Model FAQ

How old do I have to be?
GPG Does not allow any attendees under 18. No exceptions.

Can I bring friends, partners, support, a chaperone, etc.?
Totally! Do! (As long as they’re also over 18 too.)

What kind of shooting is common?
GPG allows all manner of photographic art. Primarily, shoots are oriented around fashion, editorial, and fine art realizations. Other common themes include cosplay, dance, lifestyle, portraiture, conceptual, fitness, swimwear/boudoir, and more. Nudity is allowed.

What should I wear? Do I do hair/makeup ahead of time?
You can absolutely show up “camera ready” in wardrobe, with hair/makeup basically done. Or, you can wear comfy yoga pants and a sweatshirt to do hair/makeup on-site before getting into whatever wardrobe selection is involved in the shoot.

What else should I bring?
Thee are whole articles devoted to what should be in “model go-bag,” but at a bare minimum you should have: your ID, water bottle, a snack, a basic makeup/touchup kit if you wear makeup (including your foundation,) and facial tissues. If you shoot often, many people set up a dedicated bag with things like a robe, translucent powder, small sewing kit, toothbrush/paste, hair ties, bobby pins, and lots more. 

I have an agency/representation. How does that work with GPG?
Check with your agencies policies about Trade/Unpaid shoots. Almost everyone is totally okay with it. They’ll likely ask if they’ll have access to the images for your online “book.” This part is up to the photographer, and is usually totally cool, with photo credit for most folks. Talk through it!

Can I set up a whole event, where I’m the featured model shot by all of the photographers that night?
In short, no. GPG is about collaboration between multiple participants, so individuals can’t book more that 2 30-minute slots at the same event. Plus, the work can’t be good back-to-back anyway. If you need lots of images, say, because you’re getting started with a new portfolio, we encourage you to shoot a couple of sessions at each event. That way, all of the ideas can be planned and executed to make a meaningful impact on your overall book.

Is hair and makeup provided?
“Provided” is too strong a term.We encourage artists to clooaborate on shoots, build their iwn teams, and learn to execute with the support of mentors. In the past, we’ve often had Hair/Makeup Artists come and “set up shop” to collaborate on many shoots throughout the night. Unfortunately, in the post-COVID world, we are not yet promoting community/shared hair/makup opportunities at this time. We absolutely have space/power/tables to set up a “stations” if you have Hair/Makeup Artist on your team, but we’re not “providing” shared multi-person ongoing makeup stations. We hope to get back to normal soon.

Where do I do wardrobe changes?
We typically provide your choice of a room divider area to duck behind, a curtained backstage, or adjacent private bathroom for wardrobe changes, depending on your level of modesty/requirements.

Is there a place to hang my wardrobe, steamer, etc?
Yes, we have retail rolling racks for clothes, as well a a clothing steamer on set.

Is there a bathroom or other place to do my own makeup, last looks, etc.?
Yes. There is a shared set of commercial bathrooms. While we generally have most of the building to ourselves during events, we ask that primary makeup and hair be completed in the studio, versus “sprawling out” all over the communal restroom. 🙂

I have a new/unknown photographer that wants to shoot me (e.g. someone that DM’ed you on Social Media.) Since I don’t know them, can I suggest that we shoot GPG?
Yes! Absolutely. This is a totally common (and recommended) thing! We encourage all models to participate with new photographers in our safe, community environment (versus in private.)

Somebody is a creeper.
Bring items of concern to the event’s moderator, any GPG mentor, or member of Leadership immediately. We have a very low tolerance for creeps, and our team is always available to step in if you’re uncomfortable.

Will someone walk me to/from my car?
Absolutely. A trusted member of leadership is available at all times to walk you to/from your car or otherwise ensure your safety and peace of mind.

What do I do if I feel uncomfortable or insecure about something that is suggested or is happening on set?
Speak up. This isn’t a “GPG thing. “This is an “always thing.” While nervousness and a level of uneasyness is common for many, don’t ever choose to participate in anything that makes you uncomfortable. 

Sure thing!

First: practice, even if it feels silly. Spend a few minutes a day looking in the mirror and practicing facial expressions. Mimic those you like. Faces are kind of like like hearing a recording of your voice… it often feels different to you than it looks to others. Practice until you know what each “look” feels like! Pull the curtains. Get naked and pose. Again, mimic. Looks at examples of poses you like. Learn what your body feels like when it’s in the “right” position.

Drink water. Avoid alcohol. Minimize caffeine. Hydrate yourself well in the days leading up to your session.

Be… moist. Use a good skin moisturizer. Take special care to remember your lips, hands, feet, elbows, and knees. Take care to wash and condition your hair the day before the shoot. “Moisture is the essence of wetness, and wetness is the essence of beauty.” –Derek Zoolander

Pay attention to your nails. Touch up cuticles, etc.

Take your vitamins. Get rest. It shows.

To reduce the possibility of breakouts, don’t switch up to any new skincare products right before your shoot.

Stay away from pre-shoot sun exposure.

If you perform mechanical hair removal (like waxing/plucking,) or other beauty treatments (like masks or exfoliation,) these should be completed the day prior to your session.

If you shave your face or other areas, please do so with a sharp razor, at least 4 hours prior to your session (especially if you’re prone to razor bumps or other skin irritations.

Have a snack before hand, but not a large meal. Avoid what we jokingly refer to as “puppy tummy.”

Avoid wearing tight clothing or elastic for several hours before your shoot unless it is wardrobe (e.g. if you’re shooting in a backless evening gown, don’t wear a bra to set . If you’re shooting in flip flops, don’t wear socks.

Remove jewelry like rings, watches, well in advance (unless they’re going to be in the shoot.)

Tying in with the one above, one of the the most often overlooked faux pas is the ol’ “hair tie on the wrist” thing… either you’ll forget to take it off, or you’ll remember half way through the shoot and have a wrist stripe. Everyone has done it… try not to.

Don’t worry! Our friendly folks will help you as needed with posing, expressions, etc.