Authentic Representation for Modern Brand Campaigns
HHM's models with visible differences are available for advertising campaigns, brand and lifestyle photography, ecommerce and retail imagery, healthcare and beauty productions, and broadcast and digital content. Demand for authentic representation of visible differences in commercial advertising has grown significantly as brands recognise that real audiences want to see themselves reflected in the campaigns they engage with.
The range of visible differences represented across the HHM roster includes vitiligo, burn scarring, surgical scarring, skin conditions, birthmarks and other visible characteristics. Where visible differences can be covered with makeup or are expected to be addressed in post-production, this should be agreed with the model and agency in advance — not assumed or directed around on set without prior discussion.
Working with Models with Visible Differences
The most important thing a production team can do when working with models with visible differences is to treat the model as a professional doing a job — because that is exactly what they are. Their visible difference is part of their authentic presentation, and the reason they have been cast. It is not a topic for comment, curiosity or direction on set unless it is directly and explicitly part of the approved creative brief.
Production teams should not ask models about the origin, history or nature of their visible difference. They should not direct models in ways that reference or draw attention to a visible difference unless this has been agreed as part of the creative in advance. Standard professional conduct — respectful direction, clear communication, no intrusive personal questions — applies in full.
Where a production brief requires a visible difference to be visible in the final imagery, this should be confirmed clearly at the brief stage so the model understands what is expected and can confirm their agreement. Where a brief requires coverage or post-production treatment of a visible difference, this must also be discussed and agreed in advance — it cannot be decided on shoot day.
