Photzy

WORKING WITH MODELS

Quick Guide by Stacey Hill

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 My modelling career started as a life model Most people think being a model is quite
for local art schools. Not everyone easy; after all, you are just standing or
has the patience to sit still and pose sitting there!
(two quite different skills). Nor does
everyone feel comfortable doing it Modelling is HARD So for other people wondering what
naked, which is a requirement for WORK and it can be it might be like to be a model, or for
life-drawing classes. extremely physical photographers looking at working
with a model, I have some thoughts
Fortunately art schools are aware of for your consideration.
that, and pay a reasonable amount to
encourage people to model for them. Key Lesson: As a photographer, be
considerate of your model. Their job is not
However (and I cannot stress this enough),
an easy one.
modelling is HARD WORK and it can be extremely
physical. If you do not believe me, pick a standing
Recommended Reading: If you’d like to
pose and stand there and hold it, without moving
learn how to create amazing portraits, grab a
more than breathing. I bet that after the first few
copy of Photzy’s premium guide: The Art of
minutes you start to feel uncomfortable, or bored,
Portrait Photography.
and you will start to fidget. Or you will simply find it
physically strenuous to hold that pose.

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 ENVIRONMENT

Most of the formal modelling that I have done has So please be aware of the environment and the fact
been inside. However, it has often been in large that your model may be standing there in little or
classroom-type environments that have a lot of no clothing while holding a pose that is physically
windows (for good light) and not a lot of insulation. demanding. Everyone else may be moving around,
generating energy to keep warm, or able to stay in
Almost all of my modelling has been as a nude life the shade if it’s hot; however, the model is exposed.
model, and many studios have heaters on to warm
the room, but then they will turn them OFF. Your model is at the mercy of the elements. Keep
that in mind and have a place where they can get
This is because the students get hot. But if you are protection from the environment.
nude, in a large, not well-insulated room, and it’s cold
outside, and there is no heat, I tend to get very cold PLAY MUSIC!!! Let the model bring along some
after about an hour. music that they enjoy and have that there to give
them a familiar, happy sound to help them relax and
Many fashion shoots are done outside, often on get into the vibe.
beaches, where it can be very hot and windy, which
can be very dehydrating.
Key Lesson: Make sure the environment
Studio environments can have very hot studio lights allows your model to be as comfortable and
as well. Plus, being in front of a bright flash or strobe supportive as possible.
can be visually very tiring.

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 Photograph by Stacey Hill

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 POSING

·· How long is the session going to be? If I am modelling for you, I want to do a good job. The
best way to achieve that is for you to communicate the
·· Will the model be standing/sitting/reclining or in an situation and requirements to me in advance. The VERY
action pose? best way is for you to discuss your vision and desired
·· How many poses are required? outcomes with your model.

·· What variety of poses are required? Key Lesson: Treat the model as a partner in
your creative endeavor.
·· What is the situation they will be posing in? What
environmental considerations are there?
Take the time to explain what you want and why. If your
One of the things that I found quite frustrating when model is experienced, they may have other insights
starting out as an art school model is that no one teaches or ideas that they can share. They might also have
you what they want. While they explain it to the students, some physical challenges or limitations that need to be
you have to listen closely, because that is all the instruction considered as well.
you will get.
Key Lesson: Talk to your model. Find out if
In another school that I worked for, the tutor treated there are any physical limitations.
me like a piece of meat. He positioned me in really
complicated, uncomfortable poses, with no discussion
My best modelling session was one that I paid for with two
allowed, and it was so very unpleasant that I opted not to
portrait photographers.
work for him anymore.

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 I came along with some props and some ideas,
and what was originally scheduled to be a one-
hour shoot went on for over two hours. This was
because the photographers were having so much
fun, we were discussing ideas on the fly, changing
it up, and going in many different directions.

It was a really fun collaboration, I got some

wonderful images that never would have
happened, and they got a rare opportunity to
freely play creatively with someone willing to adapt
and experiment.

We both had input into the creative process and

tried things for the sake of them; some worked
and some didn’t.

With another photographer that I worked with,

he let me add ideas and concepts. His style was
very minimal, using quite abstract shapes light in
sculptural ways. He was open to me suggesting
other poses or expanding on ones that he had
asked for, and we both enjoyed the creative
interaction.

Key Lesson: If you take the time to

discuss posing with your model, you will get
much better results.

Photograph by Stacey Hill

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 BREAKS

When you are shooting and it’s going well, it’s easy to get stiletto heels for two hours, you will not get their best
in the ‘zone’ and lose track of time. work. The way the model is feeling will come across in the
final images.
Be kind to your model and ask them what a comfortable
shooting time is (i.e. how long until they need a break), It is in your best interests to pamper your model, make
and then set a timer on your phone as a reminder. sure they are comfortable, and that all of their essential
needs are taken care of.
Make sure that it is sufficiently long enough to give them a
rest and to make sure that they are comfortable.
Key Lesson: Your model needs breaks, and you
It is an excellent idea to have drinks, snacks, cool/warm should build them into your shooting schedule.
clothes, somewhere to sit down away in private, and toilet Provide for their needs, including food, water,
facilities. proper temperature, a private area, and bathroom
facilities.
Your model is a human being, and he/she will be much
happier doing what they are doing if they are given a little Recommended Reading: If you’d like to learn
bit of TLC. Build this into your shooting schedule and how to create amazing portraits, grab a copy of
everyone will be much happier. If a model is tired, cold, Photzy’s premium guide: The Art of Portrait
or hungry, or just plain fed up from standing in five-inch Photography.

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 BIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS

Your model is a human being, and

that can provide for some awkward or
embarrassing moments as it relates to
biology.

This could involve coughing, sneezing,

allergic responses, farts, hiccups, and so
on.

If your model is of the male persuasion,

there are certain ‘other’ involuntary
responses that may occur.

Keep this in mind and be professional.

Be kind! Don’t embarrass your model
any further than they already are. If need
be, clear the set and give them time and
privacy to regain their composure.

Key Lesson: We are all human.

Please be aware, kind, and
courteous to your model(s).

Photograph by Stacey Hill

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 SAFETY AND PRIVACY

If you are working with a model for the first time, invite If there are going to be photo assistants, or hair and
them to bring a friend/chaperone. Many models are young makeup people at the shoot, introduce the model to all of
girls who may not be comfortable being alone with a them at the very beginning.
photographer that they do not know.
For a new model, explain what the different people will
Make sure they know the address of where the shoot is be doing and make sure they know who might be working
to take place in advance, and provide clear instructions. If with them personally (hair/makeup/costume etc.) so they
they are required to have costume changes, make sure that can be comfortable being approached by these people.
there is an area of privacy for them to do so.
Do not touch the model without asking, and not unless
If the shoot is going to be outside, then all of these issues they have consented!
must also be taken into consideration, plus the weather as
well. Ask permission to touch the model and be specific. Say,
“I would like to move your hair off your shoulder. Can I do
Are you asking a model to wear a bathing suit and stand that, please?”
outside on a freezing cold day while pretending that it’s
summer? Key Lesson: Do not touch the model unless
they have consented.
Will they be outside, where other people can observe
them and take shots with their phones? If it is a nude shot, remove any unnecessary people from
the studio (if the model is not comfortable with a crowd).
Are they going to be asked to perform tasks or poses that
Some models will not be bothered by posing nude;
they find physically difficult/painful to do?
however, inexperienced models may well find a crowd of
Let them know that feedback is welcome, and that poses people staring at them naked a bit overwhelming.
can be adjusted or changed. Make it a safe and fun
environment. Key Lesson: Discuss the level of expected
nudity with your model before the shoot day!

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 Be aware that a younger/inexperienced model
may not be comfortable telling you what they
do or don’t want to happen. Watch their body
language and have a quiet word with them if
necessary.

Keep the language professional. Don’t make

crude jokes.

Be aware of their limits and experience, and do

not push beyond that.

If you decide halfway through the shoot that

you want them to remove more clothes than
you had originally planned, and they are not
comfortable doing that, then either cancel the
shoot or carry on with the original plan.

Key Lesson: Do not expect your

model to remove any clothing that was
not agreed to beforehand.

As previously noted, if your model is not

100% happy and engaged, then this will come
through in the images that you get.

Key Lesson: The safety and security

of your model is your responsibility as
the photographer.

Photograph by Stacey Hill

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 COMMUNICATION

A model has to translate what are often pretty vague Key Lesson: Check the tone of your voice
instructions and then channel that into your vision. and your mannerisms when working with a
It’s going to make it a lot easier to create the desired model. A pleasant atmosphere relaxes a
outcome if you communicate clearly. model. Barking orders creates anxiety.

You need to keep communicating to the model Use instructions that make sense to the model, and
throughout the shoot, and encourage them as the make sure that the instructions are specific. You have
shoot progresses. to use your words in a meaningful way, but not in a
technical manner, as they may not understand it.
Positive feedback reinforces the engagement
between you and the model. CONSIDER:
If you keep talking to them, they will be relaxed, “Stand side on to the camera and turn your head
because then they are not guessing as to what is toward the camera, with your hands on your hips, but
going on behind the camera. swivel from the waist and keep the shoulders straight.
Turn toward the camera and smile.”
Check your tone. Are you barking orders? Are you
coming across as approachable and open? Are the
WITH:
people around you relaxed and having fun?
“Stand side on to the camera. Take the arm that’s
closest to the camera, and put that hand on your
hip. Keep the wrist straight. Don’t bend it down too
much. Good, yes, I like that.

“Alright, keep your feet still, and now turn your

shoulders gently away from the camera. Yes, a bit
more. Good, hold it right there.

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 “OK. Put the other arm behind you, along
the line of your body. I want to hide it
from the camera in this pose.

“The shoulder that’s closest to the

camera, drop it down a bit. Don’t bend
over in the middle too much, just tilt it
down. Good! OK, look at me and SMILE.”

Key Lesson: Clear

communication is necessary. You
need to talk your model through
the required poses and
adjustments. Be clear and concise.
Keep your tone friendly. Don’t bark
at them if they don’t get it right on
the first attempt.

Photograph by Stacey Hill

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 PAYMENT

If you are paying in cash, pay your model at the end If they don’t have any portrait shots to show, then
of the session. If the session is a formally contracted perhaps consider your options. Mind you, it could
arrangement, then you will pay them through the also be a very low-key learning experience as well, so
agency or service that you used to access them. there are potential benefits.

Quite a few photographers offer what is known as

Key Lesson: Pay your model promptly,
a “TFP” or a Trade for Prints arrangement. This is
and that includes turning around any TFP
where they shoot the model for free, but give them
images quickly. Don’t keep them waiting for
copies of the final work as a form of payment.
weeks or months. Remember, your reputation
Honestly, if I was a new model working with an as a photographer will travel quickly through
inexperienced photographer, I would be cautious of the modelling community. You don’t want a
this approach. You could give away your time for free bad mark. No one will work with you.
and not necessarily get great shots at the end of it.
Recommended Reading: If you’d like to
If you are a model looking for startup shots, check learn how to create amazing portraits, grab a
the resume of the photographer that you are going copy of Photzy’s premium guide: The Art of
to work with first. Portrait Photography.

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 Photograph by Stacey Hill

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 CONCLUSION

I have really enjoyed being a model. It is a really This means that when I photograph a model, I can
interesting experience. Having people paint, draw, describe what it feels like in a way that they can
sculpt, or photograph you is fun, and they all see you relate to. I understand how uncomfortable posing
in an entirely different way. can be. Therefore, I can communicate very clearly
and empathize with their experience. This knowledge
Some of my modelling has not always been the best helps them relax and have fun.
experience, and I have chosen not to continue with
those jobs. You should try it!

Occasionally I have taken a chaperone along when

Self-Reflection Questions:
meeting with a new photographer for the first time.
I’m cautious of my personal safety. 1) Can anyone be a model?
If nothing else, modelling gives me great stories 2) Is it hard to be a model?
to tell people. Those same people are always
astonished to hear that you can earn quite a bit of 3) Do you have to strip off or do lingerie or
good money as a nude art model (and probably even bathing suit shots?
more as a fashion model).
4) Can I bring a friend?
Modelling has taught me a lot about posture,
breathing, using my body well, and how to stand or
sit very still while being engaged with the pose.

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 ABOUT THE AUTHOR Congratulations! You’ve completed
this Photzy guide!

If you liked this tutorial, check out this

premium guide to help you create inspiring
portraits: The Art of Portrait Photography.

Stacey Hill invested in her first DSLR back in 2007. While

having many adventures out and about in the South Island of
New Zealand, Stacey took to blogging about her experiences
learning photography. Eventually she discovered the fun and
creative possibilities to be had with Photoshop. Stacey can be
found having an opinion all over the place:

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