Never modelled before?
Whether you have never modelled before or have had many professional assignments, this page should help you find out what you need to know about me and help us arrange a shoot. Don’t worry, I have done many shoots with non-models/beginner models.
About
This document is designed to provide models with specific details and information about shooting with me. This ensures that you know what to expect and we can make sure we have a great shoot.
Who I work with
I am interested in working with a wide range of models with a wide variety of looks and styles. Please don’t feel that I might not be interested in working with you if you are not like other models I have worked with.
Models must be over 18. No matter what the nature of the shoot, I do not work with models under the age of 18. This is a personal rule and one that will not be broken without exception. It is my opinion that whilst there are many excellent professional models out there that are under the age of 18, I do not feel it is something I would like to promote or encourage.
I ask that all models bring proof of age to the shoot.
I do work with male models. Although I mainly work with female models, I am happy to work with male models on the right project.
Location
I am based in Cambridge and frequently shoot at my house in Cambridge.
If you are travelling by train.
I am happy to meet you at the station, or alternatively can arrange and pay for a taxi to pick you up from Cambridge train station. The house is a 5-10min car journey from the station.
If you are travelling by train, please have an idea of the train time that you are likely to want to catch to get home and also the time of the last train you can catch to get home.
For train times, directions and maps check out my directions page
Travel expenses
I do not make money from my shoots and I only have so much money I can invest in my photography. I am sometimes able to make a contribution towards travel expenses if it is needed but please let me know in advance.
Duration
The length of shoots is as flexible as you need it to be. Often shoots will go on for 3-4 hours but this includes lots of cups of tea and general chatting. The more time we have the better. Please make it clear at the beginning of the shoot when you want to be leaving by, so I can make sure we get what we need from the time we have.
I am not a professional photographer, so I am not going to be greatly inconvenienced if you do not arrive on time. I know that travelling is often unpredictable and sometimes it’s hard to even get out the door when you want to. If you think that you might be late please call me and let me know as soon as possible. This means that I can do something useful with my time and I won’t be worried that I gave you the wrong directions.
In general it is a lot better for me to start early, unless there is some specific reason to shoot late. This is because I often use natural lighting and so shooting in the daytime is a real advantage.
Almost always because of the last minute rush; things get left behind, don’t worry.. this happens a lot and I simply put the items up on eBay and send you a link so you can bid on them… no, not really I will just pop them in the post.
What to bring
Proof of age.
Please make sure you bring proof of age. I will not work with any models that do not bring proof of age.
You know what makes you look good.
Unless we are shooting with some specific aim or look in mind, then the best person to decide what to bring is you. You know what outfits you have available and you know what you look good in.
Think Sexy
No matter what the pictures are about you will want to look sexy, so now would be a good time to bring out that special outfit that you know works so well. Try and bring at least 3 or 4 outfits minimum, that way we can mix and match and have plenty of options.
Accessories
Don’t forget those accessories and other bits and bobs, they are always handy and often complete the look to make a real difference in the final images.
Basic Preparation
Get some sleep before the shoot.
You want to look good in your images and no one looks good when they have just woken up.
Please don’t turn up hungover. That morning after feeling isn’t something you want to be reminded of when you look at your modelling portfolio.
Make up – none or light and neutral. It’s much better to start off with a neutral look. We can change the makeup later as things progress.
During the shoot
I don’t work in a studio
I almost always use natural light for my work, on location or indoors. This is temperamental, but can be rewarding. If you are looking for a guaranteed, high quality shoot with a large number of professional quality images at the end then I may not be the photographer you are looking for.
I WILL review images as we go
At regular intervals throughout a shoot I will review the images we have taken so far. This gives us a chance to make sure we are getting what we want out of the shoot and see any problems that we might be having.
I WILL delete ANY images that you are not happy with AT ANY TIME
If for whatever reason you are unhappy with single or multiple images, to the extent that you do not want me to keep them, <strong>they will be deleted</strong> during or after the shoot, <strong>without question</strong>.
Please be aware that if an image is faulty or simply doesn’t look good it will not be used in any case.
My photography is about experimentation. I <strong>will not</strong> push levels. However, if during the shoot we take pictures that you later feel you would rather have not taken <strong>they will be deleted</strong>. I don’t want any images which the model regrets, I simply would not be comfortable with that.
Modelling Levels
Please be clear about the level you want to work to. Any form of nude work will be discussed in advance. Please do not be offended if I am not interested in working in this style, especially on a first shoot.
If you are unsure what levels you wish to work to, or it has not previously been made clear I will talk to you about it before the shoot.
What you will get from me
I work in a purely digital format and my work is a hybrid of photography and digital art. It can take MANY HOURS to complete an image and so I will only work on the best of the images from the shoot.
Because I only use naturally lit location shots, the work can be a bit trial and error. I do a lot of post production work in Photoshop and will not release images that have not gone through post production. I will only work on the best of the images from the shoot. There are normally 3-6 completed images from a shoot.
Full size, high resolution versions of the completed images can be emailed to you, or they can be sent to your address on a CD if needed.
Your Safety
This is not here to scare you off, just to give you some advice on safety. This advice applies to all shoots and especially first shoots, with me and anyone else.
Please tell someone where you are
Please tell someone, a friend or family member, the details of your shoot, where you are going, when and what time you are expected back.
Take your mobile – this is always useful, especially if you are traveling. If you are late, lost or have any other problems you can reach someone that can help.
Tea or coffee?
If you would like to have a tea or coffee somewhere public before the shoot that’s cool, I normally like to do this with new models anyway so we can break the ice.
Just Say NO
If you don’t want to do something, don’t feel comfortable or just aren’t sure <strong>please say something</strong>.
Chaperones
I am happy for you to bring a chaperone, I think it’s an excellent idea and that more models should do it.
Please tell me before the shoot if you intend to bring a chaperone and who the chaperone will be.