mag-jr wrote:
So let me see if I understand you correctly,

you want a photographer to go in and photograph you having your baby, and you're going to CHARGE the photographer?

LOL, I have done only paid shoots throughout my pregnancy, why would I share such an intimate time for free? Those shots could be worth a lot, I certainly haven't seen much of that out there, it would be very diverse, for the right person.

ModelPrincess wrote:

LOL, I have done only paid shoots throughout my pregnancy, why would I share such an intimate time for free? Those shots could be worth a lot, I certainly haven't seen much of that out there, it would be very diverse, for the right person.

You haven't seen much out there because nobody wants it. The only people that those photos would mean anything to are your family, so actually charging a photographer to photograph something that only you care about is ludicrous!

John Lavery wrote:

You haven't seen much out there because nobody wants it. The only people that those photos would mean anything to are your family, so actually charging a photographer to photograph something that only you care about is ludicrous!

So then what makes the pregnancy so interesting? Wouldn't that fall under the same category? What makes one beautiful and the other desirable to only me? I'm not saying your wrong, that's why I asked in the first place.

ebarb wrote:
ummmm, having helpded deliver several babies that weren't my own (10 years on an ambulance means you see alot)...it may be a "beautiful" moment for the husband, but for the rest of us, it's loud, messy and ugly....though if your cool with it, I bet you can find someone willing to pay you for it....if someone will, then capitalism at its best!!!

This will be my third, my second birth went so easily, and this pregnancy is right after that one. So no problems are forseen. Of course you never know, but my last birth was really not gross.

John Lavery wrote:

You haven't seen much out there because nobody wants it. The only people that those photos would mean anything to are your family, so actually charging a photographer to photograph something that only you care about is ludicrous!

I agree. If anything the photographer should charge.

Semora wrote:

I agree. If anything the photographer should charge.

Why would I pay for something that I can be paid for?

ModelPrincess wrote:

Why would I pay for something that I can be paid for?

Well, if you want a hack, no talent photographer to photograph the event, that's fine. If you want someone with talent, chances are they're going to charge you. There was a model on here about a month ago who was making it sound like a deal if you shot her wedding for her TFPCD. My reply was simply that my wedding rates start at $1500. You'll probably find someone, though. Just don't expect them to be very good. Also, industry standard usually means that when a photographer pays a model, you'll never see any pictures.

ModelPrincess wrote:
LOL, I have done only paid shoots throughout my pregnancy, why would I share such an intimate time for free? Those shots could be worth a lot, I certainly haven't seen much of that out there, it would be very diverse, for the right person.

This is priceless!

Visions Of Excess Studi wrote:

Well, if you want a hack, no talent photographer to photograph the event, that's fine. If you want someone with talent, chances are they're going to charge you. There was a model on here about a month ago who was making it sound like a deal if you shot her wedding for her TFPCD. My reply was simply that my wedding rates start at $1500. You'll probably find someone, though. Just don't expect them to be very good. Also, industry standard usually means that when a photographer pays a model, you'll never see any pictures.

I've been shooting for 15 years and there have only been a handful of shoots I've done where I didn't recieve my photo's. And what I'm not understanding here is why are photographers writing in, sounding pissed off at me? I simply had a question, and was looking for some feedback. What on earth makes you think only a hack would want to shoot this? Just because you wouldn't, doesn't mean someone else wouldn't. The advise I asked for was, is it a good idea?

Eric Foltz wrote:
And models wonder why photographers get so pissed off at them because they always seem to have their hands out or want free photography.

This is the equivalent of me having to pay someone so that I can take their portrait.

Eric Foltz

Think supply and demand.  There is a huge supply of possible portrait candidates, but there is a very limited supple of models giving birth.  If there is a demand for photos of a model giving birth, the model should be paid.  If the demand comes from said model, the photographer should be paid.

Eric Foltz wrote:
And models wonder why photographers get so pissed off at them because they always seem to have their hands out or want free photography.

This is the equivalent of me having to pay someone so that I can take their portrait.

Eric Foltz

I don't have my hands out, maybe you're comparing me to other situations you've been in, but please don't. I work very hard at what I do. I don't expect handouts. This was brought up in a different thread, and it sparked an idea, I wanted to hear ideas from others and all I've heard are bitter photographers.

ModelPrincess wrote:

I don't have my hands out, maybe you're comparing me to other situations you've been in, but please don't. I work very hard at what I do. I don't expect handouts. This was brought up in a different thread, and it sparked an idea, I wanted to hear ideas from others and all I've heard are bitter photographers.

I don't thonk anyone here is bitter. I think we all get the impression you are looking for a photographer to photograph the birth of your child, and, rather than wanting to pay the photographer as when you hire one for a family portrait, you are expecting to be paid since you are a model that only works for pay. Is that a fair assessment, or are we all missing something?

ModelPrincess wrote:
I've been shooting for 15 years and there have only been a handful of shoots I've done where I didn't recieve my photo's. And what I'm not understanding here is why are photographers writing in, sounding pissed off at me? I simply had a question, and was looking for some feedback. What on earth makes you think only a hack would want to shoot this? Just because you wouldn't, doesn't mean someone else wouldn't. The advise I asked for was, is it a good idea?

I know what you're talking about Princess, but I think they're right. Look at it this way - you're more focused on making money on it rather then getting good quality photography work done as is obvious from your OP and replies. Since photographers on this site are serious about photography (rather then sickos wanting to watch strange girl give birth) this type of assignement is not appealing to anyone - I for one can tell that I can't imagine anyone doing this in order to enhance his/her portfolio. I've never paid models, but I understand this is why some fellow photographers do - to get some great shots for their port.

For a serious photographer this can only be a job (thus paid) or hands off. I do believe though there are many people out there who would pay to get a live action preview of this type. Those would not give a jack about photography though. I don't think you can get both quality photography and money out of this situation.

JMHO

Mark

David Moyle wrote:

I don't thonk anyone here is bitter. I think we all get the impression you are looking for a photographer to photograph the birth of your child, and, rather than wanting to pay the photographer as when you hire one for a family portrait, you are expecting to be paid since you are a model that only works for pay. Is that a fair assessment, or are we all missing something?

It's been offered out there to me, I just want to know if it's a good or bad idea. I also wanted to know if I would charge a normal model rate, or if that rate should change due to the extenuating circumstances. I'm not looking for a handout, by any stretch of the imagination. Maybe I formatted the question wrong in the first place, I sure do feel a lot of negative feedback. I'm hoping to clear any of that up.

MarkMarek wrote:

I know what you're talking about Princess, but I think they're right. Look at it this way - you're more focused on making money on it rather then getting good quality photography work done as is obvious from your OP and replies. Since photographers on this site are serious about photography (rather then sickos wanting to watch strange girl give birth) this type of assignement is not appealing to anyone - I for one can tell that I can't imagine anyone doing this in order to enhance his/her portfolio. I've never paid models, but I understand this is why some fellow photographers do - to get some great shots for their port.

For a serious photographer this can only be a job (thus paid) or hands off. I do believe though there are many people out there who would pay to get a live action preview of this type. Those would not give a jack about photography though. I don't think you can get both quality photography and money out of this situation.

JMHO

Mark

They may very well be right, but I do want to make a note, that these are photographers I've worked with before, not sicko's. I do see your point in that though. Thanks

ModelPrincess wrote:

It's been offered out there to me, I just want to know if it's a good or bad idea. I also wanted to know if I would charge a normal model rate, or if that rate should change due to the extenuating circumstances. I'm not looking for a handout, by any stretch of the imagination. Maybe I formatted the question wrong in the first place, I sure do feel a lot of negative feedback. I'm hoping to clear any of that up.

In that case, I would recommend getting some samples of the photographer's work to make sure he's a serious photographer first. Then, you need to consider the fact that there are other people in the room that may not want to have photos of themselves out there. Some hospitals don't allow video any more because people try to sue over minor things and use video tape as evidence, so you may need a hospital's prior approval and to get the Doctor and nurses to sign a release. Then, you need to consider you are basically signing away the rights to photographs of your private moment.

Just my random thoughts.

johnnycrosslin wrote:

Its cool they let you set up the strobes and umbrellas in there man!        kidding.

As far as the thread goes...i guess folks are open to literally anything just to make a buck.  plain and simple.

johnnycrosslin wrote:

Wow, that's amazing, thank you for sharing that!

ModelPrincess wrote:
Also, if I can stand up for myself a bit, I am not the type to sell my soul for a few bucks. I definitely don't want to come across like that. It's why I'm asking questions, and deciding what's the right thing for me. This thread makes me sound like a horrible person, maybe I have my answer.

I think it was a mis-understanding of your original post.

johnnycrosslin wrote:

Was this shot REALLY necessary?  I was about to sit down to supper!

ModelPrincess wrote:

I've been shooting for 15 years and there have only been a handful of shoots I've done where I didn't recieve my photo's. And what I'm not understanding here is why are photographers writing in, sounding pissed off at me? I simply had a question, and was looking for some feedback. What on earth makes you think only a hack would want to shoot this? Just because you wouldn't, doesn't mean someone else wouldn't. The advise I asked for was, is it a good idea?

Sorry, it wasn't my intention to sound mean. Was just trying to be as truthful as possible. Honestly, to be contracted out to cover someone elses intimate moment like you're talking about, I'd expect to be paid well. And I'd assume that most professional photographers would expect the same.

ModelPrincess wrote:
Also, if I can stand up for myself a bit, I am not the type to sell my soul for a few bucks. I definitely don't want to come across like that. It's why I'm asking questions, and deciding what's the right thing for me. This thread makes me sound like a horrible person, maybe I have my answer.

I wouldn't say horrible.  If we were friends (I mean the real kind, not on-line buddies) wouldn't say anything bad or snicker behind your back.  It doesn't bother me in the least.

...but, it does seem like selling out for a buck.  If that makes sense.

am I above that?  I'll have to admit...no.  If TLC came up to me and wanted to video the event and my wife (future wife...I haven't tricked anyone yet) was ok with it and they were waving money in my face...I can't say that I'd say no.