Model Tips/Model Bootcamp

Model Bootcamp: Pack your Bags!

by christiem on July 25, 2010 · 23 comments

My readers have spoken (through multiple emails, tweets, Facebook messages and on photo shoots) and what they want is more Model Boot Camp! 

So here you go!   

I have mentioned in previous posts about how models should have this or that in their Model Bag, readers have asked, “Exactly what should be in these Model Bags and what are they”?

A Model Bag is a suitcase or duffel that you ALWAYS have with you (no matter what type of shoot you are on.  Even if you are told to bring nothing, you still bring this bag!). 

Inside the Model Bag are essentials you need for shoots.  Sometimes you are asked to bring more, like specific clothing, but these are the basic items you should always have!

Model Bags contain separate items than the ones you use (for personal use) in daily life, in other words: the heels you wore whoring it up at the nightclub last night that are all sticky from alcohol and who knows what else on the floor should not be in here.  The items in this bag should be in relatively new condition.  These are tools of your trade!

The bag should always be well stocked with a variety of shoes, under garments, healthy snacks, and personal hygiene essentials.

I’ve put together images of 2 sample bags:  One for the Guys and one for the Gals with some of my favorite products! (For those of you that aren’t models these products are still big helpers to get you through your day!  Keep them in your handbag, gym bag or desk drawer!)

Kids its time to Pack your Bags with my TOP rated products!

1. You need an easy to carry spacious bag to put everything in.  Do NOT show up to a shoot with your items waded up in a grocery bag!  “Stag Bag” duffel from American Apparel.

2. When you finish a shoot its always nice to be able to wash the makeup off before heading out the door, especially for guys!   Rodial Glam Balm Makeup Remover Wipes.   Ideal for delicately removing all traces of makeup from the face, lips and around the eyes.  Natural, luxurious and paraben-free. www.beauty.com  LOVE these!  Your skin feels soft and clean after use!  http://www.drugstore.com/beauty.asp?catid=9730

3. You always need deodorant touch-ups throughout the day especially under the hot lights of a photoshoot or outdoors! Kiehls product is great for shoots because its unscented and leaves no residue, nothing to get on the clothing! Kiehls Antiperspirant Deodorant Cream.  An unscented, extremely gentle, yet efficient antiperspirant and deodorant cream offering unique skin care benefits. Leaves skin feeling soft, soothed and conditioned with 24-hour protection against sweat and odor. Reduces underarm perspiration utilizing advanced micro-sized drying molecules for sheer absorption with no residue. Available at Neiman Marcus or at http://www.kiehls.com/_us/_en/home/index.aspx   

4. On long shoots you need to keep the energy up!  I love Zizzazz because it doesn’t give you the upset stomach most energy drinks do and you don’t have a crash from it!  Zizzazz Energy Mix. Comes in four great tasting fruit flavors and is a low calorie, vitamin fortified energy powder which can be eaten straight from the stick like candy or mixed with water to make a great tasting energy drink. As it has less than one gram of sugar, there is no crash that is associated with typical energy drinks. http://zizzazz.com/   

5 and 6 . Always have both a black and brown belt in your bag!  Brown Leather Belt by Salvatore Ferragamo.  Black Slim Belt Topman.com  http://us.topman.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TopCategoriesDisplay?storeId=13051&catalogId=33059  

7. Black socks are a must-have in your bag!  Black Dress socks by Calvin Klein.

8 and 9.  Just like the black and brown belts you need black and brown dress shoes! Brown Classic Brogue shoe topman.com   Black lace-up shoe topman.com

10. It’s essential to carry both undershirts and tanks in your bag, these will help control sweat on set, no one wants to be shot with bologna slices under their arms!  White undershirt by Hanes. 

11.  Most of the time you aren’t allowed to walk distances in the shoes for a shoot.  Always have flip flops in your bag to wear to and from set.  Men’s flip-flop by Havaianas. 

12. Take care of your skin when shooting in the sun.  I love Ocean Potion because it gives great protection and smells like a yummy Orangesicle, none of that typical stink associated with sunscreens!  Ocean Potion  50SPF  Broad Spectrum Anti-aging Sunscreen.   Available at most drug stores.  http://www.opotion.com/

13. You never know when you’ll need to shave on a shoot.  I love this sleek travel shaver both for power and compactability!  Braun Mobile Shave M-90.  You don’t have to fear your afternoon beard shadow any longer. With Braun’s new MobileShave it’s easy and convenient to restore a freshly groomed appearance whenever and wherever you need to look your best.  Compact size and powered by 2 AA batteries.   http://www.braun.com/us/series-shavers/mobileshave/mobileshave-models.html

 

 

1.You need a spacious bag to put everything in, so why not make it a cute one!  Denim Shiny Duffel by American Apparel.

2. When you finish a shoot its always nice to be able to wash the makeup off before heading out the door.  Who wants to stop to get gas with “editorial” makeup on!  Rodial Glam Balm Makeup Remover Wipes.   Ideal for delicately removing all traces of makeup from the face, lips and around the eyes.  Natural, luxurious and paraben-free. www.beauty.com   http://www.drugstore.com/beauty.asp?catid=9730

3. You always need to bring your makeup to a shoot “just in case” and the cool-it caddy is amazing!  No more melted make-up!  Working in Las Vegas I am in Love with this product!  Cool-it Caddy.  Revolutionary Cool-it Caddy™ “grab and go” clutch bag conveniently travels with you in high temperatures keeping your costly beauty products protected from “heat meltdown”.  Simply freeze, grab and go. No need to place a gel pack or ice pack into the bag. Cool-it Caddy™ has the coolant integrated into the design. Your items stay cool as the temperature rises. 

4, 5, 6.  Always, Always have nude, black and metallic heels in you bag!  Nude Tribute Heel by YSL, Black Suede Mary Jane by YSL,Gold Caryssa Pump by Steve Madden.

7. Make sure you have a nude strapless bra that is smooth, no lace or jewels.  This one is perfect!  Papillion Nude Strapless Bra by Cosabella.  (and ladies an old white one that has turned gray does not count as “nude”, ewe.)   http://cosabella.com/

8. One of my Favorite secret stylist tools!   Shibue Couture Stylist on the Go Kit.   Contains a strapless panty, cover ups, silicone cover ups and adhesive strips. http://www.shibuecouture.com/

9.  You never know when you are going to get a snack or what it will be on set.  Its a good idea to keep a healthy snack like Julie Anne’s Super Delicious granola in your bag!  Julie Annes All Natural Granola.  The perfect combination of crunchy clusters and tart dried fruit makes Julie Anne’s granola ideal. Available at Whole Foods or at http://www.julieannes.com/

10. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Always Always Always have nude thong underwear with you on a shoot!  Cosabella’s is Perfect!  Come on Ladies, I’m going broke supplying you with undies!  Talco Nude G-String by Cosabella.    http://cosabella.com/

11.   Same as the guys, ladies need to keep the energy up on long shoots!  I love zizzazz because it doesn’t give you the upset stomach most energy drink do, it tastes AMAZING and you don’t have a crash from it!  Zizzazz Energy Mix. Comes in four great tasting fruit flavors and is a low calorie, vitamin fortified energy powder which can be eaten straight from the stick like candy or mixed with water to make a great tasting energy drink. As it has less than one gram of sugar, there is no crash that is associated with typical energy drinks. http://zizzazz.com/  

12. Take care of your skin when shooting in the sun.  I love Ocean Potion because it gives great protection and smells like a yummy Orangesicle!  Ocean Potion 50SPF Broad Spectrum Anti-aging Sunscreen.  Available at Most Drug Stores.  http://www.opotion.com/

13. Most of the time you aren’t allowed to walk distances in the shoes for a shoot.  Always have flip flops in your bag to wear to set and give your feet a break from heels!  Ladies flip-flop by Havaianas. 

 

I have another great Enter to Win Giveaway for you this week!  Some of my Favorite Product lines from above have teamed up with me to give you a jump-start on your Model Bag, or for those who aren’t models some great products!

One lucky reader will win a huge prize pack: Rodial Glam Balm Wipes, a Braun Mobile Shave M-90, Julie Anne’s All Natural Granola, a Variety of Ocean PotionSuncreens, a Cool-it Caddy, a TALCO thong  from Cosabella, Zizzazz Energy Mix, and a Shibue Couture Stylist On The Go Kit!

To Enter:

1. click on the comment icon at bottom of this page or at top right of page.

2. Leave a comment (between July 26 and July 31) Telling me how the Model Bag items could help you be “prepared” for any situation.

Good Luck!  Keep reading and re-post on your Facebook and Twitter!

(Last weeks winner is : Elizabeth A.!  Congrats!!)

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Model Bootcamp: Swimsuit Ready

by christiem on June 22, 2010 · 14 comments

 

(above: Photographer:Jerry Metellus  Stylist:Christie Moeller  Makeup/Hair: Melissa Conner  Model: the always swimwear ready Anna)

(Last weeks Enter to Win winner is Kahshanna E. Congrats! Don’t forget to ENTER this week!  Instructions at end of this Post!)

 Just when I thought, again, that I might be running out of ideas for my Model Bootcamp section… POW..BLAM..WHAM , I work another job that slapped me in the face and left me scratching my head wondering “Why don’t they know this!”

Swimsuit ready.  What does it mean? 

 This stuff seems basic to some but there are tons of others out there that come to set with at least one of these categories NOT taken care of!

1.  Your bikini area must be properly maintained (waxed, shaved, depilatoried, trimmed etc) Both Ladies and Gents!  Come on please!  I have watched retouchers squirm as they zoomed in trying to clone out stray pubic hairs hanging out of swimsuits! I have handed out razor after razor on set sending girls to the bathroom to “trim up”.  I should seriously buy some stock in Gillette!  This needs to be done BEFORE you come to set!

2. Ladies make sure your legs and armpits are shaved..again gross!

3. Gents, make sure your chest and back are properly “Manscaped” please see my previous post for tips on this. 

4.  Make sure your body is tanned (NOT a SELF TANNER OR TEMPORARY TANNER YOU PUT ON THAT MORNING or ON THE WAY TO SET THAT WILL STINK UP or RUB OFF ON THE CLOTHING!)

5. NO TAN LINES! Fashion involves swimwear of all different shapes and cuts so having tans lines can be a problem! Guys especially watch out for sock tan lines!

When asked to bring swimwear to set please bring a variety of swimwear that doesn’t have  logos!  Guys you are the biggest offenders of this!  DO NOT BRING trunks that say “Quicksilver” or “Hurley” across them, you know we CANNOT shoot logos on ads and commercials.  And while we are at it:  FYI gentlemen, basketball shorts ARE NOT SWIMWEAR!  DO NOT BRING THESE TO A SWIMWEAR SHOOT and try to pass them off as your swim trunks!

Make sure the swimwear you bring is well maintained.  DO NOT bring the ones you have been surfing or wake-boarding in for the past 3 summers.  They should look new and clean. (Hand-washing your swimwear will give it a longer life).  You should have separate swimwear that you use for shoots than the ones you use on a daily basis.

Ladies. Unless you are asked to, DO NOT BRING THONG SWIMWEAR to a shoot! I know, I know,  you want to look sexy but trust me regular bikinis and uni-kinis are sexy enough…bring a variety of classy and upscale sexy swimwear. 

Ladies you should always,always,always have  nude thong underwear with you.  It should have string like sides and back (not lace, not thick, no bows or jewels) and should be smooth.   Le Mystere “Y-not string thong” is a great one as well as  the Cosabella “Talco G String”.

(above: Le Mystere Y-not string thong in nude)

 Wear the nude thong underwear underneath the swimsuit. NEVER put on a swimsuit you are given by the Stylist with NOTHING under it!  These swimsuits are usually samples worn by multiple models all around the world!  NEVER go commando!  Talk about a huge Petri dish of disgusting!  If the swimsuit has open sides then use a panty liner instead of the thong.  (You should always have a few of these in your model bag).

I recently discovered the Shibue Couture “Peel and Toss Disposable Strapless Panty”!  I love this because sometimes panty liners can tend to bunch up and these stay nice and smooth!  http://www.shibuecouture.com/

There are a couple extra things that you can bring with you that will make your day more pleasant.

Bring a robe!  The first thing you should do when arriving to a swimwear shoot is to take off all clothing that will leave any lines or indentations on your body (socks, bras, jeans, etc) and put on a robe.  This will help your body look smoother and toned on camera.  Do this BEFORE you head into makeup so the lines that are there have time to subside.  The robe will also come in handy when you have to take a long uncomfortable walk to set in a bikini with tons of patrons at that location staring at you.

Bring some flip flops or loose Ugg boots to wear to and from set.  Usually you cannot walk in the shoes for the shoot, not to mention it gives your feet a break from heels.

Being beautiful is only part of being a model.  There is a long list of rules, etiquette, and equipment you need to be successful!  Follow my tips, keep your model bag stocked, your attitude sunny and you’ll be booking swimwear shoots like crazy!

Ladies!  You are gonna LOVE this giveaway!  Shibue Couture, the makers of the  “Peel and Toss Disposable Strapless Panty” have partnered with me for an AMAZING Giveaway!  SEVERAL readers will receive a “Stylist on The Go Kit” which contains 1 Shibue Strapless panty, 1 pair of Shibue cover-ups, 1 pair of Shibue silicone cover-ups, and six Shibue repair adhesive strips! 

All you have to do to ENTER is:

 1. Scroll back to the top of this post and click on the comment icon (between June 23 and June 27)

2. Leave a comment there Telling me “Why you need a disposable strapless panty” or “What you would wear your strapless panty with”  Keep it Classy ladies!

Good Luck and Thanks for Reading!

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Model Bootcamp: Modelus Perfectus

by christiem on June 7, 2010 · 3 comments

Welcome to The Urban Jungle.  Today we will examine the Endangered Species Modelus Perfectus. 

Modelus Perfectus is a mammal sub-species coming  from the diverse yet thriving general class of Modelus Commonus.  They range in color and size from tiny to muscular, dark to light.  One of the most beautiful creatures of our world the Modelus Perfectus is on the brink of extinction.  These elusive animals are rarely seen in the wild and seldom held in captivity.

Unique characteristics of Modelus Perfectus include:

  • arrives to photo-shoots at  least 15 minutes before call time.
  • carries a ”model bag” armed with various kinds of undergarments, snacks , a variety of shoes, hair extensions, and clothing choices.
  • always bikini ready
  • perfectly manicured hands and feet
  • clean/dry face and hair
  • an absence of visible roots
  • a professional and sunny disposition
  • the ability to follow photographers instructions
  • the absence of complaints
  • does NOT mess with clothing or makeup after the Stylist/Makeup artist are finished
  • carries “current” updated Comp Card that shows their “current”  hair color and length along with “current” body type (not ones from 10 years ago like their cousins Modelus Commonus)
  • will never eat, drink, or smoke in their shooting wardrobe
  • always drinks from a straw as to avoid messing up lips

Modelus Perfectus evolved from their Modelus Commonus ancestors by useing  their limbs to cat-walk, pose, and overall out beautify other Modelus species, setting themselves apart. 

Many Modelus Perfectus have adopted certain “moves” when in a photo session which make them easy to distinguish such as elbows forward not back, elongated neck i.e. turtle neck , and the infamous slouchy shoulders and rounded back.

In order to maintain a high constant body quality the Modelus Perfectus needs a nutritious and plentiful diet along with an energetic workout regimen.  The most common out of captivity sightings of Modelus Perfectus occur at gyms, pilates classes and health food stores.

Conservation of this species is vital.   Destructive Modelus Commonus activities  and bad set habits have spread over to the Modelus Perfectus group and led to the current rate of species extinction, which is at least 100–1,000 times higher than the expected natural rate.  We must direct our conservation efforts toward youthful Modelus Commonus who have the potential to evolve into Modelus Perfectus but have not been shown the way or have developed these bad habits!  The key is to encourage and teach this next generation  or we will lose this sub-species all together! 

Please join our conservation efforts by encouraging all Modelus Commonus to read these Model Bootcamp Blog Tips and hopefully together we can help to rebuild the invaluable and irreplaceable Modelus Perfectus species as well as protect and save it  so that future generations can experience their presence, value, and majestic beauty.

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Model Bootcamp..Prints and Logos and Stains, Oh My!

by christiem on May 27, 2010 · 1 comment

Prints and Logos and Stains Oh My!!

Models. Models. Models.  What am I going to do with you?  Just when I thought you were all on the road to recovery from reading my Blog Posts, I worked a job where your clothing selections made me very sad. 

Its time for another review on Set Etiquette and what to bring to a shoot!

The clothing you bring to a shoot is very important!  It is a reflection of the kind of model you are!  DO NOT cram your clothing selections into a grocery bag or your handbag!  Please pack them carefully into a hanging travel bag or suitcase!  Why should the photographer or director and stylist have to dig through a grocery bag to look at your clothing?  This looks VERY unprofessional!

Please DO NOT bring clothing that has stains, is ripped, frayed, or worn out!  I spent 20 minutes with stain remover, a sponge and a blow-dryer on a talents clothing yesterday!  A Stylist is not a laundry service and this can hold up an entire shoot!

Make sure the clothing you bring is CLEAN!  I cannot tell you how many times I start to steam a talents clothing only to have a wafting stink smell of  B.O. assault me!  Ewe. Wash your clothes!!

While we are on the subject of smells….PLEASE not only do you need to wear deodorant to set (believe it or not many talent DON’T!) but please have some in your model bag for touch ups throughout the day!  If you are a sweater..make sure you bring an undershirt to prevent wet arm-pitting showing through your shirt on set.

Make sure the clothing you bring has NO LOGOS!  Come on guys!  This is modeling 101,  yet I continue to see “Affliction” t-shirts and “Polo” shirts brought to shoots.  WE CANNOT SHOOT LOGOS!

Gents, please do not bring pleated pants unless you are over the age of 60 or you are shooting a golf look!  And while we are at it, NO DOUBLE BREASTED SUITS!  Come on where did you even find that?

If you are on a video shoot make sure the clothing you bring has no crazy patterns, solids are best.  The camera cannot process the patterns properly and results in an effect call “Moire” where the shirt looks all squiggly and weird.

Gents on set, DO NOT put your wallet, cell phone, keys, money, etc in your pant pockets!  On camera it will appear that you have strange lumps all over you!  Please find a safe place to leave these things!  Ladies DO NOT bring your handbag to set!  The Stylist and Makeup Artist cannot do their jobs while watching all the talents handbags!  Nor do we want to be responsible for them!

It is important to look and act professional on set and the clothing you bring makes the first impression!  Please take care of it and treat it with respect!  Many times the clothing you have plays a big part in where you get placed in the shot!  Do you want us to see the back of your blurry head in the Ad or YOU front and center?  Your clothing options can make the difference!

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Size Matters

May 8, 2010

I have recently become very aware that people are actually reading my “Model Tips” and following them!  Last week a model asked if she could have a smoke break (she was still in wardrobe) and before the photographer or I could answer the photo assistant said “You can’t while your still in wardrobe!” Then admitted he [...]

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Model Bootcamp: Set Etiquette

April 8, 2010

Ah my little models. Here is an addition to my  series on Model Tips and my ongoing Quest to make the Models I know and work with the best they can be! Welcome to Model Bootcamp! I know some of this seems harsh but its in your best interest.  The last thing you want to do on a [...]

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Sun Cautious!

March 12, 2010

Let the Sun Shine in! The weather is beautiful and every one’s thoughts are drifting to beaches, tanning , outdoor photo shoots and fun in the sun.  Models will be rushing to tanning beds and outdoor pools to get swimsuit ready( and I know your tricks of going to multiple tanning salons on the same [...]

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Sorry but remember you’re a hanger.

March 8, 2010

This one is for all my lovely models.   I am hoping you agree with me when I say that sometimes we all need a refresher course.  Remember  you are a mirror of what people want to strive-for, become or look like one day reflecting the image the client wants to portray.  Models expressing their opinion at [...]

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Models Causeing Mayhem

February 19, 2010

 Recently I have noticed models  slacking on what they bring to shoots,   which makes the job very difficult for the stylist who already has so much to keep in order. I’m not sure if its laziness, being too busy, or simply not knowing but I thought I would give a little refresher course! If you put [...]

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