Photography Sleuth: Before a Glamour Model Shoot

Post & Photo by Joe Farace – Follow Joe on Twitter

Caption for above: Models Don’t Have to Look at the Camera: Andria was just a new 18-year old model when I photographed her in Phoenix but has a sparklingly bright future. To show a model how I want her to stand, I put myself in the pose but let her give me her interpretation, which is always much better. Image made with Canon EOS D60, EF 135 f/2.5 SF lens at f/3.5 with 1/200th and ISO 200 using natural light with no reflectors.

I often get calls and e-mails from models and aspiring models requesting test shoots but there’s only so much time available. To streamline the process, I e-mail a Model Data form to models before an interview or shoot. The form asks the kind of name, address, and physical description information you might expect, but also what hours and days she’s available for photography sessions. I also ask what kind of modeling styles they’re available for during the test shoot—not later. The following styles are listed on the form: Maxim-style, Fashion, Lingerie, Swimwear, Business, Artistic Nude, Casual, and Glamour. Potential models are requested to check all that apply

I have found the Model Data form to be indispensable but it’s not perfect. If you need a swimsuit model and she isn’t interested in posing for those kinds of images or her availability and your schedule aren’t compatible, you save time and effort by not scheduling an interview. Look for inconsistencies in the answers. I had one model check Maxim-style but not Lingerie and when I asked her why, she said the magazine she saw didn’t have lingerie shots in it. Maybe she thought I meant Popular Mechanics. One model checked ”nude” but during the actual interview when I asked her how comfortable was she posing for nude images, she said “not today!” I never did find out what day, so it’s important you stress that models answer all questions honestly. Nevertheless only about 60% of the models that call or e-mail ever return the Model Data form. Of that, I interview less than half.

You can’t rely on forms to do all the work and during an interview. I’ll spend time with the model talking with her about the kind of photographs I like to make but more importantly, what she likes. When you find an overlap in these interests is when you’ll have the possibility of creating great images together.

Model Data Form

Please answer all questions completely. A snapshot of yourself must be e-mailed with a completely filled out form.

Name: ____________________________________

Address to mail tearsheets, prints, and/or CDs: Street: _____________________________________

City: ______________________ State: ________ Zip: ________________

Home phone: _____________________ Cell phone: ______________________

E-mail address: ____________________ Date of birth: _____________________

Experience: ___Beginner ___Intermediate ___Advanced

Are you associated with a modeling agency? ___Yes ___No

If Yes Which agency? _____________________________________

What modeling styles are you interested in?

Put an X next to all that apply. ___ casual ___ fitness ___ fashion ___ bridal

___bikini ___ lingerie ___ Maxim-style ___ nude

Hair color: __________ hair length: ________ eye color: ________ dress size:______

height: ____ weight: _____ chest: _____ waist: _____ hips: _____ shoe size: _____