Online Modelling: A Guide
As the population has turned to working from home where they can, life drawing clubs have also found that delivering classes online via video conferencing apps such as Zoom is a viable option. Public demand is there and models who are amenable to posing online from their own home have the opportunity to earn income and continue doing what they love.
Benefits of modelling online include not having to travel thereby saving cost and time. One does need to worry about social distancing or other risk factors, and materials and props are at hand and under your control. An online audience can sometimes be much larger than a real life class and span different geographical areas and time zones.
Initial set-up can require some effort and expenditure. Getting a system that works for you is key. Even a small room can be sufficient for modelling; a 3 to 4 metre distance from model to camera will usually work. Fabrics and/or screens can be used to make a space more suited to modelling in. Good lighting is absolutely key for online modelling. An LED floodlight is an inexpensive option with low running costs. A dedicated tripod with an attachment to secure your phone or web camera is extremely useful too.
A reliable Internet connection is required.
As a model, you do not need to pay for a subscription to a video conferencing app such as Zoom. It is the host's responsibility to ensure the video conferencing facility is suitable. It is useful to download the app being used and to create a login before any events.
Ensure your phone is fully charged before the session, and attaching a portable battery pack will ensure enough power for the duration of the class.
Before going online, these issues need to be considered:
Nude or none nude. Even with safeguards and technological restrictions in place, once your image is on the Internet it has the capacity to be copied, recorded, stored and disseminated. Each model must think carefully about what they are comfortable doing online and be very clear about their policy when being hired. It should be noted that some video conferencing apps prohibit nudity and that machine learning might be in place.
Some models choose to wear discreet flesh tone underwear whilst modelling online. It is recommended that this is reflected in the publicity for the event so attendees know what to expect.
Recording: if you consent to the class being recorded then an additional fee structure and use policy must be established. A model should retain the right to the have the recording removed at any time from public access, unless a model release form is signed.
It is recommended that you connect to the meeting through your computer or laptop, if you have one, and your phone simultaneously, muting one of them. You can then view yourself on your computer or laptop screen and have your phone free to be the main camera. You can see how your poses look for the audience, and if the camera needs adjusting. How much your camera is tilted will influence the point of view and the distortion the audience will see.
With Zoom and other video conferencing apps, you can see the number of participants on your screen. It is always worth taking a note of this to ensure you receive fair payment if a share of ticket sales is involved.
​
Some art schools and ateliers have asked their models to work online from home at their usual rate of pay. Whilst this is an ideal way to continue life classes and an opportunity to earn, the work and effort in setting up a suitable space for life modelling now falls on the model. There are overhead costs as well as all the associated risks of working in the digital domain. It is therefore perfectly reasonable to ask these organisations to increase their rate of pay when asking you to model online from home. We suggest a £5 surcharge per hour.