Traveling Model Etiquette
In this article I will attempt to cover basic traveling model etiquette, mostly directed towards anyone staying with a host while traveling. This is largely based upon my own experiences as a traveling model that has been hosted by others. Painters, photographers, other models and other giving people have allowed me to stay with them. If you are considering becoming a traveling model, I advise you to do your homework on where you’re traveling, staying, and what the shoot location entails.
Look for former and current traveling models; contact as many as possible to get generalized advice. Please note that it is not recommended to contact established models to ask for a list of clients who pay, unless you are offering a list of clients in return.
Model: A Raw Muse; Photographer: Death of Field
Don’t assume people are going to host you
First and foremost, do not assume, or expect others to be willing and able to host you, especially if you do not have a wealth of good references. You can build good character references by working with people locally. Overtime, if you maintain good standing in your local market, it will be easier to branch out. Consider hosting other travelers who have good references. When I had an apartment, I hosted and shot with a good number of travelers, and this way I was able to already know a few people in other markets.
You may want to cover your own lodgings, at first
Also, with a few exceptions, I planned to visit new markets and cover my own lodging, booking as many test shoots with those established in that market as possible. You may experience a bit of a monetary loss, but in the long run this can be a very effective way to test a new market out and hopefully make more contacts.
Plan ahead, and be courteous
If you are contacting someone in regards to possible hosting, be as courteous and detailed as possible. A one-liner cold-call message saying, “Hey, do you host?” is generally not received well. Likewise, a frantic forum post asking for last-minute hosting generally does not get a good response. Plan ahead. Here is a basic example of a good message to send:
“Hello Photographer Sergio,
I was considering traveling to Boondock sometime in late April, and was wondering if you would be available and interested in hosting me. Model Sindy is a friend of mine and said that you were a wonderful host this past summer. I noticed that you are working on a project that I may be applicable for, and would be more than willing to trade modeling time for that project for hosting if you found that to be a fair barter. Other people that have hosted me are Painter Sven in Hocus and Photographer Arianna in Pocus this past fall.
Thank you for your time,
Model Debbie
555-555-5555
modeldebbie@mailhost.com“
Be considerate— Try to minimize the “weight” you put on your host
Secondly, be considerate of those hosting you. Be mindful of others’ work schedules and your utility usage, and don’t make a mess. If you are being hosted in an area where there is not reliable public transportation and you do not have your own vehicle, do not rely on your host to drive you around. I do not drive, and in the past I find it helpful to negotiate a lower half day or full day rate with anyone in the area that will be hiring me if they can provide transportation to and from my host’s house.
When possible, especially for longer stays with people, it is a good idea to have a “community” night—offer to buy groceries and cook a meal, and catch up with those hosting you, especially if you both have hectic schedules and do not see each other regularly. If there are dishes, do them. If the trash needs to be taken out, take it out. It is also good practice to leave a hand-made or store-bought thank you card or gift. Make every effort to be someone that one would like hosting again.
Model: A Raw Muse; Photographer: Death of Field
Be sure to meet your host’s expectations on the agreement
Third, follow up on whatever barter arrangements you have made with your host. Make sure all involved are clear on what the arrangements are. I find it good practice to set aside a day or half day of shooting time and treat shooting with a host as any other paid job. This ensures I will not overbook and not leave time for following up on my end of the bargain. If there is spare time where you both are free to shoot, you can consider it an added bonus.
Prepare for the worst—plans may not follow through
Lastly, always prepare for the worst. Sometimes personalities clash or a host has to go out of town, or whatever other situation may arise that would prevent you from staying with a planned host. It is a good idea to know others in the area who could take you in for a night or two, but do not rely on this. Set aside an emergency savings, and know where cheap and safe lodging are in the area. I personally do not use sites like couchsurfing.org or airbnb.com, but those are good sites to find alternate ways to stay in a city without paying for a hotel. Craigslist.org is also a good source in some areas, provided you are savvy to Craigslist lingo. Worst case, have enough in an emergency savings to cover travel home.
May 31, 2013 at 5:46 am, Steve said:
Yes, well written. Here’s my viewpoint as a photographer.
I shoot with models only for fun, don’t sell any images and have
already spent a fair amount of money on equipment. Hence I shoot only
TFP and view the MM network as a way of making friends and keeping in
touch, not as a business. About the only time I’ve paid modeling fees
was as part of a workshop when I was starting out years ago.
However, I’ve hosted about a half dozen models, usually on a weekend
because of the distances in my rural area (200 miles is not unusual),
but also for a model traveling cross country. I’ve had good experiences
with MM models and we’ve stayed in touch via occasional e-mail.
Unfortunately, years ago when I was renting out part of my house a
renter stole some of my things to pawn them to support a gambling
addiction, so I want to check references before agreeing to host. For a
model with a cooperative attitude and references, I’m often willing to
host on a free bed and breakfast basis and in some cases contribute a
bit toward travel expense.
.
That’s just one photographer’s perspective on hosting models.
May 26, 2013 at 7:21 am, Doris said:
Thank you for sharing this with us. I am planning on travelling all over China this summer and I am definitely glad I read his first!
May 25, 2013 at 5:35 pm, brynna raine said:
This is extremely useful!!! … i would love to start traveling but in the end, i have no idea where to start
May 23, 2013 at 8:16 am, Mel Heflin said:
I think every model that plans to start traveling should read this. If any models need further advice feel free to contact me.
April 06, 2012 at 12:26 pm, VAngelButterfly said:
wow , thank you this was extreamly helpful to me
March 18, 2012 at 4:58 pm, Emmadmontgomery said:
thank you for posting this! it was very helpful! im just starting out on the professional level (finally!!!!) and there is so much i need to learn still, starting out with the terms! this article is bookmarked on my computer! again, thank you for sharing your knowledge!
March 17, 2012 at 4:28 am, Reneja said:
this is a great idea! I work with a photographer who is, what you say, a Host for traveling models, but he didn’t use that term. So I found that kind of strange with him being so legitamate. I understand it now. It is a great idea I can use for when the time comes for me to travel out of town & stuff, especially being a freelance model. It’s a great way to expand my network.
Thank you
March 16, 2012 at 9:12 am, Martin - studio 17 said:
Good to hear all this.
As an artist in Spain I am often having models stay with me and although 99.9% of them have been fine with many – most? – of them returning time after time, there’s always the odd one.
(But only had one walk out on us – unfortunately she did have a problem with various addictions.)
E.g. the last one, despite having been given all the casting details and advice, told us the day before arrival that she was celiac, dairy free & raw vegan.
PLEASE if you do have special dietry needs and are staying with a host that provides food, DO let them know of special requirements well in advance.
March 16, 2012 at 3:25 am, Meetmisspaige said:
I love you for not just the article, but that top photo. You miss, are made of awesome 🙂
March 16, 2012 at 3:10 am, Svetlenan Muerte said:
This is great advice. I travel often and just take the loss on my lodgings as a part of building my port. I’ve never thought to inquire about lodging with the photographer until recently. I didn’t know if this was an acceptable question, frankly! Thank you very much.
March 15, 2012 at 10:56 pm, Oni said:
Very well written, organized and most of all, great common sense.
March 15, 2012 at 10:19 pm, Chaya Phally said:
Thank you for sharing! You rock badass!