Concept Images. Cathy Smith Photography and Design Sunshine Coast Queensland Australia model modelling advice.

Communication should as considered as if you had met some one for the first time online. Don't be in any rush to give your personal details away. Email, mobile phone contact are preferred at first until you feel more comfortable.

Be wary of going to photographers private residences. Check as best you can to see if it is a legitimate business.

When it comes time to meet do so in a public place, with a friend if you wish. Busy and in demand photographers may be unable to readily do this so be prepared to meet at their studio only if you have someone with you.

Make clear the terms and purpose of the shoot beforehand: Always clearly identify what type of images you are looking to create. The photographer may open new horizons with regard to styles and ideas but this should always be suggested first and only undertaken if YOU are comfortable. Photography relies on clear and good communication, both before and during the shoot. I have photographed several nude and erotic shoots and am very comfortable in doing so but when I as a photographer been requested to take more harder pornographic style images I have declined. Usually this is all that is required to stay within the agreed bounds of the shoot. It is indeed a two way street.Communicate during the shoot; if you feel in any way uncomfortable with the way the shoot is going don’t try and tough it out, let the photographer know. If you want to stop, then just say so.

Go to the shoot with someone that makes you feel comfortable and supported, a friend or relative. For male shoots I often have my husband at the shoot, not in the studio space but within the studio premises as a matter of course to make me feel less exposed or in any way vulnerable. Good photographers know of the importance of the subject, YOU being comfortable whilst capturing the images and would have no problem with you being accompanied.

Always tell someone where you will be regardless whether it's a studio or location.

Take a mobile phone with you and keep it close at hand pre-arrange calls that you can receive to confirm everything is ok. Use a code word system or any other way of ensuring safety.

Always trust your instincts. If for any reason you just aren't sure then just say NO. I certainly would understand. Deposits are sometimes taken for shoots but this is an agreed sum to compensate for any lost income from avoidable reasons but this is subject to understandings.

TFP (Time For Prints) should be a welcome option for many knew to modelling as well as photographers either just begining, changing direction or enhancing their own portfolios. Even experienced models can enjoy the freedom that TFP affords, however there are some pitfalls. Unscruplious photographers have used the lure of a FREE photoshoot to simply get the would be model into their studio for their own ends. All of the above advice applies as much if not more when considering TFP. New models and those seeking a particular style of shoot as well as other forms of entertainers can benefit from legitimate photographers offering this trade. Enquire here as to whether Cathy is currently taking any TFP shoots

I certainly abide by all of the above and welcome ALL models in all stages of their professional pursuits or those simply wishing to aspire to model images for their own private purposes.