Being a model has its ups and downs.  One important thing to consider is whether or not you will find representation or management for yourself.

You want to take steps to protect your interests and your images.  A good manager or agency can watch out for your interests, help to guide your career and filter any offers that become available to you.  Having professional representation makes a good impression on any client that may want to hire you; it’s also a good precaution as it shields you from the extra stuff.

If you are a model who decides to strike out on their own without management; it would be good to create a game plan for yourself before you start shooting. Do research and learn about the various rights you have as the subject of a picture. 

Plan out what types of photos you are comfortable doing and stick to your own rule.  It’s better to think these things out before you get coaxed into doing shots you may have never planned on doing in the first place.
 
Here are some other helpful things to keep in mind when preparing for photo-shoots:

what are they shooting for? (portfolio, commercial or magazine prints)
what benefits will they receive from that particular shoot? (tear sheet, prints, major exposure, money)
how much control will you have over how your photos are used by the photographer, studio, agent, etc...
will there be a professional hair, makeup, and wardrobe on set for you? How much money do you have to put out to prepare for the shoot (wardrobe, hair, makeup, nails, gas, etc...)
how is this shoot going to impact you in the long run? (will it label you as a model that only shoots in that way)
is it really what you are looking to do? Or are you just doing it because you think you should?
will you be signing a model release? If so, do it before you shoot and read it carefully, make sure it says what you need it to say, so that you don’t find your pictures floating around somewhere a few years later and you never got compensated for them.

Feel free to contact us if you need advice or have questions as to your modeling career:
ray@dcmusicandmodels.com