Photo Opportunities | by All Star OMP Member #10270

If you are a model, you've got photos. If you want to model, you definitely are going to need photos. Photos for your portfolio, photos for your website, photos for your zed and comp cards. Photos are essential to get you noticed and get you working!

An actor can get by with a single headshot, but models needs multiple images of themselves in various styles to really capture their range and give agents and casting people the full picture, so to speak.

In upcoming chapters of "Modeling in Focus," we will explore the various aspects of the photo-taking process, including:
-- Preparing for a shoot (what to bring, what to not bring, what to do the night before, how to get ready, and how to arrive in the right state of mind)
-- Makeup and hair requirements
-- Wardrobe selection
-- How to pose naturally and effectively
-- Switching between styles within the same shoot
-- Collaborating with photographers to make creative choices
-- Release forms
-- Advice from other models on their photo shoot experiences
-- And many other issues on the subject

"Modeling in Focus" will also answer your questions along the way. Send them to All Star through his OMP page at Member #10270 with "Photo Questions" in the subject line.

Every model, whether amateur or experienced, has to go through the intimidating experience of doing a first photo shoot. It can be a nerve-wracking experience if one is not informed and prepared. So the more you know about what is required during a photo session, the easier it is to calm the nerves, keep focused in the moment, and stay in control of the situation.

Here are a few "first photo shoot" stories from OneModelPlace models to give you an idea of what to expect and what to avoid.

Ravishing Raquel (#52700) wasn't even considering a photo shoot when she first stepped in front of the camera. "My older sister was responsible for getting me to decide to do a photo shoot. She did a shoot before me, and then a lot of close friends told me to g o ahead and do it, too. I didn't look for a photographer -- I already knew one through my sister. At first I was so nervous, I didn't know how to pose myself. But he told me that it would be good experience to pose myself since it was my first time. So I started posing myself, and it turned out to be very easy. My advice to anyone facing their first shoot is just take a deep breath, take your time, and be happy."

Jubilant Joanna (#47098) has been a model for two years, and remembers a similar series of events during her first session. "My first photo shoot was very spontaneous and I didn't prepare anything for it. An agency sent me to my first photographer just for an interview -- I didn't have anything, not a book or any pictures at all. When I got there, he was shooting some other models and asked me if I want to try to take some pictures just for fun, to see if I was a natural model. I was very lucky to be in the right place at the right time. They gave me some clothes to wear, put some makeup on me, and I started to pose. I was very shy and uncomfortable. I wasn't use to that many people looking at me all at once. But they were very supportive and it was great. I liked my first photo shoot very much -- it's a very good memory for me."

Curvaceous Kayla (#35298) had a negative experience her first time out, but determinedly overcame it and moved on. "My first photo shoot was a rip-off, so let's talk about my first 'real' shoot. I was so excited! I dropped over $300 on clothes to prepare. I was nervous and excited about working with a very talented photographer here in Arizona. We basically drove around all day scouting for places to shoot, jumping out of the van whenever we saw a cool place. The drive gave me time to get comfortable with him and his style of shooting. I worked my butt off shooting and scouting for about 13 hours. Then coming home, we saw the sun setting over the mountain, and jumped out for one last shot -- it was the perfect shot. It's the one named 'Desert Hottie' on my profile! The scene could have not been more perfect. I am very good friends with this photographer now, and he really helped me so much in my career!"

Clever Candi (#52870) just began modeling recently. She prepared for her initial session by "trying on outfits, testing different make-up and hair styles, and looking at magazines and catalogs to study different expressions and poses. The actual shoot was great! My photographer gave me lots of direction and made me feel at ease. In my opinion, models should remember to bring three outfits (unless your photographer tells you differently) and face powder to eliminate any shine to your face between outfit changes. Most importantly, relax. I try to listen to the photographer and deliver what he is asking me to do."

Youthful Yasmine (# 34451) recalls being really nervous about her first model shoot. "So I wanted everything to be perfect. I headed down to the hairdressers and afterwards to the beauticians. I did a lot of looking and posing in the mirror to make sure I didn't freeze up in the shoot. After all, it's all about getting good shapes out of your body. The actual shoot was great, I'll never forget it. I was really relaxed, which surprised me. I felt more comfortable after every shot. I also had a great time chatting with the photographer which made it more comfortable for me as we went along. The best advice I would give is relax and enjoy it and don't be afraid of the camera. Be yourself and you'll never go wrong. Follow your instinct and you'll see the real you come out in the photos."

Ambitious Annaliese (#17935) was so nervous about her first shoot that she couldn't sleep the night before. "So remember to sleep the night before! And check references. If I was advising a model I would tell them to make sure they don't get too caught up in the excitement of a first shoot and forget to make sure that the photographer is really going to give them images that they can use. Also, bring clothes that are conducive of you being able to experience a variety of moods. Eat lightly ahead of time and bring a snack in case the shoot goes over. As for what to think during a shoot, it depends on what you and the photographer are trying to achieve with the photos. If the photos are supposed to be sexy, I usually think about something sexy. If they're supposed to be dark, I take myself to a sad place. If they're cheerful commercial type photos, I imagine that I'm 12 years old!"

Charismatic Krysia (#55463) packed everything she could carry for her first shoot. "For my portfolio shoot, I brought at least half my wardrobe. But it went very well. You can tell in my CD of images that I was nervous at first while shooting. But by the third outfit, there is a change in my presence in the photos, and the rest turned out as good as I had hoped they would. The one thing I have to stress for all models is I would never recommend bringing black clothes to a photo shoot. You can't see the body through black clothing -- and black is my favorite color, so it didn't help. Also, if you plan on doing only specific types of jobs, stick to your plan. People can try to mold you into doing things you weren't looking to do. And never let anyone tell you that you are not good enough."

Active Avery (#54643) has been at the modeling game for four years. "For my first photo shoot, I did a lot of breathing exercises and brought lots of makeup and outfits. But to tell you the truth, I felt really awkward. I think that you could tell how nervous I was in the pics. There were a couple good shots out of the session, but I didn't feel like I was prepared at all, especially mentally. Models should try anything that helps you relax before shoots! I would suggest doing yoga, or something semi-active that you enjoy, to clear your mind and get your endorphins on a little rush. Anything really that helps your creative nature, because that is key in a photo shoot. I wish I would have brought better outfits, had someone else do my makeup. I also wish I could have listened to music. That is so important! Music helps me relax and be myself. Music is a must, in my mind!"

© 2003 by Elias "All Star" 2003

NOTE: If you are an OneModelPlace.com model and wish to have your opinions included in "Modeling in Focus," email All Star through his OMP page Member #10270 and write in the subject line "Model Profile".

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