I will not take the list any further, as we are talking about a first solo studio shoot. 

 

You have found the model you like, so the next stage is to contact her. Usually by email. Explain that you are an amateur (this means she

understands you will not require a release signed) and that you would like to book her for a shoot. Tell her the studio you are planning to use, the length of the shoot, and the time you would like and give her some dates to select from. Details of the shoot, clothing, styles, etc., can be arranged after the shoot is confirmed. Make it clear what you require as regards topless, art nude, or whatever it is you require. She will normally reply with her charge for the shoot, any travelling charge and a date. She will typically also send a mobile number for you to call her. If she doesn't send her yours so she can contact you, as emails can get a little frustrating when details are important.

 

Once you have the date and time ring the studio and arrange it with them. Hopefully this will all be OK and they are both booked. Now contact the model to confirm the date and now is your opportunity to discuss clothing, and what it is you want. I promise the more enthusiastic you sound the more encouraged the model will be. That's enthusiastic not lecherous.

 

Now, the studio and the model may require a deposit sent by post. This is perfectly normal as they both get quite a few no-shows, where the photographers' wife finds out and says “No way”, or they simply bottle. (English expression meaning to chicken out) This bit can be a bit tricky because if the model doesn't show, you will be stuck with the studio charge. Let me say here and now that I have never had a booked and paid model not show up on the day. I have had one or two that rang the day before to apologise to circumstances beyond their control, but the shoot was always rearranged, and the studios were also very helpful. I have never lost out cost-wise.

 

Phone the studio in advance and ask if you can pop in and have a look. Don't just turn up, the studio may well be busy and as a pro I know it would piss me off having sightseers wandering around while I am working. Go when they are free, and you will also be able to discuss with the guys what sort of lighting you require and any sets they may have. Also, tell them what breed and model of camera you have and ask them how you will fire the flash. This will all be set up for you on the day you arrive.

 

Before the day, make sure you have plenty of memory cards. You are going to look a dick if you run out of memory after half an hour! Remember, it will probably take about twenty to forty shots for both you and the model to warm up. Camera batteries. Yes, make sure you have a spare set. Any props that you feel will help.

 

Now, we discussed earlier what the model should bring. That includes styles of make-up. It's no good saying on the day "Red Lippy Please" if the model only brought pink and maroon. Was there something particular that you wanted her to wear, but she didn't have it? Then buy it. Find out her size and get one. Don't arrive with some tatty thing from a jumble sale. :-) Mind you, most models seem to turn up with enough luggage for three weeks' holiday and no washing machine.

 

Now she will probably need 10 minutes to sort herself out when she arrives, changes, and makeup. In that time, you will be checking the studio, working out where you will be shooting from. Chat to her while she is getting ready. Don't be shy, but on the other hand, don't stand and oggle as she dresses. It may be the first time an unknown female has stripped and dressed in front of you other than for the normal reason. Be nonchalant, casual, it happens all the time, right? :-)

 

During the shoot, make sure you keep her within the area that the guy showed you when he set the lights for you. That is all there is to it. Be friendly, PLEASE be encouraging. If you think the model looks bloody sexy, tell her. If a look isn't working, say so. She will not be offended, she's a professional. Mind you, it's no good saying it doesn't work and leaving it at that. Be constructive. A photographer who says a model is only another prop is not going to get the best from them. An umbrella or a chair is not going to throw a strop if you insult them. They will still be an umbrella or chair. An unhappy model will look dreadful. Having said all that, you are paying for a service, and no matter what, she should, once she is in front of the camera, turn into a star, your star for two hours. She'll find it a lot easier if you are friendly and smiling and crack the occasional funny. I cannot say how your model will be; after all, they are human and are all different. All I can tell you is they will not get much work if they are not friendly and helpful. Some actually say they love working with amateurs.

 

In all fairness I can honestly say that our mail bag is full of praise for models hired by guys that it is their first time. They write to tell us usually that the model was great, but everything else went wrong. So that's why this article came about.

 

You are paying for the studio time so rely on the guys their to help. They will clear off and leave you to it once the studio is set up.

Talk to the model. This is important. Sometimes, it can be advantageous to book the model through the studio, but they might not have the look you are seeking. Also, there may be problems like hiring a tall blonde with very long legs and on the day they may have to substitute a short brunette with not so good legs. You must discuss all possibilities beforehand rather than be disappointed on the day. This is your day; you are paying for it and have every right to expect it to go as planned. Do remember though shit happens and models get flu, trains are delayed and such like does happen.

 

I gave this article to two models and two studios to read prior to publication just to check we are all in agreement.

 

The models said, that there is nothing worse than having no clue what the photographer wants. They run through poses, but if they get no feedback how the hell can they know if what they are doing is right for him. They also said it's nice to be sent a couple of prints afterward for them to see how it went. If they are good, sometimes they know of new models looking for TFP (Time for Prints) for their portfolios, and they pass on details.

 

 

The studios said, that the above is the way to go. Please they ask don't front it out like you know everything about lighting if you don't. If they have the impression you know what you are doing they will leave you to it. If you ask for help they will be only to happy and I promise your pictures will be far better.

 

Finally, if this seems all too much for you, quite a few studios organise events. This entails a group of amateurs and one model on a special evening. It keeps costs drastically down, but it can be a bit of a bun fight. As they say though, "Horses for courses!". These group sessions are great for networking and learning new techniques.

 

The main thing is to enjoy the experience of working with a professional adult glamour model. You will gain a great reputation as a photographer if you treat your models with respect and act professional all the time with them.