She Said What?!?
A Quick Disclaimer: This is not about any of the amazing models I have trained or those with which I have had the opportunity to work. It is based on stories and word of mouth, along with examples of how I would have approached similar situations.
As a model, you often find yourself in the most awkward situations, particularly when you are paired with another model who may not approach their work with the same consideration or professionalism as you. It can happen while working with models you only just met or perhaps with those you know and trust. Being experienced in this industry, as well as pulling from other career experiences, I have learned a thing or two about saving yourself from being labeled negatively when your co-model may not put forth their best effort. Below are a few examples of situations that I have mentored models through in the past.
Rude To The Photographer:
Sadly, I hear this type of story too often, even experiencing this behavior first hand. Models will be disrespectful to photographers, either during the shoots or in how they approach the business aspects (“You’re gonna pay me right???”). The best way to keep yourself apart from rude models is to be polite. Don’t let them pull you in to reinforcing their behavior (“Can you believe he did that!!”). When you see those negative actions, this is when you should step up, to help set yourself apart in a positive way. Encourage the photographer, MUA, or stylist. Be joyful and happy, a positive reinforcement for them. Your actions will make you look more professional and great to work with, resulting in you getting new appointments and referrals. Ignore the rude comments with more favorable actions. Pretty soon the rude model will get the hint and change their attitude. If not, they are a lost cause. No worries, the rest of the team for your shoot has now recognized your valuable skills. You got yourself a second gig!
Trash Talk:
Let me just say it up front -this one pisses me off. I hate to see models, or people in general, building themselves up through pulling others down. Basically, its when another model is trash talking your career. Most likely, that model is jealous of your work and success. Chances are the photographers feeding into the drama are also childish. Probably someone you don’t want to work with anyway. Talking negatively about others only makes you look bad. So my here’s my best advice if you find yourself in this situation - worry about yourself, not others. Focus on your career and everything will fall into place. Stay off social media and refrain from the passive aggressive posts. Those who count, know you are talented. Walking away shows you are the bigger and better person. Cheers to that!
Hurtful Words:
You should never have to prove somebody wrong to be successful. If anyone, whether model, photographer, or friend tells you that you aren’t good enough, don’t use that to fuel your fire or passion for this business. That may sound counter to what most folks would believe, but when you think about it, you don’t want your career to be driven by negative things. You worry about your own successes in your own time. Set goals daily, weekly, monthly. If you are passionate about your goals. You will reach them regardless. Being the bigger person and not bothering to say “I told you so”, Is a better way of proving them wrong.
In these types of situations I typically tell fellow models this:
You are beautiful!
You are doing your best!
Forget about it. Work on the negatives and perfect your positives.
DO NOT passive aggressively write about it on social media. Ignore it and move on!!!
Focus on your goals!
YOU WILL GET THERE!
If you would like more information please feel free to reach me at my email (BJamruss@gmail.com). I have availability for coaching or assisting.
Checkout my active portfolio on my Facebook fan page. www.facebook.com/BexRussModel Cheers!
