Working with giving models feedback

When you need to give feedback as part of your job – that is, do it consciously and with tact – it can be difficult to do well. Some models feel vulnerable when appearing nude (models often refer to modelling as being a “rush”, and embracing this vulnerability is part of that rush).

Our company policy is:

Everyone should feel good about sharing their sexuality with us.

Shoot producers can help models feel good on shoots by delivering feedback… but consider some of the complexities;

• How frequently should feedback be given to models?
• What should the balance between positive and negative feedback be?
• What should the balance be between generic and specific?
• Should feedback be based on physical attributes, or accomplishments?
• How “effusive” should the feedback be?
• How “personal” should the feedback be?
• How does this differ by the person giving and receiving the feedback?

While giving appropriate feedback comes naturally to some Shoot Producers, for others it needs to be carefully considered so models feel comfortable working with Shoot Producers.

The FAQ’s in this section addresses each of these questions.

Feedback should be given regularly throughout the shoot – at least every “pose” the model does, often more regularly. Ideally, feedback will be a constant stream, especially early in the shoot day, as the model and Shoot Producer align their interactions.

Check out this example;

❌ It’s the end of the Stills session. The first feedback of the day that the Shoot Producer gives the model is;

You did ok in the stills, but for video, please be more engaged.

This is bad for a few reasons: Only giving feedback at the end of Stills is not frequent enough; but also, saying someone did no better than “ok” is quite demotivating.

Here’s another example;

🤐 Those last few poses were good

Feedback after a few poses is better than only at the end of the Stills… but this is still not frequent enough. Also, this feedback is not specific enough (the model will be left wondering, “What about those poses were good? And what about the other poses I did?”).

The best approach is to ‘build’ a pose with the model, and give incremental feedback. For example;

✔️ Ok, sit with you back against the wall, yes, like that. Now, bring your right knee up, then lay it over – yes, perfect! I wonder if you can lay it over any more? Oh, that’s excellent – I did not think you could go THAT far! Now, turn your left foot out – perfect. Now, can you sort of roll your pelvis out to me a little. It’d be good if we could see your anus in this shot… YES, that’s great! Your flexibility is making this shot excellent! Ok, now I’m going to start recording, then ask a sexual question. Stroke your left thigh and look straight to the camera while answering – yes, just like that – ok. What do you think about when you masturbate?

By giving incremental feedback during the poses creation, the model knows she’s on the right track every step of the way, and is never left wondering if she’s doing the right thing (a concern for newer models).

Not every pose will need that much interaction, and different models will have different needs.

Continuing from the above example, once the pose and video segment is complete, a recap on what was good can help prepare for the next pose, for example;

✔️ Rolling your pelvis forward made a huge difference to that last shot! Keep it in mind for the next few shots – the Open Leg Posing Level is about being able to see your anus, so anything you can do to help is great!

When making multi-model shoots, positive feedback should be handed out to models in roughly equal amounts – even for models who “always” do the right thing… or for models who seldom do the right thing.

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.

No, not all feedback has to be positive – but negative feedback should be avoided as much as possible.

Instead, frame negative feedback as constructive – see What should the balance between positive and negative feedback be?

Receiving negative feedback usually hurts – especially if it’s given without context (and more so if the model is already in a vulnerable position, like being nude). So the balance should be 100% positive / 0% negative whenever possible.

Often, this is a matter of how the feedback is framed. Consider this example;

❌ Stop bending backwards like that.

While being direct can be good, in most cultures comes across as being too direct and therefore rude (causing the model to disengage in the shoot). Also, by not telling the model why bending backwards is being discouraged, she will need to be reminded every time she does it. It’s always preferred to help the model understand the underlying “why”, so she can bring some of her own ideas to the shoot, framed in a way that’s useful.

Consider this revision:

🤐 Bending backwards like that makes for some bad shadows, please don’t do it.

The above is a better approach, as the reason is now made clear to the model. But, in this feedback the reason infers the model is at fault (at least, a model with low self-esteem may hear the comment that way), when of course it’s no one’s fault!

So let’s revise the message again:

✔️ Let’s try some poses where you’re bending forwards more – the light looks better that way.

The above is framed positively, supporting the model to do what the shoot needs in a constructive way. This is the approach that should be used in all cases.

Shoot Producers work to find the positive and bypass the negative when giving feedback. Directly negative feedback should seldom be necessary, unless the situation is extremely unusual. Consider these examples of “turning a negative into a positive”;

Scenario: Model looking bored

✔️ Show the model a pic on the back of the camera, “This shot is more sultry than we prefer. We’re looking for more up-beat and happy like we discussed in the Pre Shoot Briefing. Let’s try a new pose / activity.”

Scenario: Model not doing EXP as required (reverting to OL)

✔️ The poses you are getting into are good for the Open Leg Posing Level, but we are doing the Explicit Posing Level now. For that, you need to hold open your labia throughout the pose.

Scenario: Model not including question in her answer

✔️ That was a great answer! Please do it one more time but this time phrase the question in your answer (because, the editor will take my voice out).

Scenario: Model swearing too much in her answers

✔️ You’re certainly using some colourful language! Can you answer that again, but speak how you would to your boyfriend’s grandmother?

Scenario: Model won’t put her phone down

✔️ Let’s take a five minute break so that you can finish up on your phone, then we can focus on work.

If something has come up and you need to reschedule today that’s also fine – just let me know. Otherwise, let’s turn our phones off, ok?

Feedback around the SP’s personal preferences is never appropriate

How the SP personally finds the model’s physical presence is not relevant, and should never be given.

Inappropriate positive feedback for example:

❌ Your tits are cracking! I’ll take lots of pics of them!

This is not appropriate – and may be perceived as the Shoot Producer “hitting on” the model (never acceptable).

Negative feedback about model’s physical attributes is never appropriate

Any feedback about a model’s physical attributes is risky ground (more info), but negative comments are never acceptable. For example;

❌ Your ass is kinda saggy. I’ll be sure to not include it in the video.

In fact, negative feedback should be avoided whenever possible. Instead, focus on what we need the model to do in the shoot – not what she should not do. More info on framing negative feedback as constructive comments.

All our feedback guidance differs by person and their culture. For example,

American models tend to expect more-effusive and more-frequent positive feedback. These models will perform much better when they get this feedback.

Western European and Australian models tend to find “American”-style feedback fake and de-motivating (“He probably says that to all his models, just to make them feel good – what a bullshitter!”).

This is a broad generalisation and there will always be exceptions. This is why we ask each model how they prefer feedback to be given as part of the Pre-Shoot Briefing.

Always work to depersonalise feedback from the Shoot Producer: models are working for the company, or more specifically, the company’s customers – not for the SP personally.

❌❌ I can smell your pussy, and I love it!

Very inappropriate. The SP’s opinion of how a model’s vulva smells is irrelevant. Customers will not be able to smell the model’s vulva, so there is no way this is relevant to a shoot.

❌ I love the shape of your pussy

This is work, it’s not about what the SP enjoys personally. The company’s firm policy is that every vulva is unique and beautiful, and that no one should be shamed for how their vulva looks.

✔️ That’s a great bra, it’s going to make the breast-teasing material look fantastic!

You’re inferring she has good taste with her clothing purchases, and applies it well – and relating it back to the shoot.

✔️ It’s a little awkward… there’s some poo around your anus that the camera can see. I have these wet wipes, can you please go to the bathroom and wipe thoroughly?

This is awkwardly personal, but it’s essential the model’s anus is spotlessly clean before the anus is revealed in the shoot. It’s necessary to bring it up when applicable.

Feedback should be as personal as is necessary to elicit a positive reaction from the model (or, to complete the shoot to spec), and must never be about what the SP prefers.

Effusive means, “showing approval in an unrestrained or heartfelt manner”. Generally, feedback should be more-effusive, without being “over-the-top”. For example;

❌ This light is acceptable.

Using this phrase when the light is excellent needlessly under-sells your own work. It’s always fine to be proud of your work (but if the light is just acceptable, maybe best not to mention it to the model at all?).

Consider this improvement;

🤐 The light is working well today.

This is ok to say, if the light is adequate (that is, meets the abbywinters.com requirements for lighting).

But consider this improvement;

✔️ I’ve never set up the lights like this before, but it really works in this room, with you doing that movement in those clothes – check out this pic I just took – looks great, huh?

Framing the feedback as a win for the team’s collaboration is always best.

Being genuine is essential: if the light is bad, saying it’s good does not help anyone! It’s ok to mention the light needs work – do that work – then direct the model to do her thing again and show her the improvements.

Enthusiasm is contagious – if the Shoot Producer is excited about what they are creating, some of this will “rub off” on the model, causing her to strive to do better as well.

However it’s possible to be too effusive where the feedback seems “over the top” (that is, does not match what the model has done). Consider when a toddler or a dog does something good – a lot of effusive praise is often used (it’s proven to work well, because toddlers and dogs respond more to the tone of voice than the words spoken). But, being too-effusive is patronising for human adults, and feels “false” (“Why are they lying to me?”).

Consider that the appropriate level of effusive-ness varies between models!

Draft a new email to the Trainer. Copy and paste each Assignment heading, and under the heading, enter your answers.

Respond to scenarios with constructive and positive feedback

Shoot Producers work to find the positive and bypass the negative when giving feedback to models on shoots. Rephrase each of these statements into positive and constructive feedback. Each phrase will likely be longer than shown here – that’s fine.

• Don’t lean forward so much.
• You need to phrase the question in your answer.
• You are talking about your boyfriend too much.

Suggest how often feedback should be given in these situations

We know that regular “micro-feedback” is better than one lump at the end of the shoot day. For each of the scenarios listed below, suggest when and what feedback should be given in the 15 minutes surrounding the nominated time.

• It’s the first pose of the first shoot a model has made with abbywinters.com
• It’s the first part of today’s video shoot
• It’s the start of the stills for a GG shoot
• It’s the end of a shoot day of a Solo shoot
• It’s the third insertions pose of a Solo shoot

Make these general feedback notes be more specific

More specific and “actionable” feedback is usually better. Convert these general feedbacks into more specific ones. It’s ok to invent the details for this exercise, keeping them practical to an abbywinters.com shoot.

• Your flexibility is pretty good.
• I like your voice.
• That sequence was ok.

Check what things a model should / should not get positive feedback on

Generally, we give models feedback on their skills, experiences, or – sometimes – their personal style (but generally not physical attributes they have no control over, like the length of their legs).

From this list of different model attributes, indicate which are always-appropriate, always-inappropriate, and risky to give a model feedback on.

• Red hair
• Spoken English (when it’s not their mother tongue)
• Blue eyes
• Knowledge of food chemistry
• Larger breasts
• Volunteering efforts
• Black skin
• Having a job they love
• Large labia

Comment carefully on model’s physical attributes

Commenting on a model’s physical attributes can backfire – these comments can be perceived as a sexual advance, or insult the model. But applied carefully and sparingly, they can be valuable to helping a model feel good and improve shoot quality.

Use the “formula” to construct positive feedback based on a model’s physical attributes. Here’s the formula:

Your with that looks !

Here’s an example;

Your breasts in that bra will show really well!

For this assignment, choose four of the listed anatomy items, four of the “other” listed elements, invent an appropriate compliment, and list the four completed phrases.

Anatomy
Labia
Breasts
Arse (ass)
Vulva
Anus
Clitoris
Legs

Other element
Resistance band
Blue bra
See through panties
Ribbon
Sock
Daylight
Sunlight through trees

Calibrate for effusive-ness

Effusive means, “showing approval in an unrestrained or heartfelt manner”. Adjust the effusive-ness for each of these feedback items, to be appropriate for an abbywinters.com shoot.

• OMG, you’re literally the best looking model I have ever worked with!
• You’re ok I guess.
• Your work on that pose was amazing, I have never seen it done so well – it was really a work of art. I am going to let my boss know about it, and I will probably get some kind of award for it, because it’s so good!
• You did alright with that tree climbing scene.

Calibrating personal feedback

It’s possible to give feedback to models that is too-personal – for example, comments a Shoot Producer might make to their lover.

From this list of comments, identify which are suitable to be made on an abbywinters.com shoot.

• I love how your skin smells!
• Hey, the colour of those shorts goes well with the sofa cushions!
• Your ass moving like that is giving me a wide on!
• That see-through bra is going to “light” really well in the shoot!
• The shape of your nipples makes me want to kiss them!
• Seeing a glimpse of your panties under your skirt is something our customers really love!
• I can almost taste your pussy from here, nomnomnom!