Comments on: Working with a Model For the First Time

By: Donny Lightspeed

Donny Lightspeed — Wed, 12 May 2010 17:03:12 +0000

Good points. I shoot mostly fashion and portraits and find that if you are shooting with an amateur or even an experienced model, meeting them beforehand, either for coffee on a separate day or the day of the shoot- gives them a chance to know you better and definitely relaxes them and makes them more comfortable for when you shoot. I’ve also found that some models are a little awkward and static and don’t really warm up until they’ve done a first round of shoots first. Usually after an hour of shooting and a break, they’re much looser and comfortable posing.

Modelmayhem is a great site- i’ve found lots of people on there and a lot have found me. I’ve never had any problems…

A lot of people that aren’t that experienced yet will offer their time on a TF basis to build up their portfolio, which is nice if you can’t afford to pay anyone. This works with makeup artists (MUA’s) as well- and ideally, you will need an MUA if you want your work to stand out. Some models can do their own makeup but you really want someone who knows what they’re doing or can design makeup for the type of shoot or look you want, as well as the hair, if needed.

And definitely above all, being professional, complimenting them, being patient and not acting like a creep goes a long way to repeat shoots and good word of mouth for you.

By: Gaard

Gaard — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:28:33 +0000

Could anyone in the comments please adda little bit of what model release is about, how to do it, etc.

As you mentioned many of us are still very amateur at this but I think I’d like to know when to start giving out model releases. One more thing: is it ok to just have a verbal agreement on the photo (in the case of a TFCD work)?

By: Andy MIlls

Andy MIlls — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 16:59:29 +0000

Thanks to everyone for the replies – this was my first article and I was worried at how it would be received.

@Ron (model releases) – I only skimmed over this area as this was mainly aimed at amateurs and I didn’t want to scare them off with a lot of legalese, and in most cases, they won’t need one. They do have their place, especially if the photographer plans on selling his or her photo for publication (or is publishing themselves), and/or is working at more adult levels. I am writing another article about this subject and copyrights, and will go into it in more detail and explain what I mean better.

As far “no shows” and “flakes” – sadly they do happen, but this is why you should take the time to read their profiles and feedback, as well as talk to them beforehand. You can get a good idea of what the model is like and it will help mitigate these problems. You’ll also be less likely to have problems if you pay for more experienced models, rather than do TF* shoots just to save a bit of money. I’ve never had a “no show” and have only had a couple of models cancel at the last minute.

By: Danté Bell

Danté Bell — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 03:55:34 +0000

Excellent information. One thing that has worked for me is to make sure my wife accompanies me on the shoot. It really makes things more comfortable and provides extra feedback. Of course, you need a wife that’s very creative, professional and an excellent conversationalist

By: Sandi MacLeod

Sandi MacLeod — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:58:42 +0000

Thank you so much for this article.
I have just started to shoot fashion and beauty shots with some models from Model Mayhem.
I have found most of the girls to be very professional, yet I have had one or two – who when they showed up looked like they had a night on the tiles the night before, or who have sent me a message to say they need to cancel, yet find on Facebook, that they are out getting drunk with mates.
So, buy hiring a pro model , to just invest in your time and hers/his for a photo shoot, is a good way.
Its a shame that the very few models who are un professional, ruin it for the rest of the pros.

By: Tittan

Tittan — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 22:18:16 +0000

About the gender perspective. I’ve shown this article to my girlfriend, who is also a tog, and she thinks the author should have added a disclaimer at the top. Something along the lines of:
“This article is written by a male photographer, who mostly shoot female models.”

When it comes to shooting male models, I would think most of the same rules apply: Don’t touch, don’t be rude, don’t hit on the model, etc… and, I would think that you could get male models in your area through a quick search on-line.

By: Alan Nielsen

Alan Nielsen — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:01:54 +0000

I have not had a great experience with Model Mayhem. I found that most “models” do not get back to you. They are quite flaky. I have tried to organize many shoots and have been left hung out to dry shooting landscapes because they didn’t show up.

By: Ron Gibson

Ron Gibson — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 22:46:46 +0000

Did I read that right? You brushed over the idea of a model release?

Secure your rights as a photographer. If you don’t someone is going to profit from you and you will have nothing to say about it.

Every photographer, if considering on ever using their photography, or want to limit someone’s use of your photography needs to get a signed release (every single time). And if your surroundings are noticeable and have an owner, get a location release! I’ve had friends that were approached 5 years after the fact for money- they just had to dig out the signed release form. Without it they would have been in BIG trouble, and so would the business that those photos were being used for.

Besides that very important fact, I think this is a great post.

By: Simmessa

Simmessa — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 21:24:36 +0000

Such an excellent article, I don’t rememeber reading anything better on DPS, keep up the GREAT work.

All the Best.

Simmessa.

By: Jennie

Jennie — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 21:14:55 +0000

Hi,
I’m a female photographer and while I know what Vermont means about the article being slightly geared towards male togs the majority of togs shooting with models tend to be male (in my experience). I shoot a fair amount with models and find on the whole I have a big advantage as a female tog. The models relax much more quickly with me, are not as cynical and they know I’m not going to hit on them. I also find it easy to demonstrate the poses I want (as suggested in the article) for them to copy than many male togs I’ve worked with (although it is always very entertaining watching them try!).
I would like to reiterate Vermont’s comment about not bringing a pervy vibe with you! I know some fabulous models who won’t work with certain togs because of the suggestive and sleazy comments. You’ll get far more out of models if you’re professional and treat them kindly and they’ll want to work with you again.