I am a stylist. I show up with thousands of dollars in wardrobe, so you didn’t have to provide it.

I am a makeup artist. I went out of my way to get trained on how to apply makeup for camera to make your job that much easier.

I am a creative consultant. I spend non-billable hours upon hours going through your proof galleries and offering the feedback you requested, because I care about the work that we produce together.

I am a travel agent. For every hour that I spend in front of the camera, I spent an average of 2 hours to that one hour of planning and logistics.

I am a master at marketing and brand management.

I am a therapist. You photographers have some issues, and boy, have I heard it all.

I am a hand holder. I go out of my way to make sure that you’re having fun at our shoot too.

I am a studio and lighting assistant. Chances are I know more about lighting than you do, and I’m always offering to help put up the backdrop, change modifiers, etc.

I am fine art. I have spent thousands and thousands of hours perfecting my craft so you only have to worry about the photography aspect, and not the modeling part. I twist and contort my body in various unnatural ways, because that is what looks best. That relaxed pose that looks so easy? Every muscle in my body was tensed and my back was unnaturally arched, my toes pointed and calves burning, all while maintaining a pleasant expression, even though I really wanted to sob because if done correctly, even the pose that appears effortless is incredibly difficult and painful. I hold that pose for seconds, minutes, sometimes hours, while you get your framing and lighting correct. I don’t complain.

I run a successful business. If I spend 8 hours in front of the camera, I still have another 8 hours of computer time waiting for me when I get done.

I am a masochist. I suffer in a bikini on a beach in 50 degree weather so you can get the shot that you need. I try not to sweat in 100+ degree temps and hide my heat exhaustion, because I know a ton of prep and money went into securing the location. I forego weekend plans so I don’t show up hungover for our sunrise shoot on a Sunday. Oh, and that 6am call time? I had to get up at 3am to start the long process of becoming camera ready. I endure abuses of all kinds without the protections of unions, OSHA, or employers.

I am an accountant. Please don’t talk to me during tax season, as I am busy carefully processing every. single. goddamn. receipt.

Oh. Yeah. I also model. So please don’t ever tell me that all I do is stand there and look pretty.

About The Author

Brennan Hill is a full time model and adventurer. Former IT nerd turned gypsy, she favors craft beer, coffee, and unicorns. You can follow her adventures on her Instagram and Facebook page.