Question 1

What are some tips for how to talk to models?

Garion Hall · Accepted Answer

Consider the level of formality

If unsure of the correct tone to set with the model, err on the side of formal (that is, be more-formal, rather than less-formal). For example;

More formal: Good morning Mary, it’s nice to meet you. I’ve been looking forward to working with you today. You can place your bag on the bed - may I offer you a coffee while I brief you?

Less formal: Hey Mary, we’re gonna smash it today! Chuck your shit on the bed and let’s have a coffee and make a plan.

Both are appropriately professional (warm, welcoming, engaged), but the more-formal approach is suitable when the model’s personality is not yet known. Typically, the more times a Shoot Producer has worked with a model, the less-formal the Shoot Producer will be (though that’s not a requirement or expectation - it depends on the relationship). Consider starting the day at maximum-formal, and “walk it back” to less-formal after taking cues from the model. But, never sink “below the level” of conversation with the model - for example, let the model indicate when saying “fuck” is appropriate, and if she does not say it, you should not say it either.

Consider how to specify body parts when talking with models

The company expects Shoot Producers to use the anatomically-correct names for body parts, instead of slang terms (even if the model uses slang terms). This is for a few reasons;

Slang terms can be vague
1. For example “ass” can mean buttocks or anus; “pussy” could mean pubic region, labia, vagina, clitoris…
2. This can lead to confusion or embarrassment, making the model uncomfortable and wasting time
Slang terms are unprofessional
1. Unprofessional behaviour leads to a lack of respect from models
2. Models often compliment our Shoot Producers using the “correct” terms for their genitalia - we know models tend to like it!
3. Some models know these terms, but don’t expect Shoot Producers to use them - they are pleasantly surprised when they hear them used.
Slang terms can have negative connotations
1. Depending on culture, upbringing, being teased as a child, and societal pressures, people can be embarrassed about some words and what they mean
2. The anatomically correct terms are neutral in this regard
Models often enjoy learning the “official” terms
1. Some models don’t know these “anatomically correct” terms, and are interested to learn them

Some models will not know the anatomically-correct names for body parts, so that may lead to confusion as well. No worries, it’s an opportunity to educate the model about her body. Try asking the model what words she uses to describe those parts of her body (excellent content for video!), and trade off with the anatomically-correct names. The appropriate terms;

Use “breasts” (never “tits”, “titties”, “fun bags”, “baps”, “boobs”, “boobies”)
Use “nipples” or “areola” (Never “nips”)
Use “buttocks” (never “arse”, “butt”, “tush”, “tushie”, “ass”)
Use “vulva” (ie, the pubic region; never “vagina”, “vag”, “axe wound”, “Vajayjay”, “minky”, “lady garden”)
Use “outer labia” and “inner labia” (never “flaps”, “meat curtains”)
Use “clitoris” (never bean”, “button”, “clit”, “clitty”, “Satan’s doorbell”)
Use “vagina” (never “pussy”, “vag”, “hole”, “fanny”)
Use “perineum” (never “taint”)
Use “anus” (never “ass”, “hole”, “asshole”, “poop chute”, “backdoor”)

Tend to describe what will happen next

A model said;

When [Shoot Producer] is taking pictures or filming, he says when he is coming close and he says when he is taking a close-up, so you are ready for it and you never feel like he is going to touch you. I like that.

Letting the model know what’s happening next is not only polite, it helps her feel comfortable and understand what’s happening (as opposed to being shocked by how close the camera is to her, especially the first time it happens on a shoot). Communicating clearly, helps her do what we need in the shoot. Models always appreciate being told if their face is in a given shot, so they can compose their face appropriately.

Be aware of own body language

A model said;

He is really serious when he is focussed. He looks like he is going to kill someone! I was thinking he was mad at me or something while he was working - and then he would stop and say I was doing really great! It was confusing at first because I wasn’t sure if I was doing a good job…

Consider how you appear to others and consider adopting “softer” body language. If you know you tend to have a “resting bitch face” (or whatever the male equivalent is), consider letting models before the shoot (some models will take your “neutral” facial expression as a dis). Reassure the model that if things go wrong, you’ll let them know. Making a joke out of it, or a self-deprecating comment like “It’s just my face…” is appropriate.

Question 2

What are some tips for how to talk to models?

Garion Hall · Accepted Answer

Consider the level of formality

If unsure of the correct tone to set with the model, err on the side of formal (that is, be more-formal, rather than less-formal). For example;

More formal: Good morning Mary, it’s nice to meet you. I’ve been looking forward to working with you today. You can place your bag on the bed - may I offer you a coffee while I brief you?

Less formal: Hey Mary, we’re gonna smash it today! Chuck your shit on the bed and let’s have a coffee and make a plan.

Both are appropriately professional (warm, welcoming, engaged), but the more-formal approach is suitable when the model’s personality is not yet known. Typically, the more times a Shoot Producer has worked with a model, the less-formal the Shoot Producer will be (though that’s not a requirement or expectation - it depends on the relationship). Consider starting the day at maximum-formal, and “walk it back” to less-formal after taking cues from the model. But, never sink “below the level” of conversation with the model - for example, let the model indicate when saying “fuck” is appropriate, and if she does not say it, you should not say it either.

Consider how to specify body parts when talking with models

The company expects Shoot Producers to use the anatomically-correct names for body parts, instead of slang terms (even if the model uses slang terms). This is for a few reasons;

Slang terms can be vague
1. For example “ass” can mean buttocks or anus; “pussy” could mean pubic region, labia, vagina, clitoris…
2. This can lead to confusion or embarrassment, making the model uncomfortable and wasting time
Slang terms are unprofessional
1. Unprofessional behaviour leads to a lack of respect from models
2. Models often compliment our Shoot Producers using the “correct” terms for their genitalia - we know models tend to like it!
3. Some models know these terms, but don’t expect Shoot Producers to use them - they are pleasantly surprised when they hear them used.
Slang terms can have negative connotations
1. Depending on culture, upbringing, being teased as a child, and societal pressures, people can be embarrassed about some words and what they mean
2. The anatomically correct terms are neutral in this regard
Models often enjoy learning the “official” terms
1. Some models don’t know these “anatomically correct” terms, and are interested to learn them

Some models will not know the anatomically-correct names for body parts, so that may lead to confusion as well. No worries, it’s an opportunity to educate the model about her body. Try asking the model what words she uses to describe those parts of her body (excellent content for video!), and trade off with the anatomically-correct names. The appropriate terms;

Use “breasts” (never “tits”, “titties”, “fun bags”, “baps”, “boobs”, “boobies”)
Use “nipples” or “areola” (Never “nips”)
Use “buttocks” (never “arse”, “butt”, “tush”, “tushie”, “ass”)
Use “vulva” (ie, the pubic region; never “vagina”, “vag”, “axe wound”, “Vajayjay”, “minky”, “lady garden”)
Use “outer labia” and “inner labia” (never “flaps”, “meat curtains”)
Use “clitoris” (never bean”, “button”, “clit”, “clitty”, “Satan’s doorbell”)
Use “vagina” (never “pussy”, “vag”, “hole”, “fanny”)
Use “perineum” (never “taint”)
Use “anus” (never “ass”, “hole”, “asshole”, “poop chute”, “backdoor”)

Tend to describe what will happen next

A model said;

When [Shoot Producer] is taking pictures or filming, he says when he is coming close and he says when he is taking a close-up, so you are ready for it and you never feel like he is going to touch you. I like that.

Letting the model know what’s happening next is not only polite, it helps her feel comfortable and understand what’s happening (as opposed to being shocked by how close the camera is to her, especially the first time it happens on a shoot). Communicating clearly, helps her do what we need in the shoot. Models always appreciate being told if their face is in a given shot, so they can compose their face appropriately.

Be aware of own body language

A model said;

He is really serious when he is focussed. He looks like he is going to kill someone! I was thinking he was mad at me or something while he was working - and then he would stop and say I was doing really great! It was confusing at first because I wasn’t sure if I was doing a good job…

Consider how you appear to others and consider adopting “softer” body language. If you know you tend to have a “resting bitch face” (or whatever the male equivalent is), consider letting models before the shoot (some models will take your “neutral” facial expression as a dis). Reassure the model that if things go wrong, you’ll let them know. Making a joke out of it, or a self-deprecating comment like “It’s just my face…” is appropriate.