vivian rose wrote:
I honestly don't want to do nudes. I think a model can still find success without getting naked. Or is that honestly what it takes to be a successful model? A model has to be willing to shoot nudes for the photographer to even consider paying her? If that is the case, then maybe I should look at doing something different.

You need to decide who your customer is. If photographers are your customer, then in most cases yes.. you will be getting naked to get paid. We don't pay for what we can already get for free.

vivian rose wrote:
I honestly don't want to do nudes. I think a model can still find success without getting naked. Or is that honestly what it takes to be a successful model? A model has to be willing to shoot nudes for the photographer to even consider paying her? If that is the case, then maybe I should look at doing something different.

What you think is irrelevant.

Image K wrote:
Why is it not wise?

There are plenty of models on MM that are active military or ex-military. lol

Modeling means publicity, if the model finds success. Publicity and the military do not mix. It's fine to continue modeling, but landing the front cover of a magazine would most definitely jeopardize my military career. I'm over cautious sometimes, and this is one of those times lol.

vivian rose wrote:
Modeling means publicity, if the model finds success. Publicity and the military do not mix. It's fine to continue modeling, but landing the front cover of a magazine would most definitely jeopardize my military career. I'm over cautious sometimes, and this is one of those times lol.

Well you know that I'm a fan of yours.  Remember that I said things are not always so black & white as there is often times a gray area?  That is my opinion, but for me as an artist, it's been a problem for me when accepting authority above me.   My uncles and dad are former military, so I have great respect.  However I tried, but I could not make it in the military or the police academy.   I'm just not cut out for it.   I don't work well with a boss or agency looking over my shoulder.   As it stands, I've found I'm better off working for myself. 

That said, I am a caregiver for an elderly person in my family.  I'm not paid, so I continue to photograph models.  Certain family members have accused me of inviting prostitutes into the house and shooting pornography.  You can see from my portfolio that although I have shot a few nudes, I do not shoot pornography, nor are the models I shoot with "prostitutes!"    It's their opinion, and I say they are wrong.  I ignore the "critics" as they are powerless to do anything to me.  It's been that way for years!

I'm also very much involved with the music business, as a writer, photographer and even managed artists in the past.  One thing is for sure that "publicity" will come with success, along with critics.   I personally know some wonderful people who are "known" in the public eye, and they have had to grow thick skin because of the "haters" that hound them. 

When it comes to publicity, being in the military is a two edged sword that can be good or bad.  Every time, I mean EVERY SINGLE TIME a person competes on talent shows (for example) ALWAYS they are thanked for their service to this country!  Police and Fire are similar in that respect too.  My nephew is working for the fire department and he did away with his Facebook profile because he does not want anything personal going out there that could hurt his chances of making Captain.  So I understand what you mean about being cautious.   

Publicity for military is not always a bad thing as this army serviceman has impressed the coaches enough to get a four chair tribute to his singing!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEQsUrmUa9Q   I'm a huge fan of The Voice and now a fan of Jeremy Gaynor.  The man can sing!!!!

vivian rose wrote:
Hello,

I am just starting out in modeling. I have done a couple trade shoots and a couple shoots where I have paid the photographer. Once I get all of my photos sorted I will have a good size portfolio that hits quite a few different genres. My question is, how much longer should I go before I set a rate and start asking for paid work? I understand the importance of trade shoots, especially if you are just starting out. However, you can only do so many trade shoots to where it doesn't really benefit you (the model) anymore, and it is just a repetition of shooting the same genres for free.

You start doing paid work when you are in demand............
How many photographers are contacting you to hire you?

Saying you only do paid work does not mean you will start booking paid work..
Because if your not being contacted now for paid work..
Your results will be the same.....
If you have nothing now... nothing x nothing = nothing...............

I'd start of by asking for gas money....
Then work your way up...
If you can't get money for gas, either move on or go back to the drawing board and build up your portfolio to show interest in hiring you....... Not just "oh thats cool..."  type pictures......