finding a good photograhper!!
I am having a really hard time. I put my pictures up on one model place.com. That site sucks just a bunch of guys trying to meet models with digital cameras. They are wackos that use this whole photographer thing to lure and meet innocent girls. I met one guy in a public place and he was like my studio is in my home. We can just go over there and I will take your pics. I was like fuck that, I learned my lesson. Remember that model in California well she was going to meet a photographer and at his studio and got killed by him. That was a lesson to me .
Maybe some girls do okay but for me it not worth the risk. I really need to get professional pics done.
Re: finding a good photograhper!!
http://www.MuseCube.com
If you are an Australian model - http://www.ozmodel.com.au
I did away with my OneModelPlace portfolio around the same time it changed to a more commerical format. MuseCube has so far served me well....
I've done two shoots via photographers I met at MuseCube and have been satisfied with their work and the experience.
Re: finding a good photograhper!!
I also use One Model Place. I've found some really great photographers through the site, but I've also had a lot of sketchy guys approach me. Even good photographers can be sketchy--you have to really screen them, and make sure to meet in a public place, if possible, meet them before you decide to shoot with them so you have time to think about them and back out if you don't feel comfortable. Like everything else, you have to screen.
Also, don't wait for photographers to find you--search for photographers in your area and email them. Especially if you're willing to work TFP, you'll often have good luck that way.
Re: finding a good photograhper!!
If the person seems sketchy then they are probably sketchy. Photo shoots can occur in odd places, but that does not mean the people taking the pictures need to be unprofessional.
If the photographer wants to really work with you, he will be willing to meet you in a public place before taking the photos. That way you can get to know each other.
Of course keep in mind, there is always some sicko looking to take advantage.
Keep you wits about you, and you will be fine.
Referrals are a great way to meet photographers and videoographers.
Re: finding a good photograhper!!
I agree that you should find a photographer, not let one find you. My mother is a photographer and her studio is in her basement and she also does shots around the city. Don't turn one down because their studio is in their house, it's not uncommon. Do go be your instinct. If you htink someone is sketchy, go by that. Also, go by referrals. My mother works on referrals only, she doesn't advertise, and she gets so swamped she has to turn some down. She does mostly Senior pics. She is very good and if a photographer is good it will travel by word of mouth.
Re: finding a good photograhper!!
I guess I might be described as a "sketchy" photographer. I've got a decent array of stuff. It's mostly artistic. It's on OneModelPlace, MuseCube, and another place or two.
It's just an inherent problem with the wide, wild, free Internet. Nobody needs credentials. I'm up-front with my samples, my references, and my experience, but nothing keeps a creep with a Kodak from acting like a photographer. Likewise, nothing keeps a wacked-out girl from acting like a model. I've run into more than one of them.
If you use the Internet, and if you have security in mind, you just need to be careful. Check out the photographer's work and samples. Ask for references. Check out the references. If you're still not sure, politely decline.
Re: finding a good photograhper!!
If you seriously want to hook up with a "recognized" professional photographer i.e. one that has successfully sold layouts to various magazines in the past, it's not really hard to do. However, it will cost YOU money to have promo pics professionally shot in their studio.
Re: finding a good photograhper!!
onemodelplace.com gives you the option of choosing pro, semi-pro, and amateur. That helps separate the wheat from the chaff. Seek out pros, or strictlly female photographers, and take a male friend with you on the shoot.
Re: finding a good photograhper!!
Quote:
I guess I might be described as a "sketchy" photographer. I've got a decent array of stuff. It's mostly artistic. It's on OneModelPlace, MuseCube, and another place or two.
It's just an inherent problem with the wide, wild, free Internet. Nobody needs credentials. I'm up-front with my samples, my references, and my experience, but nothing keeps a creep with a Kodak from acting like a photographer. Likewise, nothing keeps a wacked-out girl from acting like a model. I've run into more than one of them.
If you use the Internet, and if you have security in mind, you just need to be careful. Check out the photographer's work and samples. Ask for references. Check out the references. If you're still not sure, politely decline.
Not being a professional photographer does not make you sketchy. A sketchy photographer refuses to give references, tries to push the model to do more than she's comfortable doing (take off more clothes, touch herself, whatever), gropes the model or expects her to put out, refuses to allow a chaperone, etc.
The other thing--just because a photographer is really good does not mean he won't do any of those things. The best photographer I ever had a chance to work with felt me up during our test shoot. Needless to say, there was no follow-up shoot.
Re: finding a good photograhper!!
My boyfriend is a photographer with a studio in our home. Many artists have live/work situations. He offers to meet potential models over coffee and brings his portfolio as well as contact info for former models he's used so they can get references. He will not photograph a subject he hasn't met in advance at a preliminary meeting.
Now, not all photographers are that concientious but most photographers on the up and up (most, not all) who deal in nudity whether erotic or artistic will try to set you at ease. Trust you gut. Ask to bring a friend to the first meeting. They may flirt a bit (they're guys *shrug*), but they shouldn't cross *your* line. Furthermore, if you go to a shoot or a meeting, make sure someone knows where you are at ALL TIMES.
Strange locations, home studios, things like that... those are not necessarily the warning signs. This photographer (http://www.hypnox.com/) shot an aquaintence in a national forest pond! But they met and discussed the details before-hand and locations were given to friends for follow up and safety reasons!
Re:finding a good photograhper!!
You can check my work out at musecube.com/mgaphoto I also have my temp site up at
I just wanted to join the conversation because I consider myself a decent photographer as well as legit. I have been published in numerous magazines, worked with large companies, etc... I don't think I am the best at all and have a lot to learn, but I think I am on the right track :)
Personally you need to know how professional a photographer you want. I don't mean how sleazy a photographer because that isn't right either way but whether you want a lot of experience or some amatuer with his new digital camera?
In terms of sites I would suggest musecube over the others. I am on One Model as well at id 1709 but I don't think it is the best at all. The e-mails usually get messed up, you have to pay a lot for very little, it is almost like some social club but without a point.
Finally, I am not sure how I personally feel about having a studio in a house? I guess if you are okay with it then more power to you. I know I wouldn't ever do this and I have had my own seperate studio before.
Ok well if you have any questions I would be happy to give some advice. Thanks :)
Re:finding a good photograhper!!
I am mostly a landscape photographer,but my last girlfriend had me taking artistic nudes of her and several of her friends. but many models don't like the idea of going out in the arizona desert to get photographed. all the sicko's make it tough for intermediate photographers like me.
Re:finding a good photograhper!!
brenda,,i have been on OMP for over 2 years now,,my ID IS 6371
Where are you located?I know a ton of photographers in certain areas of the states that i have worked for.
Re:finding a good photograhper!!
Very nice look, Deja. I'm probably going to the Anaheim-Irvine area next month, but I don't think I'll have time for any shooting, or I'd certainly ask if you were interested.
Brendalee, unfortunately, is on the opposite coast from you.
Re:finding a good photograhper!!
hey jason,
im bbusy working on my website so im always needing content to update it with.PM me with a link to your portfolio online.Maybe if not this time,but next time:):):)
Re:finding a good photograhper!!
finding a photographer you trust is hard...believe me! that's one of the reasons i started shooting! it's easier to relax and feel comfortable with a female photographer. if you're coming to los angeles let me know!
[email protected]
view my work at
Re:finding a good photograhper!!
I have been a photographer/videographer for years...seen it all
Everything said here is right..but you can also consider your own website (no sex with anyone you dont know, varying income streams) we do that alot.
As far as photo/video work (which we also do) here are some tips:
If it doesnt feel right at all, DONT GO and NEVER GO to a first session alone, if you must be alone make the photographer meet you somewhere neutral first
NEVER do anything like bondage, etc with someone you don't know and ONLY work with an incorporated firm...never "just a guy that sells porn" - that translates to "smart guy found easy way to get laid"
I usually do my shoots at the model's location (I have a studio but think she will feel safer on "her turf" or a hotel than my big old house with thick walls). I expect and invite her to bring a friend or two...to sit in the next room or in the studio at her option. Everything is in writing..and she leaves with a CD of all her images (I keep one for my records as well)
I do REQUIRE (*and wonder about any photog that does not*) 2 forms of age identification, one with picture. And if you will be doing any sex on camera (with talent you provide or otherwise) then I need current STD tests on all parties and a disclaimer of liability.
Yea, im a little over the top on security...but in this business you can't be too careful
Be careful and keep in touch
Re:finding a good photograhper!!
I like OMP, I am going to ohio and will be working with sevral photographers while there. Most I met through OMP. Just now I went to musecube and at the top of the list was one of the photographers I will be working with! Some photographers do have studios in their homes, thats ok with me, studio space is very expensive, I don't blame them. What I am wary about is the "come to my hotel..." But sometimes they are from out of town shooting something else. I also sometimes like to get thier drivers licence from them and call it back to my husband (if he wasn't the one who went with me). I figure I have the right to ask for his id if he can not only ask for me but copy it. I screen extensivly. They have to have a portfolio, they have to act professinal, they have to let me bring a friend (and prefrably encourage it). I have to know what the exchange is, like are they offering TFP/CD, paid, how much? do I get rights? etc. I once had a so called "photographer" offer paid, then switch to TFP suddenly and he said he would build me a website, I didn't want or need a website, I can build my own, I told him such and he got all pissy and yelled at me, told me I was and ugly bitch and I would never be a model, he couldnt belive that anyone would ever pay my fat ass, etc, etc. I now refer to him as F*uckhead. If anyone wants to see the email exchange just pm me. Its a good example of what to avoid.
Re:finding a good photograhper!!
jezebellebond- I was thinking about doing the same, I have actually been intrested in photography longer then I have been into modeling. When I was younger I shot mostly wildlife, wild birds and such. Very difficult subject, but they didn't care about copyright, :). Do you have any tips about starting to shoot models?
ProMarket: why do you require two forms of ID? isnt one enough?
Re:finding a good photograhper!!
Formerly known on the forum as ProMarket..I am photographer with 15 years experience in modelng work and advertising. Based in PA, if anyone needs me.
My simple rule is I let models know i'm here, offer a few images as samples (I keep www.makeitsexy.com as a storehouse for images..the design isn't pretty, but the pictures are) and let it go from there. Though I can do everything a model needs (video, photo, website, etc) I let her know what the options are and go from there.
Also, I am proud that in 15 years I have never had "romantic" contact with any of my models - not many photographers can say that, and hopefully it lets the models be safe with me
Someone asked why I require 2 forms of ID...I do this ONLY for truly adult work...something beyond solo portfolios...if I am to be distributiing the pictures, I want to know that I can prove she is legit.
Re:finding a good photograhper!!
I've worked with stacks of photographers as a model, actor, fitness pro / bodybuilder and know that finding the right photographer - and by that I mean some one who is not only professional but GOOD at what they do - is hard.
I know excellent photographers in Melbourne, Australia (3 in fact) and an excellent one in Hong Kong. If you need their contacts let me know.
Re:finding a good photograhper!!
Never meet a photog for the first time on "his turf" always somewhere public...then if it feels right and you like their work, it can go to the studio, the park or wherever...
I work mostly on low cost (models aren't often rich) or sometimes shared copyright...
If you'de in PA, I'd love to hear from you (eastern PA) Always available for sexy photoshoots or video sessions in PA..no games, just good work
Re: finding a good photograhper!!
My 1.8 cents - never ever ever meet a photographer at your place. Granted, most model releases have a space for your address, and anyone checking your DL to confirm you're of age will get it that way, but it's still a far cry from actually and legally inviting them in to your safe space.
Plus, while I'm suggesting absolutes, never ever (ok, not quite as absolute) do a shoot w/ a photographer w/o a 3rd party of your acquaintance present. Ok, it's different if you've known him for 20 years, and have been certain of his safeness for 18 of those 20 years, but still - there's absolutely no reason not to be cautious and watch your back. If the shooter doesn't like it, he's not professional enough to deal with, no matter how talented he thinks he is.
Any photographer should be glad to have a 3rd party present (as well as have the model sign the release at the end indicating that no coercion took place). Hell, I love having another person there because a) I feel safer myself (against questionable charges) and b) the chaperone comes in damn handy when I need extra hands to hold reflectors or props or flash or whatever! I'd love to find a female assistant or collaborator, just for that purpose, though certainly not to take anything away from her equal or greater shooting skill. Plus, another imagination comes in handy after you've been shooting for 2 or 6 hours.
anyway - just my opinion and gut feeling.
Richard
(club frequenter & photog - OMP 15483)
Quote:
Originally Posted by skyy link=board=10;threadid=4182;start=msg50267#msg5026 7 date=1070288744
If the person seems sketchy then they are probably sketchy. Photo shoots can occur in odd places, but that does not mean the people taking the pictures need to be unprofessional.
If the photographer wants to really work with you, he will be willing to meet you in a public place before taking the photos. That way you can get to know each other.
Of course keep in mind, there is always some sicko looking to take advantage.
Keep you wits about you, and you will be fine.
Referrals are a great way to meet photographers and videoographers.