Images and That Photography Time for Prints

Time for Prints or CD (TFP/CD)

Safety, online and off

When meeting photographers online, always ask them to forward you at least two references (e.g. email addresses of other models s/he has worked with) and a URL to their online portfolio. If they can't supply both, forget them Here's a good page of info on avoiding scams and staying safe.

If they have no references (i.e. no experience) then, at best, they will be so inexperienced that the photos won't be much better than what you could just get a friend, parent or partner to take of you.

There are lot of 'GWCs' (Guys With Cameras) about online. While not necessarily dangerous, they like to get naive models to pose for them just to collect a range of photos for their private collection. On a practical note, they are shit photographs, too! If someone's online 'portfolio' seems to consist entirely of snapshots of nervous looking women in compromising situations in someone's crappy looking bedroom... need I say more? Don't ever think that you have to accept an offer from a substandard photographer because you're "new" or you "need" photos. You'll get good photos eventually, so just be patient and don't do anything you'll regret later.

Similarly, don't ever let a photographer attempt to pressurise you into posing in ways that you're not comfortable with, even if you did agree to it beforehand! It might feel a little embarrassing to have to refuse outright, but you'll thank yourself later.

Always bring a parent/ friend/ partner with you when meeting a photographer for the first time. You wouldn't normally agree to turn up at the house of a stranger you met on the internet all by yourself, take off your clothes and let them tie you up, right?

Make sure your chaperone is happy to sit quietly, without fidgeting, or wait in the next room, and not try to chip in with their advice on how to make the shoot better, or in any other way cause distractions! I usually prefer it if my boyfriend waits in the next room and reads a book or something, because even though he sits still and keeps shtum, I always find myself looking at him!

Remember that unless agreed to the contrary, the photographs are the legal property of the photographer. This means that you cannot use them for commercial ends without permission, and perhaps even more importantly, that they can sell them to whoever they like. It is best to have a clear TFP/CD agreement.

If you ever feel threatened, intimidated, frightened or are in any other way concerned for your safety at a shoot, then leave immediately. It's always better to be too vigilant, than not vigilant enough. Remember your mobile phone.

Don't give out personal information online. No-one needs to know your bank details, see photos of you naked to see if you have what it takes to be a FASHION model, or details about your personal life, whatever they say. I recommend setting up a separate email address to deal with modeling stuff, so you don't have to give out your personal one.

Having said all this, don't get arsey with photographers (or anyone else you're working with) for not treating you like a celebrity, because you can always be replaced!

The Shoot.

Come to a shoot with clean hair and skin that is free of makeup and products. Remember to remove any hair that you don't want the camera to see in plenty of time. You can shave at the last minute of course, but if you prefer to wax (as I do) then you'll need to do this a couple of days in advance so you don't still have the waxing rash when you turn up! Give yourself a manicure and a pedicure, paint your nails, if necessary, and pluck your eyebrows. Get a facial 4-7 days in advance (depending on how long it usually takes for your skin to settle down afterwards). Trim off any split ends, and if you dye your hair, make sure you have 'done' your roots. Don't turn up looking a mess on the principle that the photographer ought to spend hours on end airbrushing the photos to death to save you a bit of time in the salon/ bathroom!

Find out in advance whether there will be a stylist and/ or MUA (makeup artist) at the shoot, so you know whether or not you're expected to bring your own styling stuff and makeup, and do it yourself. If you are, try and do as much as you reasonably can in advance to save time when you get there.

I always bring the following to shoots: flesh coloured tights, flesh coloured stockings, black tights, black stockings, black knickers, a suspender belt, flesh coloured G string, flesh coloured bra with removable straps, black high heels... and a packed lunch. Modeling is surprisingly hard work and you'll need your energy! I also wear a comfortable dress and no bra when I travel to shoots, so I won't have marks on my skin from the clothes. Find out in advance if you're expected to bring anything in particular, like clothes, shoes or props.

If you get any new body mods between the time you arranged to shoot with the tog and the time you arrive at the shoot, tell them.

If you know that you tend to get spots when you're on your period, then don't arrange shoots at those times.

If you can't make it, or you're going to be late, let the photographer know as soon as possible.