Forums > General Industry > Turning down a photographer

Model

CiCi Nyx

Posts: 13

Holland, Michigan, US

I am a model trying to build my portfolio and I get requests from photographers of all talent level...but some just seem like their work is done with an iPhone camera...
I want to build my work, I don't want to work with people that inexperienced but I have no idea how to say no! I dont like being mean so if anyone has any advice on how to do this and not be mean would be well appreciated! Thank You!
-Cici

Jun 24 15 12:01 pm Link

Photographer

ontherocks

Posts: 23575

Salem, Oregon, US

a common solution is to just ignore them. if you respond at all that might start a flame war with those of lesser maturity (i.e., males of the species).

if you do respond i'd suggest keeping it short and sweet. thanks for contacting me but i don't have an opening at this time. maybe don't tell them you think their work sucks.

or send him your rates if you'd do it for the money.

also, it's not mean to reject an unsolicited inquiry. that's normal unless you plan to shoot with everyone who is interested.

if the photographer goes apeshit on you after you reject them then you can block them and hopefully it ends there.

CiCi Nyx wrote:
I dont like being mean so if anyone has any advice on how to do this and not be mean would be well appreciated!

Jun 24 15 12:04 pm Link

Model

CiCi Nyx

Posts: 13

Holland, Michigan, US

I have tried just ignoring them but one imparticular just wont leave me alone about it. I don't want my reputation ruined because I want to say no and someone gets offended..

ontherocks wrote:
a common solution is to just ignore them. if you respond at all that might start a flame war with those of lesser maturity (i.e., males of the species).

if you do respond i'd suggest keeping it short and sweet. thanks for contacting me but i don't have an opening at this time. maybe don't tell them you think their work sucks.

or send him your rates if you'd do it for the money.

also, it's not mean to reject an unsolicited inquiry. that's normal unless you plan to shoot with anyone and everyone who is interested.


Jun 24 15 12:07 pm Link

Photographer

Jerry Nemeth

Posts: 33355

Dearborn, Michigan, US

I turn down models sometimes.  I just say that I can't work with them at this time and give a reason.

Jun 24 15 12:09 pm Link

Photographer

ontherocks

Posts: 23575

Salem, Oregon, US

maybe read some of the stalker threads on mayhem. it can get really bad sometimes.

you do have the option to block them and/or report them to a moderator.

as to whether they start badmouthing you some of that may be beyond your control if the guy is just a complete idiot.

i'd say try to run away from this one. and don't let them on your modeling facebook page.

CiCi Nyx wrote:
I have tried just ignoring them but one imparticular just wont leave me alone about it. I don't want my reputation ruined because I want to say no and someone gets offended.

Jun 24 15 12:09 pm Link

Photographer

Mortonovich

Posts: 6209

San Diego, California, US

Make the reply about YOU and not them. Do not even mention their work; it's not needed. Something like "Thank you but I'm looking for a different sort of look for my book." (although, granted you should have an idea of what you want)

If they ever get snotty, hit "block" feature. Simple.

As far as someone getting offened if you say "no", you have no control over that. That's their problem. "No" is one of the most powerful words a creative has and should be used without hesitation whenever appropriate.

Jun 24 15 12:09 pm Link

Photographer

Peter House

Posts: 888

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Never quite understood why this was so hard. People come to me asking to work. I either:

a) Dont respond.
b) Tell them I'm too busy, and wish them the best of luck.
c) Tell them they dont fit my current ambitions, but if and when I feel they are right for my work I will reach out.

Its usually a) though.

Jun 24 15 12:27 pm Link

Artist/Painter

Two Pears Studio

Posts: 3632

Wilmington, Delaware, US

so here is my .02 worth...

if you have the time or resources... work, work, work... as it is practice, practice, practice...

as you start to see your talent and look progress to the point where you need to target your efforts, start to limit who you work with to those who can get you where you want to go.

and once you have the depth and breath of work that is needed to support your brand... then squeeze every last cent out of it...

until you can start to give back. You can then use your talent and knowledge to help those on their journey...

as far as letting a photographer down... do it the way you would want to be let down. I would rather them being left whole and complete than ignored and crushed...

if they are a jerk or don't understand (as some will do) Be straight forward and understand that nothing they say or respond with has anything to do with you... they are not responding to you, but they are trapped in a strategy that has a payoff for them and you do not need to become trapped in their problems.

if they still have issue, block them and CAM them!

Jun 24 15 12:29 pm Link

Photographer

J O H N A L L A N

Posts: 12221

Los Angeles, California, US

A nice clean "digital" with an iphone is not necessarily a bad thing. Just saying.

Jun 24 15 12:34 pm Link

Photographer

Pictures of Life

Posts: 792

Spokane, Washington, US

Mortonovich wrote:
Make the reply about YOU and not them. Do not even mention their work; it's not needed. Something like "Thank you but I'm looking for a different sort of look for my book." (although, granted you should have an idea of what you want)

If they ever get snotty, hit "block" feature. Simple.

As far as someone getting offended if you say "no", you have no control over that. That's their problem. "No" is one of the most powerful words a creative has and should be used without hesitation whenever appropriate.

You'll find most of the miscommunications in your life come from the failure to use the word No at the first opportunity, and using more words than needed.

Jun 24 15 01:11 pm Link

Photographer

Loki Studio

Posts: 3523

Royal Oak, Michigan, US

It is not at all "mean" to not reply to an unsolicited offer or tags on your profile.  You will soon get overwhelmed with modeling offers on MM and social media.  For those that are polite you can reply " Thank you for your offer.  Unfortunately my time for modeling is currently booked for the next few months.  Perhaps we can arrange a shoot at a later date".

For those you may consider working with for pay you can reply "Thank you for your offer.  My rates for lifestyle/fashion/etc modeling are $50 per hour."

In developing your portfolio, its good to know the top photographers in your area/state since they are the best path to paid work.  It may be worth doing some paid work with less talented photographers to be able to make the investment to shoot with better talent who can help you reach your goals.

A person who repeatedly tries to contact you without reply or uses unprofessional language may have some other serious issues.  You cannot worry about your "reputation" with every amateur photographer.  Focus on reliable work and good portfolio images from top photographers only. 


Best of luck-
Scott

Jun 24 15 03:25 pm Link

Photographer

Solas

Posts: 10390

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

"Talk to my manager"

That'll scare em away ! big_smile

Jun 24 15 03:45 pm Link

Photographer

chiamac

Posts: 854

Minneapolis, Minnesota, US

Solas wrote:
"Talk to my manager"

That'll scare em away ! big_smile

This.

Jun 24 15 04:29 pm Link

Photographer

Top Gun Digital

Posts: 1528

Las Vegas, Nevada, US

Solas wrote:
"Talk to my manager"

That'll scare em away ! big_smile

And tell them that you bring your mother to every shoot as an escort as well.

Jun 24 15 04:45 pm Link

Photographer

Mark Salo

Posts: 11708

Olney, Maryland, US

Just say "No, thank you."  If you give a reason, that just gives him an opportunity to argue.

Block him and report him to the mods.  Don't say anything about a manager because managers aren't allowed on MM.

He really can't bad mouth you if he has never worked with you.

Jun 24 15 04:54 pm Link

Photographer

Zack Zoll

Posts: 6895

Glens Falls, New York, US

Jerry Nemeth wrote:
I turn down models sometimes.  I just say that I can't work with them at this time and give a reason.

I don't even give a reason. That just leaves the door open for the conversation to continue.

Thanks for your offer, but I'm not interested right now.

Jun 24 15 04:55 pm Link

Photographer

MMR Creative Services

Posts: 1902

Doylestown, Pennsylvania, US

Yeah, that's a problem.

Jun 24 15 05:44 pm Link

Photographer

Shot By Adam

Posts: 8089

Las Vegas, Nevada, US

Just say "no thank you" and if they keep pestering you, just block them and report them to the Moderators

https://www.modelmayhem.com/contactamod

Jun 24 15 05:48 pm Link

Photographer

Farenell Photography

Posts: 18832

Albany, New York, US

CiCi Nyx wrote:
I am a model trying to build my portfolio and I get requests from photographers of all talent level...but some just seem like their work is done with an iPhone camera...

Yeah but is it good?

Its not about the tools are person uses but how a person uses them.

Jun 24 15 07:25 pm Link

Photographer

portraiturebyBrent

Posts: 387

Round Rock, Texas, US

CiCi Nyx wrote:
I am a model trying to build my portfolio and I get requests from photographers of all talent level...but some just seem like their work is done with an iPhone camera...
I want to build my work, I don't want to work with people that inexperienced but I have no idea how to say no! I dont like being mean so if anyone has any advice on how to do this and not be mean would be well appreciated! Thank You!
-Cici

I'm a hobbyist trying to build my portfolio and send requests to models of all talent levels. When I don't hear back, I assume they're not interested in working with me. I don't take it personal, as I'm not interested in working with every model, either.

It's easier, and a better solution, to ignore these requests (from people like me), even if asked multiple times, than engage in "But why won't you work with me?" with someone that just doesn't get it, and won't get it. Move along and don't feel guilty.

Jun 24 15 07:53 pm Link

Photographer

Natural Means

Posts: 936

Yamba, New South Wales, Australia

picturesbyBrent wrote:

I'm a hobbyist trying to build my portfolio and send requests to models of all talent levels. When I don't hear back, I assume they're not interested in working with me. I don't take it personal, as I'm not interested in working with every model, either.

It's easier, and a better solution, to ignore these requests (from people like me), even if asked multiple times, than engage in "But why won't you work with me?" with someone that just doesn't get it, and won't get it. Move along and don't feel guilty.

Some people are neutral or even slightly in favour of getting no response. Others think its dog shit dumb and unprofessional to not respond.

It's better to respond. Briefly. "No thanks, that's not useful to me at the moment." Or similar.

Either that leaves door open to another opportunity, or they get butt hurt. The butt hurt information is a good indicator of who not to work with, block, etc.

Jun 24 15 08:29 pm Link

Photographer

gorgeous3mikecasa

Posts: 77

Chicago, Illinois, US

Tell them your looking for high quality images for magazine submittals....and their work doesn't have the look/style your after....thanks for the offer though.

Jun 24 15 08:48 pm Link

Artist/Painter

Hunter GWPB

Posts: 8155

King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, US

You are really new.  Okay,  There are a bunch of threads you should read.  New ones starting every week.  If you haven't done it, read the threads the MM has about newbies, avoiding scams, etc..  There are threads with yellow stickers at the top of each area.  Check them out.  Then read back in the forums.  Maybe start in Model Q and General, and maybe Photog Talk.  Look for threads where a model has had a problem or a photographer is asking how to handle a model.  Read em all.  The reason is to avoid the problems that almost everybody has.  When you post in here, it is too late.  You already had a problem that you could have avoided or been prepared for.

As far as the beginners go.  Do they treat you with respect when they contact you?  If not, don't respond.  If you are not interested in doing a TF with them or they are not good enough for you to pay for quality shots, then express an interest, in the first reply, for some paid work.  Tell them you are a bit behind in the bills.  You are going to find that a lot of guys have some paternalistic instincts and they will help take care of you.  With every shoot you should be gaining something:  knowledge, quality photos (look for threads where photographers don't deliver on a TF shoot- happens a lot). or money or things of value.  Don't be afraid to ask for what you need.  You are in a business and it is your business and your actions will determine if you fail or succeed. 

Despite me advising you to read threads, don't be afraid to post questions if you feel you need help.  You may get some grief, but the forums are here to help us help each other.  I will recommend that you stay out of controversial threads and don't start one that insults a wide range of photographers.  Those threads tend to go poorly.


Good luck.

Jun 24 15 08:52 pm Link

Photographer

erics_Toronto_GTA

Posts: 5176

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Miss op,

I have checked your portfolio.
Guess what?  I think you might have turned down some good photographers.

Jun 24 15 09:21 pm Link

Hair Stylist

rick lesser

Posts: 1116

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US

I always thank them for to opportunity and for contacting me.  If I am not interested I tell them I am  booked with paying work at the moment and not taking on any TFP.  Seems to work for me.   R-

Jun 25 15 04:37 am Link

Photographer

Francisco Castro

Posts: 2628

Cincinnati, Ohio, US

CiCi Nyx wrote:
I am a model trying to build my portfolio and I get requests from photographers of all talent level...but some just seem like their work is done with an iPhone camera...
I want to build my work, I don't want to work with people that inexperienced but I have no idea how to say no! I dont like being mean so if anyone has any advice on how to do this and not be mean would be well appreciated! Thank You!
-Cici

Cici, rejection is a part of the business; a HUGE part. If one cannot handle rejection, then one shouldn't be in the business. This goes for both photographer and model.

You, as a model, can reject a photographer's invitation to shoot for ANY REASON. You also don't have to provide your reason. A reply with a simple, "No, but thank you for the offer." will suffice. If a photographer can't handle that, then he/she is someone you wouldn't want to be working with anyway. It's just part of being in the business.

Photographers control the quality of their port by shooting better, getting better equipment, and learning how to use the tools that they have. Models control the quality of their port by picking and choosing the right photographers for the style they want. No matter how well a model does her job, if a photographer doesn't know what they're doing, the photos will come out bad.

So, with that said, reject away! Be nice about it; no sense in being mean about it. Reject with grace and professionalism. You owe it yourself to be picky.

Jun 25 15 06:35 am Link

Photographer

chiamac

Posts: 854

Minneapolis, Minnesota, US

Eric SUN wrote:
Miss op,

I have checked your portfolio.
Guess what?  I think you might have turned down some good photographers.

Good is a point of view. In her mind the people weren't good enough to worry about, this may or may not be the case but it's her choice.

Jun 25 15 12:29 pm Link

Photographer

Francisco Castro

Posts: 2628

Cincinnati, Ohio, US

Eric SUN wrote:
Miss op,

I have checked your portfolio.
Guess what?  I think you might have turned down some good photographers.

OP: Date joined: June 04, 2015

It's been 3 weeks. Aren't you being a little harsh? How long after you joined did it take you to build your portfolio to a level that it is now?

Jun 25 15 03:16 pm Link

Photographer

fsp

Posts: 3656

New York, New York, US

how about just telling the photographer you aren't interested?

if the conversation continues.... BLOCK M!

wana shoot cici?

:-)

Jun 25 15 04:03 pm Link

Photographer

SAND DIAL

Posts: 6688

Santa Monica, California, US

OP-' I have no idea how to say no!'

You just did. Do it politely, once.

Dont tolerate stalkers.

Jun 25 15 04:15 pm Link

Photographer

37photog

Posts: 710

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US

I agree.  Just say "No thanks"  and especially if they're not offering to pay, say you're looking for more paid work at the moment.  And state a decent rate.

As for this one who keeps writing you back, I would advise ignoring or blocking them at this point.  Admittedly I'm somewhat of a hobbyist & have received a fair share of no's or not interested, or busy at the moments etc. I get past it. Geeez, this is not a 7th grade dance.

Jun 25 15 07:08 pm Link

Photographer

Dario Western

Posts: 703

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

CiCi Nyx wrote:
I am a model trying to build my portfolio and I get requests from photographers of all talent level...but some just seem like their work is done with an iPhone camera...
I want to build my work, I don't want to work with people that inexperienced but I have no idea how to say no! I dont like being mean so if anyone has any advice on how to do this and not be mean would be well appreciated! Thank You!
-Cici

Don't ignore them.  Simply say "Thank you for the offer, but I am not interested in working with you" and leave it at that.  Honest and tactful.  smile

Jun 26 15 01:43 am Link

Photographer

chiamac

Posts: 854

Minneapolis, Minnesota, US

Francisco Castro wrote:
OP: Date joined: June 04, 2015

It's been 3 weeks. Aren't you being a little harsh? How long after you joined did it take you to build your portfolio to a level that it is now?

I turn around New model portfolios in a week or two from shooting and then it's off to the agencies for them. No idea where this internet myth "build a portfolio" comes from. Hire a professional and/or get what you need, and then be picky about free work and give out rates.

Jun 26 15 09:00 am Link