TIP OF THE WEEK #22
PHOTO SHOOTS By Vicki Peters
If you ever get the chance to do a photo
shoot - do it! It is a fun
experience that can prove to be not only exciting but you may
get some photos
out of the deal. Photo shoots don't pay a lot, the average is
about $150 so
don't think your going to get rich off it. There are hidden benefits
such as
tear sheets, which are an unbound pages from the magazine you
may be
shooting, a cover shot or copies of the photos. You can work with
the
photographer and pass on your fees and get some nice shots for
a portfolio
you may be building. Lots of models do that.
I know for Nailpro and other magazines
I have worked, the models are aspiring
models and actresses and getting to do a cover shot is a bit out
of their
reach so they work for a lesser fee to get a cover on a magazine
like Nailpro
which is trade magazine not a consumer to build their portfolio.
You see a
lot of our cover models in television and magazine ads. One of
our models
that posed for Nailpro as well as DaySpa was the redhead (long
hair) on
Baywatch.) If a model had to go out and do shots specifically
to build a
portfolio it would cost many thousands of dollars, this way they
are taking
advantage of what is in front of them, and you should too.
Local modeling agencies are always a
good place to start. Donate your
services to do the nails and toes on aspiring models who need
photos taken
for their portfolio. Network with all the photographers in town
is another
way to finding shoots that need manicurists. Or you could sign
with an
agency like I did in LA when I lived there. Unfortunately there
was not a
lot of work for me and only went out on three calls for the two
years I was
onboard with Cloutier, the leading agency for stylists and manicurists
in
both LA and NY. I think I may have been bottom of the list but
you have to
start somewhere. Network once you get to the photo shoot and give
your card
to everyone, you never know when you will get a call.
Have a kit that is easy to work out
of so you don't have to unpack much and
bring plenty of towels and a lamp. Kits now come in all kinds
of sizes with
and without wheels. Make it simple when packing and put a packing
list
inside of your kit so you don't forget anything.
Be prepared for anything on a shoot.
Bring one of everything you may think
you need and definitely a pedicure bath. Seems like most shoots
are
manicures and pedicures so be prepared for that. Not many require
fills or
full sets and they may not communicate that with you so be prepared
anyway.
If you do get a chance to do some artificial nails be sure to
make them
sleeker than normal, the camera puts weight on the nails like
they do the
body. Use a small nail art or pointed short gel brush to clean
up the
cuticle area. Lotion makes the skin shiny so if you use some make
sure you
wipe if off good if they are going right under the camera, if
not time may
absorb it enough that it is not an issue.
Also bring an ample collection of the
hottest trendy colors plus an
assortment of French manicure colors. You never know what they
want. Be
prepared to repair nails quickly and have a solution to whatever
presents
itself. That's is the making of a good photo shoot manicurist.
Do not
complain there is not a manicuring table set up just for you,
you will have
to do nails where ever you can sometimes. I had to sit on a dirty
cement
floor while doing Farah Faucett's nails and her pedicure. The
point being
is the manicurist is the lowest ranked on the totem pole and you
cannot be a
primadonna at a photo shoot, you will never be asked back. Most
of the time
the make up artist or hairstylist will be working on the model
at the same
time.
You have to get in, do your work, be
a pro and make everyone happy. You
should be quick, add to the concept with colors, etc. and make
magic with
your work. Photo shoots are creative and usually very high energy
- they
are fun and can produce a whole new element to your career.
Vicki Peters
DISCLAIMER
Any products mentioned in the "Tip Of The Week by Vicki Peters"
is not an