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For a perfect image, a photographer needs to find the perfect model. The casting call process is an integral part of any successful photoshoot. However, casting models can be just as challenging as shooting the actual images.

To be able to select a model that works best for an upcoming shoot can be a challenge; not only does the model need to support the product or clothing that she’ll be wearing, she also needs to have the right look, comprehension and experience in the modeling category for which she is to be cast.

Unfortunately, the majority of models go to a casting unprepared, which can be disappointing, not to mention frustrating, especially if the client requires a certain skill from the model in which she has little to no experience, such as horseback riding, dance, or surfing.

This is why it’s important to have a casting that gives you a better idea of what you’re getting, instead of booking models directly and solely based on what might possibly be outdated or photoshopped portfolio images. If no more than for this reason, the importance of castings cannot be stressed enough.

It’s common to see over 100 – 200 girls during a single casting, such as the one I saw recently at Mega Model’s casting. So much beauty crammed into a single day can be overwhelming and confusing. I was casting for three separate shoots. In a bit of multi-tasking,

We found a great number of candidates and now I have to narrow the selection down to 10 choices. Then comes the tough decision – which model will work best for which job, and which ones will make the images pop and sell the product?

Jarmo Pohjaniemi shooting model candidates

I’m sure many of you are thinking, “What’s the big deal? Just pick the one with great legs, a pretty face and nice boobs. Mission accomplished!” Well, not a bad idea, but the only inherent problem is with criteria like that, they’d all qualify.

I truly wish it were that easy because my job would be so much simpler. However, in the real modeling world a model dripping sexuality and oozing cleavage is the last thing clients want, not because they’re being prudish or uptight, everybody likes a bit of eye candy, but the fact is that if you’re thinking about the model, you’ll be too busy to think about the product (unless you’re shooting for Playboy, which I admit is altogether a completely different matter…).  Yes, you want to draw attention to the ad, but the model is just a hook, not the prize.

I remember even back when working Playboy casting calls was a monthly event and I traveled extensively throughout major U.S. cities for ten years, meeting thousands of young modeling hopefuls, we faced the same challenges then as we do now. The game has changed slightly since then, but the rules are still the same.

Whether it’s casting inexperienced girls next door or having a go-see for professional fashion models, it all comes down to knowing what the client wants and being able to deliver on your promises to the point where they’ll ask you to come back for more.

It’s all in the details. Clients want to make sure their ad campaigns and promotions are effective. That’s their job. The reason clients and editors are so careful when making casting decisions is because there is a lot riding on the choices they make – not only their jobs, but those of the crew and model also (and your job as well).  While only one person might have the match, everybody gets burned.

After the casting, I spoke to Travis Beto, the founder and CEO of Mega Models, about the differences between the misguided wet dreams of somebody with a camera and making money as a real photographer. He informed that once a model is signed to his agency, they go through a training process where they are coached in posing, sexuality, attitude, making adjustments, and other aspects of the profession that actually sells and makes a paying client happy.

The same goes for photographers who are trying to get agency representation and photo-ops to shoot professional models.

It’s all well and good to be an individual and have your own vision as a photographer, but in all honesty, it’s not about you, it’s about what the client needs and giving them what they want,” says Mr. Beto. “There are many excellent photographers out there, but only a few that understand and have what it takes to be an agency photographer.

That being said, Mr. Beto welcomes photographers of all levels to contact him when you’re looking for that perfect model for your next shoot. However, before you contact him, Mr. Beto recommends you have a detailed list about your shoot that answers the following questions:

• What is the purpose of your shoot?
• Do you have a budget for your shoot?
• What day and the duration of the shoot?
• Prepare to show your previous work or website.

Since the introduction of the digital age, opportunities and photographers have become a dime a dozen. So why is it that that snap-happy photogs are not making a living with their shiny new cameras? The answer is very simple: The need for quality remains the same and in the case of some advertising campaigns, it’s even more demanding than it has ever been.

While there are jobs with the simplicity of plain, paper-background studio shots to cliché beach sunsets, the “money” clients prefer a photographer who can deliver variety and quality on a moment’s notice when they decide to change the shooting location from a sandy beach shot to Uncle Bob’s grimy car repair shop due to a windy stormfront making its way toward shore.

Variety means that a photographer should be prepared to everything from style, to lighting, and to whatever else the client wants. After all, they do say that, “the customer is always right”!

Casting Image Gallery – 58 images

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