So, you want to make your own videos?  Looks pretty easy, doesn't it?  Well, here are some helpful hints for you to get you started.

Equipment and Technique:

1. The Camcorder: I recommend getting a standard-definition digital camcorder. Currently, the mini-DV type is the best, although I think the hard-drive camcorder will be the best in the future.  Don't bother with the mini-DVD camcorders.  The DVD's don't hold enough data and I think these are history.  The most important feature is auto-stabilization, since you will be walking around with the camcorder. Another important feature is the zoom lever. Some camcorders have a variable-speed lever, so you have to be careful with it. Zooming in and out rapidly gives the viewer vertigo and you are trying to entertain the customer, not make them ill. I only use Sony brand and recommend you do the same.

2. The Lighting:  Lighting is very important and is the most expensive equipment you need to buy. Here is a great website to buy the equipment.  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/. Whatever you do, don't just turn on all the lamps in the room and call it good.  The digital camcorder will compensate for these light sources by dimming the signal. Then it will appear as though you are looking into a cave at the model.  You have seen in my videos that when the model is on the ledge, she gets dim.  The light from behind the curtain is the reason.

3. The Studio:  A large, open room works best.  Your living room is the best room if you don't mind setting up and breaking down the lighting equipment each time.  Bedrooms are not great because it is hard to move around and you also lose the feeling that it is modeling shoot and not some other kind of video shoot.

4. The Wardrobe:  You should have a selection of several outfits for the model to wear, especially if you want her to model lingerie.  Most women don't have a lot of lingerie, since it can be expensive and can only be worn at certain times. Keep it tasteful, so the model is comfortable wearing it. I don't bother with shoes or jeans, since the selection would have to be enormous in order to fit everyone.

Professional Conduct

1. Model Relations: The most important concept to remember is that you are not on a date.  The model is not on a date. You are both there to conduct business.  Be courteous and professional.  Don't use crude language. Don't make lewd suggestions. Don't touch the model. I think you get the message.

2. Escort Relations:  After hundreds of video shoots and many conversations with models and photographers, here is my escort policy.  This is the blurb I use in my form letter to contact prospective models.  "You are welcome to bring an escort for your comfort and safety.  I ask them to stay in the dressing room while we work, in order to minimize distractions. The dressing room is next to the studio. You can see the brown door in the background of the videos." This allows the model to bring an escort for her safety, but makes it clear that he/she is not allowed in the studio unless I give them permission.  Getting this clear up front is very important.  If the model is not fine with this, don't work with her. In most cases, the boyfriend is jealous and won't let her out of his site.  In some cases, she may have had a bad experience with a photographer. In any case, having the boyfriend in the studio will spoil the shoot.

3. Paperwork and Makeup Time: The time clock does not start until the model is in the studio in her first outfit and ready to model. Looking at the contract, putting on makeup, etc, is not paid time. Believe me, there are models that will spend close to an hour putting on makeup if they think they are being paid for it.  Modeling is a job.  You don't report for work and then spend 30 minutes in the bathroom putting on makeup. You show up for work ready to work.  I make it clear to the models that they will be wearing a specific number of outfits for a specific amount of time.  if we finish early, they still get paid for the full time.  If we finish late, they only get paid for the full time.

4. Preparing for the Shoot: Spend some time the day before the shoot to get everything ready.  Make sure the studio is clean.  Wash any outfits worn in the previous shoot and hang them up.  Make sure the dressing room is clean. Make sure the bathroom is clean. Get the contracts printed ahead of time. Keep some bottled water on hand. This way, the model doesn't have to worry if you have spiked her beverage with anything. When you give her the sealed container, it will put her mind at ease.

5. Poses and Outfits: Before you work with a model, do the best you can to learn her comfort level and make your job offer accordingly. If a model is not ready to wear lingerie, do topless poses, etc, don't press the issue.  However, if the model signs up to wear lingerie, then she has to.  The same goes for topless and other poses.  I have stopped shoots and sent models home because they could not or would not perform.

How to find a model

1. Starting Out:  When you are just starting out, the best way is to advertise in the local nickel saver/penny saver paper and also on Craig's List. You are not required to have a portfolio to advertise at these places.

2. When you are established:  Once you have done a few shoots and have a website, portfolio, etc, some sites to try are One Model Place, Model Mayhem, and Babe Warehouse.

3. What to discuss: The important topics for discussion are types of clothing to be worn, limits of poses (implied topless, artistic nude, full topless, etc), length of the shoot, rate of pay, and escort requirements.  Make sure everything is covered to everyone's satisfaction before setting a date for the shoot.  All of your email correspondence is legal business correspondence and will stand up in court in case of a dispute.

Legal Stuff

1. Model Release: This is the document which the model signs to give you permission to capture her images and the use of those images for commercial purposes. Here is a Sample Release for you.  Just fill in the information in blue. Give the release to the model before the shoot and make sure she understands everything. If there is a disagreement or any confusion, don't proceed with the shoot. After the shoot is completed, everyone signs the releases (1 copy for each of you).

2. 2257 Requirements: This is the most important part of the shoot.  This law requires you to maintain a legible copy of the model's photo identification for proof of age. This is required when a model performs sexually explicit conduct. It doesn't apply for my videos, but it is a good idea to have it.  Before you let the model in your house, take a look at her driver's license.  If she doesn't have it, send her away.  There is nothing in the world more important to an 18-year old than her driver's license, because it proves that she is an adult.  At the end of the shoot, take a good picture of her driver's license laying on a flat surface.  Next, have her hold the license next to her face and take another picture. Once the contracts have been signed and you have the 2257 information, then you pay her for the shoot.

I hope this has helped you.  If you have questions, just email me and I may add them to this page.

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