Eleanor Rose wrote:
1. What must you absolutely see in a bio to consider a model?
2. What isn't necessary but would make you more strongly consider booking a model?
3. What would make you close the page and not contact the model? What's a red flag to you?
4. Do you look at bios or portfolios first? How often do you read models bios before contacting them?
5. How important would you say that a model's bio text is to you?

1. There aren’t really absolutes for consideration.

2. Some indication of intelligence, creativity, and curiosity is helpful. Evidence of artistic talents in addition to modeling (dance, athletics, painting, music, etc.).

3. “Paid work only.” in the text. “No TFP.” “I reserve the right…” Escorts. Managers. Demands for travel/tolls/parking reimbursement. Demands for all images on thumb drive/CD/Dropbox. Demands in general. Negativity. Providing one's own model release. Refusal to sign a model release until after the shoot. “No nudes, I respect my body.”
    - Nothing wrong with any of these; they are all totally valid for many people, just not for my needs.

4. Bio first, typically. I always read a bio before contact. The bio and portfolio together are simply an entry (or not) to further discussion.

5. The written profile is pretty important to me, but it depends on the person. An exceptional portfolio and a scant bio might still garner my attention. A newbie with things written that pique my interest but a sparse portfolio might similarly warrant at least an initial discussion.

Eleanor Rose wrote:
1. What must you absolutely see in a bio to consider a model?
2. What isn't necessary but would make you more strongly consider booking a model?
3. What would make you close the page and not contact the model? What's a red flag to you?
4. Do you look at bios or portfolios first? How often do you read models bios before contacting them?
5. How important would you say that a model's bio text is to you?

1. Some level of compliance with MM rules, norms and mores. Models with gibberish. OUT. So relatively low threshold on MUST ABSOLUTELY.  The model must have an active account. If it's closed--I will NOT contact the model. Having said that, some models are capricious and turn their ports on and off.

2.  Demonstration that there is high positive correlation with brain and beauty--at least that there isn't a negative one. Sense of humor. Experience. Candor. Integrity. Self awareness. Sense of purpose. I like to work with people who are attempting to achieve some artistic or professional goal and not just blank slate/canvass. I'm shifting from my port development to THEIR port development. Later I plan to shift to doing third party--like an assignment from a teacher or agency,  You're asking about bio but there are all kinds of things about the profile itself, like meta data that's assessed. It's not a part of the bio per se but do the stated and actual ages match? or are they 5 years apart? Last log in? So it's not only one factor.

3.  LOL.  Glad you didn't ask me for examples!  Images that consist predominantly of selfies that cover their face. Sometimes no face--but there are exceptions. I look at the caliber of the images--is it the model's fault or the tog's?? May be she didn't get the images yet. May be never will. Hmmm. You're asking a VERY complex question that is extraordinary hard for me to accurately articulate without telepathy. ;-).  Let me try to put it simply, some togs spend 2 days on one image.  I'm collecting RAWs. When I have time I may pull them out and work on them later in life to take them to the nth degree.  DO I WANT TO SPEND TWO DAYS LOOKING AT THIS FACE? Y or N?

I think I'm straying from the assignment. But I skim the profile but scan the port. If the port isn't up to snuff, there is no way the port can rescue it. The IMAGES have to be decent or show promise, else the WORDS don't matter. NEVER shoot on bio alone.

I also suspend my standards of good writing to realize the images trump the writing. I know some togs who won't work with models with typos in bio. Whoa. That's hard core. I recognize this is not an essay class. Not every one is literate. Not everyone is a journalism major. So I intentionally tell myself to chill.

So the Pareto Principle probably applies here. 80-20 rule. 80 images, 20 bio. I'm thinking hard and not much comes to mind that would wave me off.

RED FLAGS: I FULLY recognize that some models have been mistreated through no fault of their own and their now hyper sensitive. That doesn't turn me off. I've actually heard of a diva who was unreasonable and chewed people out--wasn't able to book her. I've never been able to get a bona fide diva. I think a model who said I do meth would make me run--but I don't stumble across those yet ever! Even models who want to bring a thumb drive and want the RAWs NOW!  OK. Escorts--fine. I like to have supervision. LOL. I'm super accommodating. Too accommodating sometimes. No good deed goes unpunished! [Hope I'm providing the OP the responses she seeks for her ebook].

4.  M.O. mostly delineated above but the process is skim profile, scan port. If port passes, rescan profile but more carefully. Send quick e-mail. If no response, no great loss. Try to include evidence in initial e-mail that profile was read so that I don't come across as a bimbo.;-)  Don't always answer all questions requested in profile because they may never respond and I've done that too many times! It's de novo--no cut and paste so it's customized so I try to avoid over investing initial communication. I go to extremes and I started one conversation with merely:a smiley face. ;-)

5. Previously answered: probably 4:1 weighting with text on the lower side. We're going to post images, not text.

OP--if you wish to discuss more via PM or phone--happy to help fellow competent researcher.

Eleanor Rose wrote:
Hello folks!

I'm doing some research for my new ebook on the topic of bios, and while I know a lot of the basics I'm really interested to hear from photographers in their own words. Here are my questions:

1. What must you absolutely see in a bio to consider a model?
2. What isn't necessary but would make you more strongly consider booking a model?
3. What would make you close the page and not contact the model? What's a red flag to you?
4. Do you look at bios or portfolios first? How often do you read models bios before contacting them?
5. How important would you say that a model's bio text is to you?

I will of course listen to everyone, but I'm particularly interested in hearing from photographers who regularly book freelance models. Bios for agency models are a whole different ballgame.

And, while I am inviting you to talk about what you don't like seeing models do in their bio text, please keep this civil and respectful. Additionally, let's not debate what other people look for or don't like - I'm looking for opinions, and all are valid in this thread so long as they're stated respectfully.    Thanks!

Eleanor, I'm gonna give you just a few points, but they are what's important to me. I'm pretty new here so maybe my criteria isn't as hardened as most.
First, I almost always look at the port first. If a Model doesn't have even close to a look or the potential I would want to photograph and see in my portfolio, then her bio isn't probably gonna contain anything that will make we want to work with her either.
If I get to her bio, I like to see a lot of SPUNK. Sometimes you can just feel their excitement that they love what they do. Some Bios are just a long boring monologue. That doesn't maker me eager to work with them. I have to have fun too!!
The biggest TURN-OFF for me, are the ones that say they will ONLY shoot TF for a guaranteed publication. That is SOOO gimme gimme gimme!!!
Thanks Eleanor, maybe our paths will cross one day!!! :-D
John

Eleanor Rose wrote:
1. What must you absolutely see in a bio to consider a model?
2. What isn't necessary but would make you more strongly consider booking a model?
3. What would make you close the page and not contact the model? What's a red flag to you?
4. Do you look at bios or portfolios first? How often do you read models bios before contacting them?
5. How important would you say that a model's bio text is to you?

1. No absolutes.

2. Sense of humor.

3. a. Written in third person.
    b. Reference to Instagram or other site, then finding the account is private and cannot be viewed.
    c. Recent activity, but the bio is out of date, eg. "I'm 19 and in college...", but their profile age is 27.
    d. Poorly written.

4. Bio first, then port. If the port appeals to me, then go back to the bio.

5. Very, if:
        a. Shows sense of humor.
        b. Shows their motivation, including money, eg. full-time traveling model, college student earning extra
            cash (unless 3.c.), someone following their dream, but still has to pay rent. Money as a motivation
            counts against them if it's obvious that's all they care about.
        c. Shows a glimpse of humility.

Eleanor Rose wrote:
1. What must you absolutely see in a bio to consider a model?
2. What isn't necessary but would make you more strongly consider booking a model?
3. What would make you close the page and not contact the model? What's a red flag to you?
4. Do you look at bios or portfolios first? How often do you read models bios before contacting them?
5. How important would you say that a model's bio text is to you?

1  Current stats filled out, I often have specific wardrobe
.
2  Brief description of the types of shoots she is interested in and those she does not do/limits. Availability.

3  Contact my manager, requires all RAW photos at the end of shoot

4  Portfolio to see face and body type, then read bio to see if we might be a good fit.

5  About 40 % Bio and 60% Portfolio

Eleanor Rose wrote:
1. What must you absolutely see in a bio to consider a model?

That they are reliable and seem to genuinely want to be doing what they do.

Eleanor Rose wrote:
2. What isn't necessary but would make you more strongly consider booking a model?

Since I shoot nudes, assuming they do, what they are comfortable with. Also, a current description if anything is significantly different from most of the portfolio.

Eleanor Rose wrote:
3. What would make you close the page and not contact the model? What's a red flag to you?

Escort. Any and all iterations of the word. Modeling is a job. You don't take an escort to work in an office or to McDonalds or even to your ob/gyn. Also, a little put off by third person bios. MM accounts are not supposed to be handled/managed by anyone other than the member (except for 16/17 year old models). So that means either the account is being run by a third person (manager/agent/significant other) which is against MM rules, or the model is very full of her/his self.

Eleanor Rose wrote:
4. Do you look at bios or portfolios first? How often do you read models bios before contacting them?

Usually a quick glance at the bio, then right to the portfolio. If I'm interested, I go back to the Bio to see if there is anything I missed or need to know.

Eleanor Rose wrote:
5. How important would you say that a model's bio text is to you?

It's important. For one, it shows they know how to follow instructions. When you sign up for MM, it tells you what they're looking for in the bio (in general). If you can do that, that's one hurdle. I appreciate English (if it's in English), not street reductions. It avoids misunderstanding.

Eleanor Rose wrote:
1. What must you absolutely see in a bio to consider a model?
2. What isn't necessary but would make you more strongly consider booking a model?
3. What would make you close the page and not contact the model? What's a red flag to you?
4. Do you look at bios or portfolios first? How often do you read models bios before contacting them?
5. How important would you say that a model's bio text is to you?

AgX wrote:
1. There aren’t really absolutes for consideration.

2. Some indication of intelligence, creativity, and curiosity is helpful. Evidence of artistic talents in addition to modeling (dance, athletics, painting, music, etc.).

3. “Paid work only.” in the text. “No TFP.” “I reserve the right…” Escorts. Managers. Demands for travel/tolls/parking reimbursement. Demands for all images on thumb drive/CD/Dropbox. Demands in general. Negativity. Providing one's own model release. Refusal to sign a model release until after the shoot. “No nudes, I respect my body.”
    - Nothing wrong with any of these; they are all totally valid for many people, just not for my needs.

4. Bio first, typically. I always read a bio before contact. The bio and portfolio together are simply an entry (or not) to further discussion.

5. The written profile is pretty important to me, but it depends on the person. An exceptional portfolio and a scant bio might still garner my attention. A newbie with things written that pique my interest but a sparse portfolio might similarly warrant at least an initial discussion.

I'd have to agree with everything here, and would add: 

2. An indication of passion or excitement about making images, and an indication of thorough proofreading ("I have an uncredible work ethic" is one I'll never forget)

3. text-speak ("c u l8tr," for example), derogatory comments toward the reader ( i.e., "don't contact me if you're a pervert who shoots nudes or won't allow escorts"), and ludicrous or self-contradictory statements (i.e., "I'm up for anything creative, new, or experimental, I'm very open minded, and I believe it shows through my work.  Be aware I don't do nudes, lingerie, or other porn.")

Eleanor Rose wrote:
1. What must you absolutely see in a bio to consider a model?
2. What isn't necessary but would make you more strongly consider booking a model?
3. What would make you close the page and not contact the model? What's a red flag to you?
4. Do you look at bios or portfolios first? How often do you read models bios before contacting them?
5. How important would you say that a model's bio text is to you?

1. I don't think anything is necessary.  A good bio will make me contact one model over another, but so would a good portfolio.

2. What I like to see is any information that is pertinent to hiring a model.  Her rates, availability, limits, and any rules she may have. I'm much more likely to contact a model if I know exactly what I'm getting into, and in my experience, models that treat it like a business tend to be more reliable.

I also like to see a general willingness to work (saying that they're interested in all kinds of shoots, etc.)

3. Red flags - When they say they want to be famous, when they're vague with limits (I'll consider nudes if the idea is really creative), when they say they're bored with 'regular' shoots, when they talk about wanting to create art.

My work is fairly utilitarian, so I'm hesitant to hire models that are looking for art, since they'd probably be disappointed.

4. Portfolio first.  It's the work that matters in the end.  I always read the bio before contacting though.

5. A bio is less important than a portfolio.  I won't hire someone based on their bio alone, but I might skip someone because of it.

Eleanor Rose wrote:
4. Do you look at bios or portfolios first?

Portfolio. If your look does not fit nothing else will you make to fit.

5. How important would you say that a model's bio text is to you?

It's fine when I get all relevant information firsthand without having to ask.

Eleanor Rose wrote:
1. What must you absolutely see in a bio to consider a model?
2. What isn't necessary but would make you more strongly consider booking a model?
3. What would make you close the page and not contact the model? What's a red flag to you?
4. Do you look at bios or portfolios first? How often do you read models bios before contacting them?
5. How important would you say that a model's bio text is to you?

1. Some indication that they are serious about modeling, ie up to date info, recent activity, shots from a shoot, goals, wish list.  The new profile with 10 selfies and  "I've always wanted to be a model since I was a little girl now that I'm 18 I can be one I'll do anything to make it" doesn't count as serious.
2.  Showing a sense of humor, a genuine smile, a laughing smile, credits/tags with 'shows up on time ready to go', all posted pics credit the photographer, long natural color hair
3.  Close the page = 'I always bring an escort', 'I reserve the right to bring an escort',  'My boyfriend is a photographer so I know,, blah blah ,,' , 'Paid Assignments Only ' ***   
       Red Flags - no close ups, only close ups with heavy editing, no full body shots, really ugly picture in their port, not crediting photographers, "Waist - 0", "weight - 0#", 'I require a copy of all pictures in raw', bio not updated for years ie narrative reads ',,I just turned 22,,,' and their age is listed as 25, any tacky or extreme body art.
4. Usually skim bio, look at port, read and re-read bio. I would never contact a model without fully reading her bio at least twice.
5. The bio is more important than the port.  The port is other photographer's work and might be from years ago, the bio is the model's words and should be current. 

At this point I am only doing trade shoots.  I want to work with models who want to shoot, who have some goals and want to create images, not people who just want a paycheck.  I have no problem with people getting paid, but that is not who I want to work with right now.  So some of my selection criteria *** is completely irrelevant to someone working with a budget.

Eleanor Rose wrote:
1. What must you absolutely see in a bio to consider a model?
2. What isn't necessary but would make you more strongly consider booking a model?
3. What would make you close the page and not contact the model? What's a red flag to you?
4. Do you look at bios or portfolios first? How often do you read models bios before contacting them?
5. How important would you say that a model's bio text is to you?
Thanks!

Hi Eleanor,

I am using agency models (outside MM) more and more, but I still occasionally look around when needing additional models for a shoot.
Now about your questions:
1. stats (measurements, age, location) and indication about willingness to do TF or not
2. Mention of related skills such as acting, dancing, athletics, etc. Mention of experience in the type of projects I am interested into. Mention of access to clothing / locations I find interesting. Mention of potential of networking possibilities.
3. my tolerance about what would turn me off in a model bio is directly proportional to the quality of their portfolio. Of course mentions of rates above the project's budget and/or above my perceived value of the model (due to his/her portfolio) would make me stop considering the model
4. First portfolio always. I always read bios but only for models whose portfolios I like
5. relatively very little. If I like a portfolio I will contact the model unless he/she is too expensive. The less I like a portfolio the more the bio becomes important, but if I really do not like the portfolio, no amount of great text is going to make me contact the model.

Jerry Nemeth wrote:
I like to see all the details.  Some models leave things out.

Hi Jerry. Can you give me some clarification as to what "all the details" means for you? Thanks!

Eleanor Rose wrote:

Hi Jerry. Can you give me some clarification as to what "all the details" means for you? Thanks!

Look at the left side of your profile page where it says "Details".

Jerry Nemeth wrote:

Look at the left side of your profile page where it says "Details".

Oh, ok, I get it now. Sorry for the confusion - my question was about the actual bio text, nothing else, so I thought you meant details in the bio text.

Eleanor Rose wrote:

Oh, ok, I get it now. Sorry for the confusion - my question was about the actual bio text, nothing else, so I thought you meant details in the bio text.

I find it annoying when some of this information is missing.

SayCheeZ!  wrote:
I'm gonna give just once general answer which should cover most of the questions.

If I see bitching and complaining in a bio, especially if it's the first few sentences and extremely especially if the bio is nothing but bitching and complaining... I pass.  Not only do I pass, I run the opposite direction.

It's uncanny how many so called 'models' do that on MM.

Similarly, when a models bio is full of "I", such as "I want this" and "I want that", it comes across that they're stuck on themselves and not give a crap what the photographer or anyone else wants or needs.

As far as the photos and credits go?  Don't try an impress me (or anyone) by putting up a fake tearsheet or listing a fake 'magazine' that some con artist got the victim to pose for.  It doesn't impress anyone and makes the model appear to be even more vulnerable.

-----------------------------------------
Obviously, when a model's bio is the polar opposite of what I just mentioned, I'm more likely to contact them.  Just give me the basics, short and sweet.  Don't talk about boyfriends, don't talk about hobbies (unless it's directly involved with modeling or photography).  As Sgt Joe Friday would say... "just the facts mam, just the facts"

I usually read the bio before viewing photos, not always, but most of the time, and I consider the bio to be fairly important, but it should be noted that when you're hiring models from an agency there's almost never a bio to go along with the comp cards that they're showing.

Exactly! I hate crazy demands.. I like full vitals and a bit of humor too!