Participating in a modelling assignment can be very exciting and we encourage all our models to do what they can to show others what the experience is like.
Capturing behind the scenes photography and footage can be very helpful to those who have never been out on a booking and it can also sometimes be useful for your portfolio.
It is, however, essential to ensure you do this as carefully and professionally as possible – so here are out top tips:
1. Check the settings on your phone or camera
Anything you shoot or record needs to be of the highest quality. It needs to be taken in sharp focus, with no filters applied and it needs to be saved and sent at its original resolution. If you are given the option to minimise or compress it, then don’t take it. You may end up with images or film that become blurred or pixelated.
2. Don’t spoil your experience
Only take behind the scenes footage and photography if it doesn’t mar your experience. If you are anxious, nervous or lacking in confidence about the job you are about to go and do, then save taking photos and film for another time. The most important thing is to concentrate on yourself; get to where you need to be and make sure you have everything you require for the day. You need to be as calm and collected as possible.
3. Start before you leave
If you do plan to record your experience of the assignment, then you could consider starting before you leave. Do a short recording to camera before you head off, explaining what you are doing and what the plans for the day are. Take a few shots or some snippets of film on the journey. Perhaps show yourself arriving at the venue. Likewise, take some wrap-up footage or photography after the assignment, to sum it up.
4. Ensure you do not interfere with proceedings
None of your filming or photography must interfere with proceedings. You must ensure you are where you need to be, listening to instructions and concentrating fully on the job in hand. If you are not on set and you are taking photos or films of other models and crew, you must ask permission first and then ensure that you do not disturb them or cause any kind of distraction. Also tell them what you plan to do with your footage.
5. Ask someone else to record you on set
While you are on set, being filmed or posing for still shots, ask another model – or someone else who is not busy doing their own work – to take a few behind the scenes photos of you. Ask them to ensure one or two of these are wide shots, with cameras, sound equipment even the director just visible to the edges. This will give the event some context. Lighting may be an issue, but again, it is vital they do not disturb proceedings by moving about too much and trying to find the right place to shoot from.
6. Conduct brief interviews
If there is time and they don’t mind, perhaps ask one or two of the crew members and other models to speak a line or two to your camera about what is happening. Keep it short, snappy – and only do this during breaks, ensuring they have time and are happy to participate.
7. Consider location shots
If you are somewhere particularly beautiful or interesting, take some location shots or background footage to splice in with the rest of your material.
8. Think about how you are filming
Remember you want your photos or recordings to look as professional as possible. Handheld footage can be effective at adding a level of reality, but it mustn’t be too shaky. Consider using a tripod. When shooting yourself, avoid selfie-style photos. Don’t push your face up too close to the camera.
9. Don’t be afraid to edit
What you show to the world about your experience needs to be tight, sharp and to the point. If you put it all together to make a short film, keep it short and punchy. Don’t include any footage that doesn’t add anything. Delete photos that are not interesting and clear.
10. Think about where to share it
Photos can be posted on Instagram and shared via other social media outlets. We at Models Direct might also like to use your material on our website. If appropriate – and if good enough – a short film or some stills could possibly be included in your e-portfolio. Ask your contact at Models Direct about this. They will be able to advise you.
