Modeling Tips

(unless you are a pro please take the time to read through this)

Preparation

Please get a good night’s sleep the night before!  I can’t stress this enough.  You are wasting your time (and mine) if you show up tired.  It shows in your face.  It will show in the pictures.

ID:  Don’t forget proof of Age.  A driver’s license or other government-issued picture ID.  School IDs aren't enough.  It used to be you only needed this if you were shooting pornography (and no, I don’t) but when lawyers and politicians get involved common sense goes out the window.

Clothes:  Think interesting, unusual, eclectic, elegant, colorful, playful. Matching jewelry and accessories for each outfit.  Glasses, scarves, hats, unusual accessories, musical instrument, anything you can think of.  Anything to avoid the dreaded “high school senior, Owen’s studio” look.  For the first shoot bring as much as you can so I can see what you have and we can plan for other shoots.  Solid colors are usually better.  Avoid clothes that are covered with stripes or patterns unless it is for a particular shot.

Shoes:  Have shoes to match each outfit you bring.  Also if possible black heals.  White or gold are also good for several outfits I have. Bring at least one pair of shoes with the highest heels you have--or can borrow.  It changes the way you stand and gives a bit of height that all but the tallest models can use. 

Hair:  If possible have your roots done if you color your hair.  Also if possible, be able to adjust to several styles during a portfolio type shoot, from long and straight, to curly or more “made up.”  Bring clips or scrunchies to help.  It can be difficult to change the look of short hair so consider hats.  They can change the look significantly; look for fun and unusual hats in resale and discount stores.

Make-up:  If you are planning on having someone do your makeup plan on an extra 45 minutes.  I am pretty good at touchups and special effects but prefer that you handle the basics.

Put on makeup as if you were going out for a fancy evening, generally much heavier than your usual “look.” It will appear light and natural under the studio lighting.  Use foundation as you normally would in the evening but don’t “cake” it on.  Blend it on from your face down.  As a general rule your foundation should match your chest.  Pay particular attention to your eyes and lips as these are a big focal point.  Eye shadow should be a lighter color rather than darker to bring your eyes forward. Blush and lip color should be heavier than usual. Lip color should be a shade darker than usual.

Nails:  Fingernail and toenail polish should match.  French tips or Natural look best as they match everything.  Please at least have both fingernails and toenails trimmed and groomed as much as possible.

Shaving:  Be sure to shave your legs and underarms the night before or about 6 hours before the photography session.  If you wait until right before, you may have red marks or fresh nicks and scratches, which will show in the photographs. Any facial hair (i.e. eyebrow, hair around the mouth) should also be waxed.  It can really show up under studio lights.

Travel Clothing:  Wear loose fitting clothing like a loose sundress, or old sweats (without elastic bands).  Tight elastic like bras, panty hose, and socks will leave clothing marks that may show in the photograph if you change into a different outfit.  Clothing marks can last a couple of hours and can’t always be “photoshopped” out well.

Music:  I have a sound system and usually use Pandora or my archive but we can connect your iPhone as well.  Please no rap. I’m deathly allergic.

Plan to be here for 3 to 4 hours.  Most importantly, have fun.

Posing Tips

•     Practice in front of a mirror.  Try saying the vowels and watch your face move and the end expression.  Now do it again but loosen up.  Be very expressive as you do it.   

•     Try smiling with your eyes.  Eyes are the window to the soul.   Learn to use your eyes to express the emotion you are trying to portray. 

•     Don’t use a big smile for every pose.  Try a coy smile, a pout, a laugh, a scowl, or even a frown, to give some variety to your facial expressions.

•     Do not hold your breath during a pose. The concentration usually shows in the picture. 

•     Hold in your stomach to give a more toned appearance to the abdomen (even if you are in great shape). 

•     Maintain good posture - Most people, including models, do not have very good posture. Unless you’re going for a casual look, keep your back straight and your shoulders up.  Imagine there is a string connected from the top of your head to the ceiling pulling you up.

•     Strike a pose - Don’t keep both arms entirely straight unless directed to do so for a specific pose.  To make the pose look less artificial bend one or both arms, even if only a little, . Likewise, don’t keep both legs entirely straight. 

•     Don’t always look straight at the camera -  Instead, use a variety of head and eye positions.  Try turning your head, tilting your neck to one side or the other, or looking off to the side for some poses.  Try facing the camera but turn your eyes to the light furthest to your right or left.  This lights up the whites of your eyes by bouncing the light back at the camera, giving a sparkling effect.