Be prepared & Be professional
No1. Be organised Bring your model kit - these are the essentials that all models should bring to a shoot. *More about what's in the kit will be explained in another post
No2. Be reliable If it's a TFP collaboration, guest appearance, or a high end big budget shoot, you need to have the same approach for all because your brand is on show too, and people remember. I can't emphasise this enough. Be ethical and set a good standard no matter what. I've known good models push through on a day they were unwell and we have the utmost respect for them. A last minute cancellation or no show creates havoc for many, and your brand (you) will be talked about for all the wrong reasons.
No3. Be on time - get there 15 min early. Similar to the last point, people are relying on you, so it's a good philosophy for life in general.
No4. Be prepared Don't set yourself up for failure by biting off more than you can chew. Accept jobs you know you can do well... not just wing it or struggle through.
If its a swimwear shoot, you've been enjoying Christmas pudding and don't feel ready, you're better off being 'unavailable' than to turn up overloaded, self conscious, then rejected. Stay in shape, hone your skills, and do more training. This will grow confidence, plus give you more strengths and abilities.
No5. Be enthusiastic Bring energy and ideas to a shoot. A dynamic fun shoot is always a winner. Don't have a big night out just before a shoot. Your apathy or lethargic approach may mean it's your last.
No6. Be amazing Listen to client needs, offer your creative ideas, and show your best.
No7. Be responsible Take care of clothing/goods and return them in the same state. Don't stain it with makeup or by resting on something dirty.
No8. Finish on a high Positive energy is needed even more on a long shoot. Finish on a smile and laughter rather than dragging yourself out talking about how exhausted you are.
No9. Be offering Before rushing off, ask if there's anything you can help with or pack away. It shows you to be part of a team and leaves a good impression.
No10. Be flexible Don't insist on payment and images which may leave you looking demanding. You can email, call or chat about that later.