We are indeed sensitive about showing tattoos in shoots, based on feedback from our customers. Our customers would prefer we only ever work with models who have no tattoos (in fact, many of the model applicants we get are rejected for the number, size or placement of their tattoos).
But many models choose to get tattoos, really want to work with us – and we want to work with them! So, we need to work to cover their tattoos in shoots we make, without being too obvious about it (or rather, be bold, and embrace the cover – see examples below).
This can be difficult, but with your assistance and your Shoot Producers expertise, we can usually make a good solution. Note that we do not permit makeup to cover tattoos.
We have a few approaches for this:
- Items of clothing that stay on but are adjusted (for example, remove arms from a singlet top, slide down to tummy, to cover a tummy tattoo)
- Items of clothing that simply remain on for the shoot (for example, socks)
- Item of clothing added as flair (for example, a bandana tied around a wrist), that remain on for the shoot
- The Shoot Producer may ask you to turn a certain way for certain shots, to hide a tattoo
- You Shoot Producer might ask you to hold your hand or a prop over a tattoo when it would be in shot
Usually, a combination of all of these approaches will be used, but that depends on the size, placement and number of tattoos the model has.
What we expect from you
Before the shoot day, our Model Liaison and / or Shoot Producer will discuss with you the placement of your tattoos, and some ideas for hiding them in the shoot.
This will always involve you bringing items of clothing to cover the tattoos, with an emphasis on bright colours and patterns. Some examples include:
- Arm bands (lower arm tattoos)
- Socks (lower-leg and foot tattoos)
- Bolero jacket (shoulder tattoos)
- Using tights / old socks (arm and leg tattoos)
- Skirts (pulled up to waist to cover hip / tummy tattoos)
- Shirts and sleeved dresses that unbutton all the way (good for full arm tattoos)
On the morning of the shoot day, your Shoot Producer will appreciate your help in finding different ways of hiding tattoos. During the shoot, your help to keep tattoos hidden will be appreciated – noticing when one is peeking through somehow, and fixing it, for example.
What we’ll do
On the morning of the shoot, during the Grooming Check, your Shoot Producer will note your tattoos, and start talking with you about covering them.
During the shoot, your Shoot Producer may need to remind you to pull a sock up to cover a tattoo on your ankle, or similar adjustment. They will also likely prompt you to face a certain way, so the tattoo-side is off-camera (that is, cannot be seen by our customers). For example;
If you have a tattoo of a hippo 🦛 on your outside right thigh, when that would be visible in the shot, the Shoot Producer will ask you to turn so your left thigh is facing the camera instead.
Together, we’ll make an awesome shoot! ✋High-five.
Examples of tattoos being hidden
