Is modelling really just about getting free clothes and your name on a designer clothing line? Modelmanagement.com blogger Tina A went in front of the camera and discovered just how tough it can be…

Okay. It surprises me to say this, but this modelling caper is not all it’s cracked up to be.

David Hundertmark from Group Models

Sure, most people think it’s easy – standing around, drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes while people gush all over you and make you look amazing; getting to keep those fabulous designer clothes that you model after the shows are over – which, you will of course be seen wearing a few days later as you are snapped coming out of some famous or famously-hard-to-get-into club or and restaurant.

But it is not all jetting around the globe and designing hit capsule ranges for TopShop and Target, although for a lucky and successful few, that is certainly something that is very much within reach.

Anja Rubik from Seeds Management

Those on the inside know all too well that to get to that point involves bloody hard work with a little luck thrown in for good measure. Plus, as I have recently discovered first-hand, a lot of patience combined with an ability to sit still that would bring a Buddhist monk to the verge of throwing up his hands in exasperation and renouncing his vows.

Let me explain. I went off the other week to get some fun new shots done for my website slash blog that I could also pop up on all my other social networking sites. Having sat for portraits a couple of times before, I was expecting the usual drill.

Just pick a few great outfits (how hard can it be? I am a stylist as well as a writer after all), smile for the camera, and we’re all done. Hopefully end up with a few okay shots at the end of it that I will be vaguely happy with.

Adam Cseh

But ohhh, no, not this time.  In the two years since my close – and normally easy-going – friend had last taken shots for me, she had gone professional. So now it was no hanging out in her apartment drinking wine and eating cheese in between taking a few party snaps. This time it was in her home studio, with proper lighting, makeup, backdrops and even a LIGHT REFLECTOR for God’s sake. Suddenly I realised that this was going to be a real shoot, and I had no idea what to do.

It was not an easy task, but once I got into it, relaxed and actually approached it differently, we found we could still have some fun whilst being serious and focused, and ended up with some pretty fabulous shots. Listening closely to what I was being told to do was big plus, no mean feat for me however as I am usually the one telling people how to dress/stand/feel about themselves. That plus the fact that I was simply pretending to be on a Vogue shoot with Richard Avedon, but I think it’s best we will leave my exhibitionist fantasies for another time and place…

Irina Vodolazova from Higher Models

So,  after three long hours of acting, posing, and interpreting direction under lights hot and natural, with makeup touch-ups and endless changes of outfits, I began to see just what the big deal is, and how having your photograph taken  – and taken well – is a skill not to be taken lightly or dismissed as something for just any pretty face.

So, enough about me and my amateur modelling efforts. If you would like to be just a little more prepared than I was for your next photo shoot , here are 5 tips from Sydney digital photographer, Cynthia Sciberras, on how to make the most of your session:

5 Tips on How to Prepare for a Head Shot

1. What to wear. Bring along at least 5 different looks, including footwear. Depending on the purpose of the shoot and what you want the shots for, this could include something fashion forward, a business and a casual look, something for evening, and some swimwear or lingerie.

2. What to Avoid. It is advisable not to wear white, stripes, labels and busy patterns, as they have a tendency to ‘blow out’ and lose their detail.

Monika Tudor from Max1 Models

3. Choose carefully. Make sure you pick outfits that are flattering to your shape and figure, along with contrasting necklines, and where possible go for neutral colours.  Keep jewellery and accessories simple. These are great to add a splash of colour; however you don’t want them to become the feature.

4. Be well-groomed. If it won’t be available for you there, a professional hair and make-up artist does enhance the experience and make the end result more professional.  But whether you choose a pro or go it alone, remember that you want your images to look like you, so your make-up should look fresh and natural.  Touch up throughout the shoot and maybe think about using 2 different looks.  For men, a light face powder can be helpful to reduce face shine from oils in the skin, and you could even get a haircut or trim a day or two before the shoot.

5. Mentally prepare. Think ahead about the kind of shots you are after and plan for it.  You can look through fashion mags to get ideas for poses, and practice in the mirror. Ensure your nails and any unwanted body hair are taken care of, and be sure you are well rested the night before – so get to bed early and having a good night’s sleep.

So there you have it. And last but not least, don’t forget if you are looking to get some professional photos done in your area, the boys and gals at Modemanagement.com have all that totally sorted with their Photo Sessions and will be only too happy to help you out!