If you’re a new model, your first few assignments will seem exciting, but also a little daunting. You’ve done the hard part – you’ve become a model and booked an assignment – but now you need to make sure you perform as well as you can. These ten tips will help you do just that!

1. Be natural and relaxed. Film or photography of models who are completely at ease with what they’re doing always look the best. When you have a shoot, make sure you are calm, comfortable and stress-free before it starts – five minutes spent making sure you’re in the right frame of mind can make the difference between a good campaign and a brilliant campaign!
2. Ask questions. Before a shoot, make sure you put any questions you may have to your agency. Sometimes there won’t be opportunities to ask questions on the day of the shoot because everybody is so busy, so it’s best to make sure you’re clear on everything beforehand.
3. Enjoy yourself. Remember that modelling should always be about you having fun, experiencing something new and taking pleasure in the whole process of working as a model. If it begins to get too much, re-evaluate the way you are approaching it psychologically. Are you taking things too seriously? Are you putting yourself under too much pressure? Attitude can be just as important as looks, and it’s essential to approach modelling with a light, positive attitude as well as commitment.
4. Know your product. If you are modelling for a marketing or advertising assignment, whether it’s a top high street fashion chain or your local supermarket, make sure you know what your photographs or film footage will be selling. If you engage with the task in this way, you’ll impress everybody on the shoot and feel a lot more relaxed with an understanding of what is going on.
5. Follow instructions. When you’re working on a shoot, even if you’ve modelled before, there are a lot of other people around who know much more than you do about what’s going on and what’s required. If they advise you or ask you to do something, make sure you are attentive and follow their instructions to the letter. This is especially important with photographers or directors – they know the kind of image they want, and you need to be able to adapt to suit them.
6. Get into character. You will often be required to act in a particular way, or to pose as if you were doing something specific. If you are asked to do anything that requires a little imagination, make sure you do a good job and are comfortable and not too self conscious getting into that extra special role. Practise pretending when you’re alone, perhaps while doing the housework – it may feel silly, but it’s great preparation!
7.  Be 100% focused. Catwalk models make modelling appear easy and ordinary, but before that effortless-looking catwalk show, they will have spent hours practising and preparing – mentally and physically. During your shoot, make absolutely certain you are fully focused on what you are doing and what the people around you are saying.
8. Plan ahead. Make sure that you know exactly where the shoot will be taking place, and that you allow sufficient time to arrive. It’s best to arrive 10-15 minutes before your allotted time unless you’re told you should do otherwise.
9. Be organised. If you’re asked to take additional outfits or dress in a particular way for a modelling shoot, make sure you take what is asked and perhaps a few spares just in case. This gives a professional and cooperative first impression, which is always good.
10.  Remember to smile. Even if the photoshoot itself requires a sultry pout or an emotional gaze, it helps to start with a smile on your face. When you interact with the others on set, smiling shows you’re willing to work with others and will help you quench the nerves of being at the centre of attention!

Please follow these links for more information about modeling and the modeling industry:

• To find out more about Models Direct: http://www.modelsdirect.com/.
• To find out how to become a model: http://www.modelsdirect.com/locations/worldwide.html.
• To find out how to find and book a model for your assignment: http://www.modelsdirect.com/find_a_model/index.html.