The build up to the big day can be frantic, the pressures are on to make everything perfect, the decorations, the food, the gifts and of course still look your best for all the festivities, why do we stress ourselves out to create the model Christmas??

Expectations: 

Family and friends can have big expectations at this time of year, especially if you are the one who generally hosts Christmas! It’s important to have realistic expectations and not strive to have the most Instagrammable day – it’s not about that! It’s good to keep a perspective on things and realize that it doesn’t matter if the decorations are not perfect or the dinner is at a later time, or family or friends have decided not to stay this year, try and lower expectations of others and particularly yourself!

Money:

The subject of money can be stressful at any point of the year, but particularly at Christmas. We have a tendency to over spend to ensure all family and friends have the gifts they want and all the added extras, but is it worth it?! To remove some of the financial stress Christmas can bring why not consider doing things a little differently and limiting the spend on gifts or doing a family Secret Santa. Put the focus of the festive time on quality time with your loved ones, play games, laugh and listen to one another, this can be far more valuable to children and family members than another toy or novelty gift.

Family:

As we all know, we don’t get to choose our family, so if you’re not one of the lucky ones who get’s on with yours than spending the Christmas period with them might be pretty hard work! To ease this try and remain calm with any difficult comments or moments and don’t rise to them, defuse the situation and keep the atmosphere easy and upbeat. Christmas isn’t the time to discuss any deep rooted family issues, even after a couple of Christmas drinks it’s best to keep to positive conversations.

If family time is very stressful for you or your partner for any reason than try and keep it to a minimum so you don’t get worked up over it. You can still see family members at some point, but maybe you can pop round for a tea and a mince pie or drop the gifts in rather than spending great lengths of time with them.

Organisation:

For some organisation and forward planning comes naturally, however for others it’s much more of an effort to avoid the last minute panic or getting everything sorted. If this is you, then start by doing little things earlier than usual towards the big day and you will start to feel more in control. Work out what’s important to you and prioritize, that way you will ensure the  most important tasks are done and you can relax a little in that knowledge. It can be useful to make a list of everything that needs to be done and then make a plan of how and when you will do each thing on the list. Also allow time for yourself to relax, you don’t want to be burnt out by the 25th!

The key is to keep things simple, it’s a magical time of year, but can be difficult for many reasons, so be kind to one another and don’t strive to have the biggest and the best of everything! Stay within your limitations and accept help when offered, family and friends like to help, so make Christmas a joint effort rather than taking on the whole burden yourself!

Models Direct were delighted to send models and Ice Skaters Tyler, Amy, Naomi, Joseph and Chloe for a very skilled shoot at BlueWater Shopping Centre last week.

The models were dressed by stylists from Topshop and had their make up done by House of Fraser Make Up Artists!

Once ready the Models Direct team heard that the models were met by the photography team and fantastic direction was given so the models could be photographed while showing off their skills on the ice! All the models are experienced Ice Skaters, this is something that was requested by the client from the beginning –  additional skills as a model are always useful.

Check out this behind the scenes video of our skaters!

Models Direct’s models reviews of the assignment below:

Model Fee: £200

“Had a fantastic day yesterday it’s my first assignment I have been given, I was a little nervous but the day was amazing! my make up and clothes were perfect. Everyone was so polite and made sure we all had what we needed. I had a really fun day and met some amazing people.” – Amy

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqM3QXHDm5O/

“Hi guys!!
I just wanted to say a huge thanks for such an incredible day. I enjoyed myself so much!! as this is my first proper modeling job/shoot I could not have asked for a more lovely and kind, caring and really bubbly, smiley team. The photographer’s were really clear and understandable which is always great and the whole set up and organization was very welcoming and very professional. I can’t wait to have more work with you and to go ahead and gradually build up my modeling career.
With Very Many thanks.
Lots Of Love, Naomi Eleanor! Xx“

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqM6QYUjF71/

“Had a really fun day, spent all day shooting for Bluewater on the ice rink. Amazing people and everyone was so professional. Can’t wait to do it all again!
Waking up at 3 in the morning to catch the bus just to find out it has been delayed!
Ended up being 40 minutes late but everyone made me feel welcome and not to worry about it. Went for a walk over to Topshop to find out our outfits! Loved the styles of the outfits I was given. Made me open my eyes and go for colours I wouldn’t usually go for.
The ice rink itself was such fun to skate on, with the Christmas tree in the middle making it an amazing background.” – Joseph

“Yesterday, myself and 4 other lucky models were asked to take part in an ice skating photo shoot at Bluewater Shopping Centre down in Dartford.
After a warm welcome from the team, we were treated to getting our make up done by House of Fraser and had the personal stylists from Oasis and Topshop dress us.
The day could not have gone any more perfectly. I met some amazing people and Charlie at Models Direct organised everything so smoothly and was extremely helpful. The crew on the day were also extremely attentive.
This is my third project with Models Direct, I had such a great time and can’t wait for the next one!
Thanks for everything guys.” – Chloe

MeadowHall  Shopping Centre in Sheffield is buzzing at this time of year especially when  a store like Joe Browns decides to throw an exclusive VIP Bloggers event at their flagship store!

Models Direct were delighted to be able to book Troy and Kimberley to model some of Joe Browns winter collection.

Troy and Kimberley took to the catwalk infront of lots of VIP customers and bloggers all waiting to catch a glimpse of the winter collection – they were both amazing!

Models Direct are delighted to be able to share some of the final images with you and you can catch up on all the goings on by reading Joe Brown’s blog too!

https://www.joebrowns.co.uk/blog/joe-browns-blogger-christmas-party/

This time of year is super important to brands and high street stores,  with Christmas around the corner people are looking to spend, so it’s essential brands get their marketing right for sales to sore!

Models Direct were delighted to receive an enquiry  from a huge, well known, nappy brand looking for baby/child models to star in their Christmas commercial!

Marie  who is part of the Assignments Team at Models Direct was straight on the case and  worked with the client and the parents of the models successfully selected, briefing them, supplying call sheets and ensuring everyone was fully informed and excited for their big day!

It was the models first assignment with Models Direct and what a job to get!

The Models Direct team can’t wait to see the final edit and will of course share it with you as soon as we can!

Take a look at what Rebecca had to say about her recent modelling experience:

https://www.facebook.com/carronbernice/videos/547599508908780/

Alisha also sent Models Direct a video to say how much she loved her day filming:

Ife got down with the mic for his Highcross Shopping Centre modelling assignment where rapped it up while the shoppers of Leicester went head to head in a Christmas wrapping competition.