Dear Ms. Model: Modeling Advice from a Professional Model - Where Do You Get the Clothing for Modeling Jobs or Photoshoots?

Hey, how are you? My name is ****** and since you are a model. I always wanted to know that when you go to a photo shoot do you wear the photographers or clients wardrobe or do you bring your own outfits?

Always ******

Hi ******

Thanks for the question. If you are being paid to model clothes for a clothing company or clothing designer, you would wear the clothes supplied for the commercial photo shoot or fashion photo shoot-as long as the clothes are not offensive or inappropriate.

If you have been hired by a magazine for a fashion spread, the magazine will supply the clothing from the designers. You will want to bring a variety of shoes in your size for the fashion photo shoot, sometimes they have shoes that work while other times they might not be your size.

If the photographer is paying you to build their book also called a photographer's portfolio-either because he (or she) is a new photographer or trying something new or because you are experienced or famous-then you might wear your own clothes or clothes supplied by the photographer or some combination.

If you are building your own card, book, or modeling portfolio, you can
1) wear your own clothes
2) get a store or designer to supply clothes for the photo shoot
3) use clothes the photographer supplies
4) use clothes supplied by a professional stylist or
5) do some combination of the above options.

Always remember you can say "no" to any outfit, suggested pose or photo shoot, and say "no" to working with people that you don't feel comfortable with.

And for safety, bring a parent or friend-a larger male friend is better than a female friend-or a body guard on photo shoots for your safety. Many photographers prefer that you do not bring your boyfriend or husband; however, if that is the only person available just call him a "friend" and bring him along for safety, and of course act professional the entire time.

Sometimes you will get to keep the clothing that is tailored to fit you specifically or keep the jewelry from a photo shoot as a perk or for a payment for the modeling job. In some situations, the market value of the clothing or the jewelry is more than the market value of the typical photo shoot payment.

Thanks for the question and have a great day. If you have any other questions on modeling or photo shoots, feel free to ask.

God bless,
Heather Inks
Model~Educator~Artist~Photographer~Writer
Signature Scripture: Matthew 5:6 "Those who want to do right more than anything else are happy. God will fully satisfy them."