I know it's not easy to see a dozen of girls getting pink every month and see your set stuck in MR forever.
Trust me, as a photographer, it sucks to me too, because us, photographers, put a lot into our photos. We buy a camera, and lens, and memory cards, and a computer and software that can handle large files and the editing, e-mailing and doind the whole social media workout WHILE editing. And it is, a workout.
"So, how does it work, really?"
I always tell girls to get an account before we shoot, so they can scoop other sets and start talking with other models, join groups, etc. But I know, and I understand that it implies spending a few bucks that you can save because you get a free account once your set is uploaded. Nothing wrong with it. Just means you don't get to do your homework before the shoot. And sometimes, it shows.
"What do you mean when you say homework, Alma?"
Well. I'm the kind of photographer who thinks it's also our job to help the models. But, helping isn't doing their jobs. I can't come up with all the posing, styling, make up, location, then shooting then editing, then sending, and have it all perfect. It's just unrealistic. That's why when we talk editorial, there are production teams. I know our budget here is very limited but still.
Homework is doing your research.
It doesn't have to be on SuicideGirls, there are TONS of photographers out there that shoot boudoir and nude. You know what SuicideGirls like, so try to get inspired by the same kind of light and environment.
Pinterest is a great website to give you SO MANY ideas on what to shoot with, styling and make-up.
I don't know if other photographers do this, but, when the model is new to the website I ask them to bring their ID's ( because I want to make sure she over 18 ) and the model release. I photograph it all and upload it myself.
Why? Because sometimes I'd upload the set and then it took weeks to get in the queue because the models didn't have the documents there already. This way the process is simpler and easier for me as photographer and I bet it's best for the model aswell.
AND! The most important thing of all that most models seem to forget. SuicideGirls have their own Model Guide. YES! THEY DO!
It helps you understand what they want, and what they don't want and have many reference pictures, so please, take a look at it.
"Ok, we need to look at other pictures and such, but.. What am I looking at?"
I'll follow the Model Guide here.
1. FACIAL EXPRESSIONS!
Yes. Fun, and cute and girly and friendly! I did a thing like this with my babe @lilou in her first set and member seemed to loved it!
So practice in a mirror, tell your photographer you want to try different faces to choose from.
2. POSING! (here's some help on that)
I ususally try and do the pose in front of the model when she is not understanding what I want her to do, but I can't focus on the camera and on posing at the same time, so it is VERY important you look for 20-30 different poses you might want to do. Are you shooting a set with a chair? A bed? Can you work that? A model that comes prepared makes the set flow easily!
3. MAKE-UP & HAIR!
Clean face and washed hair are the best! We aren't saying a cool lipstick or a well-done light smokey eye isn't great, but try to keep it as natural as possible. We want to see you! Neutral tones do wonders.
Girls with colored hair, PLEASE! DO not dye it the day before, or if you do, be careful with your nails and hands and ears.
4. WARDROBE!
We don't need 7 items to take off. It takes too long and honestly, we are celebrating our bodies! Keep it casual, sensual and clean.
I can only state my opinion as a photographer but I love to see textures. Wool and lace and *new* cotton panties. Why did I focus on the *new* ? Because if you bring your fave panties but they look 10 years old.. it won't look sexy. It will look like you didn't bother.
Accessories.. Oh that. Yes I know you have 10 fave rings and 20 gorgeous necklaces. But one is enough. A pretty one or a sentimental one will do for the shoot. Same goes with hats/berrets.. It gotta fit the theme!
And think about the hashtags.
While you and the photographer are shooting you can snap a few extras for instagram and blogs.
#manicmonday | #tattootuesday | #wetwednesday | #thighhighthursday | #flirtyfriday | #sgsundies
5. LOCATION!
This is my biggest struggle of all.
I know it's hard to find a good place but, you can't blame me for not having the best house to shoot when you didn't care to look for a place on your own. It's your set. All a photographer requires is a good window. So, try to ask a few friends, check if there are any hotels that can borrow you a room for 2 hours, e-mail them explaining it's for a photoshoot. That's what I will be doing anyway.
" I see, but this will be a great deal of work for me, what will the photographer do then? "
Well..
The photographer will photograph around 200-300 pictures and make sure you look good.
The photographer will select and edit those pictures until we have the final set.
The photographer will send the set, and make sure everything is how it's supposed to be.
He or She will do his part, so the models need to do it too.
I understand that not all photographer work this way, not all edit their sets, not all send the set. But this is something you will have to talk with the photographer you will be working with.
" And if we do all that you garantee it will make me a SuicideGirl? "
No.
It's just not this. It's feedback and posture and activeness on the website and outside the website. It's a lot of factors all together.
I can tell you that this will help.
If you read the Model FAQ, it's all in there, #4.7 - How do you decide what sets go up as the "Set of the Day"?
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So this is my input.
I am always always always available to help the girls so, if you have any question just e-mail me or send me a DM.
alma@suicidegirls.com
Lot's of love,
Alma
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