How it works
An hour or two usually pass between call time and the first frame: hair, make-up, styling. So the model's call time is often earlier than the photographer's or the client's, and for a show it is several hours before the start.
Lateness is one of the most common reasons a client never books a model again. The whole team waits, the studio costs money and outdoor light waits for nobody. If you are running late, tell your booker at once, not the client.
Working hours are counted from call time, which matters for overtime. Note when you arrived and when you finished.
In practice
The call sheet says: model's call 7.30 am, hair and make-up until 9.00, first frame 9.15. The model arrives at 7.15 with clean hair. The photographer and the client arrive only at nine. Since working time counts from 7.30, the eight hours end at 3.30 pm, and anything after that is overtime.
What to watch for
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early.
- Check the route the evening before.
- Come with clean hair and skin and no make-up unless told otherwise.
Related terms
Frequently asked
01What if I am running late?
Call your booker at once and say when you will really arrive. They will tell the client.
02Is waiting on set paid?
Working time runs from call time, so waiting counts towards paid hours.