Photographer
Natural Means
Posts: 936
Yamba, New South Wales, Australia
Casting calls + friendly respectful personal messages to browsed suitable models requesting the model look at the casting call seem best combination for me.
Good luck.
Photographer
Click Hamilton
Posts: 36555
San Diego, California, US
Wheeltracks Photography wrote:
Does anyone have any pointers, advice, tips? I think one's location in the country might play a significant role.
If you have access to major cities, I think it will be much easier filling a schedule.
I run two basic styles of photography under two names: my Click Hamilton style you see here, and also my Stan Schutze style at www.pbase.com/schutze/modeling . This at least doubles my exposure, and draws from a broader number of people who like one style or the other. Some people like both.
When I'm actively shooting, editing and uploading new material, I get more requests for photo shoots than I have time to accept. (I never charge for my service as a photographer, and I prefer that models come to me for the quality of my work rather than for my money. That means I'm a TFP guy and/or I host traveling models for trade.)
I overwhelmed myself with too many photo shoots and a mountain of unedited material about a year ago, so I backed off on shooting until I catch up. Since I'm not shooting as much, the requests for photo shoots have decreased. I was also banned from MM for 6 months for having too much fun in Soapbox, ending around April Fools Day. That put a crimp in my exposure and momentum. It's rebuilding now.
If I make a systematic and steady plan of searching and contacting local models, and traveling models coming to San Diego, I can easily fill any available time for photo shoots. I have other responsibilities that have to be taken care of first. Photography is my hobby and my escape from business. I enjoy meeting creative and artistic people, so this is my outlet for that.
Photographer
the lonely photographer
Posts: 2342
Beverly Hills, California, US
not getting into the space of the experts and pros here. But in Los Angeles area, there are Meetup groups, where photographers models and MUAs get together for a shooting sessions, low cost usually for venues and studio space, thats a easy way to work with new models and get something on paper, and most members will help you if you run into technical issues. I think its your best bet if theres a group in your area, if not START one!
Photographer
Click Hamilton
Posts: 36555
San Diego, California, US
Marciofs wrote:
It depends on places culture. In Ireland it was very easy find models even when I started and didn't had any photos.
But in Germany it seems to be impossible. Where I leave even photographers doesn't like to meet up. I tried in several forums and nothing. Haha.
Sorry, but this made me laugh.
I think I know why 
---
And thanks for the tip. I'll keep my eyes peeled for some friendly Irish models passing through San Diego 
Model
GingerMuse
Posts: 369
STUDIO CITY, California, US
That Italian Guy wrote:
+1
In my first few weeks/months on MM after 20 years away from model photography and with only a few old scanned images in my 'portfolio' I pretty much had to shoot with anybody who would agree to stand in front of my camera!
If you have any talent though, it soon gets easier
Remember to always aim to 'test up' - ie. always try to work with people you feel are better than your 'level' (whatever you feel that to be). If you think a model is way out of your league then maybe hold off messaging or tagging her for a while, but if you feel she's maybe or slightly out of your range then try leaving a tag and see if you get any interest back...
Just my $0.02
Ciao
Stefano
www.stefanobrunesci.com + 1
your portfolio could be part of the problem, but I cannot critique you in this forum section.
It's usually not TOO hard to get SOMEONE to model for you starting out, but that doesn't mean they will be "model quality" or have any experience. A strong port really helps if you don't want to PAY someone.
Model
GingerMuse
Posts: 369
STUDIO CITY, California, US
the lonely photographer wrote:
not getting into the space of the experts and pros here. But in Los Angeles area, there are Meetup groups, where photographers models and MUAs get together for a shooting sessions, low cost usually for venues and studio space, thats a easy way to work with new models and get something on paper, and most members will help you if you run into technical issues. I think its your best bet if theres a group in your area, if not START one! +1
I've modeled for some of these group shoots before and it can definitely be beneficial, plus you'll be shooting multiple models in one day.
Photographer
Image Works Photography
Posts: 2890
Orlando, Florida, US
To OP- look for local meetup groups who share the same interests. I personally have added many pictures that way. I found that there always 1 or 2 models that are portfolio worthy. Some other groups only charge $20 at the door and get a class with amazing models to shoot. One thing I learned from mm- models are very flaky. You will learn in time.
Photographer
Chris David Photography
Posts: 561
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Finding a model here on MM/FB/SN I find is relatively easy but finding a very good/exceptional model can be difficult.
If I have a model cancel out on a shoot the day before I can usually find a replacement in time. Also get around 10 a week though various media asking If I'd consider doing a TF base shoot with them.
Things seem to improve with time. When I started in photography I couldn't even find anyone to pose for me but was more invested in taking still life/abstracts/landscapes/etc. 8-9 years ago when I wanted to shoot more people I really struggled to find people to pose and now I only have time for 1 or 2 of these shoots a month outside of my work shoots.
Also having more quality samples to show/better folios help greatly.
Photographer
OTSOG
Posts: 141
Benicia, California, US
If you're desperate or ballsy or both, take your camera to a popular area, find something interesting for a background, and look busy. People will pass by. They may ask what you're doing. Tell them. Then say "Would you mind modeling for me?" Lather, rinse, repeat.
Photographer
Kent Art Photography
Posts: 3588
Ashford, England, United Kingdom
OTSOG wrote:
If you're desperate or ballsy or both, take your camera to a popular area, find something interesting for a background, and look busy. People will pass by. They may ask what you're doing. Tell them. Then say "Would you mind modeling for me?" Lather, rinse, repeat. This. One of the models in my portfolio worked in my local supermarket, another in my local garage.
However, I have found that people approached in the street don't usually want to do TFP - which is what Mr Hamilton is talking about - because if they did they'd probably already be on a site like MM anyway. I pay, if only a small amount, and I often get models by asking. And when word gets around that the work can actually be quite interesting (and I'm not a perv) then it gets easier to find people.
Photographer
Loki Studio
Posts: 3523
Royal Oak, Michigan, US
Most emerging photographers without a solid portfolio will have to use direct friends as models or pay better talent. Its simply a fact that most experienced models or attractive beginners get many offers every day from people with more experience and higher quality work.
If you are having troubles getting talent with your current methods, then consider paying models to make your offers more unique.
Photographer
Dave McDermott
Posts: 720
Coill Dubh, Kildare, Ireland
Gallery-MG wrote:
Persistence is key.
Also, it varies, the difficulty in finding models. Some weeks it feels like you can't fit them all into your schedule. A few weeks later there isn't one to be found. This, I find it can sometimes be a feast or a famine. It's difficult starting off because you don't have great photos to begin with. Where you live could be an issue too. But there are a lot more models on MM now than what there was a few years ago - I'm seeing more and more models appearing in my area which is great.
What did aspiring photographers do before Model Mayem and facebook existed?
Photographer
Kent Art Photography
Posts: 3588
Ashford, England, United Kingdom
Dave McDermott wrote:
...What did aspiring photographers do before Model Mayem and facebook existed? I've been around a few years...
Basically, there was no TFP. It just didn't exist. There was testing, which in those days was different to what people claim it to be these days, but it was only done in the big cities where there were agencies, and you generally had to have some talent, or luck, to get in on it. Because there was no TFP there were no wannabe models having pictures taken for free by wannabe photographers. Many girls dreamed of becoming models, but in reality very few of them were able to do anything about it.
Models were usually paid. How you got them depended on where you were, how much you paid, and what sort of models you wanted. For the sort of nude work that I did, you were basically on the fringes of prostitution. Magazine adverts brought in mixed results and generally weren't worth the hassle, postcard adverts in shop windows generally did better, and it was sometimes worth checking out phone boxes, unless the GPO cleaners had been there before you. I got to know some gym owners, and got known to the people who went there. These were real gyms, with sawdust on the floor, sometimes blood, too, and no luminous lycra or fat people.
Often, though, you asked. Lots of business cards, lots of bravado, and, often, lots of interest.
Photographer
Jerry Nemeth
Posts: 33355
Dearborn, Michigan, US
Anzhelika Yakimenko wrote:
Anybody having trouble getting a model should....email me 
Photographer
Jerry Nemeth
Posts: 33355
Dearborn, Michigan, US
Click Hamilton wrote:
Haha.
Sorry, but this made me laugh.
I think I know why
---
And thanks for the tip. I'll keep my eyes peeled for some friendly Irish models passing through San Diego I have photographed a few models from San Diego.
Photographer
JAE
Posts: 2207
West Chester, Pennsylvania, US
You will have to ask yourself if looking through your port would lead to anything a model would want in her port. Since we can't critique here I didn't check out your port myself. When I started I did a few workshops and organized group shoots to learn a few things and to get a few different model pics in my port. Once you have some images and the ball starts rolling it is easier to find models. It can be a bit slow starting out though.
Photographer
Rp-photo
Posts: 42711
Houston, Texas, US
the lonely photographer wrote:
not getting into the space of the experts and pros here. But in Los Angeles area, there are Meetup groups, where photographers models and MUAs get together for a shooting sessions, low cost usually for venues and studio space, thats a easy way to work with new models and get something on paper, and most members will help you if you run into technical issues. I think its your best bet if theres a group in your area, if not START one! I run the Shabby Chic Models and Photographers group in Houston and totally agree.
The downside of Meetups / group shoots is that activity level tends to ebb and flow in cycles, often with several groups all being active or inactive around the same time leading to "feast or famine". Why this is I'm not too sure. In the Houston area, 2007 and 2010 were two of the "feast" years.
Photographer
Jonny Hel
Posts: 986
London, England, United Kingdom
Try asking people who know you to work with you. It can be less stressful than working with complete strangers who may or may not turn up. I'm sure you must know some people who would love to help you out.
Photographer
ontherocks
Posts: 23575
Salem, Oregon, US
i had to pay to get started. think about it from the models point of view. if they want images they can use in their portfolio it doesn't really make sense for them to work with someone below their level. i'd suggest looking at newbie models and casting your net wider to include CL, omp, costco (one of my models sold me a cellphone). i think it helps if they get to know you first so think about meet
Photographer
Carle Photography
Posts: 9271
Oakland, California, US
If I just need a warm body for a lighting test I can get one in 12 hours.
If I need a "random pretty girl/guy" I can get one in 24 hours.
If I need a very specific "look" it might take a week or more depending on the rarity of the look needed.
If you're a beginner and don't have a strong network built up yet, work with ANYONE, work with stuffed animals, apples, hell photograph the vacuum cleaner. If you're able to learn the actual skills of photography without needed to rely on other humans when you DO get a human in front of your camera you will improve much much faster.
If you have worked with a few people don't get caught up in the whole "fresh meat" syndrome. Work with the same people over and over and over again. Create new work each and every time.
Network network network, meet new people learn from them, learn everything you can.
This will put you in the fast track to being advanced enough and networked enough to get any model you want/need in a shorter time VS taking years.
Photographer
the lonely photographer
Posts: 2342
Beverly Hills, California, US
rp_photo wrote:
I run the Shabby Chic Models and Photographers group in Houston and totally agree.
The downside of Meetups / group shoots is that activity level tends to ebb and flow in cycles, often with several groups all being active or inactive around the same time leading to "feast or famine". Why this is I'm not too sure. In the Houston area, 2007 and 2010 were two of the "feast" years. I can't speak about why feast or famine concerns, I'm not a member of your group. In our LA group, we have something going on everyweek, I hosted a mens only shoot and we could'nt keep the female models out, they signed up as photographers instead! Today the group is doing bridal dresses, the MUA's have signed up fighting over for a model, the models signing up for a spot. I guess you have to find the right mix. heres a port of a recent shoot a week or so ago. Some of the photographers are also MM
http://www.meetup.com/portfolio/photos/ … d=14702402
http://www.meetup.com/portfolio/photos/ … d=14855512
http://www.meetup.com/portfolio/photos/ … d=13358312
Photographer
Eros Fine Art Photo
Posts: 3097
Torrance, California, US
Wheeltracks Photography wrote:
Does anyone have any pointers, advice, tips? I've never paid/hired a model to shoot with me, not even from the start. How hard is it for me to get models though? Well, that all depends on what I'm looking to shoot.
If I put up a casting for head shots/portraits; I get tons of responses. If I put one up for either editorial or fashion; I get a lot of responses. If I put one of for swimwear; I get quite a few responses. If I put one up for lingerie; I get some responses. If I put one up for art nudes; I might get anywhere from 2 to 5 responses.
If you want to get models to shoot with you the inexpensive way , then here's my advice (and how I did it)...
Most, if not all of the models here want good, clean head shots; most especially if they're just starting out. A lot of them DON'T really want to pay someone to shoot their head shots though, because either they're not sure how they'll do at this and doing it on a whim or they don't have enough to pay someone who's really good at shooting them. If you're willing to trade, then head shots are a good way to practice and to get more photos in your portfolio. At first you're not going to get the best models here, so don't be overly picky on who you shoot with. The goal is to get proficient at one level and then move up to the next.
While you're shooting the head shots, try to shoot some editorial or fashion as well. Models are always grateful for more than just one type of shot to add to their book, especially if they're getting it free. As YOUR work improves, it becomes easier to find models who'll want to shoot with you. The better the models you shoot with, the better your work will look and the more appealing a shoot with you will look to other models. You can then branch out and shoot stuff like swimwear or lingerie.
Shooting isn't all it takes though. You really HAVE TO work at mastering the art of photography. Study; take classes; go to seminars; read books and magazines; or go online and learn tips from free web sites like Strobist or photo.net. Also, don't be afraid to put your work up for criticism by posting in the Critique forum here. There's an abundance of information out there for you; you just have to put the energy into gathering it.
With time, energy, skill, talent, and a bit of luck, you'll get to a point where models now seek you out and put you on their wishlist. You'll also become more and more marketable as you work improves, so you won't need to trade anymore for stuff like head shots or fashion and instead get paid for your time.
If you have the money and can afford it, then go ahead and pay for group shoots in your area so you can get more images up. You can also hire models in your area to get the types of shoots in you want to shoot, but in my opinion if you pay a top model to shoot with you and the best you can come up with is either amateur-looking or doctored-up porn, then you're wasting your money. Crappy work from a model you paid WILL NOT make more models want to shoot with you for free. On the other hand; if you become extremely good at what you do (take a look at Phillip Ritchie's work, for example), then models will pay YOU to shoot them.
Do some people who shoot crap get hired by models? Sure, if you're good at marketing yourself and there aren't a lot of other options for the models in your area. But when you're in a big city, with tons of competition, you really have to up your game to draw people to you.
[EDIT]
I just looked at your casting calls. It looks like you want to shoot something very specific for YOU. The odds of finding a model who wants to shoot that exact theme, is going to be very difficult, in my opinion; especially if you don't have that much work in your portfolio, and nothing that shows you'll be able to pull off this theme and come up with some spectacular image.
If someone like Dave LaChapelle put up the same casting, he'd likely have models lined up at the door wanting to shoot it. Why? Because he has an extensive body of work that shows how creative and skilled his work can be.
My advice would be to stop putting up casting calls, and instead start responding to the ones the models put up. Shoot what THEY need, and then if everything goes well, they might want to shoot the idea you have in mind.
Photographer
Mark C Smith
Posts: 1073
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Just keep at it, there's plenty of flakes, plenty of models not interested in TF but for the very best photographers, but also plenty of models willing to shoot TF and models just starting out. You just have to find each other, sometimes it takes a while. I find, generally, a lot more "need to start my portfolio" models on Craigslist. And on MM, it's more "open to TF because I need this or that specifically in my port". Just my experience though.
And sometimes you get lucky and a fairly experienced model will open herself up to TF because of an updated look. (Reference my current avatar)
Just don't get discouraged. MM is a great resource for people looking to photograph people.
Photographer
Jose Deida
Posts: 1293
Reading, Pennsylvania, US
I need blondes
Photographer
kitty_empire
Posts: 864
Brighton, England, United Kingdom
Wheeltracks Photography wrote:
So, please do forgive me for this being probably a stupid question but I was wondering what everyone else's opinion on this is. I will not lie and say I am an amazing photographer, because I still have a lot too learn. I am still trying to build my portfolio and get into the side of photography that requires models/fashion and what not.
I have been trying to get models for shoots that i have been wanting to do, posting casting calls and what not. But I feel as though I am doing something wrong. Could it be the images that I have posted on my profile? I know a good lot of them are not necessarily "model-fashion" oriented, if that makes sense, but that is why I am on here and trying to build my portfolio with different models and ideas for shoots.
Does anyone have any pointers, advice, tips? Almost impossible for me unless I pay em. It's because my work is quite rubbish and not very model centric.
Photographer
Stunnaful Photos
Posts: 238
Atlanta, Georgia, US
Simply put, models like to be paid for their work. Even though most models like to work with a photographer that is well known for their camera skills and post work on the images (Photoshop). I started out as a photo retoucher for over a year on here, and worked on images that had top notch models. Over time models began to see my quality of work, so when I book models they knew that I have skills on both sides of the field (photography/retouching). Find the top notch models that are willing to work with photographers of all skill level. That's probably the best way. Good luck!
Photographer
R.EYE.R
Posts: 3436
Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Anzhelika Yakimenko wrote:
Anybody having trouble getting a model should....email me Приезжай в Токио..
Photographer
NT Photography
Posts: 106
Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
First, you must build your port. You said that you are in school. So you must be young and with a lot of young people as friends. You can start by shooting your college friends. I do not live in the US, but some things are universal.... girls will be girls..... they all want to have nice photos of themselves. There are plenty of young and pretty college girls who are willing to post for you if you are good and free. You should start looking around campus. I lived in the South before.... there must be a lot of pretty girls in Georgia.
I was not into shooting models. I was a street photography. I started to upload my street photos on my personal Facebook account. Suddenly, all of my friends knew that I could shoot. Word get around. My friends started to ask me if I wanted to shoot them or their friends. Some of them were models asking for TF. The girls did not know or care if I never worked with a model before. They liked your style.... they will work with you. From there, I built my port in MM. You can do the same.
Photographer
Marin Photo NYC
Posts: 7348
New York, New York, US
You are having the same trouble pretty much everyone has that signs up onto this site as a Noob. Hire two or three models, put them in your bio as references and off you go!! I did that and it's been TF ever since.
Also, remember you are in Georgia. Maybe you should expand your search into a nearby city.
Also, to make life easy - shoot outdoors. In the south, it's easier to get someone to meet you out in public than to your home or a studio.
Photographer
Downtown Pro Photo
Posts: 1606
Crystal Lake, Illinois, US
I don't have a problem really. But then I have a rather unique style that certain types of models love to work with. I don't ask people to model for me unless I see from their port that they would most likely be a good match for what I do.
I have about 20 models that I can call up and just set up a time to shoot with, the main problem is getting outfits and props for them.
I don't ask a model because I see an image of them I would like to be able to shoot, I ask because I see something about them that I think would be perfect for in how I shoot and process an image.
Develop a style and reputation as a great person to work with. Treat models with the respect they deserve as an equal part of the artistic equation and you will always have people willing to shoot with you again and send their friends to you for shoots also.
Photographer
Good Egg Productions
Posts: 16713
Orlando, Florida, US
Formula for success:
1. Have an awesome idea. Showing an example YOU did of this idea helps.
2. Have a good portfolio. You don't need an amazing portfolio.
3. Have a great reputation. People will tell other people about you and will come back again and again if you can deliver and not creep anyone out.
4. Have a broader social media presence. MM is NOT the only place to find models. Facebook is far more effective for me.
5. DELIVER on your promises. Getting them in the door is half the battle. The other half is getting them to come back, and even recommend you to a friend.
Granted, I've been doing this a long time, but this morning at 10:30, I posted that I wanted to shoot today on Facebook. At 12:30, one of my more favorite people to shoot said she would like to and she would find SOMETHING to wear for it. We'll be shooting at 3.
Eventually, yes, it's just that easy.
Photographer
SG-4 Photography
Posts: 129
Washington, District of Columbia, US
DougBPhoto wrote:
Modeling is a job, and most people like to get paid for doing their job.
I've found that hiring a professional to do the job you need done is a great way to accomplish this sort of thing.
If I need electrical work done, I hire an electrician. If I need plumbing work done, I hire a plumber.
If a photographer needs a model, finding a professional and paying them seems to work. This is what worked for me. Your port needs to be seeded with photos that impress the types of models you want to work with.
Photographer
Tony Lawrence
Posts: 21526
Chicago, Illinois, US
SG-4 Photography wrote:
This is what worked for me. Your port needs to be seeded with photos that impress the types of models you want to work with. Did you pay your models? I'm curious why you agree with what Doug said. Hiring a pro makes sense for some. Are any of your models pros? Hiring professional models makes sense when you have the skill set to produce solid work with them. If its practice then maybe not. If you need subjects then use friends or family or find attractive women on Facebook and grab a MUA.
Photographer
A K - Fine Art Images
Posts: 336
Charleston, South Carolina, US
Wheeltracks Photography wrote:
So, please do forgive me for this being probably a stupid question but I was wondering what everyone else's opinion on this is. I will not lie and say I am an amazing photographer, because I still have a lot too learn. I am still trying to build my portfolio and get into the side of photography that requires models/fashion and what not.
I have been trying to get models for shoots that i have been wanting to do, posting casting calls and what not. But I feel as though I am doing something wrong. Could it be the images that I have posted on my profile? I know a good lot of them are not necessarily "model-fashion" oriented, if that makes sense, but that is why I am on here and trying to build my portfolio with different models and ideas for shoots.
Does anyone have any pointers, advice, tips? For starters you're not using all of your photo slots on MM. Upload the rest of the slots. Also some of your photos are tiny. Make them a size that fills the available space.
Model
Big A-Larger Than Life
Posts: 33451
The Woodlands, Texas, US
All of y'all need to quitcherbitchin and move to Texas and come make some art. . 
Photographer
WIP
Posts: 15973
Cheltenham, England, United Kingdom
GingerMuse wrote:
+ 1
your portfolio could be part of the problem, but I cannot critique you in this forum section.
. That Italian Guy wrote:
In my first few weeks/months on MM after 20 years away from model photography and with only a few old scanned images in my 'portfolio' I pretty much had to shoot with anybody who would agree to stand in front of my camera!
GingerMuse it sounds as if your referring to (That Italian Guy) Stefano's port.
Photographer
Jerry Nemeth
Posts: 33355
Dearborn, Michigan, US
Big A-Larger Than Life wrote:
All of y'all need to quitcherbitchin and move to Texas and come make some art. .
Photographer
PTPhotoUT
Posts: 1961
Salt Lake City, Utah, US
Advertise on craig's list, the local college paper, etc. and dangle a few $20's.
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