http://www.burfly.co.uk/

The contact has been made. The brief is received along with possible picture references. This is where the photoshoot starts! It isn’t in a studio, or out on location like most people think. It is when you get booked, either through an agency that you are signed with, or a casting call of some type as a freelance model. So what is it like to be a Model? It's very hard work! You have to look after yourself, keep in the loop of fashion world, buy/read magazines like Vogue, Elle, i-D and many many more. Why? Because you can get ideas for how to pose, how to use your body and face to tell a story in a photograph. Practise in front of a mirror, know what works best for yourself. Even have a little fun “photoshoot” session with a friend..know what will look good on camera as well as in the mirror. Being on a studio photoshoot and a location photoshoot, what is the difference? Well, you are doing the same as you would on location as you would in studio, but with a location photoshoot you have the environment to think about. Weather, what structures are around you, can you use these to help with poses, for example sitting on a park bench, leaning up against a brick wall etc. In a studio, you may have props, like a chair, or a table, so you have to think what can I do with these that fit within this brief I have been given?

Stu Glen Photographer- Facebook

So on set..what is it actually like?! It's hard work! A lot of people do think you have to just sit there and that it's easy, but it is much much more than that. For example...a beauty photoshoot in a studio...The make up artist has to make sure that every little thing is perfect, a beauty shoot is close up of the face, so there is no room for mistakes (for both make up artist and model). Once make up/hair is done..it's time to get in front of the camera! The heat of the lights, the possible boxed in feeling with the photographer in front of you, lights and reflectors around you..it can get really hot!! I always try to imagine what the photographer is seeing..where is the light coming from, if I do this will that block any light..with all this in mind I am also thinking about the brief of the photoshoot..is it a romantic soft look? Or is it a bit rough around the edges...either way you have to consider that even looking scared, worried, angry...you have to look your best, and show of your best features.


If the shoot is to show off the clothing, in studio or on location, you have to think of what poses would show the clothes off best. You don’t want to be all hunched up and not showing all the clothing off...or any accessories that you may also have on too, and no matter where you are, you have to think about the lighting!
It is a long process and a long day..you have to keep your energy levels up. I always take something to drink and eat with me, so I will always have my energy. After the photoshoot is done, you will then have images to wait for, sometimes you may get them on the same day, sometimes it can be a month later, or in some cases you're brief may have been that you wont receive images for your portfolio, but instead it is being used for a campaign, advertisement etc, all this information is always given out before you turn up for the photoshoot (or should be anyway!).

Bruce Sutherland- Photographer

Being a model is amazing fun, and I have loved every moment of it, the ups, the downs and everything in between. If it is something you want to do, you must must must be thick skinned. The industry is very competitive, people always giving their opinion, giving you critique, and it is usually very bluntly. Remember you are going to be in the limelight, whether just locally, or globally! Most of all, remember to have fun, stay positive, and love what you do!! :)






You can like Cat's Modelling page HERE. 
If you want to speak to her or ask her any questions leave a comment below!