Comfort from a model's perspective

When people work together, they usually don’t plan to torture each other, but sometimes we simply don’t notice, that basic things from our side can improve the experience for people who works with us. So as most of full time models I know how to pose well both in comfortable or challenging work conditions. But if models are able to do it, it doesn't mean that it is necessary, or that it is effective.

Here I will cover some things that are probably quite easy for a photographer to arrange, so the model can be more comfortable and therefore more motivated and engaged in a shooting.

Let's divide all photoshoots into a few categories: studio, outdoors, "location"

Studio shooting. Things that are important to have around:

• Toilet, preferably in the same building, preferably heated 😉
• Big mirror, maybe a few. I am still surprised that it is not obvious for many photographers who have their own studio but no mirror in it. I can not describe how extremely important it is. The mirror for the make up area, preferably with some extra lights or standing next to the window. Full body mirror to check the look. You don’t need mirrors if you always have a stylist and make up artist around, but if the model dresses up herself, she needs to be able to check if everything looks fine.

*some people also like to have a mirror next to she shooting scene, so model can see herself posing, but I can not say if it is 100% good or bad idea. Models are different. Some could get distracted too much, but for some it will help with the confidence level

• Drinks. Please offer a model some water :) Please don’t offer a model any alcohol.
• Food - whatever snacks are good to have around, cause not always models have time to buy some food to bring at the set. And posing is a surprisingly energy consuming activity, so if you plan to shoot more than 2 hours please offer a model some nuts or a banana :)
• Bathrobe - if you shoot nude art, you know that all the underwear leave marks on the skin, so it is better if the model will change into the bathrobe before doing her make up. And also it is nicer to wait for the next set wearing something over the shooting outfit/naked body.
• Changing area. It is much nicer if the model don't have to hide in the toilet room or to change in front of the entire crue. Arrange a little corner with a curtain :) That is a gamechanger, believe me

Might be also useful:

• Rale with hangers for outfits
• face powder
• body lotion/oil
• Make up removal and cotton pads
• hair spray, hair ties, clips
• clamps/pins for the clothing, fabric tape - most of the time outfits don't fit perfectly and if you have a possibility to fix it before taking pictures - use this possibility 😉
• Iron/steamer

Outdoor shooting

• Maximum comfort at the outdoor shooting is to have a car :) So you can keep outfits and gear in the car, model can change there, warm up etc.
• Towels. For sure will be needed.
• Paper tissues and/or wet tissues. Something will get dirty at the outdoor shooting, that’s for sure :)
• Drinks and food.
• Sunscreen in case it is sunny
• Warm blanket/heater/hot puds for shoes - in case it is cold
• Another blanket/plastic bag etc - to put your gear and the model's stuff on the ground when you are at the location and the car is left behind
• Bathrobe to quickly get covered in between shots
• Assistant. To manage all that bags with items and to hand the model shoes/robe/towel. To keep an eye on the gear while you and a model shoot at the distance from it, etc

Also when you are outdoors please remember about the comfort of other people, so try not to make shootings in rush hours, when there could be too many passersby

*Locations - appartments, hotels, museums, etc

In this case you usually go with what you have, the appartments and hotels are normally quite comfartable to shoot in. If it is a more unusual location like a sportsclub, pool, museum, science lab etc try to arrange a private corner for a model to get ready and to leave her stuff in a safe place, where it will not be stolen or misplaced.

Photo by Georgy Chernyadyev, Italy 2018