Get yourself together.
It may seem obvious but showing up fresh and clean is critical. Anya says, “I’d advise models to have a good night sleep, wash their hair in the morning and come to the shoot with a make up free face (maybe a little lip balm and clear mascara) and clean nails.” And to shave or not to shave? “Body hair is a personal decision in my mind, most importantly it’s about feeling comfortable in front of the camera and being yourself.”

What do they want from you?
Figuring out what is expected of you on set isn’t always easy. Your job is to show up and deliver, but what is it that the photographer is trying to capture? “Sometimes you put together a shoot and every element of it feels perfect, the sun is shining, the styling is incredible, hair and make up are spot on, the role of the model is to present all that in the best way possible – that’s when the magic can happen!”

 

Be confident.
It’s easier said than done, but confidence is possibly the most important attribute a model can bring to set. Any good photographer will do their best to help you feel comfortable. “I like chatting to the models while they are in hair and make up, [and] hopefully by the time we start shooting they feel more comfortable with me. Confidence is a tricky thing in this industry, and having multiple castings can make girls doubt themselves, so I always make sure I compliment their looks. I also get really excited when I think I’ve got the perfect shot. I’m sure the models can tell and I hope that builds up their confidence.”

What should you do with your hands?
Posing doesn’t always come naturally. Before getting to set have a few ideas of what you want to do with your face and body in the photos. Try spending five minutes in the bathroom experimenting with different poses. But don’t forget to listen! “Direction really helps, especially with new models, and I hope that most photographers would help out with directions if they see a model feeling a bit lost.” says Anya. And don’t be afraid to experiment. “With digital photography it doesn’t hurt to try out poses and have a bit of fun, sometimes you end up with the whole team making pose suggestions which can be very entertaining (maybe not that helpful, though!).”

Do your research.
Before your shoot do a bit of recon — look at the photographer’s portfolio to get an idea of their style, take note of what the models they have worked with previously are doing. Is it more relaxed and natural or are the poses more deliberate and choreographed? It may feel silly, but spending some time practicing different poses and faces in front of the mirror will help. Ultimately, though, the best way to learn is by doing. “Testing is the best way to learn, by the time a model has done 10 tests her confidence has built up and so has her knowledge of poses. Do try to get those test images!”

Be nice.
People talk and reputations are quickly formed. “Models who are reliable and take their job seriously (and yes it is a real job) are definitely the ones I’d want to work with again. When booking a job I’m always asked for model recommendations and I would most likely choose the model who is professional, friendly and has great attitude. The model and photographer relationship is very important.”

Know thyself.
Understanding your angles and what works for your face and body is incredibly important. But so is understanding your personality — do you have a tendency to over-think things? Are you a little shy? Try different techniques to help you become the most comfortable in front of the lens. Creating a character or having an internal story might make you feel less self-conscious. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you’re feeling uncomfortable. Know your limits and your boundaries. Communicate. Take a deep breath. Strike a pose!

 
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Photography – Anya Holdstock for models.com
Model – Olga Motovylets @ FIRST model management (London)