Photoshoot Etiquette 101 - the Do's & Dont's of Being on Set
Photos + Introduction: Nicole Romanoff
Written By: Lisa Marie Schwartz of EDGE Agency
MODELS | Téa Scheske (left) + Lexi Turnbull (right)
MUA + HAIR | Caitlyn Dixon
AGENCY | Edge Agency
Etiquette - the customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group
Today's blog focuses on photoshoot etiquette. Being in love with fashion photography I often get a chance to work with new and aspiring models who are fairly green when it comes to photoshoots. I wanted to provide models or anyone aspiring to be on set with a few do's and dont's. I reached out to an expert in the area, Lisa Marie Schwartz of Edge Agency to help with this post. After being an international model herself and owning an agency for 27 years I was very excited about what she had to share! When I asked her to help me out with some great tips on photoshoot etiquette, she instantly replied with an enthusiastic, "YES!" (Clearly many horror stories to tell..).
So before we get to the tips, I just want to send a big thank you thank you to Lisa Marie for helping to provide clarity on this topic! All of the stunning models featured in this blog are represented by Lisa Marie's agency (Edge Agency) and are all very well versed in the topic, I highly recommend any of them! So thanks for reading, and please comment below with any questions or blog topics you have in mind regarding the modelling industry. I can't wait to hear from you!
Nicole
PHOTOGRAPHER TIP:
Just remember it's your show! Be honest and give helpful feedback to those that could use some guidance. We all start somewhere and the sooner we learn how to act professionally the better the experience for all!
1. BE ON TIME.
Even if the shoot is not a paid job each shoot takes time to put together. There is a team of hair stylists, makeup artists, stylists and photographers who have committed to doing a job at a certain time. It is a domino affect if you do not show up on time.
2. DON'T BRING EXTRA PEOPLE WITH YOU TO A PHOTOSHOOT
If you are are a minor or you do not feel comfortable alone with a photographer you can bring ONE parent or guardian to attend any shoot with you. But this is not a social outing so please do not bring boyfriends, friends or other siblings along.
3. ASK FIRST BEFORE POSTING OF PHOTOS ON SOCIAL MEDIA OF THE SHOOT OR TAKING VIDEO.
It is very important to always ask IF you can post photos of the shoot, even if they are only behind the scene pics. Get permission so you don’t have to remove postings later. The work you do is a collaboration of many hard working people. Ask for the collaborators social media tags and please ensure to tag them all when posting.
4. DON'T MAKE COMMENTS WHEN NOT NECESSARY.
When you are booked for a shoot (especially for a job) you are hired to help showcase the look and creative vision done by the team. You don’t have to always love the looks done especially with hair & makeup. As a model. It’s your job to pose like you love the look even if you don’t.
5. BRINGS SNACKS AND WATER WITH YOU.
Never assume it is the job of the photographer or client to provide you with food or water. Ensure to bring Healthy Snack options and water with you to photoshoot in case there’s nothing for you there, if you have allergies or you do not want to eat what is supplied.
6. LISTEN TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER FOR DIRECTION.
If you are not sure how to pose or what the client is looking for, ask the photographer. Parents or guardians should not be guiding you on what to do. It is the job of the photographer to ensure they get the shot they need.
7. SAY, THANK YOU.
Always leave with a smile and thank everyone for asking you to be a part of the shoot. Remember: First impressions are lasting impressions!
