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Model's Behavior

Rick Hughes
Atlanta
Photographer
Posted On: 07/22/2010 - 04:30:24 PM

Here is another FusionExtreme.com article - just posted in the "Voices" section

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Models by nature are exhibitionists, and photographers are voyeurs. It is a perfect relationship. Both photographers and models hope to get work from many of the same clients, yet they are not in competition with each other. Portfolios are the key weapon when going after a potential client, no matter what your career is in this business. There are many similarities between models’ and photographers’ experience, but I have come to realize a key difference that has helped me understand and even excuse some of the cattiness that models can display.

When a photographer approaches a potential client, he presents his work; and the client usually accepts or rejects that photographer based on his book – his work. When a model goes after a job, she is accepted or rejected based on herself. It isn’t the model’s work that is rejected, it is her.

Imagine the rejection that this beautiful woman has to deal with. Undoubtedly she is not used to rejection. Beautiful women are rarely rejected for anything. Studies show that good-looking people get better grades based solely on an unconscious and unfair advantage. Men ooh and ahh and pander. How is itt to say no to something cute or beautiful? Try yelling at a cute puppy when he looks in your eyes. Compared to an average- or below-average-looking woman, beautiful women rarely (if ever) have to buy their own drinks or pay for much of anything. They don’t have to fight as hard. Things just come easier. Everyone wants to be with them. Everyone loves them. Then – BAM! Rejection.

Models experience rejection more than any other women I know. It is constant. They spend half of their lives away from work being almost worshipped, and then the work half rips at their confidence and sense of self-worth to pieces. What a horribly confusing message a model is receiving in day-to-day life! Imagine what can that do a person’s psyche!

How do you like rejection? How do you feel about being dismissed based on looks? No one likes it. Some get used to it, but no one likes it. Imagine it being constant.

Don’t excuse a bad attitude, and make sure that you keep control of your set. Demand professionalism. But the next time a model cops a diva attitude, try to take a moment to understand her experiences. At least consider what tender spot has been rubbed raw as they have traversed this business. Think about the mixed messages “You are beautiful” and “You aren’t pretty enough” that barrage them, and ask yourself how it might play with your mind.

Fear of rejection? Maybe. Fear of insignificance? Hmmmmmm.


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