Me: I assist and plan production for editorial work, I source talent, locate designers and bring the concept to completion.
The model in question is someone who performs burlesque shows. I am not particularly inclined to the genre, but I can do a very good job putting the mood board and elements for the shoot.
I contact photographer and find out that model is sending him inspiration for her shoot. I am excited to see her ideas and put the looks together.
Well, to my surprise I find out that the model doesn't not think burlesque at all. I think ok. Now, lets see what she got.. She wants avant grade with a twist of Fashion. I almost spilled my drink looking at her choice of inspiration.
Oh boy, do people really think realistically of themselves?, that was a rhetorical question.
To my dismay, I'll have to say ,no,at least in this case, she wasn't too realistic. This particular model/performer wanted something totally out of her league. She could really benefit from expanding her burlesque presence and getting images to promote herself, i.e media kit, promo material,etc.
Instead, she chose to approach Avant Garde and Fashion as if one changes socks. Again, I get paid to do a job, so it doesn't matter what I think, except that this time is Pro Bono.. No Bueno.
She wants Avant Garde make up.. I think, uhmm, do you have an MUA, if so I should know about it.. Mind you not all MUA are not made the same. Talent is something people have or acquire with experience and I have been around long enough to know that there are some good ones and some not so great. The work gets fixed in Photoshop later on, but none seems to care as long as it looks "pretty". The cost of fixing things is high, there is the fast route and there is the good old path. I prefer the second.
Anyway, Make Up shoots, Beauty shots, Avant Garde or other form of Close Up, Macro Cosmetic Look shoots are always designed with expectations on mind. Color palette, accessories, look, crops,angles,props,etc. We don't just throw a Close Up/ Beauty shot just for the sake of it. Light has to be set up for it, and most important the Post process of 1 single image will take a considerable amount of time. We like to have all the questions answer before the shoot starts and people get the face painted or things get glued to their skin.
So, in this case she has not mentioned any of the important info. What's the look, send me the design, who is the Mua, what colors are being used. I need these details so I can prepare for the shoot.
Many people forget that nails are import and I'm not going to be stuck in PS because someone forgot to take the nail polish off before their well planned shoot. I come prepared with nail polish remover after a few incidents in which the models were told to have neutral nail color but ended showing up with Black and purple and red all in the same hand..
Anyway, This model in question not only wants Avant Garde Make up, close up beauty shots but also wants full length as in Fashion spread. Mind you, not sure yet what her concept of fashion is since we don't seem to be speaking the same language. I seen her entire list of inspiration and haven't yet found one single image depicting Fashion. There were some Fetish portraits, some artistic nudes, some bondage, some Avant Garde make up and some Post processed, manipulation kind of image, you know the high fantasy kind, the ones you add the background and all.
I am concerned just because I love what I do and I try my best to do the best job can possible do but sometimes people don't make it easy.. Please be realistic with your body, your image, your concept and expectations. If you're not a Fashion model, ask yourself why would I want to put you in Prada and make you an Ad especially if you're not paying my day rate. And by Fashion model I mean, 5 9' and above. Even if your body proportion adequate you're still not tall enough without shoes. The dresses I get would have to be altered for the occasion and then I'll have to make the Photog perform magic with the angles to give me those shots we all see in magz.
Advise for all the models that want to be the best at what they do. Please read the magazines, look at the images, look at yourself and analyze why do the images look good. Why do you like them? IS it the product?. Do the Fashion Spread Editorials captivate you?.Awesome, but why? Is it the colors, the items, the current trends in fashion, the amazing make up and hair or perhaps the location is so intriguing. Well, ask yourself those questions and be honest with yourself. If you were chosen for that role in that campaign, advertisement or editorial would you look as good, body proportions, demeanor, and unique look. If you have what it takes to make it, that’s awesome, all you have to do now is prepare yourself and make sure you are ready when the opportunity comes knocking at your door.
