tony gibble photography
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WILHELMINA OF PA MODELS
Please Read Carefully
TEST PHOTO SHOOT ETIQUETTE
There are several purposes of your Test Photo Shoot. Producing images that your agency will use to market you to their clients is just one of them. Another reason for your Test Photo Shoot is for you to gain experience in what you will be doing and in what it takes to be a model. Modeling is hard work and it takes more then just being a pretty face. Your agent arranges your Test Photo Shoot with trusted professionals that can provide you with an experience to serve as an example for what will be expected of you when you are cast with one of the agencies clients. Providing consistent quality models to your agency’s clients are what keeps them in the top of their field. It is important to note that your performance on this shoot will be relayed to your agent from the photographer so that they are aware of your strengths and weaknesses as well as attitude and determination. This knowledge is vital for your agent to provide the quality, skilled and prepared models that their clients expect. Equally important is it for you to know what you are doing and to be prepared before walking onto the set of a client’s photo shoot.
Your Test Photo Shoot is an intense training in the industry of modeling. You will be working with a team, with my studio you will be working with myself (your photographer), my assistant/wardrobe stylist and one or two make-up and hair artists. It is also very likely you will be working with other models. Each photographer you work with will have a slightly different set up and team but this will be for the most part how your photo shoots in the industry are. and although we like to have fun while working, this shoot is a lot of work. We will be working fast to create a book of images that show a range in what you are able to do and to create the look of an experienced professional based on what the market that fits you best expects to see.
The keys to the success of this photo shoot or any photo shoot that you go on will depend on you! Your willingness to learn, follow direction, take criticism, work quickly, be patient and have a happy friendly attitude will make or break the photo shoot.
Lastly, HAVE FUN! This is an exciting time full of possibilities. Its an experience you should be able to take and not only remember fondly for life but also to take and apply to the rest of your life. The skills of a model are ones that can adapted and utilized in all areas of life. Have fun.... it will show in your pictures!
To follow will be an outline of how to prepare, how to act and how to represent yourself on your Test Photo Shoot. There is also an outline for parents of underage models for how they can help make the shoot a success!
PREPARING FOR YOUR TEST PHOTO SHOOT
Get a lot of rest prior to your shoot with adequate sleep. No partying or drinking should take place within two days of your shoot. Get to sleep early the night before and schedule all of your grooming needs a day or two prior to the shoot. Avoid any activities that will produce marks on your skin such as bruises or scratches from sports.
Nails and hair should be professional managed at all times. Be Model Ready, this means if you are called on a Thursday and told to go to a Go See Friday morning that you are prepared and ready to go meet a client. Your nails are in good shape, your hair is cut appropriately and color is maintained and you skin is healthy and looking great. As a model your looks are your business tools, they need to be workable at all times. NOTE: Nail care applies to men and women of all ages and should be done in a natural manner. No colors or fancy appliqués.
Ask you agent questions and when possible ask your photographer. Questions mean you are paying a attention and interested in the shoot being a success. Ask what you are expected to bring and about any details you should know about.
Pay close attention to what you are being told! A key to your success lies in your ability to listen and follow direction before, during and after the photo shoot. If you do not know the answer to a question it is because you either did not listen to the answer or because you did not ask. Being prepared is your responsibility and your job as the model. Having proper directions to the shoot, transportation, clothes, make-up, supplies etc are up to you.
Have all of your directions ready and your contacts phone numbers in your phone. Have a back up system for directions in case one method fails. There are no good excuses for being late and a no show will not be tolerated. Leave extra early to ensure traffic does not hold you up and if traveling by any means other then a car make sure you have all forms of transit pre planned. If you do run late, call and tell the appropriate person so they know what is going on and how to plan for it.
Mirror train. Study the magazines and ads with models of your age and market (Your agent will tell you about this) in front of your mirror. Practice the expressions, faces and poses of these models. Study what they are doing and how they must be moving in the images. Practice your best smile!
Study the market that you will be marketed in. Be aware of the style of the advertisers and the way their models perform in their advertisements. This will help you at the shoot and it will help you prepare for your test shoot.
MODEL TEST PHOTO SHOOT ETIQUETTE
Be on time. Early is on time, on time is late and late is unacceptable! It is always your job as a model to be on time (early, 15-20 minutes) to your shoots. At times this will mean that you will be waiting around. That is normal and natural in this business and it is also crucial for making everything flow smoothly.
Be courteous, respectful and friendly with everyone on set. This means leaving your troubles at the door along with any attitude. Walk in fresh and ready to make friends and great images!
STUDIO 7312 is a Closed Set - Meaning no Personal Cameras or Cell Phone Cameras of any kind.
Come clean faced. No make-up. No hair product. Hair should not be washed the day of a shoot. Be clean and fresh. Wear loose baggy clothes so that you can minimize lines on your skin.
If you are over 18 you should be arriving at your shoot by yourself. This is a job and you would not arrive to any other job with a friend, family member of significant other. It is considered very unprofessional to arrive with someone in toe, especially if it has not been cleared ahead of time with your photographer.
Work quickly and carefully when changing outfits. You have a team waiting on you so your speed will effect the quantity of the material achieved during your shoot.
Be aware of your hair and make-up and try to keep it fresh and un-played with. Once you are styled and ready for the shot avoid playing with your hair (unless it is to be part of the shot).
Trust the people you are working with and what they want you to wear, look like and do. Especially for your Test Shoot your agent has sought out, tested and approved these individuals because they know what they are doing and how to get the results the agency wants and needs. As a model, you are not always going to like what you are wearing or how your make-up is. As a model you are the canvas for the what the client wants you to look like. It is our job to present you in a way that helps them see you as their canvas.
Do not back talk or argue with the team because you feel something they ask you to do makes you look silly. Again, as a model, it is your job to do the job you are asked to do and to do it with a smile. Arguing with a direction will only bring down the shoot and effect everyones performance.
Lastly, HAVE FUN! This is an exciting time full of possibilities. Its an experience you should be able to take and not only remember fondly for life but also to take and apply to the rest of your life. The skills of a model are ones that can adapted and utilized in all areas of life. Have fun.... it will show in your pictures!
PARENTS TEST PHOTO SHOOT ETIQUETTE
If your child is under 18 years old then you will be ask to be present for the photo shoot. Please make sure they are there on time. Early is on time, on time is late and late is unacceptable. It is always the models job to be on time (early) to your shoots. At times this will mean that you will be waiting around. That is normal and natural in this business and it is also crucial for making everything flow smoothly.
Only one parent or guardian may attend the shoot. This means does not mean one parent per child. Siblings should still only have one parent attending the shoot. There are many people working on set and there will likely be other models and those with a parent as well. Too many people creates confusion and impedes our work that we all have to do... including that of the model.
Be courteous, respectful and friendly with everyone on set. This means leaving your troubles at the door along with any attitude. Walk in fresh and ready to make friends and great images!
Please stay in the designated area during the shoot unless the photographer prompts you to take part. They will ask you if your assistance is needed otherwise it is best for the shoot to let the professionals do their job and to work with your child on their own.
STUDIO 7312 is a Closed Set - Meaning No Personal Cameras, Cell Phone Cameras of any kind.
Be patient. These shoots can take hours and there will be a lot of down time. Bring snacks and reading material to keep yourself entertained. Our shoots are a lot of fun and you will probably laugh a lot of the time but its always good to have a back up plan.
Trust the people they are working with and what they want him/her to wear, look like and do. Especially for their Test Shoot his/her agent has sought out, tested and approved these individuals because they know what they are doing and how to get the results the agency wants and needs. As a model, they will not always like what they are wearing or how their make-up is done. As a model, it is their job to be the canvas for the what the client wants them to look like. It is our job to present them in an age appropriate and marketable way that helps them see the model as a canvas for their product.
Please do not back talk or argue with the team because you feel something they ask him/her to do makes them look silly. During this shoot we are not looking for standard smily portraits. We are looking for movement and personality. The photos should be fun and spirited and full of life. Again, as a model, it is their job to do the job they are asked to do and to do it with a smile. Arguing with a direction will only bring down the shoot and effect everyones performance as well as that of the child.
Do not change their hair or make-up after it is done by the stylist. This under minds the shoot and creates negativity in the minds of the team as well as usually putting the child on edge.
Please do not correct your child or give direction unless ask to do so. The members of the team will do that and too many people (specifically parents) giving direction makes the model nervous and on edge. 50% of all child photo shoots fail because of the actions of the parents. Let the professionals do the job the agency contracts them to do.
Listen to what you are told regarding the next step in the process. Time is of the essence and is usually in small supply. Taking time to re-explain things that were already discussed takes away from the next person we all need to work with and hence slow down the entire process of getting everyone jobs. Listening to what you are told the first time it is spoken will allow the process of getting your child in front of clients work that much faster. Feel free to take notes on what you are prompted to do after the shoot.
Lastly, HAVE FUN! This is an exciting time full of possibilities. Its an experience the two of you should be able to take and not only remember fondly for life but also to take and apply to the rest of your lives. The skills of a model are ones that can be adapted and utilized in all areas of life and the people you meet along the journey can become friendships you have for life as well! Have fun.... If you are having fun and comfortable your child will too and it will show in their pictures!
WHAT IS "MODEL READY"
Model Ready means that a model is ready to model at any time. Its means they keep up with their skin care, hair maintenance, nails (fingers and toes) are kept in shape and void of anything that can not be removed at a moments notice.
There are times that you could have little to no notice to attend and Go See with a client. This requires you to maintain your look at all times so you are prepared at a moments notice to go see a client or booker.
Keep your proper diet. It is vital that you maintain the stats on your comp cards and on the web site. There is seldom time to “diet” before a shoot. You should always maintain your stats.
Get fit! As a fitness or fashion model you need to be more then just thin, you need to be tone. Do not rely on photo shop or the photographer to make you “look” fit. You need an exercise regimen that incorporates stretching, toning and muscle strengthening as well as cardio.
Get mobile! Models need to be able to jump, run, balance, lean, hop, dance, spin, flip, trot, stand, ride a bike, and many other physical activities. Practicing these activities is vital.
WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR TEST PHOTO SHOOT
Bring a lot of clothing and props! The strength of your Test Photo Shoot will also rely on what you bring to it. For this shoot 30 outfits are recommended covering a wide range of looks and styles based on the division you are being placed into. Your agent will discuss this with you prior to instructing you to schedule your shoot. For the most part models fitting various age categories will follow a very similar outline of items to bring to the shoot. These are as follows: There is a $75 per person Stylist fee. This is payable by Cash only at the time of the shoot.
Children :
Gap Kids, Children's Place, Gymborie and Old Navy
PLEASE bring Jeans, Jean Shorts in regular denim.
Teens and Young Adults :
American Eagle, Holister, Abercrombie & Finch, Old Navy, Gap and sports wear
20-25 year olds :
Gap, Old Navy, some fashionable looks, lingerie or underwear (if requested by agent), the Limited and sports and fitness wear
26-70 :
Casual everyday looks, Business dress attire, Professional trade attire, sports and fitness
All clothing should be in like new condition! No stains, signs of age etc.
ALL CLOTHING MUST FIT YOU! Clients want to see what your form is and how clothing fits on you. If it does not fit you we will not use it. Guys that have a 30 waist should wear a size 30-31 not a 34-36. Swim wear should be modest but it should accentuate your body and curves. Shirts should be form fitting.
Women should bring several bras. Strapless, nude, white and black. Strap ties should also be brought. Bras should be simple and able to be worn concealed under all clothing you bring.
Shoes - bring various types based on the outfits you have.
NO JUSTICE STORE CLOTHING
Avoid all appliques, studs, sequins, beads and any other embellishments on clothing. No screen printing or saying on the shirts. Pattern should be an all over and consistent pattern and not random designs on the clothing. Remember to bring solid colors, as well as very simple out fits such as jeans and t-shirts. Include plenty of layered looks. Accessories and outer wear are also great to bring.
BRING PROPS FOR YOUR SHOOT!!
Reference ads and magazines that feature models of your similar age and look for what they are wearing, doing and interacting with for ideas of clothes and props. Props refer to items that you as the model will interact with such as Cell Phones, Lap Tops, Bikes, Food Items, Sports Items, Business Items, Profession Items, Toys, Games, shopping bags, shoe boxes, backpacks, lunch boxes etc. Get creative and see what all you can come with to make your shoot stand out. Think about what you are modeling and bring anything and everything that has to do with that activity.
Get creative, theme a set! For example:
A small birthday cake, candles, some cake
frosting in a tube (colored to match the cake).
Maybe a few wrapped gifts, party horns etc.
MOST IMPORTANTLY... Bring your smile and a happy positive attitude!
SCHEDULING YOUR TEST PHOTO SHOOT
Once your agent has cleared and instructed you to, you should :
Please Note: Our Model Shoot days are Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.
Usually Emails are responded to on Tuesday - Thursday.
Emails received Friday - Monday will most likely not get a responce until Tuesday thru Thursday.
Once you have been given available dates, please be sure you can attended the scheduled
Shoot before agreeing to the appointment. Appointment changing effects everyone else on the schedule. Last minute cancellations are frowned upon and "No Shows" are not acceptable.
If you have any questions or need to contact us about your scheduled shoot the
Friday - Sunday of your shoot or the day of your shoot please send a TEXT MESSAGE to
717-203-3190. Voicemails and Emails may not be recieved during these times.
To schedule your appointment.
PLEASE INCLUDE IN EMAIL:
Model's Full Name -
Model's Age -
Model's Experience Level -
Attending Parent's Full Name (If Model is under 18) -
Contact Phone Number -
Contact Email Address -
Division Model's is Being Represented in -
Special Requests From Model's Agent -
Agent's Name That Cleared Your Shoot -
Model's Best Availability -
Model's Worst Availability -
Will Model Be Spending The Night In The Area The Night Before -
PLEASE Include one recent Photo of Model in the email
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