The working relationship between models and photographers is unique in that both are interdependent on the development and progress of one's career. The shared chemistry, communication, vision, and motivation will ultimately affect the quality of work produced. When you work with individuals who want to be great, your own abilities can reach new heights you didn't know were possible. This is common knowledge in sports, where teams and players can rise up or play down to the level of competition. The same rules apply to creative endeavors.
“Sweat equity is the most valuable equity there is. Know your business and industry better than anyone else in the world. Love what you do or don’t do it.” - Mark Cuban
Whether you are a freelance model or signed to an agency, having a feel for the business element of your profession, in addition to the creative side, will give you a good sense of direction when faced with decisions you'll inevitably have to make. While all models and agencies differ and work in varying markets, there are still commonalities that most directors, casting directors, and photographers share when looking for talent to hire. Below are a few insights worth consideration, whether you're just starting out building your book/portfolio or just want to understand what goes on behind the scenes on the other side of the camera.
1.) Business Sense
This is hardly ever talked about for models but is worth mentioning. Understanding that the industry has a business aspect and what type of role you play in that context will benefit your career immensely over those who just think it's all glitz and glam. When people invest in you (you are a brand in itself) and book you for jobs, they want to be associated with what you have to offer because your talents bring value to their company/business/vision. Even though the work produced is visual, professional castings are hardly ever just superficial. People take a leap of faith and invest in you as a person, and as the budgets rise and projects you work on become bigger and bigger, the character of a person will be magnified. You can never predict the trends of what the industry will need at a particular point in time, as it changes with each business quarter, creative directors, etc.. so it's not something you chase. However, you can control your image, brand, and what you project to the world. It's not about being fake or phony because that can be seen from a mile away, but taking your craft seriously and becoming aware of how your gifts and talents fit into the entire picture will give you a solid foundation to build from, especially when starting out.
2.) The Real You
Do you have one or two simple professional photos that show how you really look? Every model will need professional pictures in their book that accurately represent skin tones and features that haven't been heavily edited and altered. It's assumed that fun conceptual work will have a different look. People understand the distinct styling of hair, outfits, and lighting. But for those toned-down images, you need to look like you. Make sure that gets done correctly. You don't ever want to show up for a job and look nothing like you presented yourself, so communicate those concerns with the person photographing and editing your photos. Many productions will request videos and selfies of the talent to see the real you. However, to even get to that point of consideration, you'll still need to catch someone's eye, so you'll want to have a few flattering yet simple images where you shine. Remember, simple doesn't mean basic or boring. You'll still have to show up, and the photographer you work with will have to know their stuff because there is nothing to distract from within the frame. They either know how to flatter you with lighting, composition and artistic eye or don't.
3.) Show your personality
Does your work showcase any of your personality traits regardless of the model genre? The standard model shots are a given and are expected to be in your portfolio, but people are often drawn to aspects of someone's personality and quirks. When all things are considered equal, personality or its perception can make all the difference in winning or losing a job.