You’ve just walked through the door. People are scurrying around, sorting out equipment, someone is fiddling with lights, and you are standing there wondering who to talk to and what to do with yourself.
These first ten minutes on set can be just nerve-wracking and confusing. Be prepared by having a plan and you won’t fall into this trap.
Here’s how to navigate these moments using some common sense.
Minute 1-2 : Finding Your Boss or Anchor
Don’t walk into the scene and just stand there. You can stand there for a minute or so and take that minute to get your bearings. Have a quick glance round. Try to get a sense of where you are and what’s going on. Look for someone who looks like they actually know what they’re up to. Maybe that person has got a clipboard tucked under their arm or a headset on their head. You can try approaching them with a casual question, “Hi, I’m [name], I’m the model for today’s shoot. Can you tell me where I should check in?” This should be an easy way in to check in without being bothersome.
If things seem a bit too chaotic and no one appears to be running the show, then try to find someone who looks like they are on top of their own things. You can then ask them a quick question like the one before or something else like, “Can you point me in the direction of hair and makeup?” That way, you’ll get moving and again show you are keen to get working on things without being a nuisance.
Minute 3-5: Finding Your Spot
You’ll probably get directed to hair and makeup, wardrobe, or just a waiting area. Get there in good time. Unload your bag or bags. Slip out of your jacket and get yourself settled. No snooping around the set. Fiddling with the props or cropping up near the photographer’s gear might set off red flags.
If no one is quite ready for you yet, then just hang back and keep your phone on silent. Be visible and be available. This is a big deal. Like being a waiter or waitress at a restaurant, it shows that you’ve got your act together.
Minute 6-8: Getting to Know the Key Players
Now that you’re all settled in you can introduce yourself to hair, makeup, and wardrobe. Pop over to say hello. This is great way to get into the swing of things. A simple “Hi, I’m [name], nice to meet you” is perfect. These are the people who are going to get you looking the part so making a good impression with them will make the rest of the shoot a whole lot easier.
Just don’t be one of those annoying people who interrupts people when everyone else is working. Wait till there’s a natural moment to break in.
Minute 9-10: Sorting Out the Finishing Touches
Before you get too wrapped up in the prepping process, just ask, “Is there anything in particular I should know about today’s look or schedule?”
That does two things for you: it shows you’re really engaged and keen to work with them and it helps you get any last-minute details sorted out, like if the client wants a super quick change or if there’s something specific they want you to do with your hair.
Don’t Do These Behaviors
Don’t go asking for a cup of coffee or some food before someone offers. Just be patient. Don’t start complaining about the traffic or your call time being way too early. Complainers will sometimes get a bad reputation. And don’t go asking about the schedule or when you’ll be done just yet. We can get into all that later once you’ve established yourself as someone we can work with.
Making a Good Impression
By the time you hit the 10-minute mark, you should be all settled in, you should have said hello to the people who matter and confirmed that you’re good to go. That’s it. The shoot hasn’t even started yet, but you’ve already shown how professional you are – and that means the whole experience just got a whole lot less daunting.
