Ah yes, the life of a model. Many people believe that modeling is glamorous and easy, and that all a model needs to do is to look pretty and stand there while a photographer keeps clicking the camera shutter. Well, I am here to tell you that modeling is hard work. Before you start snickering, consider this: you often have to work in climate extremes, so imagine modeling swimsuits in 40 degree Fahrenheit weather, or parkas in 100 degree Fahrenheit weather. Though you may be freezing or unbearably hot, you must look like you are having a great time during the shoot. You have to be ON when you are in front of that camera.

I actually remember a photographer bitching at me in 2010 about having goosebumps in several shots on the beach. Despite my smiling face and proper posing, those little bumps gave away the fact that I was freezing my butt off. It infuriated me that a photographer could be that insensitive and complain about a physiological process I had no control over. This was also after 16 wardrobe changes and 7 hours straight of shooting.

Models are often expected to work in hazardous environments, perched on a rock, standing on the edge of a cliff, lying in the middle of a road, etc. I have actually done all of these things and was fortunate enough to work with photographers who were concerned for my safety and comfort during those shoots. Sometimes the weather refuses to cooperate, usually by throwing gusts of wind into the mix to make hair and wardrobe rebel to the point of frustration for both the photographer and model. If a photographer’s assistant or makeup artist is not on hand to assist with the shoot, the model must be aware of small details such as tags hanging from clothing, strands of hair falling the wrong way, etc

Good models know how to evoke different moods through their facial expressions and body language, and are also able to read the photographer’s cues so that the shoot goes smoothly. There is a joke in the fitness industry about men giving the “blue steel” look in EVERY SINGLE IMAGE. Guys, that look gets very old very quickly. For the ladies, doing the “Ohhhhh” expression with the mouth may look sexy, but when it is done incessantly, it begins to lose its appeal as well. The most interesting models know how to deliver a myriad of different smiles, sexy looks, scowls or whatever expression the shoot calls for.

Models also may be asked to work for many hours with no breaks at all. We are often asked to hold poses for extended periods of time so that the photographer can adjust the camera angle, exposure, or lighting. I can’t tell you how many times I have gotten cramps from holding one pose for several minutes. The pose which I am pictured in here was one I held for ten minutes straight.

Don’t get me wrong. I absolutely adore modeling and I have a very positive attitude whenever I shoot. I just wanted to dispel any misconceptions about modeling and make it clear that it truly is work.