So, you’re on your way to your first professional modelling shoot – how exciting! Conquer your first modelling experience so you don’t feel overwhelmed or out of your depth! Here are some points on what to expect on your very first modelling gig so you’re prepared and ready to make it happen! What to expect […]
Published 6th January 2026
So, you’re on your way to your first professional modelling shoot – how exciting! Conquer your first modelling experience so you don’t feel overwhelmed or out of your depth! Here are some points on what to expect on your very first modelling gig so you’re prepared and ready to make it happen!
What to expect point #1:
Without stating the obvious (but we are!), you’ll probably be working with people you’ve never met before so, expect to see unfamiliar faces but in a profesh environment. You can start by creating a good impression by being on time and meeting and greeting everyone you’ll be working with.
Bonus tip: remember names! It helps build rapport and increases feel-good vibes when you’re referring to people by their names.
What to expect point #2:
Following directions is a pivotal part of being a model who has been hired for a photoshoot. You’ll most likely have some idea beforehand about what the photoshoot will be about and the purpose of it. You could be asked to do a number of things for the shoot such as role play, recite a dialogue or make a series of expressions. Whatever is expected, you’ll be fully briefed about it.
Bonus tip: research the company that has hired you just as you would when applying for any job position. It’s a good idea to know who you’ll be working for and what the company stands for.
What to expect point #3:
Occasionally, modelling schedules can run overtime. This can happen for a number of reasons but your client will inform you of the likelihood of this happening. Just be prepared in case you have anything else pending on the day or coming days afterwards as you might want to reschedule these to accommodate your booking. This will also be mentioned to you before you accept the modelling offer so don’t worry, there won’t be any nasty surprises as we know everyone’s time is precious.
What to expect point #4:
Expect a lot of hubbub and lots of things happening depending on where your modelling shoot location is. You might be placed in a busy supermarket like Monica and Alana who were hired to promote free hot cross buns for Good Friday. Or if you have a baby model, they will most likely be placed in a secure location with little noise so as to not disturb, overwhelm or upset them just as our clients like Next and Mamas & Papas.
If you’ve been booked for your first modelling shoot, be it for teen modelling, senior modelling or even pet modelling, and you’ve got more questions to ask us, let our Models Direct team know and we’ll be happy to help!
Before we draw this blog to a close, take a look at our models who left their first-time modelling experience reviews here:
Keilan (BQNK-8379) was booked to work with pub giant Greene King. They said:
“Dealing with Gemma at Models Direct has been a friendly and smoother process. She’s made every part of my experience enjoyable, she’s kept me in the loop and checked up on me to make sure I’m ok and happy with everything that is going on. I couldn’t recommend Models Direct more. I thank you guys for making my first-time experience a memorable one.”
Date of experience: 26 March 2025
Morrisons booked Amari (DQBV-3764) for their campaign and as this was their first experience being in front of the camera, their mum left this amazing review:
“My experience was so lovely such a great team to work with, very welcoming. It’s my son’s first time and he felt so comfortable, even though before arriving he was nervous. The team are so patient and fun.”
Dominique & Cairo (NGVX-8489) were a father and son duo booked with B&Q and they expressed:
“Everyone we worked with today was welcoming. They made me and my little one feel at ease. The direction was clear on what we needed to do and my 3-year-old took to what was being asked of him quite well and with all the members that were there with him.
They told me that for a 3-year-old and his first time shooting, he had done very well, which was great and reassuring to hear. Also hearing directly from the photographer that we had taken the visual shot that he was hoping for, was a very awesome feeling. This shoot has a very moving concept and my little one feels privileged to have been chosen to be a part of it.
The additional unexpected gifts that were given to my little one at the end of the shoot were really kind of everyone and it is greatly appreciated…he loves his Christmas-themed musical bear. I would also like to say thank you to Charlie for the opportunity and for continually checking in to make sure that any questions we had were answered, and that we were happy as well as up to date with everything that was happening.”
We hope that this blog has helped explain what you can expect when you’ve been booked for your first photoshoot. If you would like to chat to our team about this further, please don’t hesitate to let us know.