ones from your portfolio as well but if they ask for plain no make up straight head shot, then give it to them - but also send or reference any on line portfolio you may have so they can look further.
Profile/Portfolio Pics
The shots you have in any on line profile/portfolio are part of your entry ticket to securing work. In some cases they will be all that a prospective client will have to form an instant judgement whether to look further into asking you to come for a casting. It is critically important to make these shots as good a possible. Some tips from me:
They should be very very varied. This is your opportunity to sell your range, let the client see how many genres you can fit into, let the client see as much of who you really are. Let the client see successful work you have already done. Avoid any two shots that look the same, it is a waste of a shot.
There are no set rules but my advice for generally modelling would be to have one close portrait, not a bland smiley high street shot but a really good mood/edgy look and ensure you look perfect and stunning. If you have amazing eyes then use them and stare straight into the lens with them. Then one body shot so the client can see what kind of a body you have- avoid a cheesy standing up bikini smiley pose and make sure the lighting is correct as mentioned before. You need to look hot but not cheesy and glamoured. You are aiming for a class shot that shows off your body in a stunning way. Then one sophisticated dress, jewellery shot, maybe laughing in mid twirl or something that exudes sophistication and style and life. Then one really edgy, either in look, lighting, pose, angle, something that gives a wow factor and shows you can think and do more than just stand and be photographed. Some can be full body distance some should be really close and cropped and in the viewers face. Make sure the perspective of the shot is what you want by using the right focal length, distance and shot angle.
Avoid cheesy poses. I know I have said that before but so important. Avoid the Myspace bend forward look, the hand on hip bikini look, the awkward I don't know what I am doing look.
Avoid topless etc unless that is the sole market you are after, The shots should be sensual for sure but not tacky.
Expression. Don't have the same expression in each shot. Change your mouth and eyes. Bookers get really bored seeing the same expression on a prospective models face in shot after shot. It does you no favours. So much can be conveyed about you and what you can do, by showing a wide range of expressions. The role of the mouth and eyes in modelling is so extremely important. It's wonderful to see great variety and depth in a model's look. Expression is key.
Quality. Any shot should be technically good. Doesn't have to be with an expensive camera but has to be good in terms of reasonable resolution, framing, lighting, exposure, shadows, free from other objects in the frame that should not be there.
Aim to have shots that grab the eye and make people want to look more, avoid the bland.
By the way I though hangovers only lasted one day. This one is still killing me:(
Alicia
xx
PS if you are sending in pics to an agency on their on line submission system, do "excatly" as they request for the shots, By all means also send in some different ones from your portfolio as well but if they ask for plain no make up straight head shot, then give it to them - but also send or reference any on line portfolio you may have so they can look further.
and more..
Runway work. Some hard facts and my advice
To some extent out in a league of it's own in modelling. Some ppl may be great at studio and location work but useless at runway. As mentioned before, to be a top runway model you just have to be 5 9 or over. Kate Moss is very much the exception.
There is no "right" way to walk but probably thousands of wrong ways and some ppl are naturals, some can learn, some can never learn! If you are not sure about your walk get it checked out by someone who really knows. Don't learn from watching FTV etc as even on there, there are some awful walks. It's possible to write pages on walks so maybe here I will just give my brief thoughts. I am not the best person to give advice here though; there is someone on here maybe unbeknown to most that is soooo good!
But anyway some thoughts from me..
Find out whether you are required to do, a bland neutral walk, an attitude walk, sexy walk etc and become familiar with these different walking styles, there are many ways to walk down a runway and each show will require a certain style, you need to be adaptable.
Some general donts though are:
Don't cross one foot in front of the other
Don't horse trot
Don't look down
Don't go too slow
Don't rush it
Don't rush or underplay the stop and turn if one is called for, make the most of it
Don't get ruffled if a garment or shoe slips. One day somewhere your breast is going pop out, one day a shoe will fall off- that's life, smile a small smile and carry on.
Don't start with your look and walk too late, start it in the wings so as you appear you are in the scene. Also when returning keep the walk, style until well out of view. Then rush lol
Don't get into the habit of needing lots of drink or other things to help with nerves
Some do's:
Get there for any rehearsals and listen and learn what is wanted for that particular show
Get there early for the show and get to make up in good time.
Be organised!! Make sure that your area is organised and you work smoothly with the dressers. Changes should be well planned out and very carefully organised. It is very much like a pit stop in a race. Backstage should be really planned and ready for you and when you come off and need to change, it should be all action.
Learn to change very quickly and calmly. Forget any thoughts of modesty- the requirement is to get a change done in minimum time. You will end up naked in front of everyone else quite often but just get on with it and don't waste precious time trying to be prissy. Work efficiently with the dressers, if they think the quickest way is to plonk you on the floor and pull off your boots and jeans, let them do it!
As the show progresses be aware of what is going on, don't become insular, listen for your calls, don't run and cause chaos. If behind another girl don't step on her or all hell will break loose!!!
Time going for a pee very well!!!
As soon as you get out there- give it what it needs, no half bored performances. Ppl will be looking, future bookings depend on it, your pics will capture any inner feeling you have so make it a good feeling. Remember your instructions and the theme of the show and do it as they want, not your own version of what you think would be good!
Although never look down, equally look where you are going and don't trip or even walk off the side lol (yes it has been done!)
If you all come out at the end with the designer and there is clapping -CLAP!
Network and do a good clean professional job and you will get re booked:)
Alicia
xx
Runway work. Some hard facts and my advice
To some extent out in a league of it's own in modelling. Some ppl may be great at studio and location work but useless at runway. As mentioned before, to be a top runway model you just have to be 5 9 or over. Kate Moss is very much the exception.
There is no "right" way to walk but probably thousands of wrong ways and some ppl are naturals, some can learn, some can never learn! If you are not sure about your walk get it checked out by someone who really knows. Don't learn from watching FTV etc as even on there, there are some awful walks. It's possible to write pages on walks so maybe here I will just give my brief thoughts. I am not the best person to give advice here though; there is someone on here maybe unbeknown to most that is soooo good!
But anyway some thoughts from me..
Find out whether you are required to do, a bland neutral walk, an attitude walk, sexy walk etc and become familiar with these different walking styles, there are many ways to walk down a runway and each show will require a certain style, you need to be adaptable.
Some general donts though are:
Don't cross one foot in front of the other
Don't horse trot
Don't look down
Don't go too slow
Don't rush it
Don't rush or underplay the stop and turn if one is called for, make the most of it
Don't get ruffled if a garment or shoe slips. One day somewhere your breast is going pop out, one day a shoe will fall off- that's life, smile a small smile and carry on.
Don't start with your look and walk too late, start it in the wings so as you appear you are in the scene. Also when returning keep the walk, style until well out of view. Then rush lol
Don't get into the habit of needing lots of drink or other things to help with nerves
Some do's:
Get there for any rehearsals and listen and learn what is wanted for that particular show
Get there early for the show and get to make up in good time.
Be organised!! Make sure that your area is organised and you work smoothly with the dressers. Changes should be well planned out and very carefully organised. It is very much like a pit stop in a race. Backstage should be really planned and ready for you and when you come off and need to change, it should be all action.
Learn to change very quickly and calmly. Forget any thoughts of modesty- the requirement is to get a change done in minimum time. You will end up naked in front of everyone else quite often but just get on with it and don't waste precious time trying to be prissy. Work efficiently with the dressers, if they think the quickest way is to plonk you on the floor and pull off your boots and jeans, let them do it!
As the show progresses be aware of what is going on, don't become insular, listen for your calls, don't run and cause chaos. If behind another girl don't step on her or all hell will break loose!!!
Time going for a pee very well!!!
As soon as you get out there- give it what it needs, no half bored performances. Ppl will be looking, future bookings depend on it, your pics will capture any inner feeling you have so make it a good feeling. Remember your instructions and the theme of the show and do it as they want, not your own version of what you think would be good!
Although never look down, equally look where you are going and don't trip or even walk off the side lol (yes it has been done!)
If you all come out at the end with the designer and there is clapping -CLAP!
Network and do a good clean professional job and you will get re booked:)
Alicia
xx
Thanks! Maybe I could but I have seen so many people trying to make money out of girls starting/hoping to model that I just want to put something out there for free:)
Ok the last of these for a little while as I'm going to be busy over the next week or so....
Beach Shoots
Beach shoots range from your boyfriend taking opportunistic pics of you on the beach through to full professional shoots with a large team. These thoughts are some of mine and a lot from my friend Kimmy and are about large scale shoots and are thoughts not just for other models but also photographers and directors. Some shoots I have been involved with have been awesome, some have been a farce.
If you plan on doing swimwear as part of modelling then do get as toned and flab free body as you can, especially the tum. Flatish well toned tums, look good in swimwear. Also by sun or artificial means, get a good complete all over tan; the cut of swimsuits varies greatly and parts of your body that normally would not see the light of day can be exposed with a different cut. Some one piece swimsuits have a very high cut between the legs while some bikinis are deisgned to be worn very very low so apart from the sun/tan factor, one should really be pretty smooth there. Personally I take no chances at all but then I lke being that way anyway; may not be for everyone.
As with all shoots, planning is a must. Beach shots are generally done in the early morning or late afternoon. This is because the sun's angle is far better to light the body in the best possible way and the tonal quality of the light is so much better. So first tip is dont shoot in the midday sun. If the day is set aside for the shoot dont waste one of the two opportunities to nail the shot by lying in bed. There is a tendency when working with semi-professionals to meet up the night before, everyone gets hammered, lie in and at 10am get up feeling gross, see the clear sky and say what a good day it's going to be for the shot. Then, as happens quite often in some locations, the clouds build up and by the afternoon, the light is rubbish. Go for an early morning shoot as well as a late afternoon one.
There are major wreckers for a beach shoot, sand, salt spray, wind, waves, crowds. Very fine sand is gorgeous to be on but it is a nightmare for a shoot. Fine sand gets every where and will wreck photographic equipment and computers. Wind is a pain as it will blow fine sand around, it will also pick up reflectors and send them flying down the beach (can be very amusing:) If the shoot involves being partly in the water, you do not want large waves! Salt spray really fouls up lenses. Crowds- a pain. If you try and shoot where there might be crowds then some thought about how the crowd will be managed has to happen. Crowds can ruin a shot as they will get in the view line but also if they start yelling it is hard to concentrate. The usual whistle or cheering is something that as a professional model you just learn to ignore but if someone in the crowd yells something really funny, it can crack me up badly lol. Another aspect of having the public around is picture protection. It generally does you no favours and may aggravate the client, if the public gets lots of pics of the shoot and blasts them on the net before the release of the official shots.
So pick a beach with large grain sand or small pebbles, dont pick a gale of a day to work in and get a private or secluded beach or crowd control. Also dont do beach shoots in the freezing cold! The air temperature needs to be warm but also think about the sea temperature. It may be 30 in te air in Santa Monica and 30 in the air in Crete but the sea will be cold in San Mon but lovely in the med. We are not super human and asking to sit, lie, be in, freezing water will not produce good shoots! (OK I hear some comments from the guys out there but I will ignore them!)
As a model, do your own research on the place you are being asked to shoot at. As you are being paid under a form of contract and they are directing you, they have a legal duty of care but dont leave your personal well being to them. If you dont know the country/beach, read up on it. Is is a safe beach, is there waste ploughed into the sea there, are there jelly fish or other nasties in the sea (sharks lol), are the locals going to be ok with a very scantily glad girl on display, are there rip tides, whirlpools, are there going to be facilities to change and to get out of the sun, WC, food, water, fresh water to shower etc etc. Dont just assume they have sorted all of this for it is you that will suffer, be injured or arrested! -yes it can happen trust me!!:( It's all too easy to forget that the usual near or topless one is used to in France etc, is a crime/insult in some other countries.
24hr before the shoot do any major trimming and body work. Check yourself over from top to toe and everywhere! The night before, get some sleep, keep well hydrated, dont over do the booze. Pack your bag for next day on the beach and include, headache tablets, insect repellent, sting eaze, some plasters, lots of water and some energy snacks, as well as flip flops, pack some reef shoes, sunglasses, hat, sun protection, lip protection. I wear a sarong over the swimsuit if in a warm climate. Dont wear tight fitting garments that will mark your skin. Be clear where makeup is being carried out and where you will be required to change, if at all. A beach shoot needs either an apartment or a gazebo or large vehicle/trailer as a base. Ideally there should be two areas in there, one for the equipment and computers (seeing a screen in bright light is not easy and getting sand in the keyboard is not clever) and one with a partition for clothes, changing and makeup. Make up has to be suitable for getting wet. Also you have to think about sun protection. One thing to watch out for if the sun is very strong, is your skin. Either have on a really good sun protection scheme of your own or if for some reason they dont want you to arrive with your own on but to have completely raw skin with nothing on, or their oil, then dont let them leave you out in the sun much at all. If they are applying sun protection for you, let them do it and make sure they do every inch of your body. In hopefully the semi-privacy of the changing area just strip off and let her (hopefully) do all of your body. If you are going to be out in the sun in different suits, you need to make sure no where is going to get burnt.
The sequence of shooting--leave the water parts until last!! It is a waste to get a model all made up and hair in place then after 4 mins rushing in enthusiasm to do the in the sea shots and getting her soaked. Work through all of the "dry" shots first and make sure those are wrapped before doing wet. The sea not only will mash the hair but also once wet, your body will pick up sand etc. The order should be dry on land, in the sea shots, then wet sand on body shots. Dont then ask me please to "rub" off the sand with a towel, get dry and shoot in 5 mins!
Dry shots-well much the same as any other shot.
Wet shoots- If you are asked to wade in and it seems sharp rocky/coral under foot, put on reef shoes. There is no point in splitting your foot open, your feet are part of your lively hood. For on the edge shots where you might be required to lie down or kneel at the waters edge, if the waves are rough ask one of the crew to warn you if a big one is coming! I find though that they kid around a lot and will scream WAVE just to see you leap up while they crease up laughing :) The hardest thing is when a wave does break right over you, to just come out from it smiling and carry on. It is worth practising. Try not to let the sea get into your eyes or they might get a bloodshot look.
Sand shots- Some photographers like the look of sand on skin. I wish fewer liked it as it really is uncomfortable. I have had various parts of my body subjected to having sand smeared on and some sand can be really sharp. Pat it on, dont smear it on and if someone else is doing it, tell them. If they want to pat it on some sensitive areas of your body just politely say that you will do it. Also dont let anyone do a silly buried in the sand shot, it can be dangerous. The best sand shots are just the natural looking ones like sand on rear from sitting or all over from rolling.
If you are to be shot without sunglasses, take them off some 15mins before or you will be squinting in the bright light.
For lunch have something light like fish and salad and a little wine. Dont stuff full of pasta or any food that makes you prone to bloating.
Chemistry/atmosphere- just an observation of mine, but I have found that beach shoots can become quite "sensually charged" Ok what I mean is that maybe as it is outdoors, maybe it is because usually people have had some drinks at lunch while relaxing waiting for the afternoon sun, maybe it is the warmth and glow that the late sun makes on the skin- There can be though a sensual tension in the air as one is surrounded by the crew and photographed with not a lot on in the open air. Generally this is good and produces good work but one has to just be aware that the photographer may lose the plot of his brief and want to take lots more shots, just as you look good. Remember you are contracted for a shoot generally against a brief and you are not there to provide him/her with extra fun and pleasure! If you are new to modelling and want to build up your portfolio then OK I suppose but I am wary of going for an assignment and letting it drift to something else. If he wants you for another type of shoot, let him book you again and pay you!!! I am not alluding to anything gross but what has happened is that one does a shoot for swimwear and after that is officially wrapped, the photographer may carry on shooting you for "you" lol.
After the shoot, spend some time if you can with the photographer going over the set on the PC and ask for his feedback and learn something of what he did and how he got some of the shots- the technicals.
Play volleyball or Frisbee with the crew to unwind and socialise, dont be a diva.
Go back shower really well to get all of the muck off and salt out of your body and get changed in a fresh bikini and go party on the beach side until dawn:)
A blog that Kimmy wrote on her Myspace.....
------------------
2 am, cameras packed, shutters shut, wraps wrapped, still bikinied we dance, drinks just in hand, smoky lasers flashing on flesh, strobes lighting tiny lace on brown skin, like signposts for testosterone guys grinning in our faces, the sea's smell still so strong in my hair. I feel wild.
The mix crashes, dancers skew in painful positions then turn slomo to stare as the blur of the night morphs into further realms of insanity, as that song hits the air and we five maniacal mannequins sing and act out in crazy emo happy laughter the song to a bewildered, bewitched and besotted crowd.
Cheers and whistles, bitches bristle, as again we are the centre of attention, the retention of focus through no lens now but eyes, some eyes of trust, some eyes of lust, some eyes of envy, some eyes bendy with booze but most eyes just full with fun. We sing it twice and the crew croon along and we fall about with liquor laughter and mellow madness; beautiful bodies in a beautiful place.
Download, listen to what we sang:)
"On the Radio" by the wonderful Regina Spektor.
"This is how it works
Ah ha ahahaha " :):):):)
Thank you beautifuls, thank you for one of those magical nights.
Live life to the full
Kimmy the Swimmy
-----------------
I am away for a while now so no more bits on here for a while. I hope some of this has been of some use and interest?? Do let me know on here or gmail me.
I'm flying out now to practice what I preach lol
Alicia
xxx
Ok the last of these for a little while as I'm going to be busy over the next week or so....
Beach Shoots
Beach shoots range from your boyfriend taking opportunistic pics of you on the beach through to full professional shoots with a large team. These thoughts are some of mine and a lot from my friend Kimmy and are about large scale shoots and are thoughts not just for other models but also photographers and directors. Some shoots I have been involved with have been awesome, some have been a farce.
If you plan on doing swimwear as part of modelling then do get as toned and flab free body as you can, especially the tum. Flatish well toned tums, look good in swimwear. Also by sun or artificial means, get a good complete all over tan; the cut of swimsuits varies greatly and parts of your body that normally would not see the light of day can be exposed with a different cut. Some one piece swimsuits have a very high cut between the legs while some bikinis are deisgned to be worn very very low so apart from the sun/tan factor, one should really be pretty smooth there. Personally I take no chances at all but then I lke being that way anyway; may not be for everyone.
As with all shoots, planning is a must. Beach shots are generally done in the early morning or late afternoon. This is because the sun's angle is far better to light the body in the best possible way and the tonal quality of the light is so much better. So first tip is dont shoot in the midday sun. If the day is set aside for the shoot dont waste one of the two opportunities to nail the shot by lying in bed. There is a tendency when working with semi-professionals to meet up the night before, everyone gets hammered, lie in and at 10am get up feeling gross, see the clear sky and say what a good day it's going to be for the shot. Then, as happens quite often in some locations, the clouds build up and by the afternoon, the light is rubbish. Go for an early morning shoot as well as a late afternoon one.
There are major wreckers for a beach shoot, sand, salt spray, wind, waves, crowds. Very fine sand is gorgeous to be on but it is a nightmare for a shoot. Fine sand gets every where and will wreck photographic equipment and computers. Wind is a pain as it will blow fine sand around, it will also pick up reflectors and send them flying down the beach (can be very amusing:) If the shoot involves being partly in the water, you do not want large waves! Salt spray really fouls up lenses. Crowds- a pain. If you try and shoot where there might be crowds then some thought about how the crowd will be managed has to happen. Crowds can ruin a shot as they will get in the view line but also if they start yelling it is hard to concentrate. The usual whistle or cheering is something that as a professional model you just learn to ignore but if someone in the crowd yells something really funny, it can crack me up badly lol. Another aspect of having the public around is picture protection. It generally does you no favours and may aggravate the client, if the public gets lots of pics of the shoot and blasts them on the net before the release of the official shots.
So pick a beach with large grain sand or small pebbles, dont pick a gale of a day to work in and get a private or secluded beach or crowd control. Also dont do beach shoots in the freezing cold! The air temperature needs to be warm but also think about the sea temperature. It may be 30 in te air in Santa Monica and 30 in the air in Crete but the sea will be cold in San Mon but lovely in the med. We are not super human and asking to sit, lie, be in, freezing water will not produce good shoots! (OK I hear some comments from the guys out there but I will ignore them!)
As a model, do your own research on the place you are being asked to shoot at. As you are being paid under a form of contract and they are directing you, they have a legal duty of care but dont leave your personal well being to them. If you dont know the country/beach, read up on it. Is is a safe beach, is there waste ploughed into the sea there, are there jelly fish or other nasties in the sea (sharks lol), are the locals going to be ok with a very scantily glad girl on display, are there rip tides, whirlpools, are there going to be facilities to change and to get out of the sun, WC, food, water, fresh water to shower etc etc. Dont just assume they have sorted all of this for it is you that will suffer, be injured or arrested! -yes it can happen trust me!!:( It's all too easy to forget that the usual near or topless one is used to in France etc, is a crime/insult in some other countries.
24hr before the shoot do any major trimming and body work. Check yourself over from top to toe and everywhere! The night before, get some sleep, keep well hydrated, dont over do the booze. Pack your bag for next day on the beach and include, headache tablets, insect repellent, sting eaze, some plasters, lots of water and some energy snacks, as well as flip flops, pack some reef shoes, sunglasses, hat, sun protection, lip protection. I wear a sarong over the swimsuit if in a warm climate. Dont wear tight fitting garments that will mark your skin. Be clear where makeup is being carried out and where you will be required to change, if at all. A beach shoot needs either an apartment or a gazebo or large vehicle/trailer as a base. Ideally there should be two areas in there, one for the equipment and computers (seeing a screen in bright light is not easy and getting sand in the keyboard is not clever) and one with a partition for clothes, changing and makeup. Make up has to be suitable for getting wet. Also you have to think about sun protection. One thing to watch out for if the sun is very strong, is your skin. Either have on a really good sun protection scheme of your own or if for some reason they dont want you to arrive with your own on but to have completely raw skin with nothing on, or their oil, then dont let them leave you out in the sun much at all. If they are applying sun protection for you, let them do it and make sure they do every inch of your body. In hopefully the semi-privacy of the changing area just strip off and let her (hopefully) do all of your body. If you are going to be out in the sun in different suits, you need to make sure no where is going to get burnt.
The sequence of shooting--leave the water parts until last!! It is a waste to get a model all made up and hair in place then after 4 mins rushing in enthusiasm to do the in the sea shots and getting her soaked. Work through all of the "dry" shots first and make sure those are wrapped before doing wet. The sea not only will mash the hair but also once wet, your body will pick up sand etc. The order should be dry on land, in the sea shots, then wet sand on body shots. Dont then ask me please to "rub" off the sand with a towel, get dry and shoot in 5 mins!
Dry shots-well much the same as any other shot.
Wet shoots- If you are asked to wade in and it seems sharp rocky/coral under foot, put on reef shoes. There is no point in splitting your foot open, your feet are part of your lively hood. For on the edge shots where you might be required to lie down or kneel at the waters edge, if the waves are rough ask one of the crew to warn you if a big one is coming! I find though that they kid around a lot and will scream WAVE just to see you leap up while they crease up laughing :) The hardest thing is when a wave does break right over you, to just come out from it smiling and carry on. It is worth practising. Try not to let the sea get into your eyes or they might get a bloodshot look.
Sand shots- Some photographers like the look of sand on skin. I wish fewer liked it as it really is uncomfortable. I have had various parts of my body subjected to having sand smeared on and some sand can be really sharp. Pat it on, dont smear it on and if someone else is doing it, tell them. If they want to pat it on some sensitive areas of your body just politely say that you will do it. Also dont let anyone do a silly buried in the sand shot, it can be dangerous. The best sand shots are just the natural looking ones like sand on rear from sitting or all over from rolling.
If you are to be shot without sunglasses, take them off some 15mins before or you will be squinting in the bright light.
For lunch have something light like fish and salad and a little wine. Dont stuff full of pasta or any food that makes you prone to bloating.
Chemistry/atmosphere- just an observation of mine, but I have found that beach shoots can become quite "sensually charged" Ok what I mean is that maybe as it is outdoors, maybe it is because usually people have had some drinks at lunch while relaxing waiting for the afternoon sun, maybe it is the warmth and glow that the late sun makes on the skin- There can be though a sensual tension in the air as one is surrounded by the crew and photographed with not a lot on in the open air. Generally this is good and produces good work but one has to just be aware that the photographer may lose the plot of his brief and want to take lots more shots, just as you look good. Remember you are contracted for a shoot generally against a brief and you are not there to provide him/her with extra fun and pleasure! If you are new to modelling and want to build up your portfolio then OK I suppose but I am wary of going for an assignment and letting it drift to something else. If he wants you for another type of shoot, let him book you again and pay you!!! I am not alluding to anything gross but what has happened is that one does a shoot for swimwear and after that is officially wrapped, the photographer may carry on shooting you for "you" lol.
After the shoot, spend some time if you can with the photographer going over the set on the PC and ask for his feedback and learn something of what he did and how he got some of the shots- the technicals.
Play volleyball or Frisbee with the crew to unwind and socialise, dont be a diva.
Go back shower really well to get all of the muck off and salt out of your body and get changed in a fresh bikini and go party on the beach side until dawn:)
A blog that Kimmy wrote on her Myspace.....
------------------
2 am, cameras packed, shutters shut, wraps wrapped, still bikinied we dance, drinks just in hand, smoky lasers flashing on flesh, strobes lighting tiny lace on brown skin, like signposts for testosterone guys grinning in our faces, the sea's smell still so strong in my hair. I feel wild.
The mix crashes, dancers skew in painful positions then turn slomo to stare as the blur of the night morphs into further realms of insanity, as that song hits the air and we five maniacal mannequins sing and act out in crazy emo happy laughter the song to a bewildered, bewitched and besotted crowd.
Cheers and whistles, bitches bristle, as again we are the centre of attention, the retention of focus through no lens now but eyes, some eyes of trust, some eyes of lust, some eyes of envy, some eyes bendy with booze but most eyes just full with fun. We sing it twice and the crew croon along and we fall about with liquor laughter and mellow madness; beautiful bodies in a beautiful place.
Download, listen to what we sang:)
"On the Radio" by the wonderful Regina Spektor.
"This is how it works
Ah ha ahahaha " :):):):)
Thank you beautifuls, thank you for one of those magical nights.
Live life to the full
Kimmy the Swimmy
-----------------
I am away for a while now so no more bits on here for a while. I hope some of this has been of some use and interest?? Do let me know on here or gmail me.
I'm flying out now to practice what I preach lol
Alicia
xxx
thanks so much for putting this up
so many new models think they can make money by looking good.
sometimes to the point where the flat out refuse to follow instruction (then blaming me when they don't look good in a picture)
are there any books on this topic I can refer some of the more hard headed girls to?
so many new models think they can make money by looking good.
sometimes to the point where the flat out refuse to follow instruction (then blaming me when they don't look good in a picture)
are there any books on this topic I can refer some of the more hard headed girls to?
Hi
Hmm perhaps I should write one lol Thanks for your comments. The next piece I was going to do was tips for photographers working with models, maybe after that it will be the other way around :)
oh and an addtion to my advice on beach shoots- learnt last week on a shoot..
"Beware of girlfriends of photographers on beach shoots"
Photographers- dont bring her along unless she is more stunning than the models or there will be trouble from her...
Alicia
xxx
Hmm perhaps I should write one lol Thanks for your comments. The next piece I was going to do was tips for photographers working with models, maybe after that it will be the other way around :)
oh and an addtion to my advice on beach shoots- learnt last week on a shoot..
"Beware of girlfriends of photographers on beach shoots"
Photographers- dont bring her along unless she is more stunning than the models or there will be trouble from her...
Alicia
xxx
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