Joel Stensberg

Okay, my previous one was too long, so we'll keep it short and sweet.  I know I failed, but hey, I had good intentions!

***********MODELS - BEFORE CONTACTING ME*********
*READ THIS FIRST - IT WILL SAVE US BOTH A LOT OF TIME!*


I like to have fun.

I like even more to have fun at shoots.

We laugh, we cry, we bond, we even get some nice images for the experience.

I am fairly blunt, not because I'm mean, but because I don't like misunderstandings. Whether you like it or not, you know exactly what we're shooting and what's required of both of us. I find surprises suck, so with that said....

If you want to work with me it's really as simple as 1 - 10:

1. I do trades. That means ½ of the shoot time for you, ½ for me. We mix things up, i.e. we don't do your half, then my half. As strange as it sounds, I require you to do my ½ of the shoot. And no, I don't pay models - my clients, when I have one - pay the model. Also, I do not do trades or TF* with minors.

2. To that end, most of my projects are in the art or editorial fashion realm and require the types of nudity associated with those genres. In most editorial cases, your face will be shown, but some art projects do allow for anonymous nudity (your face, tattoos or any other identifying marks will not be shown or edited out in the final image). I will use all the products of our shoot, I do not do "personal use only."

3. If any of the previous isn't your bag - no problem - however, we won't be doing a trade (see #1 above :-) ). Yes, it's that simple. I have been shooting models for over 12 years now, and I have plenty of Commercial, Fashion and so on images of in my files, regardless of how great your look is, I don't need any more - sorry. Plus, I have a history of getting models photos agents want, getting models placed with agencies and helping models get down the right road - in other words, I know what's what with Wisconsin modeling, I'm not some GWC. Therefore, I'm not going to give that knowledge away without getting something in return. If you still want to work with me, that's cool, my rates are insanely reasonable - and I do mean 'insanely reasonable.'

4. Please contact me in person; if you have a "manager" that is anything (i.e. boyfriend, another photographer, friend, mere acquaintance or anything of the ilk) but a licensed agent that is your mistake - I'm not going to compound it by working through them.

5. I book fast, mainly because I'm talking to a number of people at the same time and I offer my list of open dates to anyone who asks - first come, first served. I used to wait until people got back to me and when they never did, I lost business or shoot opportunities - especially in summer where we only have four months of decent shooting weather. So, pick one and let's get it on the calendar.

6. I use a friend's studio, so the name on the door isn't mine when you get there. Since, I rent a studio that is shared by two other photographers - a no-show doesn't just impact me. So, please understand: if you don't show, it is doubtful we will ever work together - period. If that sounds harsh, I make no apologies. No-showing is the ultimate modeling sin and every agency model I know who's done it, is doing well in their new career. If we're doing just an outdoor shoot, we will probably meet at my house as it makes things simpler.

7. I'm not wild about escorts, but if you can convince me I won't have to boot them out of the place for getting in the way (yes, I've done it before, I'm sure I'll do it again), I'll probably allow it.

8. I usually have CDs out within 45 days, often less than 30 but I have a wife, kids and all that jazz, so I like to give myself a little wiggle room.

9. All models sign an ASMP photo release at the completion of the session. I also will give you a copyright waiver to get prints done, use for you comp. card or website(s) and any other self-promotion.

10. I require a $35 deposit to book all shoots, $50 if a MUA or another model is involved. I prefer a check so I can pin it up on the bulletin board and hand it back to you when you get here. I only cash if you don't show, and yes, I will do it. If you don't like the idea of a deposit, let me know: I'll give you the contact info on the models who no-showed and forced me to do this so you can send them the 'nastigram.'

BTW, if you haven't caught on, I'm a bit irreverent.

Anyway, if you made it this far, I look forward to working with you!