Skip to main content

People Skills in Modeling

There is no "I" in "Team" and the same applies to modeling. Sure, the shoot features you and the end product is a result of your efforts, but without the photographer, makeup artist, hair stylist, stylist, etc., you wouldn't have a job. It is so important to have good people skills and to get along with the people you work with.

You're not going to completely get along with everyone all the time but there will be situations where you'll be required to keep your mouth shut and just do your job.

Models aren't paid to talk or give their opinions on shoots. You are there for a specific purpose and unless you are voicing a complaint or making a suggestion, stick to what you do best: posing and producing good photos.

Getting along with the people you work with on any shoot will create a happy atmosphere where all of you will be comfortable. I'm not saying you need to be best friends with each person you come into contact with but if you're not the type of person who can interact with folks after just meeting them, or if you are overly shy, then you won't be successful as a model.

Many times models cross over and become spokesmodels for a company, product, idea, whatever and in these instances, you will be required to speak in public, interact with crowds of people and answer questions. Clamming up or getting stage fright will hurt you and lose you valuable opportunities.

My advice is to always go with the flow. When you meet your crew and photographer for the first time, greet them with a smile, be open to answer whatever questions they ask you and don't question their judgement. They have a job to do and they get paid to do it well so you're in good hands. Picking fights, being uncooperative and being difficult to work with is the worst thing any model, no matter what part of the industry you're in, can do. There is no excuse.

What you need to always remind yourself of is that you are replaceable. There are millions of models fighting for the gigs and opportunities you have. So stay on your Ps and Qs. Be pleasant, be approachable, be open and most of all, be respectful of those you work with and demand no less than the same in return...but also give credit where credit is due. If you've been a pain in the butt the whole time, don't expect other people to fall over you to tell you how great you were. Be real.

Be grateful and appreciative that you have a good team of people working with you--not for you. After each photo shoot I do, I make it a point to thank and shake the hands of everyone involved. A little kindness goes a long way and will always leave a great impression on others. Of course, keep it simple and don't go overboard--no one likes a suck up.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Thanks for the advice. I am so shy and self conscience, and this blog gave me some great tips!

Popular posts from this blog

Modeling and Weight

One of the first things I hear potential models ask is what the weight requirement for modeling is. Sometimes that is the main issue they worry about when it comes to pursuing modeling. Let me tell you right now that weight should NOT be one of those concerns. Obviously, the height requirement reigns supreme when measuring up to the modeling standards sought out by agencies. If you meet the height requirements--whether it's for fashion and runway or commercial/print--that is the first step towards starting on the path to modeling. How much you weigh shouldn't be your biggest fear. It is rare that anyone can look at someone and say, "Oh, my gosh, he/she looks like they are 5 pounds over our weight requirement!" It just isn't realistic. If you look at many modeling agency websites, they clearly list the age and height requirements--rarely, if at all do they list any weight restrictions. The general rule of thumb when it comes to weight is that for models who

Modeling & Pay Rates: How Much Should You Charge?

(This post is more targeted towards freelance models and not those with agency representation, although it may apply to those that have an agent but continue to find their own work.) A part of being a successful model is making money from the jobs that you book. However, being a freelance model comes with many challenges--figuring out what you should charge is one of them. I will say upfront that there are no established black and white rules when it comes to pay rates. Each modeling job is different, each client is different and budgets vary. Ultimately the factors that should influence what you charge should be the amount of experience you have, the strength of the images in your portfolio and the client's budget/needs. Not every client is going to pay what you want to charge. There may be times when you will be skipped over for charging too much or taken advantage of for charging too little. It's going to happen so be prepared for it and do not take it personally. It

What Are Male Models Supposed to Look Like?

The modeling world is filled with women. That's never been a secret and sadly, that often means male models fall by the wayside. There are successful male models in all categories across the industry but the fact that the modeling business revolves around women can make it challenging for newbies to figure out how to pursue their goals of male modeling. It is important to know that because there are different types of modeling categories out there, that means there are also different types of male models. They aren't all supposed to look alike and what ends up being in demand does change every year. Let's break down the common attributes that come with male modeling in various popular categories, shall we? THE MALE FASHION/RUNWAY/EDITORIAL MODEL These are the typical types of models most of us tend to think of when it comes to men in modeling. What is important to know and understand if you're an aspiring male model is that agencies have all different looks