Feedback to models should focus on things the model can exert control over;
- Skills the model has worked hard to develop, for example, spoken languages, fitness, strength, flexibility, expertise, playing music, knowledge, tastes, coordination, articulated opinions.
- Experiences the model has had, for example, with travel, relationships, illness, jobs, education, social activities, volunteering, gaming, sports.
- The personal style the model has, for example, clothing outfits, tattoos, accessories, haircut, and other grooming.
Personal style compliments can mis-fire (for example, the Shoot Producer compliments the model wearing the outfit that the Shoot Producer selected, but the model thinks it looks terrible!). Safer to only compliment style choices if they are 100% in control of the model, and the model has clearly put in effort to that style. Safest is to not bring a model’s personal style up at all.
Tend not to compliment the model on things the model “just is”, for example, red hair, braces, blue eyes, large breasts, round bum, black skin, large labia. The model has little or no influence over these aspects, and praise is “hollow”.
A model who feels she worked hard and that has “paid off” (with positive feedback) is more likely to be engaged in the shoot, than a model who simply got “good” DNA from her parents (some models may still enjoy positive feedback on these elements, but it can be risky – and we’re more classy than that).
However there are some situations where commenting on a model’s physical characteristics can be appropriate. Consider this example 👩🦰;
❌ I hope the carpet matches the curtains!
This kind of crude comment (that is, red head-hair with matching red pubic hair) is never appropriate – nor is it helpful in the context of the shoot.
Consider this improved example;
🤐 I love how red your hair is, it reminds me of my first girlfriend.
This is creepy – even if it’s intended as a friendly remark (“Is the Shoot Producer hitting on me?” the model wonders). Models are especially sensitive to being “hit on” in the context of shoots, so comments that might be fine in other contexts will likely be misinterpreted on a shoot. Anyway, this sort of comment is not so helpful in the context of the shoot either.
Consider this ideal example:
✔️ I’ve set up this shot so your awesome red hair is against the background of the green shrubs. These complementary colours really work great together, check it out! [show model image on back of camera]
By describing why her red hair is good – and showing how good it looks – we’re giving positive feedback to the model in the context of collaboration. Team wins always feel good! 👯♀️
Commenting on physical attributes
If the Shoot Producer decides the model’s physical attributes should be commented on (🚨 Danger!), consider using this “formula” to make it relevant to the shoot:
✔️ Your with that looks !
Some examples for using this “formula include:
- Your ass with that light looks amazing!
- Your breasts in that bra will show really well!
This works because;
- It separates out the SP’s personal preferences from their professional opinion
- It helps the model to feel like a professional: her team is getting good results!
- Her body is desirable, it’s an ego boost
- It’s safer: The model can feel she is in a professional environment.