Last minute cancellations
Same with models. If a model cannot handle photographer cancellations, then it may be a good idea for the model to buy her own camera and tripod. In fact, I know many models that have done just that and have taken great photographs.
Cancellations happen. I know. I understand. I get it. What really disappointments me are the last minute cancellations.
I had a photo shoot scheduled with a model named Alicia Tripp this past Sunday, between 2:00pm to 7:00pm. This shoot was a free shoot. We agreed to meet up in Ft. Lauderdale at noon, to then begin shooting at 2:00 (long drive to our location). The day prior, I called to confirm and she said all was in order that she is looking forward to the shoot.
Sunday arrives, noon comes, and I call. No answer. 30 minutes pass, I receive a call and she tells me ”OMG, I forgot that I have a job interview today at 2:00. Can we schedule for next weekend or something?" I told her that I will have to call her back on that one. She then tells me she can "bring more girls to shoot", but again I tell her that I will have to call her back on that one.
So, what we have here is a model who canceled at last minute. This type of behavior has a term in the industry called, "flaking". For example, I could tell another photographer, "So yeah. I had a flake this past Sunday."
According to www.urbandictionary.com , a flake is:
n. An unreliable person; someone who agrees to do something, but never follows through.
I suppose people forget about job interviews all the time.
It’s one thing to cancel on another with a 48 hour notice, or even a 24 hour notice. It’s another to cancel right at the agreed time. I give her this, at least she did not give me the "My grandma is in the hospital" excuse. She marks the 7th person that has ever flaked on me since I began shooting. Needless to say, I never call back flakes, and I will refuse any offers for a shoot with flakes, regardless if it's a free shoot or a paid shoot.
Lucky for me, I made a few calls and Yadira was more than happy to shoot. Pictures and blog about my shoot with Yadira are coming soon.
P.S - Here is a funny image I found online :)






Comments
I see what you mean, and I believe you are right. There are times where one just wants to give flakes a second chance because the model is really good. I agree.
However, I have said the following on multiple occasions:
"It is easier for a good photographer to find a pretty face, than a pretty face finding a good photographer". -RS
So, what I try to say by that is that there are far more options for photographers to find, than there are for models. Which would explain the reason why the model used in your example “begged” to re-schedule the shoot?
As far as my experiences go, I can honestly say that I am satisfied with my portfolio. This portfolio was created using models that have had little to no experience. It seems that I have been relying more on looks than actual modeling capabilities.
Because of this, I do not hesitate to blacklist any model that flakes on me, no matter how good she may pose. I just need a pretty face and interesting clothes. I can help or guide my model towards their poses.
The irony here is that the same model who flaked posted how good my recent shots were via a posting on Facebook image comments and even went ahead asking for a date for our "re-scheduled" shoot. I blocked her. I want nothing to do with her. She is a pretty gal, and I am sure she can find other photographers to work with. She will just not work with me. If she would have cancelled with atleast a 24 hour notice then she would fall on my "She Flaked, but we can try again" list. I wish her the best of luck.
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