Photoshoots: Everything you need to know about Sedcards, Modelling and Photography!

Picture this: you’re an instagram model but you really want to fulfill your dream of modelling with an agency. But you have no idea where to start. It all starts with a photoshoot- photographers will work their magic and make you look fantastic!

What is a photo shoot?

The word photoshoot is just a pseudo-anglicism. Shooting in the modelling business refers to photo shoots and film shoots so it is essentially the process in which creative organisers, photographers and models work together to shoot images for companies and clients. These photoshoots can be indoors or outdoors which obviously means there are many different types of photoshoot. Editorial photoshoots are used for magazines, while commercial shoots advertise products outside of the fashion and beauty sectors. After a shoot, photos are edited and used in print media, online and as web content for brands.

How does a photoshoot for a sedcard work?

A classic Sedcard is usually an A5 card that shows several expressive, professional photos of you and lists your name, age, hair and eye colour and measurements. It is basically the figurehead for getting booked as a model. So, how do you create your Sedcard? Firstly, pick a photographer who has a similar style to you and decide how you would like to be photographed. After this you can then agree on a location and arrange a time for the shoot. Once you’ve got your pictures, you can use them for your Sedcard, social media and private use. You can edit them how you like but the better you look on set, the fewer touch ups you’ll have to do!

How much does a photoshoot cost?

That depends on what the photos are intended for. A couple of family pictures done by an amateur photographer takes less time than a model shoot and therefore costs less. Model shoots can take several hours, therefore fees for a Sedcard shoot average at the mid three-figure range for a session (not including stylists or travel). Models can pay for photoshoots in two ways. Either you pay for it yourself or arrange a Trade for Portfolio (TFP) shoot. This means the photographer gets to use your photos for himself too and that is his payment. For this to run smoothly, it’s important that you sign a contract to ensure that the pictures still belong to you.

What happens at a private photo shoot?

If you want some family photos, you can head to a photo studio near you to get some good quality pictures! For shoots like this, it’s important to feel comfortable and match your style. Wear simple clothing so the patterns and colours don’t take any attention away from your face. Take several outfits and accessories with you too, in case you want to change! This also helps convey more of your personality.

What can you expect from your first model shoot?

The bigger the advertising campaign, the more elaborate the concept and photoshoot- this includes themes and location. The clients should also let the modelling agency know about the brief so that their models can be prepared and understand the production . This is especially important to know what models are suitable for the shoot. Then, agencies search for suitable models, castings are organised and Sedcards are viewed. Once models, photographers and stylists are hired, the photoshoot is a go! How these photo shoots actually take place is set out in the production plan- where? When? What’s the story? Every arrangement is prepared in every detail.

How do you know when a photoshoot is successful?

Photographers do more than just take pictures; they have a knack for working with people and, as professionals, understand the rules. They also know how to successfully direct a model to pose and stand the right way. They must communicate and connect with the model before the shoot starts. It is also their job to make the model feel comfortable. Clients also trust you to successfully convey the message of their product and brand. This means it’s important to understand the company and the products they provide too.

What role do styling and lighting play?

A successful shoot needs many hands - photographers, stylists and make-up artists as well as lighting installers and set designers. Make-up artists implement the vision for make-up and hairstyling on set; stylists ensure that the clothes fit and accessories achieve the desired effect. Despite all this, the photographer plays the most important role in the shoot. They know what makeup works for each lighting meaning less editing post-shoot. Photoshoot makeup is therefore more intense with things like false eyelashes. This allows it to stand out in the photographs. It’s important to use the correct lighting too- it should be as close as possible to natural daylight.

Are you in search of a model?

As a modelling agency for photographers and advertising agencies, you can choose from over 100,000 models in 120 cities and regions! Just send us an email! At starboxx, we make model suggestions tailored to your specific needs and offer a high-quality full service for your production.