Want to know how-to work with other models on set? Below are tips and tricks to working with other models that will make you prepared and feel comfortable at a shoot or during a scene.
Knowing how to work with others no matter what your job is an important skill. However, it’s especially important with modeling because if you’re working with other models on set; you have to be considerate yet comfortable to get a good shot while still respecting people’s space and boundaries.
It’s not always going to be just you at a shoot and unlike a normal job atmosphere, you’re most likely going to be touching a perfect stranger while pretending like you’ve known them your entire life.
Whether you’re working with a romantic partner for the scene/shoot or just making it look like a fun friendly time with friends – the same rules pretty much apply all the way around!
This post is all about how-to work with other models on set.
How-to Work with Other Models
Space
While working with other models, you still need to be able to give them space. Even when you’re close together, you need your own space to be able to show off the visual lines of your silhouette.
As you can see above, despite us being super close together for the frame, we’re all still giving each other enough space to create body shape between us.There’s still going to be moments where you touch and interact, but you can still respect someones personal space.
If you feel like you have to get super close for a shot and you don’t feel comfortable just making the move, for example, feel free to say something like, “hey, can I grab your waist for this shot”.
Blocking
You never want to block someone in the shot. If there are other models in the shot, they are there for a reason. They’re not your back up dancers so don’t treat them like background.
A personal example from experience – one time I working with 6 other models so 7 of us total. The photographer lined us up in a zig zag that way everyones outfits wouldn’t be covered.
When it came time to shoot, one of the models kept sticking herself outside of the line so she would stand out more in the photo.
However, it backfired and the photographer ended up having to check her in front of everyone because SHE WAS RUINING THE SHOT. Everyone else looked great, but by her trying to be the “star” of the photo, it threw everything off and wasted everyones time.
The photographer was pissed and they don’t have time to pull you aside on set and tell you what you’re doing wrong! They will correct you in front of everybody on set. So moral of the story, DON’T BE THAT PERSON!
Comfortability
Obviously when shooting with other models, you don’t want to look like you all hate each other LOL. You want to act like real life friends.
While in hair and make up or waiting, I highly recommend talking to the other models on set! I struggle with anxiety so I always like to have a go-to question to start conversation.
My favorite question to break the ice is, “what’s your birthday, what’s your sign?” because usually whether people agree or disagree with astrology, everyone knows a little something about it OR they want to hear you tell them about themselves.
Having a few good questions in your back pocket can be super helpful. Just having a simple conversation can make your connection and modeling look a lot more genuine on camera.
Communicate
You don’t want to talk through the entire photoshoot so you can listen to directions and the photographer but communicating before and during the shoot is normal and can be SO helpful for the flow of the shoot!
Like I mentioned earlier, talking in hair and make up or while waiting can help build a genuine connection before you get on set. So when you finally are on set, you can have be more comfortable communicating your ideas.
In the photo above, it was my first time working with both the models, but we had been talking beforehand so when we got on set it was like natural.
For this shot, while we were shooting, we all agree’d it would be cute if we held hands and it ended up being a shot the brand used for their marketing! Communicating is key and powerful!
Working WITH the models
Like I said, using your communication skills will be key to working WITH each other. Whether it’s facial, posing or movements, you all will want to try to be on the same page as best you can.
By working WITH each other and not against each other, you give the photo life and interest! You don’t want to individually stand out, you want to compliment each other!!!
Like for example, you’ll see a lot of “ladies night out” type of campaigns. A big group of friends enjoying themselves…. it’s okay to communicate on set with things like “maybe we should all look like we’re laughing” or if you’re at a beach shoot “let’s try splashing water on each other”.
Working WITH each other makes for the best shot!
Be Outgoing
I always tell my students, it’s so much easier to work with a model whose giving “too much” than “too little”. Being outgoing can help you tremendously even if you’re faking it until you make it! In front of the camera is not the time to be shy!
For example, one time on set, there was 4 of us modeling together for a beauty campaign so it was a tight frame. Two of the models were new to modeling and myself and the other model were more experienced.
While shooting, the photographer kept getting frustrated with the one of the new models. She was moving very slowly and look unconfident and unsure of herself.
Mean while, the other new model was giving a lot of energy and although the photographer asked her to bring down the energy a little, it was MUCH easier to work with her verse the other model as a photographer and as a fellow model.
Note: A LOT of this comes down to practicing! Practicing makes muscle memory so if you’re practicing in the mirror at home your facials, movements, and poses – it’ll help bring the energy to set!!
This post was all about how-to work with other models on set.
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