4 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MODELS.

4 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MODELS.

If you’ve ever considered about being a fashion photographer or want to start working with models, here are a few things you need to know. Turns out being a fashion photographer isn't so simple after all.

1. Models Have a Good Side and They Know It
We all know that no face is symmetrical. Models can almost always tell you which is their preferred side to photograph. Compared to the typical client, they just get photographed more.


2. Models Need a Good Hair and Makeup Artist
Known as MUA in the industry, knowing a talented and versatile makeup and hair person will be beneficial. Most models and actors will want the hair and makeup service as a package with your photography unless they have someone they regularly work with.

Don’t pick just any makeup artist because not everyone is a professional or uses professional quality makeup. Make sure you have seen their work and you like the way their models have looked before referring them to your clients.

Make sure their personality is a good match for you, and your model clients since they will be working closely with them, and you, most likely sticking around for the entire shoot and making necessary adjustments. You should also consider packaging your sessions with hair and makeup included.


3. Models Want to Be Involved and at the Same Time Be Directed
Models are creative artists too, so they may come to the table with a vision, so be open to that. They are not like most clients who need constant direction, but they do need some help with posing and being directed what to do.

A good model should know that every time you click your shutter, they should move. If they don't, make sure you encourage them to do so even with the slight tilt of their head, chin or angle or else you will get the 100 images that look the same.

4. Models Aren’t Rich
Models aren’t rich and don’t get paid as much for their gigs as you may think, so expecting to get rich off them may be a dream. However, they do need headshots updated regularly, almost on a yearly basis as they mature and their hair style changes.

While photographing models may not be as lucrative as shooting a wedding, they certainly are the most easy and beautiful clients to shoot and will be a repeat customer year after year when they need to build up their portfolio.

You may also use these images as a portfolio in order to branch into commercial work, which can pay well. The benefits of working with models to build a strong portfolio can open many doors, so whether it’s for editorial purposes or their modeling portfolio, always take the perspective of photographing models as your own career building opportunity.