Showing up prepared is half the job. The night before, confirm the call time, location, and what you need to bring. Pack a robe, nude undergarments, basic makeup for touch-ups, hair ties, water, and snacks. Shoots run long. A model who arrives ready gets remembered and rehired.
Sleep matters more than any product. Eight hours shows in your skin and eyes. Skip heavy salt and alcohol the day before to avoid puffiness. Moisturize well, keep nails clean and neutral, and arrive with clean, dry hair unless told otherwise. Grooming basics are non-negotiable.
On Set Mindset
Listen more than you talk. The photographer directs, you execute. Take direction without ego, even when it feels awkward. Awkward often photographs beautifully. Ask what the mood and story are so your expressions match the brief. Between setups, stay warm, stay hydrated, and stay off your phone.
After the shoot, thank everyone by name if you can. Follow up with the photographer within a week for selects. Every shoot is a relationship investment. The models who treat crews with respect build reputations that travel faster than any portfolio.
Eat before you arrive. Call times shift, catering may be minimal, and low blood sugar makes for a miserable shoot day. Bring twice the water you think you need. And protect your energy between setups: find a quiet corner, stay warm in your robe, and conserve yourself for the moments the camera is on. Shoots are sprints separated by long waits. The models who manage that rhythm deliver their best work in hour ten, not just hour one. That endurance is what gets you hired again.
About the Author – Ruben Burgos: Ruben Burgos brings over 25 years of music expertise and more than 15 years of model guidance to the table. He is the indie major pinnacle to retaining credits for musicians and helping them navigate this wicked industry without the fuckery.