Principles of model care FAQs

Before anything else, models are respected as humans.

We work to connect with models on a human level. At its most basic level, this means talking openly about things that you are both experiencing (eg, the weather, the steep stairs, the nice view, a sad story, a tasty snack).

Shoots are a collaboration between two humans – the model and Shoot Producer are both required to make a successful shoot, and both work hard to create together.

Models are humans first. Being a model is a job for them, the same as being a Shoot Producer is a job for Shoot Producers. There’s a lot more to a Shoot Producer than their work with abbywinters.com, and so it is for models.

Shoot Producers care for the human aspect of a model first, meeting their “hierarchy of needs” by working with them in a safe and comfortable environment with access to food and water, treating them with respect by being warm and friendly, and improving their esteem by incorporating their ideas into the shoot. Together, this contributes to models’ self actualisation (an acceptance of who they are despite their faults and limitations, and experience to be creative).

While transcendence can always be worked towards, it’s unlikely to occur on an abbywinters.com shoot!

Practical tips for treating models as humans

Some practical ways to treat models as respected humans;

• Do a proper introduction of yourself and the model
  • First, by call, email or SMS when planning this shoot
  • But also in person, per the How should I introduce myself on a shoot day? FAQ
• Make meaningful conversation
  • Be truthful (that is, humble and genuine – the real you)
  • “Tell your feelings” (embrace your vulnerabilities; be emotionally available)
• Be an active communicator (be part of the convo, drive towards authenticity – not superficiality)
  • Don’t judge (instead, help people open up)
  • Listen, pay attention, understand, and validate
• In casual conversation, work to find commonalities from shared experiences
  • Such as travel, food, artists, culture (music, books, film, TV, dance, theatre…) experiences.
• Check on how models are feeling throughout the shoot day
  • Open-ended questions are always better
  • Ask broad questions sometimes “How are you going?” / “How can I make you more comfortable?”, to reduce Shoot Producer assumptions
  • Ask more specific questions as well; “How are your knees holding up in that position?”, “That was the first of eight different insertions poses, how do you feel about that?”
• Give models permission to move out of uncomfortable positions
  • In the Pre Shoot Briefing, but throughout, and especially if models indicate they are uncomfortable (for example, if the model asks if they can change position yet; or they changes position without asking; shake or grunt with the effort; their facial expression shows discomfort; the position is likely to be uncomfortable).
• Encourage models to speak up if uncomfortable
• Consider models’ limitations, act to accommodate them
  • For example, model has a bad back; consider poses that do not cause her discomfort – not make her “hold” poses for any longer than is strictly necessary
• Get lunch food right
• Give extensive and frequent positive encouragement
• Be positive, engaged and uplifting
• Work to de-escalate volatile situations

It’s rare we work with “professional models” in the full sense (that is, people who make their entire living from nude modelling work), though we do sometimes.

Most often, we work with models who “dabble”, who treat sex work as a hobby in addition to a “real” job (or studying). For some, it’s part-time work, or it’s all the work they can get right now.

However, we commit to all models we work with, that we will treat them as if they are a professional model. Doing so supports models to behave professionally in return, and helps ensure they have a memorable and positive experience with us (meaning they are more likely to make quality shoots, return for more shoots, and refer their friends).

Practical tips for treating models professionally

• Communicate with the model thoroughly before the shoot – set models up to succeed!
  • Before the shoot day, and on the shoot day
• Answer models questions concisely and honestly; admit if you don’t know the answer, find the answer, inform the model
• Ask, don’t tell models when directing
• When models describe how they like feedback (as part of the Pre Shoot Briefing), give them feedback that way!
• Acknowledge that some models may have a “personality clash” with the Shoot Producer.
  • Shoot Producers are still courteous and engaged in these situations
• Feedback is given to models regularly during the shoot
  • Avoid many problems by setting expectations early
  • Check poor performance gracefully, with a collaborative spirit so the model has the opportunity to improve
  • Design positive feedback to be constructive and deliver liberally, so the model can do more good things!
  • More info on giving feedback to models
• Notify models when their face is in frame, so they can react to the action appropriately
• Always offer the option of privacy for changing clothes and toileting
  • But see also, How should I ask a model to pee on-camera?

Help models feel involved in the shoot

Shoots are a collaboration between the Shoot Producer and the model(s). Shoot Producers work to make models feel included in the shoot creation process.

Collaboration means, both the model and Shoot Producer offer ideas to make a good shoot. Shoot Producers know more about what we need from a shoot, so will be in a leadership position here.

Of course, some models will be more involved than others. While the Shoot Producer should never “force” models to be more involved if they clearly don’t want to be, Shoot Producers also should not “give up” too easily. Just because a model did not want to make a decision about the shoot setting, does not mean the model should not be asked to collaborate on clothing or activities.

When asked their opinion or for ideas, models may make choices that matter a lot to the model – so beware of overriding them. Just because a decision is not important to a SP’s day, it may still have a big impact on the model (for example, for sentimental reasons).

Practical tips for helping models feel involved in a shoot

Some practical tips for helping models feel involved in a shoot include;

• Actively look for decisions models can participate in
  • Even “less important” decisions can establish the SP and model as equals working together
  • The classic example is, “Red socks or blue socks?” when selecting clothes to wear. Both are appropriately colourful for the shoot’s needs, so why not let the model choose?
• Give less-engaged models structured options
  • That is, not open-ended like “What shall we do today?”
  • For example, “Shall we do the physical activity first, or talking stuff first?” (both have to be done, model chooses the order);
  • For example, “Position A or Position B first?” (both will be shot regardless)
  • More info on framing questions for model’s input, and dealing with poor or inappropriate suggestions
• Give models tools to help them see what we want – solve the problem together
  • Eg, Stand the model by the window, with a bucket of water and a rag and ask the model, “Hm, I wonder what we could do as an activity that involves your whole body moving…?”. Model suggests “Well, I could maybe wash the window?” Win!
• Ask model for her ideas on other aspects of this Thing
  • For example, “Anything else you can think of that we should do with this prop?
  • “What are some other variations of levels we could do on this sofa?”
• Select shoot settings collaboratively with models, considering model comfort
  • SP: “Shooting in front of the window on the floor is going to look great, we’ll have fantastic light, and we’ll see the street scene outside as well!”
  • MODEL: Ok, but that concrete floor does not look so comfortable, is there a rug we could put down?”
  • SP: “How about this single-seat sofa chair?”
  • MODEL: “Oh, that looks really comfortable, thanks!”

Consent is critical to everyone feeling comfortable when making adult content.

Our business processes for working with models means they are well-informed about what happens on a shoot, and professional Shoot Producers shoot what has been planned to shoot. This tends to cover-off on the bulk of consent-related matters – but not all of them.

See how we present consent to models.

We only proceed with enthusiastic consent. We don’t want to make shoots with models who grudgingly agree, or those who are wavering in their decision.

We know that consent only exists in the moment and can be revoked at any time. Shoot Producers create an atmosphere of collaboration and open discussion so models feel comfortable to speak up. When a model withdraws consent for a given activity, the Shoot Producer works with the model to find a solution to make a quality shoot.

Practical tips for managing consent on shoots

• Follow the Pre Shoot Briefing protocol
  • This follows-on from other expectations we have set for models
  • Listen to model’s concerns, and address them regularly throughout the day
• Listen for phrases that really mean “no” during the shoot
  • Just because a model does not say “No, I don’t want to do that”, does not mean they are ok to do what’s being asked.
  • Listen for phrases that show hesitation like “I’m not sure…”, “Maybe later?”, or just “Maybe…”
  • Never assume anything other then “yes” means “yes” – seek enthusiastic consent
• Watch for unvoiced consent-related matters during the shoot
  • For example, a model who was relaxed becoming tense when something changes, may indicate discomfort that should be talked about
  • Some models may not wish to voice a concern for fear of annoying or angering a Shoot Producer; they may change the subject or request a toilet break instead
• Shoot Producers’ consent also matters!
  • Shoot Producers speak up when they feel uncomfortable, and can expect models to respect their boundaries, too!

Shoot Producers contact models several times before a shoot, as described in the What do I need to do to prepare for a shoot with a model? FAQ, and shown in the pre-production shoot planning timeline.

When models are visiting the Shoot City, Shoot Producers are available and responsive to models for shoot-related needs.

Practical requirements for responsiveness

In practical terms, that means, Shoot Producers are responsive to instant-messaging or return phone calls within 90 minutes (even if it’s just to say, “I’ll call you back at 3pm”) between the hours of 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.

If models are well-prepared by the Shoot Producer, there should be fewer messages from the model to process. Suggestions to the Company on how models can be better prepared for shoots are most welcome!

All of us want to be led to some degree, and models on shoots are no exception! The Company prepares models to be led by Shoot Producers, and we present Shoot Producers as leaders to models.

Leading is a big responsibility – those being led place their “lives in the hands” of the leader, someone they need to trust. Leading includes;

Know yourself and seek self improvement – You are never done growing as a leader, so after each shoot, reflect on how you could have done better, and feed that into how you work with the next model.

Empower models to make their own decisions, to collaborate and control what happens on the shoot.

Be technically proficient – Know what we’re making and why we’re making it. Actively seek answers to questions or anytime the “why” is unclear. Embrace new training opportunities.

Seek responsibility and take responsibility for your actions – Be accountable. Tend not to blame others, but to consider what could have been done differently to get the best shoot outcome. Make those changes on the next shoot.

Make sound and timely decisions – Be wise but be decisive. From understanding shoot safety, what our customers want, and our standards of care for models, Shoot Producers are empowered to make on-set decisions in the best interest of the company. The Collective is always available for support, as well.

Set the example – “More is caught than taught”. Models will follow what their Shoot Producer does, more than what their Shoot Producer says. Have high technical and creative standards.

Keep people informed – No collaboration ever failed because of too much communication! Tend to over-inform models on set about what is happening, so there’s no possibility of misunderstanding (if there is a misunderstanding, work to de-escalate it). Promptly let the Collective know of unusual things on shoots.

Ensure the task is understood, supervised and accomplished – Set clear expectations and goals, then coach and hold people accountable. Start with smaller tasks, then increase complexity and trust.

(A credit to Anderson Leadership Solutions for some of these concepts).

Practical tips to lead responsibly on a shoot

• Control the day, don’t let it control you
  • Be flexible, being ready to change the order of events and take breaks to best suit the shoot and the people
  • Keep a “helicopter view” of the day – keep in mind what’s left to do, what the time is now, and what time the model expects to leave
• Take regular breaks
  • It can feel tempting to “power through” the whole day on adrenaline, but breaks help everyone do a “mini-reset”
  • Take regular breaks, and change the “mode”- not just stand up and stretch (though that is good), but consider a walk around the block / get an ice cream / coffee or similar (good backstage opportunities as well!)
• Follow established processes
  • These are designed to help Shoot Producers lead responsibility
  • In particular, the Pre Shoot Briefing (and before the video), but also presenting HWB’s, Clothing Selection, and Proposing pee sequences.
• Give positive feedback to models
  • Make it specific (“wow, that back-bend really shows your flexibility well”), and based on their skills, talents, education, effort (not physical attributes based on their genes)
  • More tips on providing feedback to models
• Review model feedback, act to improve
  • Each new model and each first-time GGT3 and GBT3 male model does a check-in call, and the report is sent to the responsible Shoot Producer
• Consider how you can improve – try new techniques, and reflect on how they worked
• Keep models informed about what is happening next
• Don’t leave models wondering – be proactive

Shoot Producers are professional and organised. This helps models see Shoot Producers as being professional leaders – and will ensure the shoot runs more smoothly and efficiently.

Practical tips for being professional and organised

• Be clear and unambiguous when specifying dates
  • Different cultures express dates differently. Don’t risk a mix up!
  • Always express written dates as 23 Jun 2022
• Write carefully considered messages when the stakes high
  • For example, when messaging about dates, money, shoots, times
  • Re-read before sending
• Follow established company workflows
  • They are designed to increase the chance of a high quality shooting being made, and for none of the media or metadata lost
• Let HQ know about changes or unusual circumstances
  • More info on when it’s required to let the Company know about unusual things on shoots
• Be punctual
  • Communicate with the model if running late
• Consider setting up equipment before the model arrives
  • And other steps to help the shoot day run smoothly – consider buying and preparing food for lunch before the shoot
• Consider that the model will have a big bag of stuff, will she need to bring it to every shoot?
  • What if the shoot is upstairs, her bag is heavy, and there’s no elevator? Would the model carrying a heavy bag upstairs cause bruising on her legs?

In an email to your Trainer, add these questions in bold text, and add your answers in plain text below each question.

1. List three open-ended questions that could be asked to any model during casual down time to find commonality between you and the model
2. List all the ways models are encouraged to speak up with their “human needs” within a shoot day.
3. Why do Shoot Producers “ask” rather than “tell” models when directing them?
4. A model is consistently pulling a “duck face” during Stills. Describe the appropriate direction to give to the model, and how it should be delivered.
5. List three things a model can be asked so that she feels included in the creative process.
6. List three sentences a model might use that convey she is not comfortable with what is happening – but is not as clear as “No” or “I want to stop”.
7. Shoot Producer Toni is shooting model Mary on Monday and model Tiana on Tuesday. During Monday’s shoot Tiana sends a text message to say she is lost in the shoot city and can not find the hotel. The Shoot Producer is at a crucial moment in Mary’s shoot. What should the Shoot Producer do?
8. Why are regular breaks important within a shoot day?
9. List some practical things a Shoot Producer can do before a model arrives on the Shoot Day to help the day run smoothly?
10. Why is model experience more important than shoot quality?
11. What are the considerations when sharing your personal opinions on topics the model raises during casual conversation?
12. What should the power balance be between Shoot Producer and model on a shoot day?