Ask a Hand Model!!!

I’m that type of photographer that loves to use hands in my images; and because of that, I try to tell all my clients to prepare their hands and feet for their photo session. Time and time again I get asked, “What’s the best products to use on hands and what are the dos and don’ts of the nail salon?”

I have a very AMAZING friend name Ashly Covington who is a HAND MODEL! Yes, a HAND MODEL. Her job is to be the hands in print advertisements as well as television commercials. Can you think of anyone better then Ashly to answer questions about how to make sure your hands look perfect for your photo session? Well, me neither! Below is a list of questions I’ve been asked in the past, answered by the WONDERFUL Ashly Covington.

Tell me a little about yourself?

I was a theater major in college whose career ended up focusing just on my hands. I didn’t even know hand modeling was a specific career and the funniest things is, that after my first job, I found out that my grandmother used to be a hand model for old typewriter ads back in the 1940’s – Thanks Grandma!

Above image by Lee Runion

How did you become a hand model?

After college, I was trying to get headshots and representation in my hometown of Richmond, VA. An agent recommended that I “focus on my hands instead of my face.” Ha! I started working locally with Hamilton Beach and Circuit City and eventually expanded my location to anywhere that needs a hand. I am often in NYC and LA for work.

What famous people have you worked with?

My favorite hand doubling was for Andy Samberg. They had me grow out my nails, they painted them red, then I had to sit on a box behind him with my arm wrapped around his waist and my hand was placed to rest on his cheek. It was an ad for his comedy group.

I was also the hands for Adriana Lima, Brooke Shields and Charlize Theron (among others.)

What cool things have you done being a hand model?

I think some of the things that I get to do as a hand model are really cool. I learned how to pour things from high up to have the liquid hit a specific spot or how to throw a biscuit so it bounces a certain way towards camera. The base of hand modeling is all about good-looking hand genes, but the technical part is how to do the stuff that is needed to create a television commercial.

Above images by Jeff Saxman

What should I do to make sure my hands and feet look perfect for my photo session?

Use your senior session as a great excuse to stop using harsh cleaners or doing the dishes! That stuff can really dry out your hands. You want your skin and cuticles moisturized. I’d advise removing all polish from your nails about 2 weeks before your shoot and rubbing a lemon over your nails to lift out any yellow stains from polish. Moisturize them all the time! I love Extra Virgin Olive Oil; rub it into your skin and nails. The day before your session, get a professional manicure. Keep your cuticles moisturized and make sure you rub some olive oil in right before your shoot.

What is the best moisturizer to use on my hands and feet?

I love what is in my kitchen; Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the best! I’m also a huge fan of Kiehl’s lotions or cocoa butter.

If I get my nails done professionally what should I tell him/her to do or not to do?

Never let them clip your cuticles. Tell them they can push back your cuticles at the beginning, but absolutely no cutting. If they pull out the clippers, say “no thanks, no clipping.” They can clip any hangnails that are near the tip of the nail, but nothing around the base of the nail.

Above images by Jeff Saxman

What is the best color I can use for my session?

I would recommend going with a classic manicure. Perhaps a light pink or natural shades. Trends change, so you can easily date yourself with a nail style or color. That said, there are beautiful nail designs that I’ve seen that would always look amazing. Coordinate with all your outfits, as you will not be able to change your nail polish color.

Can you recommend a brand of nail polish?

Patricia Yankee’s nail polishes are fantastic. You can buy them online at Ricky’s. This is one of my favorite ‘natural’ colors. http://www.rickysnyc.com/beauty-makeup-products/nails/nail-polish/patricia-nail-lacquer-grace.html

I also love Chanel’s polish. They go on great and the colors are really rich and vibrant.

Being a hand model can you give me tips on how to pose with my hands so they don’t look awkward?

Shake them out. If you feel they are getting stiff, just shake them a bit and then naturally let them fall where they may. That fixes stiff hand a lot of the times. Another trick is to gently touch your middle finger to your thumb and then just separate them a little bit. That gives a sort of ballet hand that always looks great in photos.

Is there any other advice you can give me?

Well, I think you have made a great choice by picking Janice to do your senior pictures. She is an incredible photographer, I wish I was a senior and could have her do my shots. You are going to have a blast! 🙂

In terms of hand and nail care, just keep moisturizing. That is the greatest thing you can do for your skin. I use the most amazing moisturizing soap called Pure Harmony Soaps that start off my skin care routine.

https://www.facebook.com/PureHarmonySoaps

If you are going swimming and have unpolished nails on, put a thin layer of Vaseline on your nails to protect them from the water. Moisturize as soon as you get out. Getting regular manicures helps maintain nail health as well.