UK Tours

UK Tours

 

UK model tours means you travel to locations around the UK shooting. Sometimes this can be for a long weekend, week or even longer depending how many places you want to visit. Tours can be great earners if you do them right and you take all your outgoings into consideration. But they can also be good fun and great for networking. You will be able to work with photographers that you have wanted to work with or that have wanted to work with you. Giving you more exposure throughout the UK also and hopefully giving you some different images.

There is a lot to take in mind, below I have added a few things for you to think about and consider.

 

Plan: Firstly have you got anywhere in mind?

Do you know family or friends around the Country that you can stay with and kill two birds with one stone?

How will you get there?

Anyone interested: Once you have thought of some locations you would like to go. Put it out there ask who would be interested in working with you if you do travel to their neck of the woods. Ask the question on all the model sites and social networking sites. You can message photographers that have contacted you showing you an interest in shooting to see if they would be seriously interested.

Studio Days: Are also a great way to network. If you have a location in mind search for local studios and message them to see if they would be interested in hosting a model day. Send them a link to your port, mention any interest you already have and your rates. This way the studio will be able to advise if they think they can work with you at selling a day. They often have regular photographers which they can ask if they would be interested in working with you. Studio days are great as you and the studio will both normally advertise the day so you’re not looking at making bookings alone. You don’t have to worry about travelling to lots of different locations and getting lost. You get to work with lots of photographers. Safety is also something to consider.

Transport: How are you going to get to the locations?

If you are thinking of using public transport look at how easy the connections are and the costs involved.

If you are going to drive then remember to do the normal checks, oil, water, tyres, satnav, map etc.

 

Where to put your head down:

Friends/relatives: If you know of any relatives or friends that you can stay with than perfect not only do you have a free place to stay but it is also a great safety feature. They will know where you’re going, how long you will be there and what time to expect you back, they might also know the area well and would be able to advise on easy places to get to or good parking etc.

Hotel/B&B: There are lots of websites online that offer deals, laterooms.com or lastminute.com, trivago.com to name a few. Do your research. Remember to check how far they are from the locations you will be working and account that into your days’ work. Do they offer food? Wifi? Hairdryer? Near any shops? Also as I can’t move without my tea in the morning I take a little tea bag with tea bags, sugar and a pint of milk so I can have a great start to the day, nothing worse than a horrible tea and the little milk cartons.

Photographers: You need to think very carefully about this. If you have worked with the photographer before and you feel safe and happy then it’s totally your choice. If you’re not sure you can always message models which have worked and stayed there to see how their experience was. Just be safe and if you feel uneasy or awkward then give it a miss.

Models: This can be  great option and worth thinking about if you know any models. You can also return the favour for them. Models will often know about the local studios and photographers, the good and the bad and will be able to advise.

Plan, Plan, Plan: Make sure when you are taking booking you get:

The full address.

Contact phone numbers mobile and studio number.

Contact email.

Also plan how far are you from the train/bus station if using public transport.

If driving, is their parking? How easy is it to find and get to?

How far is the location from the place your staying.

Make sure when you’re working out your trip you take into account all your outgoing and take them into account. When you do get money keep it safe, you can quickly have a lot of cash on you, lots of bags and a lot to think about.

When: Think about when you are going to do this? Weekends and evenings are usually the most popular. Holidays can often be best for models but not for bookings as photographers are often spending this time with family. If you are holding a studio day asking the studio what they think is always a good idea as they know their location and their local/ regular photographers.

 

Advertise: If you want bookings people have to know, so advertising your trip is a must. Post castings everywhere you can, there are plenty of great model sites that you can do this easily. But also don’t forget social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook. Include where your going, What you will be doing, a link to your port, how much etc.

 

Luggage: I always take a few bags with me, it makes things so much more simpler than trying to root to the bottom of a huge bag with clothes getting creased. Think about what levels you shoot so what you will need to take for shoots and if any photographers have asked for anything specific. Also remember items for getting ready so toiletries, straighteners etc. Items for when you’re not working so comfy clothes, pj’s.

Flat shoes, high heels etc. Laptop, chargers, makeup, shampoo, razor.

Pack in the way that suits you best, for e.g

1.     Personal bag with none modelling clothes, pj’s etc.

2.     Lingerie and accessories.

3.     Fashion outfits and shoes.

Taking care of yourself: Remember to stop and eat! You will need the energy and you don’t want to get ill because you haven’t eaten. Take food and snacks so that you’re not just living off services food which will be no good for long lasting energy. Work in time out of your day to rest eve if it is a relaxing bath at the end of the day to rejuvenate and plan ready for the next day.

 

Spending: Keep track of your spending. If your self-employed you can get tax back on many things including fuel so it’s worth keeping receipts and keeping track of everything.

 

Business cards: If you have not got any business cards, then get some. Hand them out to each of the photographers you work with and each of the studios you attend. Make sure it has a clear picture of you on it and contact information. That way if they would like to re-book, leave you a reference or recommend you to a friend it is easily done.

 

References: Remember each person you have worked with and each studio if need be write down at the end of each day about them and your experience in a diary so you can clearly remember when you get home. When you arrive home it’s a nice touch to message everyone and thank them and also leave a reference.