The do's and don'ts of being a photographer (from a model perspective!)

1. Never touch a model without getting permission
Ask it twice if you want to be sure! some models are shy and don't immediately dare to say NO. 
Better be sure then sorry ! Even if it's just to fix her hair! 

2. Pay up front !
You can imagine. The model doesn't know you and travelled all the way to you with a suitcase.
The model meets up with you and you can't deny it that there is always a little scare that the photographer might not pay or
the model might fear that the photographer keeps the money hostage unless the model does everything the photographer says..
This is a very unpleasant cooperation. Best to pay upfront if you want to cooperate in a humane way.

3. Be on time !
Both Model and Photographer should always be on time ! If you have to choose between a train that is 55 Minutes early or 5 Minutes late,
You should go for the 55 Minutes early just to show your respect for the project to each other ! The only acceptable "being late" is 
if an unexpected accident happened with the public transport (like an unexpected snowstorm that makes your train late) ,
but don't keep each other in the dark then! keep in touch, let each other know!

4. Make up! accessories, etc. NO NO NO. 
A real model never in any way, should meet up with a photographer with make-up On! Even if the photographer requests it !
It is very unprofessional, It is Taboe! A real model will meet you up as a white page. No Make-Up so that the photographer 
has a white page in front of him/her. This is standard. A model also doesn't wear accesories or thight clothing. Everything to avoid
red stripes on the body that will be used for the project. So she or he might look like a Boy in loose clothing. But that is how a professional model
will always meet up with his/her photographer. Hot clothing, no make up, no accesories. If you as a photographer are new, and have never worked with
a professional model before, this might be a shock the first time. Be prepared! Do not start insulting, do not say 'you are not the person from the photos".
You might be surprised. These real models will give you the BEST results. And if you still don't want to cooperate, then at least pay for her/his train fare. 
Because it is you who has no knowledge of how things work. Not their fault.


5. Make promises you can't keep. 
There is a reason that most models have started to bring their own USBS with them since 2 years ago.
Many photographers promise to send maybe 1 or 2 pictures of the photoshoot as a memory to the model and
then eventually never do it.  Don't make such a promise because models do look forward to keep a picture of their cooperation with you.
And if you want to be really nice, let them choose on the spot their 5 favorite photos of the project and let them take it home unedited.
If you don't want them to publish it online without edits, tell them. Or tell them not to mention your name. 

6. Prepare a drink
Most models will be so happy if you have orange juice or water in your studio.

7. Photoshoot location surprise !
In Tokyo it might be often difficult to arrange a photostudio.
Therefor most photographers have started to use beautiful themed love hotel rooms instead.
But be sure to mention to your model that you are going to a love hotel with her,
it might be quiet the shock for her to receive on the spot, if she get's surprised with it.
To make her feel more comfortable about it, you might also send a example of how the hotel looks like on the inside
or maybe a picture of a previous photoshoot you did in a love hotel, it might make her feel more secure about your intentions. 



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