Being Camera-Ready in Modeling

(This post will be mainly useful for freelance models)

Booking a modeling assignment is obviously something to be excited about. Because no two gigs are the same, this sometimes means dealing with different ways to prepare for a particular shoot, show or other related project. It is not uncommon for a model to be told to arrive "camera-ready" to work. So what does this mean and how does it apply to one's modeling career?

When you are told to come camera-ready to a modeling assignment, it means you're responsible for doing your own hair, makeup and/or wardrobe because the people that typically take care of this for you won't be on set.

Sometimes you may have to take care of everything yourself or may only have to be responsible for one or two of these things. It's often hard for clients to find the professionals they need to do these services, which is why they'll ask the model to handle it themselves.

However, this doesn't necessarily mean the client and project aren't worth being a part of. Times are hard, people flake and sometimes the right person can't be found for the job within the time frame needed. So clients have to work with what they've got. For example, it's difficult (for whatever reason) to find a great hair stylist for shoots and projects but it's pretty easy to find a qualified makeup artist. In the best circumstances, the makeup artist also has the skills to do hair, which kills two birds with one stone.

Arriving camera-ready ensures that the client doesn't have to worry about the model's appearance and knows that soon as he/she gets to the location, they can get right to work. Being camera-ready speeds up the shooting process, too (sometimes getting the hair and/or makeup done on set can take as long as 1-2 hours).

This is why all models (freelance and agency represented) should learn how to apply their own makeup and do their hair to the point where they know it will photograph well. In most instances, models won't have to worry about doing super fancy and complicated hairstyles or crazy makeup. If the concept calls for such extreme looks, the client will ensure that hair and makeup pros will be available to get the desired end results. The majority of the time when models are asked to arrive camera-ready, the look usually needed is natural or slightly dramatic. Even male models should have basic knowledge as to how to properly apply concealer, foundation (if needed) and powder to eliminate shiny spots on their complexion.

Don't be surprised if you come across a casting that requires the model to know how to do their own hair and makeup in order to submit themselves. It's becoming more commonplace in the industry these days. Knowing how to make yourself camera-ready without hesitation is a valuable skill to have and one that all models should take the steps to master sooner than later.

Not only does having this skill make you more likely to be hired by clients, it also saves you from having to spend time and money on going to a pro before the shoot in order to get everything done for you, which sometimes isn't always possible.