Modelling isn't about how you look. It's how you carry yourself.
You don't need experience, a following, or a certain face. You need someone who can see what you're going for — and light it, shoot it and finish it so it reads.
ScrollAnyone can model.
What separates a good frame from a flat one is presence — and presence can be directed.
Most people arrive thinking they aren't photogenic. Usually they've just never been guided. Posture, angle, where your weight sits, where you're looking a half-second before the shutter — that's craft, not luck, and it's my job, not yours.
Bring the version of yourself you want to be seen as. I'll match it.
Studio portraits & editorial
Once you're comfortable, we push it further.
Colour, light & character
Gels, spotlights, flowers and coloured backdrops — the kind of images that give a portfolio personality once your digitals are sorted.
What agencies actually want
Most agencies ask for simple, natural digitals — not a styled portfolio. Plain backdrop, clean studio lighting, no heavy retouching. The standard set covers these angles:
Both left and right profiles are shot as standard. These are real digitals from a session here — no styling, no heavy retouching.
Check your target agency's submission page first — some ask for a specific extra shot or a particular look. If you're unsure, ask when you book and we'll make sure your set covers it.
Pick a backdrop
A full range of coloured backdrops, lit for portrait work. Not sure what suits you? That's normal — we'll work it out on the day.
Simple, start to finish
Enquire & book
Tell us whether you're after digitals or an editorial session, and any agency requirements you already know about. We'll confirm a time.
Arrive & prep
No professional experience needed. Bring 2–3 simple, well-fitted outfits in plain colours, no logos. Natural makeup, hair down and dry.
The shoot
Relaxed, guided posing against a plain studio backdrop. We'll talk you through each shot as we go — nothing to prepare in advance.
Delivery
Your digitals are delivered as ready-to-submit files, sized and named the way agencies expect.
Built for a first shoot
All prices in AUD. Sessions are for models aged 18 and over. Full details in our model pricing guide or on the pricing page. Want to shoot on a TFP basis instead? Read the terms.
Before you book
Do I need experience to book a session?
No. Most people who book are shooting professionally for the first time. You don't need experience, a following, or a portfolio — posing and direction are guided on the day.
I've never modelled before and I'm nervous. What actually happens?
We don't start shooting straight away. We spend the first part of the session just talking and getting comfortable, working out what suits you and what you're happy with. Then we ease into simple, easy poses and build from there. Nobody is expected to know what they're doing when they walk in.
Where is the studio?
A private studio in Fraser Rise, in Melbourne's west — a few minutes from Watergardens Station. Pick-up and drop-off can be arranged if you don't drive or you're coming by train.
What lighting do you shoot with?
Studio strobe lighting against a plain backdrop. It gives a clean, even result that stays consistent shot to shot, which is what agencies want to see — and it doesn't depend on the weather or the time of day you book.
How soon do I get my photos?
Digitals can be delivered within an hour of the shoot, through your online gallery. Retouched images from a Studio Editorial session follow after editing.
How are the files delivered?
Through a private online gallery you can download from directly — no USBs, nothing to collect.
Do you retouch digitals?
It depends what the agency or the model needs. Agency digitals are usually kept clean and natural with minimal work, because that's what agencies ask for. If your agency has different requirements, tell me and the files will be finished to match.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes — bring whoever makes you comfortable. A friend, a parent, a partner. It's your session.
Should I come with hair and makeup done?
It's preferred, and natural is best for digitals. If you'd rather have it done professionally, I can put you in touch with hair and makeup artists — that's arranged separately at additional cost.
What should I wear and bring?
Two to three simple, well-fitted outfits in plain colours, no logos or prints. Fitted clothing shows your shape, which is what agencies are looking at. Bring more if you're unsure and we'll choose on the day.
Have you worked with models who are signed to agencies?
Yes — a number of agency-signed models have shot here. I work with models directly rather than being contracted through agencies, so the session is built around what you need.
Can you help me choose which agency to apply to?
Agency research — looking at which agencies suit you, what style they sign, and what they ask for in a submission — can be done as an additional service at extra cost. If you already know where you're submitting, just tell me when you book and the shoot will be tailored to their requirements.
Is there a minimum age?
Yes. Sessions are for models aged 18 and over.
What is a TFP shoot, and can my photos be used for advertising?
TFP means "time for print" — no money changes hands, and the exchange is the work itself. On a TFP session both sides are free to use the photographs: you for your portfolio and social media, and the studio for its portfolio, website, social media and advertising, including paid advertising. That use is what you're trading for the session, so it isn't withdrawable afterwards. Paid sessions work the other way — those images are yours, and nothing is published without asking you first. Whichever basis applies is agreed in writing before the shoot. You can read the full terms and apply on the TFP page.
Namastey Melbourne is the same studio behind campaign work for brands including Country of Glow and Elucent, and editorial beauty and fashion portraits — brought to your first professional shoot.