Lingerie vs Swimwear: The Great Debate / Style or Trash

I had no idea lingerie and swimwear was such a controversial topic when it comes to modeling and photography. I mean sure, I know some people are more… “conservative” isn’t the right word; maybe timid or paranoid might be more appropriate. It is true that nothing you put online is private despite the number of filters and blocks you put up. It is impossible to perfectly block a picture that is online from a committed person. I don’t understand why it’s such a big deal. Some people model swimwear. Some people model lingerie. But sometimes I can encounter someone that doesn't do both and it is baffling and a bit befuddling to say the least.

First, let me give you a bit of a background with the kind of person writing this. I come from a very conservative and religious background. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being hardly ever seeing the inside of a place of worship except for on Easter or just saying you’re a Christian during Christmas, and 10 being a totally dedicated to convert everyone or the world will go up in flames… I’d say I grew up in a household around a number 7; 8 in a pinch. So you might say, I know a bit about scripture, morality, ethics, burning in hell or not (depending on what your interpretations are), idolatry, family responsibilities, chastity and everything in between. I still hold many of those truths close to heart like not living with someone unless you are married to them. I’m not so demented as to think burning bushes will start talking to me in this day and age but once those things are with you those sense of moral don't go away. 

Now that you know something about my level of “letting it all go” if you will, you can take comfort in the fact that I’m not to be taken casually when speaking on a topic as sensitive as lingerie and swimwear. First, I’ll address the first part of the topic. The "I will model swimwear but not lingerie" group. This group is the most mind-numbingly baffling. Why? Because swimwear is lingerie on the beach. Not only is it that, it is public for all the world to see and it shouldn’t bother you. The more we make something forbidden, the more people glorify it, taboo it and think it's dirty. The more any degree of freedom like swimwear or lingerie becomes labeled as dangerous or wicked, you give it its power. 

All Rights Reserved
©heliosimaging

You might say I’ve been desensitized over the years because of working with so many people. That might be somewhat true. But that further proves my point. That theoretical desensitization doesn't make it any less private, personal or intimate, but it does lessen the impact such draconian ideology has on society and human sexuality as a whole. I would never want a child of mine to think somehow the human body is not a work of art. It’s imperfections and its perfection co-existing in unending upswept curves, tips and lines are to be marveled. I asked several people why they would do swimwear and not lingerie. The answers I got all started with, “My husband…,” my boyfriend…,” “my culture…” or “my religion…” Do you want to know what no person in the history of photographing people for nearly 15 years started out aying? No-one started out with telling me what "they" wanted or thought as an individual. They had convinced themselves that the opinion of someone who had no true control over their decision making to make them feel unclean and dirty to even consider such a thing. They were being treated like property. That shocked really shocks me to my core. What year is it anyway? We don't own people anymore nor should we ever.

Having been around art much of my life, I’d long developed in appreciation for art in all forms; not despite my conservative upbringing but because of it. You see it was never a topic shunned in my family but rather respected, protected, discussed and revered but not by wrapping oneself in chastity belts and wraps but my instilling values to respect yourself first, then other people, their opinions and their values even when they do not coincide with your own. That laid the foundation for me to see the world in a broader context. Such as, knowing that in many parts of Europe nudity is no different from riding a bike down the street on a hot summer’s day. Yet, in other countries it may be a public beheading offense. I respect that like I respect anyone’s opinion about even modeling lingerie, swimwear or even nude because I believe anything that has an appropriate level of tastefulness and style applied that can make any and all things beautiful and visually palatable and that such things should at least be considered with an open mind. 

All Rights Reserved
©heliosimaging

What do I mean by the latter? I mean anything not done well will be bad for your reputation and your career considering how paranoid and Draconian the sometimes overly-righteous US can be about such things. I’ve seen some of the most distasteful swimwear in poses that would make my grandmother roll over in her grave. She would say, “why is that woman outside in her drawz with her business in the street? That is just filth,” or she would say worst things. Just go online and you can see swimwear models in extremely compromising poses, horrible styling, inappropriate clothing and it is not always a matter of skin coverage. It is a matter of style and appropriate taste for what is being presented. Consider that I can show a fully nude photo of a model posing in an appropriately beautiful and artful way and yet another fully clothed in a less than flattering way and the clothed one will offend far faster than the nude. Why? It is because of style, appropriateness and quality not how much skin is showing or where the model is or what she's lying on or if she's inside or outside.

You might conclude that this notion of not modeling lingerie but openly modeling swimwear because lingerie is too closely related to sex is dumb in hindsight is it not? Is that what your small minded husbands, wives, boyfriends and girlfriends are thinking? That seems more like a trust issue. To say such a thing means that I can take a model dressed in nothing but lingerie out to a public beach and it would be just fine. That is the logic people that model swimwear but not lingerie is using isn’t it? Swimwear is in fact lingerie outdoors exposure-wise and modeling one is no more controversial than another. I’ve seen far more revealing swimwear than I have lingerie in my time. But even so, skin visibility isn’t the issue. It is that fear of getting it wrong. That fear that they might be shown in a most sexualized and unflattering way that sends the wrong message; a horrible message that objectifies instead of empowers. A message that says I’m easy trash. It is that along with a paranoid boyfriend, girlfriend, wife or husband right? Can it go down like that? You bet it can. But any kind of clothing or lack thereof can do that, swimwear included. 

People often project how they feel and assume they know how other people will feel. That other husband thinks my wife or girlfriend will look like a slut they think. But that is only what he would think in such a position. But let’s get to it while it’s fresh on my mind. I know you’re all wondering so I’ll just lay it out there. Would I let my wife model lingerie? You’re damn right I would with very few conditions. My only rule is to do it well. I may want to help her choose the photographer and have some idea of the set or theme of it. I would like to be sure it’s extremely high quality, fashionable, tasteful and resembling of something from Victoria’s Secret, SIRCUS magazine, Vogue or Harpers. Other than that I trust my wife completely to make reasonable decisions that would not endanger her, her career and put either of us in harm’s way. I don’t treat her like property. She is as smart and intelligent as I am, perhaps more. If she chooses to she can do whatever she likes and I’ll be sure to support her fully should she want me to. 

Now that elephant has left the room what about modeling lingerie and not swimwear? This was a rare one; far rarer than the first but I encountered it once several years ago and once again no more than three weeks ago. This is a far simpler explanation. A lingerie shoot is far slower. There is time to think, consider, plan and organize. It is more private, there is more interaction with the team and above all else it far less public. There aren’t strangers walking by and despite the fact she may be wearing more or less, every pair of eyes may feel like eyes of judgement for less than confident model. I get that. It is far more believable and valid a reason than the “swimwear not lingerie” crowd. Outdoor photo shoots are a whirlwind at best. Things are happening fast because of changing light. There can also be great deal of moving, the weather changes constantly and people going to and fro gawking and commenting aloud. Unless of course you have a private space to shoot, I imagine that anxiety building and interfering with concentration is difficult. But for the most part this type of fear is far less common than the aforementioned one. 

Like anything each and every person can make their own decisions about what is and what is not appropriate for them. I can’t possibly understand everyone’s motivations for doing or not doing anything. Something as private and deeply personal as lingerie and swimwear is a personal decision that I respect one way or another. I would never and have never asked anyone to model anything they don’t want to. I heard the horror stories of other photographers that have but I will say even those instances are very rare. Once a model makes her limits known, they work it out or she walks away. It is that simple. 

All Rights Reserved
©heliosimaging

We have been fortunate to work with some viciously gorgeous people over the years and hope to continue to. Some model only fashion, some beauty, others lingerie and swimwear. We love them all. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses and different life circumstances that dictate their decision making. No marriage is worth losing over a pic and no job is worth risking because you look beautiful in La Perla. Okay maybe if it’s La Perla it might be worth considering because I’ve never seen anyone look bad in La Perla. LOL! In all seriousness, the decision is your own and no one should be able to make you feel bad for doing so or not doing so. 

I have done my fair share of lingerie shoots, boudoir, glamour, fashion, art-nude, beauty, fitness, swimwear, avant garde, implied, cosplay and other ideas that defy genre classification. Boudoir is most popular largely among wives and girlfriends and guess what, they are not even models in the traditional sense. They give them as a gift to their husbands or most of them gift it to themselves as a gift of empowerment, bravery and strength. Many have commented that it is as if shackles have fallen off. They feel braver and more empowered than they ever had before. It is not a dirty thing. It can and often is a source of strength if you let it become so.

We love it when people that may not model lingerie or swimwear themselves can look at a Helios image of someone that has and appreciate its style, beauty and attention to detail. I’ve seen the comments and read them. “I don’t model lingerie but this is very tasteful and beautifully done” is often said. Or we read “I do not model lingerie or swimwear but I would like to do so with Helios if you would consider giving me a quote and explaining your process.” We appreciate that level of trust and understanding because before I am anything I am a professional. My concern is not only that you get the image or design that you want, but that we also exceed your expectations.

That same model I mentioned earlier that told me she has modeled lingerie but that she never considered modeling swimwear flipped thru SIRCUS magazine Issue 9, the special swimwear edition we submitted to and changed her mind on the spot. Before, she was worried about not looking classy and decent in public. Well, her worries were dispelled immediately and she decided on the spot that making a gorgeous timeless image is less about what people think about you. She realized that it comes down to style, taste, appropriateness and finding the right people you can trust to give you the high quality you need. 

There is nothing trashy about swimwear not more than lingerie and vice versa. This is about perspective and managing expectations that will insure your success with either or both. Nothing is beyond your control when you have the right people supporting you and not making you feel lesser than you are.  

Burn Bridges or Get Agency Representation

In an uncharacteristic move, I took it upon myself to reach out to someone I thought would make a great model for a series we were creating. The goal was to publish, widely market the images and even potentially submit to other publications providing the model made the proverbial cut. Well she very very nicely said she was just too busy on "paid assignments" and not interested. Okay so which is it? Are you too busy or are you just not interested? Well she didn't just burn the bridge, she burned it and buried the ashes in the desert somewhere unknown. Here's why her reply isn't as honest as it appears.

The reply she gave is plenty simple and nice enough. Some might even say it was professional. I think it may have gone better but what did she possibly do or say wrong? What else does this guy want you might ask? She has to make money for her modeling services right? Sure she does. She made the horrible assumption many models make. First she assumed I wouldn't pay. A true professional would ask about the specifics. Where is it? When is it? What is the compensation? What is the theme? I had given an ample amount of information to make an informed decision or to inquire further. But she didn't take it. She blew me off right away and gave that dumb lazy answer of "paid assignments" and "not interested." No worries I thought. That's how it goes. I'm retired so what do I care right?

But as always I genuinely thanked her for taking the time to reply and told her I may consider for something in the future when I need a fashion editorial model that I can publish with all the makeup and hair styling provided for along with designer clothing and accessories. Additionally, that it may lead to a cover that may have made her eligible for a temp web page, free magazine copies and downloads with an extensive social media campaign featuring her as a result. Oh but wait she replied again. She might be available or able to rearrange her schedule for that. Seriously???!!!! I couldn't stop laughing. What happened to "not interested?" What happened to "I'm just so busy making stacks of money? (no-one believes that by the way). No thanks I'm thinking. You burned that bridge to the earth and where there was once water underneath it is now a bottomless canyon. There is no mending that fence.

All is well that ends well. This isn't about me because fortunately I'm not that sensitive. This is about exercising a reasonable amount of etiquette when dealing with potential opportunities. Many people, including myself, often jump to conclusions and make assumptions based on past experiences or hubris. Most often it's just pure pride and ego that has us making bad decisions. It took me awhile to take out the emotion when dealing with certain business dealings and just focus on what is in my long term best interests professionally.

This isn't about the aforementioned model either; at least not entirely. People have the freedom and right to make their own decisions about what they will and will not do. Just like I will not ever offer her any new opportunities ever again. Nor will I ever recommend her for anything no matter who asks. That's my right as it is hers to never come back.

This isn't personal. I'm an humble guy. I'm not feeling myself enough to believe there aren't multiple alternatives to what I do. Yet, I also know my worth, my vision, my skill and technical prowess to execute an idea. I wish her and everyone else the absolute best even with that jacked up sh*t attitude. It's really not her fault. The industry made her believe that having slightly above-average looks was all it takes. She was told she was cute one too many times before it stuck and now she believes the sky is the limit. "Oooh, I beautiful. I can be a model she thought." Yet, she never had the direction she needed. She's simply one example of a much larger issue. Why are there so many non-professionals involved in this industry? What she needs is agency representation.

I know you can't believe it. I said it. This is one of many reasons why agencies exist in the first place I thought. Yeah, there I typed it. I know I know. He actually thinks agencies are a good idea? Well don't get carried away just yet. I think they are great for people who simply don't have the acumen to handle their own affairs among other reasons. This is definitely one of those cases as are many. It is precisely why most of these delusions of making it big go absolutely nowhere. The talent is there. The mindset, the professional attitude and business acumen are NOT. 

Shooting Themes

As you know by now we're really big into shooting themes or looks that carry a common thread. We chalk it up to experience with publishing. Generally, projects that get the most press follow a general idea or pattern. It is the same reason why editorials are published more than just random images. Furthermore, people that participate in editorials as a model, photographer or even makeup artists and stylists tend get more publicity. But there is another reason aside from just having a theme.

Having a theme is critical for editorial publishing and some periodicals can accommodate several in a single issue. Quite frankly a theme or an editorial can be anything but it will often be slated toward the general audience preference and type of publication. But from a purely logistical perspective shooting themes simply make more sense. I much rather shoot just denim for instance, if denim is the general theme; then I  know precisely what kind of vibe and atmospherics I'm lighting for rather than try to shoot denim, swimwear and gowns all in the same venue and time unless that's the goal. Models tends to perform better as well. Having a central idea is conducive to her posing and manner of expressiveness.

All Rights Reserved
©heliosimaging
SIRCUS™ Magazine Double Cover Edition Issue 9

It's also great for MUAS and stylists. Shifting dramatically from casual to formal then chic to gaudy can create a nightmare when trying control foundation, concealer, colors, eyeliner and then clothing and accessory changes. It's bad for the model's hair and skin and quite frankly there is less synergy because there will always be that visual disconnect because everyone may be on a different creative page.

In summary, themes are important. When I want to shoot denim and that's what I cast for then I really want to shoot all sorts of different denim looks, not bikinis and dresses and lingerie and anything else unless it plays into the theme. Let's do that on another day. 

If we're doing swimwear then let's make it a full day at the beach and shoot all sorts of swimwear with different angles, lighting and backgrounds. Let's go to the lake and then to the beach or pool. It's much easier to manage the shoot. The best case for me if we're shooting denim and we want swimwear included then the swimwear should be denim. Oh yeah, denim swimwear exists and it's awesome. Otherwise, I've learned that it's best to have nutlike smaller shoots over a period of time than trying to get all sorts of different looks at once. 

The upside is that no one will get exhausted and start underperforming. I believe it's also why SIRCUS™ magazine Issue 9 was so successful. Superior models, great casting and styling and a central theme. Everyone knew it was gonna be and only be swimwear with a few bonus looks. It made everything more cohesive and easier to manage. 

Fitness model Gina Perkins

All Rights Reserved

©heliosimaging

Fitness Model: Gina Perkins

Gina gives us another look at how she can rock out some denim mini shorts. We're stunned. ❤️

Gina Rules the World

It is not only possible but plausible. Gina could become one of the greatest Helios models ever.

It started some time ago; years that we first met Gina. Like all first shoots there was that slight but quieted anxiety in the air about what to expect. It's always that way with someone new. You just don't know what you'll get. I know that's how we felt. I'm sure she felt the same. Our anxiety proved to be unwarranted. Gina impressed us and still continues to do so. Even so, since then we've refined our casting process and usually meet prospective models first to eliminate that first few critical minutes of awkwardness. In other words we cast/interview to eliminate potential problems beforehand, discuss expectations, gauge interests and commitment. But I felt a creative kinship to Gina I rarely feel the first time out with anyone. There's just something about her I thought, just like "There's Something About Mary."

Now it's years later and at least three or four more shoots into our creative relationship. I still feel the same vibe. She's just "cool people" as it is often said. But very recently something changed. It was like an epiphany that elevates one's consciousness. Something evolved this last time around; an unwavering new confidence I've never seen her exude before. She was always good and I had no reason to believe she would get even better. She is already near perfect. Who is this new person because we're crushing hard on her?

All Rights Reserved
©heliosimaging
Fitness Model: Gina Perkins

She doesn't know it but she has always been my ace in the hole and one of my most desired people to shoot. Sure I say that a lot about many different people but Gina has always been a little different for me. She feels familiar and comfortable even if you've never met her before; like the friendly neighbor you grew up with. Everything is relaxed and unforced. But now Gina has positioned herself to take over my entire creative world. She exhibited a sense of boldness I've never seen since our first shoot. She was soft and yet strikingly fierce. She was poised and delicate but not vulnerable. She was ready for whatever I could dish out. You could tell she was confident and prepared and it was contagious. We were throwing around looks like confetti and she mastered it all with very little effort.  

I'd always gotten that from her. But this time she came with a fire I'd not previously witnessed. If this is what we can expect from her then I'm game-on for whatever whenever she wants. She scored serious brownie points for just being a bad-ass this most recent time around. 

I only wish I was more available to her. The only hurdle to our taking over the creative universe is scheduling. I'm not exactly walking distance to her and my time of shooting nowadays is limited so people have to get us when they can. When someone asks to change a booking schedule there are seldom any do-overs. It may be weeks, months or years to get back. That's a problem we will have to overcome. But you had better believe that the world is hers for the taking if I have anything to do with it.

The next person up for our "Denimism" series has a tough act to follow. Gina is no slouch on anything and she killed it. 

What to Expect on a Pre-Shoot Meet-up

Every photographer, stylists or designer might be a little different. But in the hope of fostering a smooth operation we thought that we might share what things are covered in the typical pre-Photoshoot meet-up. 

Not to say that all meet ups are the same. In fact, even ours will vary depending on the intended project or objective. If we're meeting someone for the very first time without any creative preamble then the meet-up is likely just to get to know each other creatively and to understand what each of us wants from the creative collaboration. If it's someone we know well and have worked with a time or two then chances are we're just discussing the details of a shared idea or group of ideas we'd like to pursue. Additionally it may be that we're meeting a makeup artist or a hair stylist or even a designer for the first time. The conversation will be different for each of them.

But when it comes to models, many if not most of the the meet-ups are the same. The items discussed include but are not limited to:

1. Setting and understanding image use rules 

2. Copyright Law

3. Nudity vs non-nudity, implied

4. Area of interests - fashion, beauty, lingerie, glamour, swimwear, cosplay, etc.

5. Limitations - schedule, availability, escorts vs non-escorts, body shame issues, level of comfort, what is deemed a non-starter, look limits, what can you do and what can't you do vs what you're best suited for. 

6. Compensation (if applicable)

7. Establishing and setting expectations (punctuality, time of shoot, showing up prepared and what that means, handling cancellations and reschedules, MUAHs, stylists and designer benchmarks).

8. Review or referencing current portolfio(s) (wants & needs)

9. Idea sharing and establishing baseline creative guidelines (if applicable); look books, mood boards 

10. Pre Photo shoot prep

11. How to handle submissions.

12. Post shoot editing and turnaround time estimates.

13. Publishing rules (if applicable) 

14. Model release review.

15. Get fitted for clothing or looks, (measurements) if applicable. 

At first glance, it seems to be an intensive meet-up outline but the actual meet itself is quite casual and in most cases they've been a lot of fun and more so than not they are conversational and laid back. Besides, who doesn't like talking creative over drinks, coffee, lunch or whatever he case may be? 

Doing a prospect meet-up is by far the most effective way to get the best images and have a great creative relationship post project. Models I've met with first perform at a much higher level than those I had never met prior. We suspect we do as well. Performing better usually equates to more images and/or higher quality images. Additionally, getting to know someone beforehand is great for establishing a level of comfort. Comfort and confidence is paramount to getting those believable captures. Those first few minutes, hours or looks are always a bit awkward even for the most seasoned professionals. Therefore having already met your creative partners will set the proper tone immediately. 

If too much time elapses prior to a project, a second meet-up might be a great idea if it's reasonably accommodated by all participates. When meets go as planned, no one will be in shock on how the shoot will go, be in the dark on what will happen on the shoot or who will be bringing what or why. Nor is anyone ever bitter about what they received or didn't receive. It's a perfect arrangement. 

On occasion it bodes well to meet up with someone we've (or I've) worked with before simply to discuss a unique idea or just to have an idea swap or refresher on what's next. Generally it's not a must unless the idea or project being considered is more involved or may require multiple participants or resources to execute. I also doesn't matter if the project is a paid assignment or not. I'd prefer it all the same. 

Now these sessions aren't always absolutely carved in stone kind of necessary. But for us they've become nearly a requirement for new talent or individuals I've never worked with. But it really depends on the individual and our perceived level of engagement towards giving them what they expect and what we would deem worthwhile. Basically we want everyone to walk away thrilled with their experience and that includes us. 

ShyAng3L from Sircus Magazine i.5

ShyAng3L from Sircus Magazine i.5, a photo by helios00 on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
"Like" Us on Facebook
Sircus Magazine Issue 5
Pages 1-7 of 52 Includes several never before seen images of new freelance models.
© heliosimaging
All Rights Reserved
Unauthorized use is prohibited
featuring models...
Tiffany Roe, Chanel Alexis, Kristi Wright, Nique Haggerty & ShyAng3L.

Photographers: Know When You're Dealing With a Pro Model

I am far from the expert. In fact, I would go as far as to say that I'm just beginning to really get my feet wet. Some might disagree with my modest assessment of my personal knowledge of photography in general, but the moment anyone starts to believe they have learned all that is learnable their IQ takes a hit; not a bright proposition nor a very bright person. I'd much rather share my experiences and you take what you can from it. How do you know when you're dealing with a professional model or at least a model that has a few sessions behind her? There are indicators and I will share a few here.

1.  She confirms the appointment prior to her session date. It is very reassuring to not be the only one that likes to confirm an appointment. Whether she is a professional model or a retail client, I appreciate a confirmation text, email or call reassuring me they will make their scheduled appointment. Things happen. I don't care for cancellations but some circumstances are unavoidable. Whether or not if it's a retail or a professional commercial model, I very much appreciate the reassurance. Furthermore, she is showing you that she respects your time and is mindful that you have other business to attend to.

2.  Communication. Though this is in no particular order, this should have been number one. This is most applicable to a retail situation and not a commercial one but before, after, during and even post session, she is appropriately touching base to make sure she understands her role in this assignment. She acknowledges what she is to bring, what her role will be and she has a basic understanding of the shooting sequence. Again, these are my experiences and related to my type of shoots. Simply put, she is prepared when she arrives because her agent (if commercial), or she herself has communicated well enough to know what is expected of her. I always tell clients, "You Cannot Over-Communicate With Me." If it's a commercial model then her agent is handling everything and she need not be involved in this part of the assignment at all.

3.  Preparation. If it's retail, then he or she certainly knows what they were to bring or not to bring prior to your session based on the communication you've had. If it's commercial, she's likely showing up empty handed knowing that clothing, accessories, styling, make up etc. is likely someone else's domain. She need only be appropriately prepared, ultra hygienic and a blank slate ready for whatever the shoot is about. Retail clients have the fortune of knowing almost everything about their shoot beforehand particularly if they're working with me. I've likely given them a do and don't list such as: body hair tips, skin conditioners, makeup tips, hair styling, wardrobe ideas, etc. Working in concert with a mua and/or stylist if applicable, your client should be prepared when he or she arrives. If he or she is not, then they have likely not communicated well or not quite the professional person or client you wanted or expected them to be. Either that or you yourself dropped the ball.

4.  She removes her personal effects like personal jewelry, almost immediately upon arrival. I'm already reassured when this happens. Unless the shoot calls for it and it is deemed appropriate, losing the wedding ring or necklace the significant other gave you that may not be conducive to the look or market our images are to seek is probably the first thing she does. Commercial glamour models, fashion models or any other genre of model knows that the public doesn't much care if you're married or not. In fact, it may even be counterproductive to the photographer, editor, or financier is trying to achieve. In most instances, you may need to look available even if you will never be available particularly for certain markets. However, if it's retail and it's a wife taking anniversary photos for a husband then the more personal effects the better. Or if she's wearing her "world's best mom" t-shirt the kids gave her then perfect if these are portraits for the family. I've had several clients wear cherished jewelry the husband gave them from prior anniversaries or other special occasions; totally appropriate but an unlikely occurrence on a commercial project. On a commercial project, a model or client will likely show without much icing at all. More than likely she will not wear any jewelry with the expectation that it will be provided. Otherwise, she will be told what to bring by way of accessories from the agent, the stylist or other party with appropriate authority for the assignment. (Another nod to communication).

5.  "Which light is to be my key light?" This should be right next to communication. It's not necessary for her to know all the lingo. Learning lingo comes with experience and having experience doesn't necessarily mean you're a professional in my opinion. A subject will either intuit or verbally inquire the directional source of the primary light. From experience, she knows that that direction dictates the angle of her poses and the way the lights will strike her body and garments which is a make it or break it point for the photographer. She will move while being mindful not to stray far from that source unless purposely directed to do so. I personally like it when the client or model asks whether she already knows or not. It's a kind of "I know that you know I know" where the main light is moment. Directing the shoot, I am thinking about composition, light settings, wardrobe malfunctions, and often times the meticulous financier that might be looking over my shoulder. The last thing I want to think about is whether or not the model is going to stay in the light or not. When a model immediately looks or turns toward the primary light source or verbally inquires before I even heft up my camera, then I know I'm dealing with someone who has worked with several photographers before or at least knows how to put one at ease right up front. When she constantly steps out of the light unexpectedly I know that she's new to the game. I have to constantly bring her back or move the light to her which is not something most photographers are willing to do myself included. It's likely not the look we're trying to do. Follow my lead! If I direct you to move, then do so. But if you're a pro, you will almost anticipate my next action; another indicator of a pro.

6.  Hygiene. I shouldn't have to mention this but it is the another key indicator that separates professionals from amateurs. This is a huge indicator. Wax on... Wax off. Be clean, be smooth, be moisturized. That is as simple as I can make it. The model or client has likely received ample notice on the session date. There is often time to prepare. If the model needs a bikini wax then a properly prepared model will have one. If her arms were hairy and you want glamour images, she will do something about that. She will never look like a swimsuit model if her armpits and mustache are like a gorillas. Professionals make it easier for the mua and the photographer or retouch specialist. That peach fuzz that is considered normal and that most have gotten use to seeing (or not seeing) will wreak havoc for the mua. Makeup will not set well floating on top of facial hair. Additionally, it will look horrible on the images and that's a problem the photographer or retouch specialist need not deal with. If you're experiencing your.... well, that! Then don't schedule for that week unless this is your job and you haven't a choice.

There are several factors that immediately tell me how my session will proceed and I've just started naming a few to pertain to me. I try to abstain from making judgements at the onset and try to give everyone a wide open opportunity to show me what they bring. Experience has given me indicators on what I can expect. Yet, some of my best sessions have been with retail clients and amateur models. Why? Because they have no pre-conceived notions about how they think things will be. They arrive open to direction and a willingness to learn. They have little interests in becoming models. They just want to look their best today and have fun in the process. Sure it's more work on me but I enjoy process if in moderation. If someone approaches me with that willingness and openness, they're communicable and follow directions well, then they are a professional in my opinion. If they've followed my directions well prior to the shoot and arrived prepared; given the appropriate budget I can make images that rival any model, the alleged professional or otherwise.

But that's just my humble experience and opinion.