This article was published on November 21st, 2015

Every photo shoot will be different. The day of the shoot always have an open mind and have fun. With every photo shoot there are rules to abide by. Be very clear with the communication between you and the photographer. Always make sure you discuss what you are comfortable with and what style of genre the shoot is. Communication is key to a great shoot. When arriving at the photo shoot do not worry about the other models, or you’ll be unfocused the entire time. Stay focused, be clear with communication, and always be ready for new and different experiences. With these incredibly important do’s and don’ts for up-and-coming models you will have a secret edge to use against the competition.

1. Do show up on time. No one ever wants to be known as the late one. Give yourself enough time for traffic. A twenty-minute ride could easily become forty minutes with traffic. Expect the unexpected. When you show up early, get some food. Eat something light, nothing heavy for the shoot. The night before, get to bed early, double check your alarm is set, and get some great sleep. Do not rush your times. Most people get flustered and tend to forget something; it’s better to have everything packed and even better to have extra.
2. Do expect long hours. Photo shoots can be very lengthy. On the day of the shoot expect to be there all day. Set aside enough time for the shoot. It is best to have a clear schedule and not having any prior engagements to attend. Be very clear on the time of your shoot. Waiting can be a pain. Bring materials to study posing before it’s your shoot. It’s a great opportunity to brush up on newest trends. On the upside, the longer the shoot there should be refreshment provided.
3. Do not brag or talk about other shoots. No one likes the stuck up person. That can get annoying quick. This goes along with being professional. If you talk about past experiences that didn’t go so great that makes you look desperate and unprofessional. Stay fabulous, not cocky. In the modeling industry personality is key and complaining will get you nowhere. You need to dominate the shoot. Free your mind up from distractions. Always think your shoot as the most important one ever. Feel the moment and pose fiercely.
4. Do follow up with your photo shoot. Most of the times shoots are made way in advance. Sometimes you forget but its best to stay on top of your photo shoots. If days or weeks go by you can expect to be replaced. It’s a cutthroat industry and unfortunately you can be replaced quickly, so make sure you stay organized. If contacted and you say yes, always follow up with details and questions and concerns you may have. If you don’t respond your reputation may be off to a rough start.
5. Don’t tell the photographer what to do. The photographer’s time is very valuable. There is always a concept that is created. The lights and the backgrounds are set up for purpose. Let the photographer do all the changing. The first few photos that are taken are test shots; don’t be intimidated if the lights keep getting changed. The photographer is trying to get everything perfect.

Now that you have the do’s and don’ts of modeling, follow them all the time. These tops are trying to make you better. Who doesn’t want to have that edge over the competition? Do it with common sense and know your boundaries. Every photographer is different and every shoot will be different. Going into a shoot with these ideas will help each shoot be more successful.