Recently I have been asked quite a few questions about how shoots happen and the roll each person plays in the production of a shoot. I hope my answers meet your needs and that I didn’t leave anything out.

 What is the Roll of the Photographer?

Depending on the type of shoot, Client generated, Test or TFP, the photographer is always the one giving everyone else direction, it’s the photographers job to clearly tell the Hair, MUA, and model what he/she expects. Even if the shoot is a collaborative effort with the model or MUA or whomever, it is the photographers responsibility to see that the artistic nature of the shoot is cohesive and that the overall artistic vision is achieved. The photographer is boss, all the other people on set look to the photographer for direction.

What is the roll of the model?

The model is the “SILENT” Star of the show! No matter what kind of shoot, the models job is to “MODEL”. By definition A model (from Middle French modèle),[1] sometimes called a mannequin, is a person who is employed to display, advertise and promote commercial products (notably fashion clothing) or to serve as a subject of works of art. A models job is to display the hair, makeup and clothing in an artistic way for the shoot. The model does not get final say on anything, hair, makeup, wardrobe etc. She/he may be asked if she/he likes her makeup/clothes  and the only response should be “I can work it!” The shoot is not about the model, it’s about the art! A model should never be demanding, hot headed or refuse to work. A model is respectful to everyone does his/her job with dignity and humble professionalism. Unless you are Kate Moss or Taylor Fuchs, a model should never act like a prima dona or primo uomo, even Kate and Taylor won’t get away with power trips. If you don’t like your hair, makeup or fashion, it does not make a difference, your job is to model and you’ll be expected to do it with decorum and moxie! If you feel the shoot is beneath you, then you are in the wrong industry.

What is the roll of the Makeup Artist(MUA) and Hair Designer?

The MUA’s  job is to look to the fashion stylist and photographer for direction and offer her/his advice for the overall vision of the project. The makeup artist’s job is to create skin that needs very little re-touching, and  enhance the overall look with colors and design. The MUA is an important member of the team but does not generally hold any artistic control over any other aspect of the shoot. The best MUA’s are skilled in makeup and are great at taking direction. The Hair Designer is exactly the same as the MUA. Both are highly respected on set and instrumental parts of shoot.

 What does a Fashion Stylist do?

It’s actually quite in depth, but overall, a FS’s job is to create a style that is cohesive with the overall look and mood of the shoot. They generally have a degree in fashion design but can be self taught. It is usually expected for the stylist to supply the fashions that will be warn and shot, they can do so from their own supply or from the design houses that the shoot is shooting for. The stylist works with the photographer to create the overall look and feel of the shoot.

What does an Art Director do?

An Art Director works in tandem with the photographer who usually was hired to create a specific spread. An art director basically manages the creative team. They are the one who oversee a project as most jobs are broken down into a few smaller tasks. And they also make sure that although the same project are being carried forward by a few different designers, they will still be heading towards the same direction. As in, it still stays within the concept of the project. In this area the art director’s roll is usually the photographer, although we are starting to see more people with creative minds emerging on the scene.

To sum up, a Fashion photo shoot is very much a production that depend on the cooperation of each cast member.  Everyone as their roll to play and when everyone respects their rolls the shoot generally goes off smoothly and is enjoyed by all.  When someones tries to fill a roll they are not expected to fill, it can lead to discord and stress on the other members.  Here is the chain of command for a shoot broken down for you.

CLIENT
^PHOTOGRAPHER
^ART DIRECTOR
^STYLIST^MUA^HAIR DESIGNER
^MODEL

Mixed in are various assistants. The assistants know who they answer to and what roll they play, they are a huge part of the production team and should be shown all due respect!

Please let me know if you have any questions!