Freelance/Modeling

Chances are if you want to model, at first you're going to be a freelance model. Especially if you live in the middle of nowhere like me. That means you'll kind of be like your own agent. You'll book your own shoots, do your own networking, and you're probably not going to get paid, at least not at first. And that's okay! There is no price tag for doing something you love, and maybe you'll find that getting paid isn't even important to you because the real reward is in creating a piece of art that you can be proud of. You'll have total control over your work, and that's why I will probably ALWAYS be a freelance model. I've been told many times to contact agencies, but I'm a total control freak so this works out fabulously for me! I get to control when I work, how often I work, what projects I choose, my image, and what photographers to work with. Plus, you never know if an agency is trustworthy or legitimate, especially if you're in an area where modeling isn't a common dream.

So, here's a list of things I've learned from experience to always keep in mind as a model, whether you have been modeling for awhile, are just starting out, or are looking to do work.

1. ALWAYS BRING SOMEONE TO A SHOOT WITH YOU
I can't stress this enough! There are many evil people in this otherwise beautiful world, and if you're booking  a shoot with someone new or someone you don't know, in an area you don't know, you NEED to bring someone with you. A friend, a parent, your boyfriend/girlfriend, etc. Also, it's a good idea to tell at least one other person where you are headed off to. Get an address so you can tell someone where you will be, bring your cellphone, BE SAFE. I recommend not trying to look for work on craigslist. It could turn out to be a porno shoot. Seriously. Or some weirdo who wants to do a tickle fetish shoot. This happened to me personally, I got a message from someone wanting to tickle me with feathers while someone took pictures of it. Being tied down was required. The people at work wouldn't let me live this one down...I got called "Tickle Me Allie" more times than I care to count. But, hey, if you have a fetish you want to shoot, more power to you!!! Just make sure to be safe and smart about it!

2. Don't do something you aren't comfortable with!
My very first shoot was a group shoot that a company put together. Models, make up artists, and photographers all came together. It was like a damn party, and it was great for starting your networking. I met lots of people, one photographer who I continue to work with today! But, there was a particular shoot I did this day that I was not completely comfortable with. It was my first time shooting, so I was way less assertive with my image than I am now. Since it was around the holidays, a photographer had me put on this tacky little santa outfit complete with thong and snapped some pictures. Don't get me wrong, this photographer did not force me to do anything I wasn't comfortable with, it was ME that allowed it and didn't speak up, and I immediately emailed him after the shoot and asked him to delete the photos. Now, I might be willing to do the santa outfit if it was tastefully shot, but as a model who just started out and didn't really KNOW these people or where the photos were going, it made me very, VERY uncomfortable. I love nude photos, though I won't do them. I love boudoir and I WILL do those. But as a beginner, it was a scary thought.

 Don't be afraid to speak up to your photographer about what you are and aren't comfortable with. You should probably clarify this BEFORE the shoot, because if you're in the middle of a shoot and they don't respect your wishes, YOU BETTA RUN GURL.

Damn this post is getting long.

3. "Mr. Photographer, I think I'm ready for my close up tonight, make sure you catch me from my good side" - QUEEN GODNEY SPEARS.
As you can guess, posing is one of the most important things in modeling. I was pretty horrible at posing at first. I have some scrapped images where I look like a damn slouching chicken. I should have kept them so we could all have a laugh together and show you what NOT to do. It really pays to study poses and practice them. If you're a photographer, you need to know some basics so you can guide your model if she is new. Help her be aware of her body, how it looks, and what will work!

 If you're posing with your hands/arms, asymmetry is usually best. For example, if a model is placing her hands on her hips, direct her to move one hand/arm in her hair, placed on her shoulder, or hanging by her waist. Fingers should be relaxed and slightly curved. Her arms should not be smooshed against her body. Her face will look best if it's slightly turned down/cocked to the side. A cocked hip creates curves, and if her body is slightly angled away from the camera it will create a slimming look. And arched back is necessary. Make sure the neck is elongated. Pursed lips make a mouth look fuller and pouty. She needs to do these things while also looking relaxed and natural. Try not to do too "pose-y" poses because the difference is major. You want your photos to look like you just captured this beautiful creature in the moment. All of this will feel really unnatural and your model might be in pain, but the more it hurts the better it looks, TRUST ME. Don't let your model look like a chicken!!!

4. Working out is IMPORTANT
Not because you need to be a certain size, but because modeling is HARD WORK. You need some damn MUSCLE TONE to hold those unnatural poses while trying to look natural while also trying to look like the hot bitch that you are. Trust me on this one, guys. I've noticed a huge difference in my ability to hold a pose since I've worked out on a regular basis, and how sore/tired I feel afterwards. Modeling is hard work and we don't get enough credit for it. And like I said, your size is NOT important, all bodies are beautiful! But you will be much more pleased and feel much more confident about your pictures if you're taking care of your body.

5. Makeup!
Always do your makeup darker than you think it should be, even if you're going for a natural look. If you don't have access to a makeup artist, practice it on yourself several times before your shoot until you get it just right. There's many tips and tutorials on the internet, and if anyone is interested, I can do a blog about makeup/hair in the future, since I usually do my own. This goes for your hair, too. Practice makes perfect!

6. For God's sakes WEAR CLOTHES THAT FIT
Your comfort is key, and if you're wearing tops or bottoms that are too tight, you're going to have a harder time posing and looking like your sexy self than you normally would. Also, keep in mind that printed clothing normally doesn't transfer to a photograph in a flattering way.

7. Skin
Keep your damn skin moisturized, bring lotion/oil to your shoot to reapply, and don't over-do the tan. If you MUST tan, be smart about it and keep your skin moisturized or you'll look 60 years old. Or better yet, use a nice tinted lotion/spray tan. Your natural skin tone just LOOKS better on you, that's why it's your natural skin tone, after all! Beauty comes in all different shades, embrace yours for yours!

8. CLARIFY
Ask your photographer questions. Ask him/her about the editing process. Clarify what this shoot is going to be about, the theme, what outfits they want. Correspond with them as often as you can before your shoot. They will appreciate it and you will know what to expect!

9. CONFIDENCE IS KEY!
Walk into your shoot as if you run this world, bitch! Snatch some weaves! Channel your inner diva and bring a Britney Spears CD to pump yourself up while you're shooting! It WILL show!