My Pre-Shoot Prep & Pep Routine

After so many years modeling (gosh, it feels weird saying it that way, but it’s true), I’ve gotten into, what I feel is, a great pre-shoot routine.  I’ve decided to take some time to share it with you, because a lot of new models have been asking about it.  I opted to start a few weeks out, instead of just the night before, because I do a lot of work for every shoot I do, and it’s generally much appreciated.

Checking References

Often times, one of the first things a model is told when she asks “how do I know this guy is legit” or “how do I stay safe” is that she should check references.  While not foolproof or a 100% guarantee that the photographer won’t be a sleezebag and will get you images back, it’s a good starting point.  I check references on all photographers I’m working with for the first time.  Male or female.  Paid or trade.  Here’s how I go about doing it.

Booking A Model

For whatever reason, some photographers are non-committal when it comes to booking, or think a minimal amount of info sent to a model suddenly means they’ve booked said model.  For models, this is frustrating (especially when the same photographers are seen in the forums complaining about no-show models or not being able to find any models in their area).  Here are some tips and things to avoid doing when booking a model.

Group Events & A Model’s Dilemma

I have a dilemma, and frankly, it’s easier for me to hash it out here in my blog than in my head. Perhaps readers can offer me insight, or maybe just seeing it all down “on paper” will help me make a decision.  So… here goes.

I am supposed to attend an event soon.  It’s a group shoot type event which I’ve attended a few times before.  It is definitely a chance to work with some folks I wouldn’t normally get a chance to work with, and the past events have definitely been a lot of fun.  Both rather positive things, though many of the folks are repeat attendees… though in some cases that’s ok, as many of them aren’t nearby enough for me to work with regularly.

Recycling Bridesmaid & Prom Dresses

While planning wardrobe for an upcoming shoot, I’ve decided to take a look at yet another bridesmaid dress I have.  It’s one I’ll most certainly never wear again, so I might as well shoot in it, right?  Inspired by a designer from the VOP Fashion and Rock Show, Dawn at Brilliant Stranger, I’ve decided to not just accessorize the dress differently, but to revamp it with the help of scissors, my sewing machine, and perhaps some other fabric and lace remnants I have laying around.  This moment of “oooh, so that’s what I can do with it!” is the inspiration for today’s entry.