Each time I approach a new model about attending a group shoot I get asked the same questions, “What do I need to bring with me?”, “Is there a particular theme for the shoot?”, “What is expected of me on the day?”, etc… So for this reason I’ve decided to create a guide for new models which should hopefully answer these questions and give a better insight of what is expected of a model at a group shoot.
Before The Shoot
The group plans and discusses each group shoot on a flickr website group http://www.flickr.com/groups/midlandstrobists. It is free to join flickr as a basic member and we actively encourage models to join in with the discussions that we hold on there.
The details of each group shoot will be posted on the flickr group, along with an attendance list.
If you have an idea for a particular theme or shot that you’d like to do, then this is the place to discuss it. You can either create a new post on the discussion board, or contact the photographers who are attending directly.
It is best to bring at least two changes of outfit with you so that you, and the photographer, can get variety from the photographs taken on the day. Unless you have discussed a particular outfit or theme in advance then it is advisable to bring outfits that are both fashionable and which suit your personality. Makeup and hair is also best kept generic unless you have arranged something before hand.
Before attending a group shoot you will be required to give the person who is arranging the shoot your email address, this is so that photographers who work with you can contact you after the shoot to provide you with pictures. Your email address will only ever be shared with the photographers who attended the group shoot and is emailed direct to them. It is never publicly published.
On The Day Of The Shoot
Some shoots will require you to attend on time at the start of the shoot so that a health & safety briefing can be given, however on other occasions the start time can be flexible, if for example arriving at the start is difficult due to travel restrictions, a 10am start can sometimes be impossible if traveling by train on a Sunday.
At the start of a group shoot, after any initial briefings, you will be given the chance to get changed and prepare your hair and makeup. This is done in a separate room which will be designated as a models changing room and off limits to photographers.
We are looking to arrange for makeup artists and hair stylists to attend future group shoots, however this should not be relied on and will be clearly stated before hand.
The group shoots are informal. When you have finished preparing hair, makeup and clothes, you can either approach a photographer who is available, or they will approach you if you wait in the designated model waiting area.
You will be photographed by multiple photographers on the day. Each photographer will typically photograph you for between 10 and 30 minutes, in which time you may be asked to pose against a material backdrop, or somewhere else in the venue, for example on a staircase, against a wall, sitting on a sofa or chair, outside (depending on the weather), sat three shelves up in a metal book case, the options are endless. Remember that if you don’t like the sound of a photographers idea then you can say no.
You will never be asked to pose topless or nude at any of our group shoots.
Some photographers will ask you to sign a model release form.
After The Shoot
Unless you obtained the photographers details whom you worked with, the photographer will contact you after the shoot via email to arrange a delivery method for your pictures. Typically they are either emailed directly or posted on a CD.
There is no set limit on how many images you will receive. This is best discussed with the photographer on the day. It all depends on how long you worked with them, how many changes of outfit, pose and location there was and also on the photographer in question. Some photographers do little to no post processing and this enables them to produce more images, where as some photographers will concentrate on a select few best images and post process them to produce a more artistic effect.
If you use the images you receive in your portfolios, please credit the photographer / stylist.
I hope this answers any questions that you might have. Feel free to ask any other questions via the comments below or on the flickr group.
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