Our models are mostly young women and can be apprehensive when making shoots – many will tend to assume the worst, meaning they will be very sensitive to feedback – both intentional and unintentional. Perhaps this is because it’s a new situation for them and they are nervous, or maybe they have lower self-esteem (a common reason for nude modelling is to increase one’s self esteem).
When a Shoot Producer is focused on other things, it can impact the atmosphere for a sensitive model. It’s typical for a Shoot Producer to need work on “other things” while a model is present, for example, technical aspects of the shoot, or another model travelling that same day and messaging as she is lost.
Some models may see this as getting the “cold shoulder” (especially if the Shoot producer’s lack of attention was due to an interrupting text message when the model and SP were engaged in a conversation!), or even that the Shoot Producer is displeased with the model!
The model will have mis-read the situation, but the damage can affect the quality of the shoot from the model’s level of engagement – and as always, make her less likely to refer her friends to work with us and return for more shoots.
Of course it’s necessary for Shoot Producers to address things other than the model on a shoot day. When something comes up;
- Excuse yourself
- Explain what’s happening
- Indicate if you’re still available to the model
Some example phrases;
Excuse me, I need to go set up the lighting now – I’ll just be in the other room. Go ahead and get dressed in the clothes we selected, and come in when you’re ready!
or;
Sorry, I need to trade text messages with a model I am working with tomorrow, to finalise some details. I should be done in five minutes. In the meantime, can you please lay out all the clothes you brought on this bed? I’ll be back with you shortly.
Other tips for focussing on the model include;
- Before a model arrives on set do a “personal reset” – a few deep breaths, a short calming meditation in an effort to leave “other things” at the door
- Message AW team members that were involved in a conversation, to inform them you are now shooting (simply a message “Shooting!” is fine). They have all made shoots, they know how it works, and will never consider it rude to say this!
- If other models are demanding your attention during a shoot, it is appropriate to ask the Model Liaison to support those models, so you can focus on the model in the room with you (but, the Model Liaison may not be able to assist)
- Playing music during Stills can help keep the model’s energy up when the SP is distracted elsewhere
- We strongly recommend ensuring all phones are off / in flight mode when shooting, “allowing” phone use in breaks, then back to flight mode when the break ends. This helps everyone remain focussed on the shoot at hand.