Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Industry Do's and Don'ts Part 2



Industry Do's and Don'ts 
Industry Don'ts Part 2
Here is Part 2! I would really like to hear your thoughts on this one! How many of you have experienced this before? Any horror stories to share? Thoughts and feedback?
Here is Part 1

Don't be unreliable or flaky. Respect people's time. Don't cancel last minute. Don't show up late or not at all. Again, be professional.

Don't be an asshole and don't be creepy. You would think this is common sense but its not. Do not try and pressure a model into something they are not comfortable shooting and do not flirt and hit on models or misbehave. Have some class.

Don't mix business and personal accounts. This is a weird one for me when I watch a model or photographer post killer professional images of them followed directly by a bathroom selfie or random picture of their cat. Use a personal social media accounts to post that type of stuff. Nothing wrong with it! Just does not belong on your business pages if you want to brand yourself professionally.

Do not edit or put filters over a final image a photographer has given you unless given explicit permission that you can do so. That is so incredibly rude, offensive, disrespectful and unprofessional to receive a beautiful final edit from a photographer and then put an Instagram filter over it.

Stray away from being high maintenance or difficult to work with. The experience of creating art should be fun for everyone. Be patient and have an open heart and mind.

Do not be pompous or arrogant. If you are good at what you do, be humble, and share your knowledge with others. As artists, we should all be supporting each other. Nothing is worse than dealing with someone that thinks their shit doesn't stink and they are better than everyone else. As both a dancer and a model, I can not stand working with people like this.

Models- Do not demand photos. Especially, within a day to a week after a shoot. Photographers are busy and also have personal lives as well. However, after a few weeks, you can politely check-in and ask if they have had time to review or start editing the photos.

Photographers- Don't take six months to over a year to send a model a single final edit...especially if the shoot was TFP. The model gave you their time and talents as well. They deserve final edits within a reasonable time frame.
Photo by: Jerry Alt

Models- Do not sacrifice your values or who you are. Do not shoot genres or concepts that you are not entirely comfortable with. Once it is out there, it is out there.

Photographers- Do not post photos of a model that she may not be comfortable with (mostly concerning implied/nude genres) It is her body! You should want to post pictures she loves as well that makes her feel beautiful. NEVER post photos that have apparent accidental private part issues, again you would think this is common sense, but sadly I know people who have had this happen to them.

Photo by: Jerry Alt



Wednesday, August 7, 2019

Industry Do's and Don'ts Part 1

Industry Do’s and Don'ts
Part 1 (Industry Do’s) 

(Models- Refer to my blog "Tips for Models: How to Get Started Part 1 & Part 2" for further references!)

Be professional on all accounts. Show up on time and ready to go. Communicate properly before, during, and after a shoot. It is amazing how many models don't treat these jobs like they are customers. Focus on communication; it is critical to being professional.

Know and understand how marketing works. Research social media algorithms and best times to post to reach your target audience/target market. Further (first), understand who your target audience/market is.

Appropriately credit all artists involved in the creation of a photo on social media. Designer, HMUA, Model, Photographer...etc. Make sure all parties receive a copy of a final edit to use on social media/ for their portfolios as well. Each of these people will help spread your image/message, so it is to your benefit to do so.

Keep your personal life separate from your business life. No one cares about your political stance, and in most cases, you will alienate half of your audience or better.

Know your self-worth. Make yourself an invaluable asset. Have a skill set that is unique as well as diverse.

Networking is essential. Find like-minded individuals to work with whom you can create epic art that challenges, inspires, and drives you as an artist. Work with people whose work you admire. Work with people whose work coincides with your vision. Never stop growing!

Models- If you are seeking to work with an agency, make sure you have built a great comp card and further make sure you have done your research! There are scams out there. Also, be careful what type of material you are posting if you seek to go this route. For instance, if I ever wanted to be with an agency, Bondage Art photography would need to be removed from my business pages.
(Case and point the beautiful photo below). Photo by: Scott Detweiler HMUA: Me :)

Be consistent on all of your social media accounts.

Avoid gossip and drama. BUT always speak up if something has happened that the community needs to be aware of an issue. Especially when it concerns the safety of others, I know this can be a difficult thing to do. So I want to offer personally right here right now that I will be here to listen and show support.

Be okay with rejection. It is going to happen and is a natural part of being in an industry like this. Do not be too hard on yourself but also be realistic. Keep striving to grow, learn, and adapt.

Photo by: Scott Detweiler
HMUA: April Berry
Hair Color: Salon Giovanni in Plainfield.
You should check them out! They are awesome.

Industry Do's and Don'ts Part 2

Industry Do's and Don'ts  Industry Don'ts Part 2 Here is Part 2! I would really like to hear your thoughts on this one! H...