Re: Guide to becomming a model
Ask for references, other models they have worked with.
One way is to verify the client is a real photographer or studio. I know several that use traveling MM models for 'workshops / studio sessions' - basically setting up lighting and backgrounds and charging less experienced photographers to shoot. They build their portfolio, hopefully learn something and can then book better models on their own.
Look at their portfolio - Is their work something that would help your goals, many times it isn't, you'll get crappy images, so make sure the money is worth it. Many 'aspiring models' get stuck in this cycle - charging crappy amateur photogs that are just happy to have an attractive scantily clad model to shoot, but the work is amateurish, so the model continues attracting the same type of client...
Re: Modeling: Questions about getting started/TFP
Is there a college near you with an arts department?
You might be able to find a decent photographer who can shoot 1-2 looks for you for $200-$300. But to book gigs I'm not sure if the sites you want to use will actually get you any paid work.
Re: Modeling: Questions about getting started/TFP
Try typing photography for whatever area you're in & ask. (Example; #caliphotographer #manhattanphotographer) I'm surprised on model mayhem you weren't able to find tfp. I haven't been on there in forever so maybe things are moving elsewhere.
Re: Modeling: Questions about getting started/TFP
I'm interested in promo modeling, not regular modeling but this is good info to know.
Re: Modeling: Questions about getting started/TFP
Yeah, I wouldn't bother with Craigslist if I were you. Too many nutjobs on there, as well as guys-with-cameras (GWCs) calling themselves "photographers" when they're really just trying to get women to send in a bunch of their topless/nude photos. But if you do go the Craigslist route, at least ask if they could provide you with a link to their online photography portfolio/website.
Okay, now since MM isn't letting you sign up, here is what you can do on your end without having to be logged in:
At the Model Mayhem homepage click on 'Castings' at the top of the screen.
Select either 'Casting calls' or 'Travel/availability notices'.
Under 'Pick Artist Type', select 'Female Models'.
Where it says 'Enter your location', put in your info.
Click 'Search'.
A bunch of listings should show up, but the only thing is that in many of these listings the photographer will ask that you contact them by messaging them on Model Mayhem (which you can't do since you're not a registered MM member). BUT if you look through enough of these listings, you may come across a few where the photographers have posted their e-mail address and/or phone number and/or a link to their website. Then you have a way of contacting them outside of Model Mayhem, which is good.
Re: Guide to becomming a model
Quote:
Originally Posted by
MissSassyPickles
Does anyone have any suggestions on what you can do if you don't have anyone in your life to bring as an escort? Hire someone? Carry a gun? lol jk
There are multiple things you can do.
First, check out the photographer. Does he have references? Is he more interested in creating an image or in having a nude woman?
Second, make sure someone knows where you are going and when you return. Make arrangements to call them when you are done the shoot or if it runs long.
Third, keep your cell phone handy in case you need to call 911.
Re: Guide to becomming a model
Quote:
Originally Posted by
CFMNH44
Lots of legit reasons to prefer a model bring a GF vs a dude, not saying that photog wasn't a creep... Many times a dude on set will ruin a pose, particularly if it is a BF or husband - The model feels inhibited, or will look nervously for 'approval' rather than at the camera, etc. I've also spent the time to pose and distract a model to get the right expression, then had the dude say something rude and wipe out 'the moment'...
Sometimes it distracts by having my assistant have to watch their escort. While I'm not as concerned about my safety, I don't want to have to worry about if a valuable piece of equipment might turn up missing...
Best is when the model brings a GF that can make her relax and laugh. I have her stand behind me so no off-camera looks. Giving the friend a complimentary pic helps too.
Let me give you the view from the other side of the camera. No photographer likes a model bringing a chaperon. The photographer has a justifiable concern that the chaperon will attempt to direct the shoot, criticize the work or attempt to "protect" the model by trying to prevent her from doing the work she has agreed to do.
Of course, having a chaperon is the right of a model to protect herself. The trick is to have a chaperon that will not disrupt the shoot. There is some preconception that a female chaperon is less likely to be disruptive than a male chaperon. That is not my experience. I worked with one model twice. The first time she brought an ex-boyfriend and the second she brought her lesbian lover. Why should I assume that a female lover would be less disruptive than a male ex-lover? The real issue is the relationship between the chaperon and the model. The closer the relationship, the more likely there will be a problem. I once refused to allow a model to bring her mother to the shoot as a chaperon because I was concerned with the intensity of that relationship.
There is one reason why a photographer may prefer a female chaperon that never seems to be considered. If the chaperon is as attractive as the model, the photographer will probably be interested in getting the chaperon to join the shoot as a second model.
Re: Guide to becomming a model
^^the reasons for the no bf/pimp/"manager" are obvious. Often they try to control everything at the shoot, even if the model says they are "chill". If there are other models, do they want some civvie staring at them or worse, trying to recruit them for their "stable"? The first time you have a shoot and the model gets in a fight with her "chill dude" chaperone trust me will be your last.
Nude shoots need the model to be relaxed, and she can't if she has to worry about "chill dude" cataloging her every offense so later he can fight with her. "you really liked that photographer, huh? I saw how you looked at him"
Granted some real pros have actual BFs that are helpful, but those are very rare IMHE.
Meet the dude, have a 5 minute, and tell him to get his ass to the nearest bar. Half the time the models are actually grateful you let them have some time away from the guy that he can't blame on her.
Never go to a first time shoot without a friend. But take a GF. And yes, usually the GF can make some extra dough holding a light or 2nd cam.
Re: Guide to becomming a model
Quote:
Originally Posted by
CFMNH44
Um, no, there is never a reason to touch the model. If you can't demonstrate by by doing it yourself... IF the model can't tell her head from her arse get one older than 12... ;-)
There is an old saying that is very appropriate, "Never say Never." I agree that if possible, the photographer should always try to avoid touching the model. But to say it is NEVER necessary is just not realistic. On a number of occasions it was necessary to build the "costume" directly on the model. On others the model was completely in position and part of her costume had shifted out of position. It made much more sense to make the adjustment myself than to loose time having the model attempt to fix it herself and then have it fall out of place again when she resumed position.
But in such situations, I did tell the model what the problem was ahead of my invading her space and she agreed to the touch. Avoiding touch is extremely important. But showing respect is more important.
Re: Guide to becomming a model
Quote:
Originally Posted by
CFMNH44
Ask for references, other models they have worked with.
One way is to verify the client is a real photographer or studio. I know several that use traveling MM models for 'workshops / studio sessions' - basically setting up lighting and backgrounds and charging less experienced photographers to shoot. They build their portfolio, hopefully learn something and can then book better models on their own.
Look at their portfolio - Is their work something that would help your goals, many times it isn't, you'll get crappy images, so make sure the money is worth it. Many 'aspiring models' get stuck in this cycle - charging crappy amateur photogs that are just happy to have an attractive scantily clad model to shoot, but the work is amateurish, so the model continues attracting the same type of client...
Your comments about workshops/studio sessions are interesting and I can understand your concerns. But I have to disagree with your conclusion that this is a trap for models. You are assuming that the models are incompetent and unable to change their situation. There are several things that they can do.
First, look at yourself. Are you projecting an attractive image? Maybe you want to try to make you hair longer or shorter or try a different style. I would caution against radical colorings and for the same argument I would think twice about tattoos. They may be attractive to some photographers and some shoots; but they also restrict you to a smaller subset of projects. I once had a model who showed up with bright purple hair. Since I had hired her because she was a contortionist, I did not care and I was able to produce a great demon image. But if I had been trying to create a Victorian ghost I don’t think I would have been so happy.
Second, look at your list of genres. Those categories are used by photographers and producers to search for models who are interested in a certain type of work. If your portfolio does not have many genres, then you are limiting who can find you. Also, make sure you are a good fit for the genre. As a photographer I do not care if you are 5’4”. But if I was a producer setting up a fashion show I probably would not give you a second look.
Third, look at your portfolio. Working primarily for workshops is not the only source of bad portfolios. I have seen numerous portfolios that were shot by the model’s boyfriend in her bedroom or backyard with a point and shoot camera. It does not suggest a professional image. Images that are out of focus, contain multiple people, are badly composed or contain pets also do not show off your abilities and attributes. Nor does a profile that is all head shots. And to be honest, one of the best ways to get a certain type of work is to have an image or two of that genre in your portfolio.
So how do you improve a portfolio? By getting a photographer to take images that you want. Regularly scan the casting calls. If you are lucky, you may find a photographer with the right kind of project. Another possibility is to hire a photographer. The problem with this approach is that the photographers who do that type of work are expensive and usually limit you to one or two costume changes. Which does not help you make major portfolio changes.
The option I like best is to do a trade shoot. You agree to work for the photographer for a few hours and they agree to work for you for a few hours. It is similar to a FTP; but instead of taking what the photographer has produced for himself, you get to decide what you want. Personally, I like working with models in that situation. It helps my budget and I enjoy working with a variety of new faces.
Re: Finding a photographer
I know somewhere in the back end of Eros there used to be photographer listings. IDK what state you're in, but maybe easier for ppl to make suggestions if you're comfortable posting.
You could get on model mayhem and see if you see someone in your area whose work you like - and see if they'll do TFP.
Re: Finding a photographer
Quote:
Originally Posted by
drearea
(Sorry PGD if you end up needing to move this thread, I searched and couldn't find what I was looking for but I suck at searching)
I am needing to get some new photos done, I know quite a few photographers in my area that would shoot for free but I just really need some better work than I've gotten from them in the past. I am entirely willing to pay for a photoshoot especially because I want to be able to be the only one using the photos and I want to be able to use them "commercially".
Is there a website adult workers use to find photographers? At this point my best idea is to just message every photographer that I like, but I would love to be able to narrow down photogs that sell photos the way I'm wanting to buy them.
I always always pay for my photos. Simply because my photos are an extension of my business and image and I wouldn't let anyone just market and run with that for free. When you shoot for free, you are the creative mercy of someone else. When you pay, you can say "no no honey, you need to get that right and make me look good."
It's tricky to find photographers who are professional and "get it." Some are total creeps - especially if you tell them you are in the adult biz.
You can message me with more in depth questions. I started with modeling before making the jump into the adult biz. If you are in my area, I could even refer you to who I go with.
It's also a big deal to me that the photographer respects my line of work - I don't need someone blabbing to clients that "I worked with this adult cam model..." And that's another reason why I pay, happily. There's a line of professionalism that I'm in control of VS well you got what you got. Free pictures.
Message me - I hope I can assist you in finding a professional. Self shots are great but nothing compares to professional shots and editing. I might have the idea, but the quality of my self shots and editing skills are amateur compared to what I get back when i work with a professional. WORTH THE MONEY!!!
Oh, especially if you intend on selling the photos. It will be especially helpful to pay and retain usage rights of your content. :)
Re: Guide to becomming a model
There is an amazing photographer in the Columbus Ohio area. She stays booked, is somewhat expensive but well worth it. She has a public portfolio and a dedicated Facebook page as well. She has also done magazine covers, provides hair and makeup, etc. Payment plans are available. If anyone is in that area and would like her info please feel free to PM me. I don’t like to put anyone’s personal info or even public page of an individual on a forum.