Fashion Blogs

Although during a video shoot the director and cinematographer will give you some tips on how to pose, display the product, and say your lines, some things are up to you as a model. If you’ve just started your modeling career, or you’ve only done photoshoots until now, it’s normal to feel a bit uncomfortable in front of the camera at first, but don’t worry. Even the world’s most famous models needed some time to perfect their technique and learn how to act naturally.

Here are a few useful tips to get you started:

Perfect your poses in the mirror

You probably know from photoshoots that practicing your poses in the mirror helps you make sure you’re showing your best angles but, with video shoots, things get a little more complicated because the camera will capture your movement too.

Apart from the usual slimming tricks, such as keeping your arms slightly separated from your body and turning your body sideways, you should also practice to see how much you can turn your neck without looking unnatural, or how much you can look to the side without rolling your eyes too much.

If you have the script for the video, try out a few ways of enacting it until you find the one that feels the most comfortable. You’ll be a bit nervous on the day of the shoot, so the more you practice in advance, the more confident you will feel in front of the camera. Directors usually tell models what they’ll wear in the shoot, so try to practice dressed in something as similar as possible. For example, if you know you’ll be wearing a dress, practice in a dress to experiment with the flow of the fabric.

Have a modeling kit with you

Although some things will be provided to you on set, it’s always a good idea to be prepared, because your filming location won’t always be in the middle of the city. A well-stocked modeling kit with essentials can save you from many uncomfortable situations and help you stay on top of things even if there’s an emergency. Here are a few must-haves you should carry with you:

• A bottle of water and a protein bar
• Spare stockings
• A small make-up bag for top-ups
• Moisturizer
• Hairspray
• Deodorant
• Hair sanitizer
• Face wipes

Sleep well the night before

Although you can trick the camera with makeup, you won’t always have a team of Hollywood-level makeup artists to seamlessly conceal your undereye bags and clogged pores, so try to get as much rest the night before and avoid any activities that could affect the way you look. Professional cinematographers who specialize in web promos and music videos explain that models should avoid partying until late at night before the shoot because the camera picks up the effects. Drinking too much isn’t recommended either, because it causes dehydration and can make you look puffy and tired. If you feel like your skin needs a little pick-me-up, a facial or a face mask can do wonders.

Know your role in the shoot

Again, this depends on how well you communicate with the team behind the video shoot but, in general, you’ll know at least some basic information about the role you will play and the product you’ll have to promote.

A little research in advance can inspire you and give you some creative ideas. For example, you can look up the way other models acted in similar commercials or how previous video shoots on that topic were handled. You don’t have to copy exactly what you see there. After all, you were chosen for your unique looks, but you can experiment with several poses and movements until you develop your own style.

When in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask more details about your role. If the organizers don’t give you any details, then wear neutral clothes and natural make-up. Although you may want to go the extra mile, don’t go overboard by getting your hair done in a crazy way or changing your look. In most cases, casting directors choose models based on a list of physical requirements, so if you change your hairstyle or hair color, there might be a problem.

Showing sincere interest in your part and proving that you are committed will make a pleasant impression and increase the chances of a second collaboration. Preparing for a video shoot doesn’t have to be a long, meticulous process. Sometimes, rehearsing your lines in front of the mirror and taking a modeling kit with you can make work much easier both for you and the filming team and, if you all get along well, maybe they’ll contact you with other job offers!