Toby first got into nature photography as a teen and later on found his calling through the faces of models. McVittie currently works as the new face photographer at Mother Model Management based in London. Mother Model Management was founded by duo Jeff and Mary Clarke. Since then the agency has expanded and caters to many leading faces. We speak to Toby about his role and thoughts on the industry.

As a photographer what is it that draws you to a new face?

I am instantly drawn to an interesting face, for me it’s about character. This could be anything from a beauty mark, to freckles and so on. 

How do you know if you’ve chosen someone who has the potential?

It’s so rare to find models that are going to become at the top of the game, these models are so valued by the agency. I personally feel that the first five-seconds tells me everything I need to know. 

What sort of characteristics can this be?

Models that are outgoing, personality is so key at the moment and it’s so hard and can be very time consuming to work with a shy model. My personal taste is someone who has a signature look or pose.

When shooting a new face how do you make them feel comfortable?

As a photographer you always want to get the best results and know that you have made the right decision. I find it’s all about getting to know them, like an interview process. You find out something that’s unique about them and follow with that narrative.

I know you have mentioned that you care about the personality of the model but do you care much to find out about their background story?

I think it’s very important as a photographer at an agency to find out what brought the model to where he or she is. You can find out the key thing that will allow the model to achieve their best potential on set. A real interest makes the model comfortable and allows you as the photographer to create the vision.

What added pressures of your job were you not aware of but have experienced?

Time, time is so crucial in life and even more so in my job. There is just never enough time! You always think you can get the most out of a shoot when you are at the end or when the models relaxed and goofing around. 

As a photographer for a modelling agency, are there any rules that you need to abide by?

Always keeping it above the belt, never use any derogatory terms as the model needs to always feel safe, comfortable and above all un-pressured. Even in you're trying to get a ‘sexy’ look you need to be able to give direction in a clear concise way. Also, always stay on top of things, never get a signed model to sign a document or model release form.

Can you describe what a model release is?

When we are shooting any unsigned model they have to sign a model release form allowing us to keep and use the images.

In terms of the industry adapting to social media to scout do you think this will always be the way now?

I personally think that the industry should stay away from casting this way, there's nothing like finding a new face in real life and being able to get a good grasp of the type of person they are. You cannot get that online and I think it is so crucial. The industry like to go through stages though so I'm sure it will come back to being all about street casting at some point.

As a photographer, what advice would you give to an aspiring model?

Find your modelling style, don't think that is all down to the photographer to make you look the part. It is a two-way relationship and many models misunderstand that. Practice your angles and listen to direction. 

Do you think models can sometimes, ‘over’ practice?

It’s good to learn what angles suit you but I agree sometimes models don't listen to feedback and get themselves in to a bad style.

What do you think the modelling industry is currently lacking?

I think education about the industry is non existent, the younger generation is fed by TV and adverts that models have a time of their life and modelling is fun and easy yet it has it’s perks but there are so many negatives that people are unaware of.

Do you think models have much of a voice in the industry?

I think that in any industry you walk into you will have no voice to being with, it’s about climbing the ladder and keep shouting until you're heard.