Okay, I haven’t shot with anyone for a couple of years now, due to the Covid 19 pandemic.
And who knows how it will be in the future due to the biggest douche in the universe (Putin that is) invading Ukraine and directly affecting the lives of millions of people and even more indirectly (btw, I moved from Donald Trump being biggest douche, to his (though unconfirmed) gay lover, Vladimir Putin to the first place).
And who knows if he stops with Ukraine or will try and take back more of what was the former Soviet Union.
But anyhow, here are a few thoughts I wrote down actually before the pandemic, but for some reason never posted.
I nearly always shoot alone with my models. I do not only shoot nudes with them, but I do shoot a fair amount of nudes. And models are in a delicate situation, especially if being nude. And as a photographer you have to think about that.
I mean, as a decent human being, you don’t really have to think that much about it, but I guess some people have to think more about it than others. So here are a few things for photographers to generally think about when working with models.
First, models are human beings. Be nice to them, be polite and be friendly. Don’t try to boss them around just because you’re most likely paying them. Show them respect. I’ve heard about photographers being total dicks on shoots and that’s not cool.
Second, don’t touch your models! This goes without saying, and again, show them respect. If you’ve shot together before and have got to know each other, I mean a hug when saying “hi” and/or “bye” can very well be fine, depending on the person since not everyone likes to hug. I’m basically not much of hugger myself I guess, but I’m fine with it. A “high five” for nailing a shot might not be very weird at all. Otherwise, don’t touch!
Sure, I mean, I’ve helped models climb up or down things a few times, but always ask or wait to be asked for assistance. And if it might be that you are helping a model to get up in a tree or whatever, maybe tell them where you’re gonna put your hands while helping them and check once more if that’s okay.
If it’s about getting some hair away from their face or adjusting clothes, move a limb a bit or whatever, don’t just do it, always ask before. It might be fine, but absolutely don’t take it for granted.Third. Okay, maybe you’re doing a nude shoot and your model is going to be naked in front of your camera and if it’s a professional art nude model for example, she’s probably more than fine with being naked since it’s part of her job (I’m just assuming this). But between changing poses or whatever, try and give your model as much space as possible. I mean, you might be shooting in a small room or wherever it is, just try and stay clear a little. I know that can be hard sometimes, since I myself like to chat with my models during and in between taking the shots, but still give them some room to breath or leave the room for a minute or something. I’m not a pro myself, but I always try and act like one and so should you. If you can’t leave the room while taking a break for a minute, don’t be creepy and stare at them and instead give them some privacy even if there’s not much. If you can, offer to give them their clothes or whatever if you’re having a little break, either for if it’s chilly or just so that they can cover up for a minute while having a drink of water or looking for the next spot to shoot at. Some models seem like they don’t care about that, but everyone is different, and just because one model was fine with being naked in between the shots, next one maybe isn’t.
Fourth, don’t push anyone’s limits. If it’s the first time shooting with a model, hopefully you’ve had some type of interaction on a place like PurplePort, Model Mayhem or just through Facebook or email, prior to the shoot. And hopefully you have some plan or at least thought of what you’re going to shoot. And if you want to shoot nudes, you should let the model know that before. Don’t just surprise your model at the location. I mean, you might get a kickass idea triggered by a cool or beautiful location and of course, if it’s a pro art nude model, she might not mind it at all especially if you’re already shooting nudes, but don’t try and push anyone if they don’t normally do nudes. Save the idea for another time and talk about it with your model or just save it for another model who is an art nude model for example and who’s fine with shooting nude. Not every model is, and don’t try to convince them to do things they don’t want to.
Fifth, if you’re going on location for example, bring something to eat or at least drink for yourself and your model, or at least check with your model if she has something with her. Some models do not like to eat anything on a shoot, others do. And water is always needed, especially on warm summer days, so just keep those things in mind.
Sixth, don’t touch your models.
Okay, I might have left things out, but these are some things I came to think of. And be aware, everyone is different. While I’ve met models who have given me a hug the first time we met, not everyone is like that. Again, models are regular people and I haven’t met anyone yet who hasn’t been a nice person. You click better with some people, just as in normal life and some you have maybe things in common and some less. Just be a decent human yourself and things will most likely be just fine.
