The photographer may think the most important thing to do is to get the model to stand still, but as anyone who works in beauty product photography will tell you, it is not easy to get your subject to stand still, even if it is at an outdoor ball. Furthermore, once he or she is at the camera it is difficult to move him or her. Usually, the models selected for beauty product photography projects are eager to pose and do the shots.
However, in reality beauty product photography results in a series of images that can be studied, selected for use, retouched or otherwise edited ahead of use, and so on. Some models may think it is a game and they will struggle to focus with the participant, but the model’s care-free happy attitude can also be a great asset to the shoot and shine through in those finished images. Some can feel totally calm and can strike the exact pose you need time after time after time.
So, to stand in many events like a lookbook for a fashion brand, a product launch - in fact any beauty product photography project - the models need to be extremely confident. A model may have seven to ten frames or half a second as the shutter snaps closed to achieve the exact look they’ve been asked to provide. The fact that you’re working with models is in fact one of the things that makes getting the composition right an incredibly important part of beauty product photography.
Without this it doesn’t really matter how good the model is, you won’t be able to make the most of their ability or capture images that you’ll be happy with. With that said though, it is not easy to get it so right and standing in those shots may be uncomfortable for the model. Nevertheless, the models cannot count on anyone to stand in the shots; he or she has to be completely confident in the way he or she is.
Don’t forget though that when working with models on a beauty product photography project you’re working with human beings, and mistakes can be made. So neither side - photographer or model - should be too harsh on the other, and both should work collaboratively to fulfil the brief of the particular beauty product photography project that they’re working on.
How to Choose a Model for Your Beauty Product Photography Project:
Use the following tips to help you decide if it is right for you to use a model.
What type of model are you looking for?
The first and probably the trickiest decision you are going to have to make is whether to use a paid model or a non-model. Models have the advantage that they can be flexible if need be and may be able to work in a variety of different environments. If need be they can even do makeup on their own.
Choosing a model:
As said previously, you’ll most likely need a model who has similar experience, tastes and interests as the beauty product photography brief you’re working on. has similar interests on set and are also interested in the same things. If need be, get them to send you a portfolio and see what you (or your client) thinks.
Building a working relationship with your model:
It is important for you to understand that if you use a different model, that they will not know you, or how you shoot beauty product photography. It is also important for you to understand that the right model will make things easier for you, so you should be looking for a model that you ‘click’ with professionally.
Employing your model effectively:
The qualities and abilities that you need from your model will vary depending on each individual beauty product photography project you decide to take on. However, in highly general terms and as a baseline guide I'd say that if your goal is to sell photos of your model, you may well need a model who is tall and striking. Many photographers prefer to work with models like these as it creates an absolutely stunning look and the model will look wonderful in almost any kind of shot that your brief calls for.