How Modeling Works

Overview

I hire and train models to do art photography.
Why I hire models: Models are a key part of making this artwork come to life. To ensure the final collection represents our strongest work, I often continue shooting and refining for a year or more before any images are published.
The creative process: To get the best shots, I work with a model over time. I provide coaching and feedback while we shoot.
Photoshoot themes include: Shadows, surfing, vintage cars, gymnastics, yoga and other kinetics, swimmers and poolside, nautical, etc.
A typical day of modeling: The most important thing is to arrive well rested. We will always start with clothed shots to warm up and guide you through a series of modeling exercises to develop your skills.
If you’re a new model, you should check out our Model Q&A page before you submit a modeling application.

THE VALUE OF MODELS

Aaron Knight hires models to do figure art shoots. His main product is short-run printed editions, for sale to collectors. In addition to these exclusive limited-edition prints, he makes artist's coffee table books for collectors. There is no mass marketing. Art editions and books are produced to the highest quality standards from only the best images.

Figure modeling can be a rewarding and creative career for those who are interested in the creative process and enjoy being involved with visual media. If you're curious and excited about modeling, your spirit will come through on camera. The photographer provides coaching and feedback throughout the process of building your modeling skills. Because shoots require at least four hours, you should have time available at least one day a week.

If you’re new to this, we ask three questions:

Why do you want to try modeling?
Why is now the right time for you?
Why is Aaron Knight the right artist for you?

Aaron Knight's hires models to do photo shoots. Modeling photography job opportunity: Art modeling — An assistant and experienced model working at a private location

How much can you earn modeling?

You will be paid electronically on the same day as the shoot. Reach out to the photographer via email or Instagram direct message for current pay rates. Modeling for Aaron Knight Studio pays more than double what the local college and art groups typically pay.

As an art model, you can set your own hours. Some models may work with the photographer on a long-term basis, working multiple days per week, while others may book photoshoots on a more casual basis.

New model application process

If you’re a new model, you should check out the Model Q&A page before you submit a modeling application.
If you're interested and fit the criteria, don't be intimidated to apply! The photographer is just a regular person, and so are the women who model for him.

If we feel you may be a good fit for an upcoming shoot, you will be contacted (generally within a week after you apply) to schedule a brief interview. We'll conduct your interview somewhere informal, such as a coffee shop. At this meeting, we'll confirm your appearance and discuss how a modeling shoot works. It helps to be on time for your interview. We can also do a Zoom call or voice call if an in-person meeting is not possible. If you’d like to bring a friend, you’re welcome to— as long as you please let us know ahead of time!

After you book a modeling shoot

Before your modeling shoot, make sure to keep us up-to-date on your schedule. If you’re running late or need to reschedule, that is usually okay! If you have any questions about how to get ready for your modeling job, get in touch too!
Many models will do multiple photo shoots. Selecting the best images from a series of shoots is an ongoing process that precedes the creation of a final physical print. By doing repeated shoots, the model and the photographer have the opportunity to build a body of work before finalizing or publishing anything. For these reasons, publication of images may only occur after you've been modeling for a long while.

Model getting ready for photo shoot — Get ready in your private green room.

A typical day of modeling

As with any job, your first day of figure modeling doesn’t have to define what your ultimate achievement in the field of modeling will be. You get to earn while you learn to model. Both the model and photographer benefit from delaying publication until we've achieved top results.

When you arrive at the studio in Charleston, you’ll have time to decompress from your commute, choose a beverage from the model’s fridge, and apply any final touch-ups to your makeup and hair in your private green room.

You can bring the same friend to the photo shoot as you brought to the interview.

Although we’ll have set expectations during the interview and booking, we’ll go over specifics again to ensure that both the model and photographer are aligned for a productive shoot.

Bring several outfits to model in. Your first modeling poses will be with your clothes on, using one of the outfits you brought or an outfit we supply. We’ll move at a steady pace, and you get to set your comfort level with what you wear. You can also start wrapped in fabric or posed with your back to the camera.

During a modeling shoot, the model will receive coaching and feedback. This is especially important if the model has never participated in a figure modeling shoot before. Even if the model is very experienced, a guided approach is preferable to produce the artist's specific vision. We want you to maintain a high energy level and positive spark throughout the session; this will come through in your expressions and body language.

You typically don’t need to freeze when you pose; in fact, flow and movement are encouraged. Your session may involve physical activities, such as climbing a rope, yoga, or even swimming.

How the photos are used

In the months after a photoshoot, the best photographs are converted into either printed editions or, in some cases, a painting or drawing. The process of producing a finished state can take a significant amount of time working in Photoshop or traditional media like oil or watercolor paint. Film photographs are developed and printed in a darkroom, which requires additional time. Original photography is marketed as limited editions through international dealers such as SaatchiArt and Zatista.

Modeling Jobs | Aaron Knight Studio