Model Guidelines

Most of the models I work with are not employed at this full time. Therefore I have had mixed results over the years. Some have shown up very ready and done a very professional job. Others have not. The guidelines below are not comprehensive but are reactions to problems I have experienced in the past. Please read them and follow them. Many of these suggestions are for your benefit also.

Do not come alone

If this is your first time working with a particular photographer do not show up alone. Bring a friend or meet in a safe public place. If you are not able to do that, have a set time when a friend is expecting a call from you. Be sure that friend knows who you will be with (name, phone, address) and be very sure to make that call. I like to insist that my models follow this guideline with me and hope it teaches good habits they take with them to other opportunities.

Read the model release

Review and read the model release in advance. This is a good idea. If your photographer will not show it to you in advance treat that as a red flag and do not schedule an appointment. If you have a problem with something in the release work it out in advance also.

Show up on time

Time is always money. Space and equipment may be rented. Help may be being paid and the photographer could be shooting something else instead of waiting for you.

Get a good nights sleep

If you do not get enough rest the night before it will show. You will be cranky, and the poses will be harder. Makeup is easier to do if you have a well rested face. And for heaven's sake no hangovers.

Wear loose clothing

On your way to the shoot wear loose fitting clothes, this includes undergarments. You do not want to wear anything that will leave clothing marks on your skin. In some cases I have waited for an hour or two to get a shot because of a mark left by a tight pair of jeans, a bra or worse yet a corset. One other way to make sure this is not a problem is to be well hydrated.

No liquid courage

Do not show up drunk or high. It is a very dangerous thing to do. You can get hurt or worse. If you are scared or nervous talk it over with your photographer hopefully he or she will work things out to make your nerves settle down.

Be real clear about your limits

Think your limits through and be real clear about them up front. If you know you do not want to be portrayed in a certain way say so up front. You should also ask the photographer to be clear about what is the expected result of the shoot. If it is something you do not want to be in, say so in advance. Never strike a pose you do not want published.

Bring your identification

In the United States publishers of erotica must have a model release and copies of identification proving the age of every model on file. This information is only available to the Attorney Generals office for purposes of confirming age and should be kept confidential by your photographer. If you have a problem with showing your identification cancel the shoot and do not waste anyone's time.