'DON'T POSE, ACT!' ALAN LIM'S TIPS FOR FASHION PHOTOGRAPHERS
Always introduce yourself to the team at the shoot. That includes the models, stylists and art directors. Don't be proud, but neither should you be shy. Be professional and polite at at all times.
Know your craft well. Lighting, especially, is a skill to be mastered.
Read widely, and don't limit yourself to fashion rags. Pictorial magazines like Wallpaper and Surface are also good sources of inspiration.
FOR MODELS
Learn how to act rather than pose. Posing went out of the window with the 1980s, when models appeared mainly in catalogues. These days, models are required to do different facial and body expressions and photographs appear more like movie stills.
Get a kick-ass comp card or portfolio. You need to spend some money to make money. Most of the time, models are selected for assignments because they look good in photographs rather than in person.
Don't act like a superstar. People like to work with nice people, so don't alienate yourself from potential hirers with bad behaviour.
Don't sign up with any Tom, Dick or Harry modelling agency. You'll never know what kind of shows or shoots they will assign you to. Opt for the more established ones - call and ask how long an agency has been in the market before making your decision.
FOR NON-MODELS
Trust your photographer. He is your friend and only wants to make you look good.
Don't be shy in front of the camera. Since you've already decided to have your picture taken, let loose.
Always relax your shoulders or you'll end up looking tense.
Don't fake your smile. Smile with your eyes, which means thinking happy thoughts.
