I’ve shared plenty of tips about creating light and airy photos, but this weekend, I realized I missed sharing a big piece of the puzzle—model calls. I was doing one of my favorite January tasks: dreaming and planning. Whether I’m looking ahead at new offerings or I have a specific creative vision I want to make happen: January is when I evaluate all those ideas. An essential part of trying all those ideas out? A model call.
What is a Model Call?
A model call is simply an advertisement for a specific subject to photograph. Typically, they’re used as a part of a styled shoot. For me, styled shoots are a chance to test out new locations or offerings, try new techniques or styles, and push myself creatively in a low-pressure environment. Basically, all of those big ideas and new things I dreamed about trying. A styled shoot using a model call brings those ideas to life. I sometimes see model calls taught as a way to bring in new business and upsell potential clients after you’ve photographed them, but that is not at all how I use them.
Why Should You Do A Model Call Session?
For me, styled shoots or model call sessions are a tool that help me grow as an artist–and I couldn’t have grown and evolved my business without a model call session or two each year.
Why’s that?
Thinking of yourself as an artist and practicing the skill of creating and executing a concept, pushing yourself to use new techniques, spaces, or approaches in a low-pressure environment: all of these experiences will be things you carry forward with you in your business.
And because we’re in what I like to think of as “model call season” or the slower winter months where these sorts of shoots happen or are planned, I wanted to send you a few of my best tips for making your next model call a success.
➡️Set a Clear Purpose and Vision (And Communicate It!)
It should be crystal-clear why you’re doing a session. For these sessions, it’s absolutely not to make money and I have no expectations around that. For that reason, I feel comfortable taking full creative control: in wardrobe styling, location choice, posing, and composition. If I had in my mind at all that I wanted to sell these photos to my subject, it would keep me from taking the big risks I’m really there for at a model call session. The most important part of this though–you have to communicate this to potential models. Communicate it in your advertising, your contract (yes, you should have one of those), and in your planning.
➡️Work With Photographers
Photographer friends often make the best models! They’re patient, understand the process, and already share a rapport with you—which makes for a relaxed, low-pressure shoot.
➡️Reach Out Directly to Potential Models
Rather than casting a wide net by posting randomly in every social media group I’m in, I’ve had the most success as far as getting the right fit by just reaching out to people who seem like they’d have a great attitude. Your best bets? Photographer friends, friends of friends who have a bit of interest in art or design and are open to trying new or adventurous things. And people love to be asked! They might scroll past a general post asking for models thinking “Oh, she probably doesn’t need me,” but when you reach out directly and let them know you think they’d be perfect, you’re likely to get a positive response.
➡️Make It Official
To avoid no-shows, create a streamlined process. Use a model call application form with clear expectations, and have models sign a contract that includes a release and outlines what they’ll receive in return.
Should I Attend a Styled Shoot or Use a Model Call to Plan My Own?
This is a great question! Does the process of finding a model and planning your own styled shoot feels overwhelming? Then you might consider a hosted styled shoot event. Event coordinators and photographers often sell tickets to styled shoots that they’ve planned. It’s a great opportunity to photograph something new and get creative without the prep work beforehand. I host styled family shoots in the Portland area, but you can ask your local photographer network if any are happening in your area. If you also do wedding work, Styled Shoots Across America is a great starting point for styled shoot events.
Model calls are about evolving as an artist and bringing new inspiration to your work. So get out there and create something that pushes you a little bit!
