For models: More than just a muse

What a headline, I know it's all sorts of bullshit to talk like this, but we tend to refer to models as clothes hangers or that they're a photographers muse. To put it bluntly, we're saying we're photographing you as an object; you're there to sell a product, or a lifestyle, to give someone FOMO, to perk our interests.

If you’re happy just being photographed, there’s nothing wrong with that, but I am suggesting you can take it places. There is nothing wrong with trying to!

Models who make it big these days have a passion wider than just being photographed.

They fall in love with the aspects of the work that make for great shoots. Not just individual photos, but they look to create a vibe, a wider vision of themselves that other people can participate in. It could be through creating shapes with your body, suggesting changes, expressing what they feel would make things better, or figuring out what does and doesn't work—trying things, developing, changing and shaping their image. Whether this happens through working with photographers or on their own through selfies, text, painting, speaking, photographing themselves. Whilst it could be considered vain, it's the art of creation, and it's no more self-indulgent than taking a photo of a plant or writing a poem; the only thing that matters is if it matters to you.

Inevitably many invite you into their lives whether it’s through participating in their lifestyle choices, through their own art, courses, and guides. There’s not really a clear path for that happening but the most important thing you’ll notice from the ones who really make it. They’ve articulated what it is they’re trying to say to you.

I write all this because I want to push this.

Talk to models who get pushed out because they're not booking as much or their look isn't in; many continue to create despite. They work and collaborate with other artists and tend to turn to related areas of interest, whether directly as photographers themselves or as creative directors, art department, set designers, producers, stylists, and makeup artists to name a few.

All creatives face being told no, the only thing holding you back is practice, carving out your own niche, finding your vision and voice.

Models are people with personalities, interests, ideas and concepts. I say this because so much of the time, you're being directed to do something. In many cases, a model knows best, the best work is collaborative, where you are on the same page, where you're equal partners, where you have control and feel good about the work you're doing.

I think many models are stereotyped because they're attractive, so that's the reason they're into art. But great models are passionate about creating.

I thought about writing an article on the career path from model to brand, but I realised what I should talk about is that you should be putting your input and mark on the shoots you're involved in. If you're testing, you should be working with creatives who encourage you to find yourself in the work.

If you're going to be 50% of the art, you should be 50% of the voice for it. Most models can't voice what it is they love about the work. I ask that a lot, but I get many "I don't know" or "I've not been asked that question". I know I'm generalising here, but I can only speak anecdotally, and I can only speak to what I've tried to do with my work. Still, I know my work is at its best when I'm on the same page as someone, where they're suggesting ideas when the whole shoot is about feeding off each others energy. There is a beautiful spontaneity there, and it's one of the things I adore most about the work.

If you’re looking for a place to start I’d suggest moodboarding, reflecting on what work you love, and then doing more of that! Reach out to lateral fields, paint, draw, write, find ways to expression yourself that fit with being more than just a face to be photographed. You know you’re more than that.