If You Haven’t Spoken, You Aren’t Ready to Shoot

I love Hotline Bling by Drake, and I feel like it’s apt “you used to call me on your cellphone”, I spent so much time early in my career on the phone before shoots, but lately, it’s felt like DM’s are enough for most people… Which I find quite confusing. I wanna know the person I am about to work with, isn’t going to suck. Wouldn’t you want to know that too?

I’ve written a lot about duty of care, but this is really about due diligence, and it’s something talent should carry forward.

There was a time when models actually met photographers before the shoot. It was called a go-see. Your agency would often send you out with little to no notice to meet someone in person. You’d show up with your book, wearing something simple, no makeup, hair back, and you’d just... be.

It wasn't about booking a job on the spot. It was about stripping away the polish so people could see who you actually were. But just as importantly, it was your chance to vet the photographer. You had an opportunity to see how they carried themselves. Were they actually engaged? Did they respect your time? Did the energy in the room feel right, or was it heavy?

These meetings were the ultimate filter. They gave you a read on a person before you committed to doing something creative and vulnerable together.

Today, that entire step has evaporated. Now, a shoot is "organized" through a few rushed DMs or an email chain. A time, a date, a vague location pin. Suddenly, you’re standing in front of a total stranger, praying the dynamic isn't weird, and your intentions actually align. That isn’t just risky; it’s a recipe for a bad experience.

Trust Isn't Built with Emojis

Photography is one of the few mediums that requires the subject to be fully "seen," and you can't do that without trust. You certainly can't build that trust through a couple of heart-eye emojis or by scrolling through someone’s curated Instagram grid.

You need to hear their voice.

If you can, FaceTime them. It might feel awkward for the first thirty seconds, but you’ll learn more in that minute than you ever could from a portfolio. You’ll see how they hold space, how they listen, and whether there’s any genuine warmth there.

The "Off" Vibe is the Point

Sometimes, the vibe just isn't there and that’s okay. That’s actually the point of the call. A video chat gives you the "out" you need before you’re already on set, camera-ready, feeling too polite to back out.

If their energy feels strange, or if the conversation veers into that territory of "faux-confidence" or casual flirting, you’re better off walking away. Every model has a story about turning up to a shoot that felt more like a weird social event than a professional set. You don’t have to be part of that narrative.

Don't Wait Until You're on Location

Too many people assume the first real conversation happens once the lights are on. By then, you’re already in motion. You’re on location, time is ticking, and there’s no easy exit.

This is why I tell models, especially those just starting out, to have the "real" talk early.

* Ask about the vision. * Tell them how you like to work. * Set your boundaries clearly. Pay attention to how they handle that. It’s not just about the words they use; it’s about their tone and their ability to actually listen and adapt.

You Are the Gatekeeper

When I shoot with agency models, the bookers vet me first. They want to know the environment I create. If you’re unsigned, you have to be your own agent. You aren't just a face in a frame; you’re a collaborator.

Creative work is delicate. If you don't trust the person behind the lens, you won't relax. You won't experiment. The work will inevitably suffer because the best images are born from connection, not tension.

The Bottom Line

Call first. Jump on a FaceTime. Say what you need and listen to your gut. The work matters, sure, but you matter more. If the dynamic isn't right, walk away. Don't apologize, don't over-explain, and don't feel guilty.

Shooting with someone is an exchange of energy. If that process isn't grounded in mutual respect, what are you even doing there? No more guessing games. Respect yourself enough to ask: Is this the right person for me to create with? If the answer is no, don't go.