Casting models and What to look for..

Casting your model

• When casting models it is critical that you do a casting as if the model. Even if they are long distance social media such as skype or facetime can be used just so that you can see for your own eyes what the model looks like. As they may look different from what they do in images as some photographers get their images edited to make the images appear better quality and to make the model look healthier/more appealing.
• Also remember it is not unreasonable to ask to see the model in person or to see an untouched image of them as you need to see if this model is suitable for your brief.
• It is important to remember that Photoshop and other editing software is available to most people and easy to learn which means what you see in images isn't always real and that everyone has imperfections.

Things to look for in portfolios –

• It is essential to check there is a variety of different poses in their portfolio as they may look good in pictures but they may stick with the same pose which would reflect badly on you as the photographer as you haven't directed them enough.
• Ensure that you as the photographer communicate effectively with your model as they are not mind readers and cant guess what poses you require them to hold. Also it is important you don't come across negatively to blunt with your model as you want them to enjoy working with you as if they are not comfortable or happy it will be visible in the images taken.

Ensure everyone is content..

• It is vital to make sure that the model comes away from the shoot with something whether that is monetary compensation or a se of images for their portfolio. However no matter how desperate the model is to see the images you should never let them have untouched or unfinished images as it can reflect badly on you or your work.
• It is important to ensure you don't put yourself under too much pressure as if you are doing the hair makeup and photoshoot you need to give yourself enough time to create the look you planned and some time for the model to relax while you set up for the shoot as you don't want to leave the model waiting.

It is also important to remember..

• That at this stage, not all of your models are going to be experienced which means that they can be nervous so you need to be careful and ensure that they are comfortable and have a lot of direction as if they feel uneasy or nervous it will come across in the images.
• As most people work visually, bringing a tear sheet with any poses you want your model to recreate would allow you to walk into the shot and show the model exactly what you want.
• Also as the studio can be cold a lot of the time it is important to keep your model moving so that they don't get too cold as it can make the model look quite stiff/wooden.
• When setting up a shoot it is very easy to get stressed or anxious which could stressed the model out so it is very important to ensure you relax as it can make the model think you are not professional or that you don't know what you are doing which wouldn't reflect well on you.
• To make your model comfortable you can ask them questions about themselves as most of the time you wont know much about them anyway, this can make your shoot run more smoothly.
• If a pose don't look how you wanted or if you don't feel it works anymore make sure your honest but not in a way that can come across as rude.
• It is easy to unintentionally make your model feel uncomfortable so it important to think about your body language when talking to your model and avoid whispering to people in front of your model.
• Also if there is every something going on that puts you in a mood or affects how your feeling don't let it show as it can have a impact on your team and model.
• Ensure that you are happy with the hair and makeup and that there is no problems with it as its easier to sort out on the set rather than in post production.
• Make sure you let the model know that they are doing well as it can fill them with confidence making them look better in the pictures.
• Ensure every pose you ask your model to do looks right and suits them and their style as it could ruin the images.
• Ensure the model is relaxed as this can allow them to be caught of guard as you can get some of your best shots of when the model is completely relaxed.