Photographer
Eye of the Yeti
Posts: 7
Jessup, Maryland, US
Please be gentle this is my first attempt at this forum bit.
I'm a nice guy and I don't like to sound rude but some models try to charge rates that are on par with well established models whos ports show their worth, how can I explain this when I still may want to work with them but at a rate they may find offensive?
Model
Miss AY
Posts: 8166
Bulqizë, Bulqizë, Albania
If you have an idea of how much you are willing to pay someone, offer that up front instead of waiting to hear a rate that might be too high.
In the situation you are currently in, tell them you unfortunately can't afford their rate right now.
Photographer
Srefis
Posts: 960
Asheville, North Carolina, US
Maybe
"Sorry that is out of my budget, I was leaning more to $??. I can include a print to sweeten the deal a little."
Photographer
Rob Domaschuk
Posts: 5715
Naperville, Illinois, US
Augustine York wrote:
If you have an idea of how much you are willing to pay someone, offer that up front instead of waiting to hear a rate that might be too high.
In the situation you are currently in, tell them you unfortunately can't afford their rate right now. +1
I've had models reply (who I've really wanted to work with) and quote rates that are just too high. I'd love to pay them the rate they ask but I then do three things:
1. Politely and in a friendly tone, let them know that their rate is not in my budget
2. Tell them what my budget is.
3. Thank them (sincerely) for replying.
More often than not, if the model is interested in working with me, she will alter her rates or figure out other types of compensation so that we can find a way to work together.
All those people whose first response is "Next!" often miss out on working with some great models.
Of course, if the model won't adjust her rates, it's either because she can (and is) getting those rates and/or doesn't want to work with me.
Most people (photographers AND models) who have been doing this a while realize that we won't always get our preferred/desired rates.
Photographer
eekimelphoto
Posts: 869
Sarasota, Florida, US
Eye of the Yeti wrote:
Please be gentle this is my first attempt at this forum bit.
I'm a nice guy and I don't like to sound rude but some models try to charge rates that are on par with well established models whos ports show their worth, how can I explain this when I still may want to work with them but at a rate they may find offensive? If that's your budget it's not offensive. Yes they may say no or counter but don't be offended. Y that either.
Photographer
American Glamour
Posts: 38813
Detroit, Michigan, US
Never, and I repeat never tell a model her rates are too high. It is really none of your business and it is a totally inappropriate comment.
If there is a model who quotes you a rate you feel is inappropriate make her a counter-offer. "Hello miss model, I would love to work with you, but the rate you quoted me is a bit out of my budget. Would you consider working for X dollars?"
The model will take, decline or make a counter-offer. Just make it non-judgemental and don't criticize her. Chastising her is the best way to drive her away.
Photographer
Through Elizabeths Eyes
Posts: 4916
Yelm, Washington, US
Augustine York wrote:
If you have an idea of how much you are willing to pay someone, offer that up front instead of waiting to hear a rate that might be too high.
In the situation you are currently in, tell them you unfortunately can't afford their rate right now. Yup. Offer what you can. Most models are willing to negotiate.
Model
Jessie Shannon
Posts: 2004
Las Vegas, Nevada, US
Just say you don't have the budget for that, counter...should be no offense taken.
Photographer
Azimuth Arts
Posts: 1490
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
When a model quotes me a number that is either out of budget or out of line with what I think she is worth based on her portfolio I simply offer what I think is fair/within budget. She can accept or walk away.
I know it can seem a bit awkward if she quotes $400 for a four shoot and you only think she's worth $100. You might want to counter offer outlining your original budget, and perhaps sweeten it a bit. Or give your lowest number and see if she returns a counter-offer.
Just be careful how you word it. Try something like:
"Thank you for your rates, however, I had only planned on spending $100 for this shoot. I could possibly go as high as $150 if you are interested. If not, I look forward to working with you in the future when I can offer more. All the best."
Just my $0.02
Scott
Photographer
ArtGlo
Posts: 506
Peru, Illinois, US
Eye of the Yeti wrote:
Please be gentle this is my first attempt at this forum bit.
I'm a nice guy and I don't like to sound rude but some models try to charge rates that are on par with well established models whos ports show their worth, how can I explain this when I still may want to work with them but at a rate they may find offensive? tell them your budget is $.... and ask if they would be able to work with that.
Photographer
Gloria Budiman
Posts: 1683
New York, New York, US
It's so high based on the assumption that you may use the work for commercial purpose, with your income more than tenfold of what you paid the models for shoot. But again I may be wrong.
Photographer
NewBoldPhoto
Posts: 5216
PORT MURRAY, New Jersey, US
ei Total Productions wrote:
Never, and I repeat never tell a model her rates are too high. It is really none of your business and it is a totally inappropriate comment.
If there is a model who quotes you a rate you feel is inappropriate make her a counter-offer. "Hello miss model, I would love to work with you, but the rate you quoted me is a bit out of my budget. Would you consider working for X dollars?"
The model will take, decline or make a counter-offer. Just make it non-judgemental and don't criticize her. Chastising her is the best way to drive her away. Alan, I have never had any success with that method, they always get offended and indignant. I simply say "I'm sorry that is beyond my budget- thank you for your time."
Photographer
Miss Havisham Studios
Posts: 297
Los Angeles, California, US
A high rate..... is sometimes a polite no.
Model
Tristin Huntamer
Posts: 679
Denver, Colorado, US
Tell them that you cannot afford their rate, and counter offer with a rate that you can afford. If they feel that it is worth their time then they will take the offer. If not then move on to the next model .
Photographer
toesup
Posts: 1240
Grand Junction, Colorado, US
Be kind, but precise.. pointing out that their portfolio is not up to the same standard as models that have been doing modeling for many years (have the portfolio to back up their experience) and can therefore charge $$$'s for their time.. You could also point them in the direction of this MM article.. https://www.modelmayhem.com/education/m … nce-models
Photographer
R A V E N D R I V E
Posts: 15867
New York, New York, US
when you message models tell them how much you will pay them
be prepared to offer something to sweeten the pie like... an actual print. I know, I know, novel concept.
but nobody gives prints anymore, so it has tangible value
Photographer
Richard Greenly
Posts: 1006
Des Moines, Iowa, US
Jessie Shannon wrote:
Just say you don't have the budget for that, counter...should be no offense taken. You sound like you get that one a lot.
Photographer
Through Elizabeths Eyes
Posts: 4916
Yelm, Washington, US
toesup wrote:
Be kind, but precise.. pointing out that their portfolio is not up to the same standard as models that have been doing modeling for many years (have the portfolio to back up their experience) and can therefore charge $$$'s for their time..
You could also point them in the direction of this MM article..
https://www.modelmayhem.com/education/m … nce-models Yeah... no.
Just politely tell them their rates are out of your budget. They didn't ask for a critique of their work, it's not your place to give one.
Photographer
Eye of the Yeti
Posts: 7
Jessup, Maryland, US
I know a polite no when I see it. But this model contacted me unsolicited.
Model
Ronin_LLC
Posts: 2012
Louisville, Kentucky, US
This is why I like having an agent. THEY set the rate which is dictated by the union, so if you have an issue with it you can take it up with them and I don't have to be bothered with.
That and accountability...
Photographer
Images by MR
Posts: 8908
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Eye of the Yeti wrote:
I know a polite no when I see it. But this model contacted me unsolicited. Then no need for a reply......
Photographer
NewBoldPhoto
Posts: 5216
PORT MURRAY, New Jersey, US
Eye of the Yeti wrote:
I know a polite no when I see it. But this model contacted me unsolicited. Ahhhh-
In that case try "Thank you for thinking of me however at this time I can offer you $X.00 for Y hrs. Would that be agreeable?"
Photographer
J O H N A L L A N
Posts: 12221
Los Angeles, California, US
Tell them how much you'll pay - don't ask them how much they'd like to receive.
Model
Ereka Marcelino
Posts: 2600
Kihei, Hawaii, US
I've had people email me when they see I'm coming to their area...some say, "My budget is so and so" and describe the concept, length and details. Those I appreciate more than beating around the bush.
I have adjusted/accepted shoots based on that directness. If it's not too far out of my normal rate. Some just send really low amounts hoping, and when I reply with my normal rate, they still accept it. I've had the same rates for 3 years and stay booked off it because I don't change just because. I don't increase if someone has work I don't like, I just decline.
I see some "known traveling models" on this site, that have their rates posted. And I stay about $15-$25 less per hour, I stay booked and know I have more publications and quality shots than most of them.
So always email and say it's what you can afford...and be set on it. I hate negotiations honestly. I end up doing it about 80% of the shoots I take. Just email and say what you can do, it works or not. Or do a casting, the ones that it works for, will contact you and say they want it.
Photographer
American Glamour
Posts: 38813
Detroit, Michigan, US
ei Total Productions wrote:
Never, and I repeat never tell a model her rates are too high. It is really none of your business and it is a totally inappropriate comment.
If there is a model who quotes you a rate you feel is inappropriate make her a counter-offer. "Hello miss model, I would love to work with you, but the rate you quoted me is a bit out of my budget. Would you consider working for X dollars?"
The model will take, decline or make a counter-offer. Just make it non-judgemental and don't criticize her. Chastising her is the best way to drive her away. NewBoldPhoto wrote:
Alan, I have never had any success with that method, they always get offended and indignant. I simply say "I'm sorry that is beyond my budget- thank you for your time." Have you ever had any good experiences saying to a model: "You know what, you are inexperienced, have no portfolio, your rates are a joke?"
I don't disagree with you. I think the OP will have a better chance with a model if he doesn't flame her for her rates. I do agree though. There are models that just won't negotiate.
Photographer
Dan Dozer
Posts: 664
Palm Springs, California, US
I don't worry about what a model's posted rates might be. Most post higher rates that what they are willing to or used to working for. Once I had gotten a reasonable amount of experience working with models, I always now take the initiative of letting the model know that "My budget can afford "X" $ per hour for "Y" hours of work. I have never had a model turn me down. After all, if they accept your offer and conditions, both sides are happy.
Model
Tristin Huntamer
Posts: 679
Denver, Colorado, US
E_R_E_K_A wrote:
I've had people email me when they see I'm coming to their area...some say, "My budget is so and so" and describe the concept, length and details. Those I appreciate more than beating around the bush.
I have adjusted/accepted shoots based on that directness. If it's not too far out of my normal rate. Some just send really low amounts hoping, and when I reply with my normal rate, they still accept it. I've had the same rates for 3 years and stay booked off it because I don't change just because. I don't increase if someone has work I don't like, I just decline.
I see some "known traveling models" on this site, that have their rates posted. And I stay about $15-$25 less per hour, I stay booked and know I have more publications and quality shots than most of them.
So always email and say it's what you can afford...and be set on it. I hate negotiations honestly. I end up doing it about 80% of the shoots I take. Just email and say what you can do, it works or not. Or do a casting, the ones that it works for, will contact you and say they want it. +1
Photographer
Through Elizabeths Eyes
Posts: 4916
Yelm, Washington, US
Eye of the Yeti wrote:
I know a polite no when I see it. But this model contacted me unsolicited. Either don't reply, or tell her thank you, but you don't have any paying projects at the moment.
Photographer
Lou Angeles
Posts: 102
San Francisco, California, US
What is the average per hour of a decent looking model (low-profile) and a high-profile one anyway??? I had offer these rates before from models: $35 clothes, $50 bikini, $70 lingerie, $100 nude implied (per hour) are these reasonable rates or high??? please help! 
Model
Ereka Marcelino
Posts: 2600
Kihei, Hawaii, US
LuweeAngeles wrote:
What is the average per hour of a decent looking model (low-profile) and a high-profile one anyway???
I had offer these rates before from models:
$35 clothes, $50 bikini, $70 lingerie, $100 nude implied (per hour)
are these reasonable rates or high??? please help! I don't give my rates out unless I'm actually talking to someone about setting a shoot that's realistic. But I am going to reply here. I don't understand all those different levels based on skin..
My rates per hour: $75 beauty/fashion, $125 art nudes, $300 half day (up to 4 hours), and $500 full day (up to 8 hours)
That's lower than most traveling models I know. And I don't adjust those rates based on area I am going to, nor if I personally like their work or not.
I give the rate if I'm willing to work with that person, and I decline if it doesn't work for any reason. Area and city average doesn't matter to me, I book based on what I stay being paid at when I travel.
I stay booked on those rates, and I've been to over 40 states and the same different countries. So I don't think it's too much for an "experienced" model with strong work.
That's the big thing for photographers...is this model going to bring you what you need? Do they have strong work with varied photographers? Do they have a range in poses and looks? All those should be answered before asking any model to shoot.
Photographer
Epicos
Posts: 51
Memphis, Tennessee, US
Srefis Limited wrote:
Maybe
"Sorry that is out of my budget, I was leaning more to $??. I can include a print to sweeten the deal a little." mine is pretty much the same, i just state it is outside my budget and leave it at that unless i really want to shoot with them, then i will include my budget.
Also, I only ask for rates when the model specifically states in her profile to ask for rates. Otherwise I give my budget with my original shoot request.
Photographer
Eye of the Yeti
Posts: 7
Jessup, Maryland, US
I appreciate everyone's feedback both models and photogs, you're giving me gold nuggets here. I'm always self conscious about sounding rude and getting a models perspective really helps.
Photographer
TheNormGallerys
Posts: 1512
Las Vegas, Nevada, US
John Allan wrote:
Tell them how much you'll pay - don't ask them how much they'd like to receive. just post your rates up front!
Pin-Up in Glamour, Swimwear, & Lingerie $40.00 per hour.
Semi-Nude in Lingerie, Swimwear, & Glamour, $70.00 per hour.
Totally Naked in Sexy Glamour, Sheer Lingerie & Erotic Nude $100.00 per hour.
Photographer
Art of the nude
Posts: 12067
Grand Rapids, Michigan, US
Gloria Budiman wrote:
It's so high based on the assumption that you may use the work for commercial purpose, with your income more than tenfold of what you paid the models for shoot. But again I may be wrong. Maybe in some cases, but I haven't found it common for art models to base rates on the expected revenue at all.
Photographer
Art of the nude
Posts: 12067
Grand Rapids, Michigan, US
toesup wrote:
Be kind, but precise.. pointing out that their portfolio is not up to the same standard as models that have been doing modeling for many years (have the portfolio to back up their experience) and can therefore charge $$$'s for their time..
You could also point them in the direction of this MM article..
https://www.modelmayhem.com/education/m … nce-models In general, that's not a good idea. I've done something like that, but it's still not a good idea.
And, frankly, "modeling for many years" isn't the point. Looks, styles, and skill, yes.
Photographer
Looknsee Photography
Posts: 26342
Portland, Oregon, US
Eye of the Yeti wrote:
Please be gentle this is my first attempt at this forum bit.
I'm a nice guy and I don't like to sound rude but some models try to charge rates that are on par with well established models whos ports show their worth, how can I explain this when I still may want to work with them but at a rate they may find offensive? What someone else quotes for their own rates is none of your business. You get to accept, decline, or make a counteroffer, but other than that, there is no need for you to stick your nose into their business.
Y'see -- you don't really get to set anyone's rates, including your own rates. The marketplace / universe sets the rates. If Sally asks for $1,000 an hour...
... if she gets paid $1,000 an hour, she's right to ask for it, and
... if she doesn't get $1,000 an hour, she'll either lower her rate or give up,
either way, problem solved.
So, don't worry about it. If she ain't worth it to you, find someone else. Other than that, this "problem" will take care of itself.
Photographer
ontherocks
Posts: 23575
Salem, Oregon, US
if the model leads with a price that is too high you can respond with a counter-offer. they might ignore you (or even flame you) but so what? some of them might say yes.
if you are going first in the negotiation then just give them your best offer, take it or leave it. don't get hung up on any one particular model. that ways lies ruin.
Photographer
AJ_In_Atlanta
Posts: 13053
Atlanta, Georgia, US
Personally almost all my projects the clients have a budget for models, take it or leave it sort of thing. I personally like the idea and would do the same even if it was a personal project or something like that.
Model
Bella la Bell
Posts: 4451
Kansas City, Missouri, US
Augustine York wrote:
If you have an idea of how much you are willing to pay someone, offer that up front instead of waiting to hear a rate that might be too high.
In the situation you are currently in, tell them you unfortunately can't afford their rate right now. pretty much on key! 
Photographer
ontherocks
Posts: 23575
Salem, Oregon, US
in the past i've paid the posted rates of traveling nude models (they are awesome by the way) and that has typically been $75-$125/hour (and sometimes i gave them rides as well). just depends on how much you want to shoot with them i suppose. some models are somewhat negotiable (i had one offer a 10% returning customer discount). experienced models are great for newbies because they handle the posing so the photographer can focus on the technical stuff. plus they probably know more about lighting than the photographer. if i were wealthy, i think that shooting the traveling models would be a great hobby. LuweeAngeles wrote:
What is the average per hour of a decent looking model (low-profile) and a high-profile one anyway???
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