helpful reminders before any shoot (with anyone)

• Always make sure you agree to the terms of the release in advance. If you’re with a modeling agency, they have a copy of it already if you’re working with me. Otherwise, always ask to review.

• Know and understand what you will be paid, whether payment is in the form of money, pictures, or a combination of both. Don't leave this up until the last minute to discuss - always clear up the terms in advance and preferably have it in writing (TFP/Payment/Usage). 

• Arrive to the session on time. Make sure to discuss if the agreed meeting time allocates time for hair and make up or is simply the start time for the shoot. 

  • Check google maps in advance to account for travel time, especially weekend train delays if NYC based.

• If for some reason you are unable to attend, notify the photographer immediately to minimize the damage. Almost all professional photographers may have done some advance planning, preparation, or invested money and now will need to take care of those arrangements. It's unfortunate when shoots have to be cancelled but things happen so it can make a great deal of difference for the photographer and team involved to know well in advance. 

• If shooting swimwear, lingerie or glamour, make sure to wear loose fitting clothes at least a few hours before the shoot. Stay away from jeans, tight undergarments, and tight fitting jewelry. These will leave clothing marks that take a long time to dissolve. The best outfit to wear pre shoot is a loose fitting dress. To be comfortable between shooting and changing of sets, bring a bathrobe or kimono. This helps keep you warm and prevent your skin from becoming blotchy in the winter.

• If you are new and/or have limited experience in the industry, take the time to train poses and facial expressions in front of a mirror. Review the mood board and call sheet in advance and try to find inspo through magazines, Instagram, or recall those images which inspired you to get into modeling. Use these photos as inspiration and share them with the photographer to discuss.

• Don’t be afraid to ask a photographer if they have references. Reach out to models or agencies that they have worked with and ask about their experiences.

• The day before the shoot, go to bed early. Exhausted, tired models means that they are unlikely to perform to the best of their ability. This would be a waste of time to all parties involved as the goal of the shoot is to create to the best of everyone's talent and ability. 

• Don't forget to apply lotion and generally clean your skin in advance. Pay attention to your nails and toe nails.

• Don't starve yourself the day prior to a shoot to look thinner; fortunately, the industry has evolved and no one is expecting you to be a size zero if your comp cards have you as a four. You will need the energy, especially if it’s an all day session.

• General Items to be brought by Model(s)

  • Make-up remover

  • Lotion and coconut or baby oil

  • If you prefer certain music, load up a playlist to put you in the mood

  • A bottle of water and some fruit/food. Normally the photographer will take care of this, but you need to be able to fuel up so bring some in any event. Dark chocolate and almonds are always a good choice of energy.

  • Kimono/Bathrobe to stay warm during breaks

  • Black flats

  • Plain white and black socks

  • Black or neutral color boyshorts/briefs/high or French cut undergarments