xpLOsv21 Photography wrote:
Well, not throwing MelissaAnn under the bus, but she didn't respond to my email... What did I think. I was thinking she thought my work was not good enough YET to have her in my port. Totally understandable. I realized this may have been true when Foto Gregor ripped my stuff apart...which I thanked him for. So what am I doing now to correct this...getting my shit together. Trying to find photographers that I can assist, enrolled in photography school, and shooting what I can, when I can, and where I can. Photoshop is a "beach" to learn, so I am writing a manual VERBATIM...in my own words to get an understanding of it all. 

So the next time I contact someone I contacted before, they will be like "hells yeah, I will work with you..."

Hi xpLOsv21 -

I would not have been quite so thorough and detailed in my critique if I did not think it was worth my time - by which I mean that I saw things that give me the sense that you have *potential* ---

too much potential not to take doing it right seriously -

I am rooting for you -  and looking forward to seeing your work develop over time -

you are always welcome to hit me up for an opinion, advice, whatever I can do to help along the way

I think you *will* get there - 

Cheers

Lanna_ wrote:

Aw, thanks for the kind words    

All the way in Wisconsin?  I'd happily set up a TFC - trade for cheese   I've always wanted to visit the cheese factories.  We have one in Oregon but I'm guessing Wisconsin is a whole different league!

If you like Seattle, you'd dig a visit in Madison. I promise!

Cuica Cafezinho wrote:

Garry k just needs a big hug, really.

not from you though , ok

Garry k wrote:

not from you though , ok

I already told you NO on the slurpy kiss.

This thread is not the place for negotiation.

*snort*

Cuica Cafezinho wrote:
I already told you NO on the slurpy kiss.

This thread is not the place for negotiation.

*snort*

bored are we ?

DougBPhoto wrote:
However, for a totally creepy comment, I'm thinking of going to Wisconsin in Sept.... road trip!! LOL

Scout out the cheese factories for me!

Have you been to Tillamook?  I love that place!

Lanna_ wrote:
Yeah, it is asking a bit much from the average MM hobbyist, but I get a nice one like that once in a rare while.

The MUA/H/styling is kind of a linchpin for me though.  It will make a huge difference if someone is asking TF and looking to assemble a team or expecting me to do everything myself.  I just need to know what they intend before I think of committing to shoot.

I also like to see a list or moodboard just because I get too many conversations like this:

photographer: I was hoping to shoot.
me: What genre/concepts are you going for?
photographer: I'm not sure, I was hoping you'd have some ideas.

I just need some evidence that they have a concept and have spent time developing the concept to the point where I know what to generally expect and we can actually carry it out. 

Example: "I want to shoot dark and edgy" is not useful to me.  I have no idea what that means to you and if it's something useful to me or not.  I'm not going to commit to anything that vague. 

I know some people enjoy minimal prep, but in my personal experience I've gotten the best results with a developed concept and full team.  And it can still be creative and collaborative at the same time.  We just have a stronger base to spring from.

I agree with you completely, and I totally get where you are coming from.

I even agree with you 100% on so many of your points, EXCEPT that I'm not going to make that effort (nor ask anyone else to make that effort) UNTIL I know that the model has some level of interest, especially if I've never worked with that model previously.

I think there are a lot of photographers who would also not consider doing those things PRIOR to contacting the model, but afterwards, absolutely.

Say yes, and I'll work my ass off, but I'm not going to assemble a team or mood board before talking to the model.

It is not a question of minimum prep, I think there are a lot of people willing to do a lot of prep, but not BEFORE even contacting the model.  (Unless it is a project where it really does not matter who the model is, in which case it would not matter if you said yes or no... next.)

Commercial project or personal project, at least for me, very different expectations of what work should happen when.

I agree completely with your concerns though and why those things factor into your decision, but I think it is important to remember that those things matter to every other person who might be involved in the shoot too, so it is a bit of a luxury to expect people assemble and make such detailed plans before even talking to you.

As I said though, that IS an IDEAL template, and as such, that would be ideal for photographers to get the best possible response when contacting a potential model.

I just don't know how realistic of an expectation that is, especially here.

Lanna_ wrote:
Scout out the cheese factories for me!

Have you been to Tillamook?  I love that place!

Okay, I will.  For Oregon, I thought I heard of one down in Bandon also, but I don't know if they do tours there too, or just try to sell cheese.

DougBPhoto wrote:
I just don't know how realistic of an expectation that is, especially here.

+1. 

Yep, it's an ideal template and like most ideal things it doesn't happen very often.  But we can dream

I don't need all of that to express interest in shooting, but the more information provided the more likely I'll be to respond. 

(Granted there are some photographers so amazing they could say "want to shoot?" and I'll say "YES!" without needing to hear more...)

I should dig up an example of what I send to photographers I'm hoping to shoot with... Pretty much exactly my template. I do get a good share of people who say no, but I'm near 100% on their return replies.

EDIT: there's a cheese sample line in Tillamook! You can go through as many times as you want   Plus they have every kind of Tillamook ice cream for sale there (by the scoop).  I got to finally try licorice - I can never find it in the stores.  I have a good time there, but I'm easily amused

Tony Lawrence wrote:
I looked at your work.   What do YOU feel you need to do too improve?   A models perspective aside.   She or he can't improve you.   Lets say I ask a model to shoot and she says I hate your use of Photoshop.   Should I stop using CS?   A male model asked me to shoot a week ago.   I don't shoot guys and unless he looks fantastic in a dress can't change that.   However I did tell him I don't shoot dudes but I replied.   If I'm at a club and I ask a pretty woman to dance.   Should she ignore me or say hey you smell bad so no.   

This wasn't about me being butt hurt as I would never approach the OP for a shoot nor do I ask models in general but is a conversation about how we should conduct ourselves.   You asked the OP to shoot and she never replied.   Is your work lacking?   Who's too say?   Was your approach insulting?   You don't know.   So what did you learn from no response?   If a model approached you to shoot and she wasn't your type.   Would you tell her no thanks or that she's too fat for you.   I come from the everyone deserves a reply view.   Apparently,  I'm wrong.

At the time, what I need to improve is my photographic skills. I need to shoot, shoot and shoot some more and work with the tools that I have at hand. When I did the photos in my port, I literally bought my camera on the way to the workshop. I knew where the power button was and the shutter release. I learned a few things about the camera at the workshop, but that was it. And the photos probably displayed a lack of experience, newbie-ism, or whatever.

I was not referring to you being butt hurt. I understand the point both you and the OP are making. No harm no foul. As far as my work, whether composition, white balance, exposure, etc... needed to improve. I requested a critique on my port and it pushed me in the direction of improvement. "Who's to say"...well, that comes from not getting responses when contacting models. Good, bad, or indifferent...I doesnt matter, I got work to do. My approach is not insulting...fairly basic, but asking for scheduling and rates. I have made a few jokes here and there, according to their profiles and assuming some of the statements in their profile is light-hearted in nature, but nothing offensive.

Now if a model that approached me wasnt my type...thats OK, because I am married and my wife is at home. But I am willing to shoot anyone and everyone because it will only help me learn and get better. Now, I am not going to hire any and everyone, but I will hire models with a particular look that I think would help me build my business.

MelissaAnn  wrote:
Edit:  Oh, and since you like feedback so you can improve, I'll tell you why I didn't respond to your message.  You're brand new (very high chance of butthurt responses from a lot of unrealistic newbies), your work is not terribly good yet (you already know that), your message did not clearly state whether you were interested in paid or TF (I assumed TF),  and the first line of your pm was off-putting.  Don't share that sort of info with models you're interested in collaborating with, they don't care, and it can give people the idea that you may have ulterior motives.  Hope this helps!

Thanks for the feedback and response. Now, I will say in my defense...without getting defensive...is the first line in the pm was a light hearted response to a section in your profile that said something similar. Now, looking back, I wouldnt do that again because it can come across as a little unprofessional...especially being that the model does not know me.

MoRina wrote:
I think models with profiles here should specify in their profiles if they only model in the off-time from their full-time jobs.  If one presents oneself as an experienced, professional model then one should expect that people think they will receive a reply from an offer.  When a profile is filled with warm, fuzzy, inviting statements, then people think that model is actually looking for work.

I don't understand how one can advertise themselves here and then spout the "OMG DON'T BOTHER ME - I have a JOB, ya know..."

Every job has its tedious parts that don't reap immediate financial or other rewards.  Doesn't mean you shouldn't do them.

Some of us clearly state we have other jobs on our profile (I do).  I've seen many models state on their profile that they have limited time, don't travel, or are simply hobbyists.  I don't think this: "OMG DON'T BOTHER ME - I have a JOB, ya know..." is even close to how most models go about telling photographers they have another job.  The fact that you would word it that way just sounds like you're choosing to be bitter and sarcastic toward the part-time models, which make up a very large percentage of the MM population.   

I think most photographers on MM understand that a large percentage of models here are not professional full-time models.  For those that don't, hopefully they have learned something from this thread.  It's safe to assume that most models here are *not* full time models, unless they've specifically stated on their profile that they are, and I've found that most full-time models do.

Because many models on here do not rely on modeling as their primary source of income (some have lucrative day jobs) there's no reason for them to bother with the "tedious" jobs on MM.

If you're a full-time model that needs to reply to every single message, you should continue doing so.  Just realize that others may have a different situation than you.

MoRina wrote:
I think models with profiles here should specify in their profiles if they only model in the off-time from their full-time jobs.  If one presents oneself as an experienced, professional model then one should expect that people think they will receive a reply from an offer.  When a profile is filled with warm, fuzzy, inviting statements, then people think that model is actually looking for work.

I don't understand how one can advertise themselves here and then spout the "OMG DON'T BOTHER ME - I have a JOB, ya know..."

Every job has its tedious parts that don't reap immediate financial or other rewards.  Doesn't mean you shouldn't do them.

100% of my current income is from modeling.  However, pretty close to 0% of my income is from MM.  I respond to my agency bookers ASAP.  MM is not my golden goose and I don't give it the same priority.

MelissaAnn  wrote:
Some of us clearly state we have other jobs on our profile (I do).  I've seen many models state on their profile that they have limited time, don't travel, or are simply hobbyists.  I don't think this: "OMG DON'T BOTHER ME - I have a JOB, ya know..." is even close to how most models go about telling photographers they have another job.  The fact that you would word it that way just sounds like you're choosing to be bitter and sarcastic toward the part-time models, which make up a very large percentage of the MM population.   

I think most photographers on MM understand that a large percentage of models here are not professional full-time models.  For those that don't, hopefully they have learned something from this thread.  It's safe to assume that most models here are *not* full time models, unless they've specifically stated on their profile that they are, and I've found that most full-time models do.

Because many models on here do not rely on modeling as their primary source of income (some have lucrative day jobs) there's no reason for them to bother with the "tedious" jobs on MM.

If you're a full-time model that needs to reply to every single message, you should continue doing so.  Just realize that others may have a different situation than you.

I'm bitter and sarcastic?  Where did you get that from?  I offered a suggestion that people who aren't full time state that so people contacting them would understand.

If there was no issue, you wouldn't have started this thread.  And my quote was based on being here for years and hearing from hundreds of photographer how hard it is to book models.    Frustrated photographers have shown me their PMs to models in hopes that I can help them figure out what they are doing wrong and why the responses they get are similar or worse than the one I quoted.

And, to address your last comment, many full-time models don't "need" to answer all their PMs either.  I get far more offers than I have time to ever accept.   It doesn't mean that a politely worded offer doesn't deserve the courtesy of a reply.

Damianne wrote:
I like that this was about reasons why the very real occurrence might happen, and everyone ran off into raging about why it never should oh gawd.

You're in good company.

It seemed pretty clear it was meant to illuminate rather than yet another excuse for people to bitch about how unprofessional it is, and how they would never dream of being so rude. 

The glass window and rock business must be making a killing

Damianne wrote:
I like that this was about reasons why the very real occurrence might happen, and everyone ran off into raging about why it never should oh gawd.

You like that?...
Well, here's my take on why it shouldn't happen:
I for one, am not interested in knowing the reasons why someone tries to justify why they don't respond to messages.

All I know is that proper etiquette tell us that we are obligated to respond when someone addresses us.

Some people feel that this general rule no longer applies to them the moment they slap the "model" or "photographer" label on their foreheads.

I am guilty of opening a message and not responding right away, but using lame excuses like, "I just got your message" seems so disingenuous, especially when the website is designed to prevent us from getting away with that. 

Bill Tracy Photography wrote:
Personally I feel it's rude and very unprofessional to read a message and not give some sort of reply.  I'm very specific with my messages and give every detail of the shoot.  I have nearly all of my photos in my profile credited to models on here.  The ones that aren't credited are models that don't have a profile on here.

If the model is not interested for whatever reason, a simple reply of "Sorry, I'm not interested." would be wonderful and to me shows professionalism.  I feel I put forth professionalism with my initial message and expect the same in return.

Yet I can't tell you how many models read a message and just don't bother to reply.  Quite often they're the ones that sent me a friend request in the first place.  I give them a week or so to reply, after I have seen they have read my message and then I just delete them from my friends list.

This is just my view on the subject.

Don't let internet modeling interfere with the way you normally do business.  Your idea of professionalism is spot on.

MnPhoto wrote:
rabble rabble

Seems like one of the 3 other threads on the subject would be the thread for you, then, hm?

MelissaAnn  wrote:
...
REASONS WHY A MODEL MAY NOT RESPOND TO AN INITIAL MESSAGE:

1.)  The message isn't specific-doesn't mention if the shoot will be paid or TF.

"Thank you for your message. Is this paid or TF?"

MelissaAnn  wrote:
2.) The offer is insulting.

"Thank you for your message, but your offer is below what I usually get paid" Let the negotiations begin (or not).

MelissaAnn  wrote:
3.) The original message is more than a couple paragraphs long.  I love specifics, but there's just no need for people to tell their life story in the initial message- it can be very off-putting.

I rather prefer lots of information. I weed through the relevant and irrelevant info, then approach the shoot from there. Eventually you will NEED additional information before you make up your mind. Too much personal information actually helps me decide if this person is experienced in dealing with others professionally.

MelissaAnn  wrote:
4.) The photographer sending the message doesn't have any MM models credited in their port, and no "credited" photos I can look at.  I like to check references from random models of my choice, not have the photographer only giving me names of ones they want me checking with.

I have yet to meet someone that will actively use or list potentially bad references. Some people say they do, but they are lying. A bad reference can be an unresolved misunderstanding, that is best ignored than constantly having to re-explain the ill will. You shouldn't get mad because someone doesn't make your secret detective work easier, yet..

"Can I have the Model Mayhem account number of the model listed in photo number [insert photo number here]" does the trick.

On the other hand, I am do not think it is nice to hand out the contact the contact information of other MM or Non-MM members to total strangers without their permission.

MelissaAnn  wrote:
5.)  The senders portfolio hasn't been updated in more than a year, no "credited" photos, and no link to outside work on their profile.

I still don't see how this justifies choosing not to respond. Obviously the person is still shooting, otherwise they would not have contacted you.

There are people with recently-uploaded photos, which were shot 3 years (or 30 lbs!) ago. By your logic recent uploads of old photos is easy to determine.

MelissaAnn  wrote:
6.)  I get a bad gut feeling, or the sender seems like a complete jackass/delusional- this can include unrealistic demands on profile, excessive bragging (which usually points to extreme insecurity), members of MM for years with few or no friends or tags on profile (they seem to be generally inactive), people that go to great lengths to try and convince me what a "nice guy" they are, anyone that seems overbearing, like they might be drama to deal with.

Welcome to the real world of commercial and fashion advertising!  "Everyone is a sweetheart, and the nice guys always finish first."

Something has to be said for "gut feelings", but if I used premonition to dictate my business dealings, I would not have landed some lucrative contracts while working with "sweetheart" ad execs.

MelissaAnn  wrote:
7.)  The message doesn't ask for a response.  Messages like, "get in touch if you ever want to work with me" or "let me know when you're in my city" etc.

I think this is called networking. If I attend a networking event, I don't expect to book shoots the moment I hand out a business card or exchange phone numbers.

MelissaAnn  wrote:
8.)  I just plain forget.  When I'm traveling, sometimes I'll open a message and won't have the time to adequately respond. From the time I open that message, I get tons of others, the message gets buried pages back in my inbox, I get busy, and I forget to go back far enough to find it again and respond.  There's no excuse for this, but it does occasionally happen.

This happens to me all the time, and fortunately this is the main reason why someone would forget to respond to someone. Unfortunately, some people feel they will be diminished by admitting this and choose to try to justify their momentary lapse with speculations about the other person (i.e., too vague, too detailed, not specifying TFP right away, etc.)

MelissaAnn  wrote:
REASONS WHY A MODEL MAY STOP RESPONDING:
...

No reasons required for this part. You simply end your conversation/discussion/argument on either good terms (i.e., not interested, this isn't going to work) or bad terms (you are disrespectful, learn how to talk to women, etc.). Besides, if things go south, you can BLOCK and theb CAM the other person. No need to worry about F.U. replies.

Some people can't take "No" for an answer, or simply like to get the last word in. In those situations, I choose to end my conversations and simply ignore them, as I am doing to the troll (aka Damianne) above.

MelissaAnn  wrote:

Because if I'm busy, and I have many other offers that are more specific (and appealing), I assume these are TF offers from folks that may not be too great at communicating specifics.  I often don't have time to play 20 questions with people that can't or won't include pertinent information in the initial message. It's often faster, easier, and more productive for me to just deal with the people that are good communicators.  That being said, I try to respond to nonspecific inquiries whenever I have extra time.

For a model that is so busy they can;t take the time to see if a request was TF or Pay, they sure spend most of it following this post for weeks on MM.  When does she have time to actually shoot?

MnPhoto wrote:

You like that?...
Well, here's my take on why it shouldn't happen:
I for one, am not interested in knowing the reasons why someone tries to justify why they don't respond to messages.

All I know is that proper etiquette tell us that we are obligated to respond when someone addresses us.

Some people feel that this general rule no longer applies to them the moment they slap the "model" or "photographer" label on their foreheads.

I am guilty of opening a message and not responding right away, but using lame excuses like, "I just got your message" seems so disingenuous, especially when the website is designed to prevent us from getting away with that. 


Don't let internet modeling interfere with the way you normally do business.  Your idea of professionalism is spot on.

Another person who's butthurt at the lack of response from models here.  Thanks for bringing up a point that hasn't already been beat to death.   This thread isn't about butthurt photographers, or how you guys feel about it.  We already know.  This thread is about real reasons why not all models respond to messages.  Some photographers may be able to learn from such information.

Throwing a tantrum in this thread doesn't help your cause, and it's certainly not going to change the reality that not all models are going to respond to your messages.

L Cowles Photography wrote:

For a model that is so busy they can;t take the time to see if a request was TF or Pay, they sure spend most of it following this post for weeks on MM.  When does she have time to actually shoot?

Being busy is one reason.  If you read the rest of the thread, it's pretty clear that there are several other reasons why I (and many other models) choose not to respond to certain messages.  Those reasons may upset some people, which I was already more than aware of.  People can bitch about it all they like, but it doesn't (and isn't going to) change any of the multiple reasons models choose not to respond.

How I handle my business is up to me, and what I make time for is a personal choice.  I'm quite successful doing what I've been doing, so nobody in this thread is going to make me feel bad about the way I choose to handle my business, or my personal life. 

I started this thread because I can handle the bitching, the tantrums, and the insults from those that are too immature to accept reality, and I'm hoping the people that actually want to learn something will do just that.

MelissaAnn  wrote:

Being busy is one reason.  If you read the rest of the thread, it's pretty clear that there are several other reasons why I (and many other models) choose not to respond to certain messages.  Those reasons may upset some people, which I was already more than aware of.  People can bitch about it all they like, but it doesn't (and isn't going to) change any of the multiple reasons models choose not to respond.

How I handle my business is up to me, and what I make time for is a personal choice.  I'm quite successful doing what I've been doing, so nobody in this thread is going to make me feel bad about the way I choose to handle my business, or my personal life. 

I started this thread because I can handle the bitching, the tantrums, and the insults from those that are too immature to accept reality, and I'm hoping the people that actually want to learn something will do just that.

see, it's *good business* for a model to try to respond to as many messages as she can, or feels are legitimate (sorry photogs, but no, not all messages are legitimate business anything).

It's also *good business* to be aware of what you might do that would create a nonresponsive potential model.

Damianne wrote:

see, it's *good business* for a model to try to respond to as many messages as she can, or feels are legitimate (sorry photogs, but no, not all messages are legitimate business anything).

It's also *good business* to be aware of what you might do that would create a nonresponsive potential model.

Yeah, the reasonable people in this thread already get it, and the unreasonable ones will probably never get it, and somehow think it's productive to bitch about a reality they will never change.

Oh well. 

Damianne wrote:
I like that this was about reasons why the very real occurrence might happen, and everyone ran off into raging about why it never should oh gawd.

I love that it only took nine posts for the first butthurt, indignant photographer to appear.

Emily Hayworth wrote:
I agree with the main points in the OP's list.  All too often I get messages that severely lack in specificity -- dozens and dozens like "I like your look.  If you want to shoot, hit me up".  I rarely respond to those, simply because it seems like the person is so lazy, they can't even suggest a vague concept or theme.

This makes sense, at least on the surface.  But, try sending detailed concepts to 30 model, and getting two responses.  Then you wonder whether the others will answer in a week, or if you should propose the concept to someone else.

Like many photographers, I'm happy to discuss concepts with people who want to work with me.  Of course, much of my best work was based on ideas that evolved during the shoot, or with such simple concepts that it's silly to send them to a model.

AlyssaNicole wrote:
I used to reply to everyone. I used to even bs a little to let folks down softly... For instance, "you seem like you've got a good thing going, but the style you're focusing on is not what I'm looking to add to my portfolio at the moment." What I found is that a majority of the replies I receive are often dripping with sarcasm because I decline.  Example: Let me know if in the future I can add to your otherwise 'professional' portfolio..

Perhaps I would act more professional if I didn't feel like I'm rejecting a date to prom everytime I decline an offer to work with someone.

Yep......

I wonder if the same photographers who bitch the most about the 'no reply is a reply' are not some of the same ones who could not let it go gracefully if they received a "no thank you".....   there seems to be too much *emotional attachment*  on the part of many -

Art of the nude wrote:

This makes sense, at least on the surface.  But, try sending detailed concepts to 30 model, and getting two responses.  Then you wonder whether the others will answer in a week, or if you should propose the concept to someone else.

Like many photographers, I'm happy to discuss concepts with people who want to work with me.  Of course, much of my best work was based on ideas that evolved during the shoot, or with such simple concepts that it's silly to send them to a model.

The initial message really doesn't need to include *too* many specifics. 

State whether you're interested in paid or TF, when you want to shoot (date range), whether hair, makeup, and wardrobe will be provided, location of shoot, and a *brief* description of the possible concept.

The concept doesn't need to be complicated, it can be as simple as "bedroom glamour nudes," "fashion nudes,"  "outdoor art nudes in a woodsy location, or "studio portraits."  If the photographer's port is full of studio fashion shots, outdoor art nudes, or any other type of theme, it's also acceptable to simply say, "I'm interested in doing similar work to what you see in my port."

I don't expect a photographer to take an hour to put together a message for me before he/she even knows if I'm interested, just include the most important details.

Art of the nude wrote:

This makes sense, at least on the surface.  But, try sending detailed concepts to 30 model, and getting two responses.  Then you wonder whether the others will answer in a week, or if you should propose the concept to someone else.

Like many photographers, I'm happy to discuss concepts with people who want to work with me.  Of course, much of my best work was based on ideas that evolved during the shoot, or with such simple concepts that it's silly to send them to a model.

Fair enough, though I didn't mean that I wanted something super detailed, necessarily...even saying whether or not they wanted to gear toward fashion/glamour/art nude etc would be more than I get in those cases (though to be fair, my portfolio is mainly glamour nude, so I can generally assume that's why I'm being approached).

MelissaAnn  wrote:

The initial message really doesn't need to include *too* many specifics. 

State whether you're interested in paid or TF, when you want to shoot (date range), whether hair, makeup, and wardrobe will be provided, location of shoot, and a *brief* description of the possible concept.

The concept doesn't need to be complicated, it can be as simple as "bedroom glamour nudes," "fashion nudes,"  "outdoor art nudes in a woodsy location, or "studio portraits."  If the photographer's port is full of studio fashion shots, outdoor art nudes, or any other type of theme, it's also acceptable to simply say, "I'm interested in doing similar work to what you see in my port."

I don't expect a photographer to take an hour to put together a message for me before he/she even knows if I'm interested, just include the most important details.

This this this.

Damianne wrote:
I won't respond if there's an offer for sex in the first message, even if it's obviously an attempt at a joke, or anything else highly inappropriate, even if it's obviously an attempt at a joke.

Pretty much always just delete those.

Yeah, me too. 

Another reason I may not respond is if the photographer provides details on the way he looks, or too much personal info.  Example:  "Hi, I'm a 28-year-old fashion photographer with blond hair and a good build."  Gives the impression they're looking for something other than a shoot.