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Getting Started: Finding Models for TF Shoots
Hello everyone, I am new to MM and wanted to ask what have been other photographers' experiences with getting started and working with trade shoots specifically. While I have some professional experience, I really only care to pursue photography as a hobby and creative outlet, but that doesn't mean I don't take it seriously and handle it in a professional manner! Because I really only pursue it as a hobby, I am not really ever looking to pay a model anytime soon. So when you were getting started with MM, what were your experiences in finding models for your first shoots? What might you recommend for trade shoots in particular? Did you have to contact tons of models to land a single shoot? Did models ever contact you much? Lastly, what as a typical turn around time from contacting a model to actually shooting? I realize everyone can/will have quite different experiences, especially in different locations. But I do look forward to hearing what were some of your experiences. Jan 14 17 10:36 am Link Your portfolio shows that you are a capable photographer, so it might seem reasonable to assume that there would be no shortage of people willing to work with you on a trade basis. In reality, you are likely to find the search for TF models to be extremely time-consuming. Try putting a dollar value on your time. If you come up with a figure greater than $1/hour, you will probably find it more cost-effective to pay models. Jan 14 17 05:30 pm Link Reno Gregory wrote: Worthwhile hobbies are expensive. Reno Gregory wrote: I started out by participating in workshops. Reno Gregory wrote: Yes, for paid shoots. Jan 14 17 06:24 pm Link A worthwhile hobby doesn't always mean paying. I play tennis and chess. Neither cost me much. Beyond the $200.00 for my racket and balls. The problem with trying to find models is you're asking for others to work with you for photos. That can be tricky. While I hear from a decent number of models putting sessions together can be hard. A few tips OP. If you have a car offer to pick your models up. Some may say, no but I suspect many will be fine with that. Very often younger models don't have cars or reliable ones anyway. If that's not acceptable then offer to come to a location near to them. Don't be afraid to approach attractive people and ask to shoot them. Have some sample of your work on a phone or tablet and give a card out. My best used model was found at my former gym. Sites like Facebook, Instagram and even Craigslist are also good places to look for new faces. Another idea is to find a MUA. Make sure models know she/he will be around to do their face. This because models don't always know how to apply make-up and insures them another person will be there. Especially important if you don't allow escorts or if they don't have a friend to bring. Organize a meet up group or join some in your area. Another idea is to go to fashion shows. Many designers want photos of their new things and you'll find new people to shoot. Jan 14 17 07:33 pm Link My suggestion is start photographing male models. They often don't get the attention and opportunities that they deserve. They also have female models as friends that could evolve into shooting the male model and his female friend both individually and together. Jan 14 17 08:08 pm Link Rob Photosby wrote: Thanks. Jan 14 17 09:15 pm Link MikeW wrote: Very true. Thanks for the suggestion. Jan 14 17 09:17 pm Link Tony Lawrence wrote: Thanks for the tips Tony. Jan 14 17 09:19 pm Link Reno Gregory wrote: I realize that my experience is not the norm here, but I found that this worked particularly well for me: I shot with one model (I answered her Craigslist ad; I didn't know MM existed) predominantly for about a year and a half, shooting about once a month. Not exclusive for either of us, but we worked with each other far more than anyone else. We were both novices, but having a regular collaborator and developing a rhythm, comfort, and understanding of common goals enabled us to learn, risk, fail, and grow more quickly, in my opinion. We were open to each other's ideas, we mixed them, mashed them, rejected them, attempted them. Jan 14 17 10:25 pm Link i paid traveling models to get started. eventually i could get models TF, but not at first. Jan 15 17 08:09 am Link Like someone else or maybe others have mentioned. I'd look for groups in your area on Facebook. I just recently moved to Carmel Indian and since being here I have made a lot of contacts through the Indiana model groups on facebook. I also met a photographer who has a studio and hold monthly open houses for people to network, mingle and shoot together. We have a group shoot on the 23rd of this month and I have invited a number of models from MM to attend. I also see a lot of posts of photographers looking to shoot on trade and get a lot of replies. Thats where I would start. Jan 15 17 08:45 am Link I have found dozens (literally) of TF models by approaching the local theatre troupes. Many to choose from, of all shapes, sizes, genders, and "looks". Jan 15 17 05:49 pm Link I message models in my area directly through MM to build my portfolio. I still do the vast majority of my creative shooting with models from MM on a TFP basis. I don't message many models; I am selective about the ones I do message. I try to judge by their portfolio if they would like my photography and would benefit from the resulting images. Of course, it is difficult to judge this, but I find a pretty good return rate when I approach a model for a shoot. I live a little outside the city, have a home studio, require a signed model release and provide 3 finished images as compensation. These are sometimes barriers for models to work with me, but generally I find there are quite a few which are happy with that deal. However, I only do about 6-10 shoots per year. If I wanted that to be 25 shoots per year I would definitely need to look outside MM to make that happen. Models sometimes contact me to shoot, but I find most often I contact them. Jan 15 17 08:16 pm Link You have to pay to learn. I'm in Canada and have surprising results offering a simple $40 modelling fee for a forty minute shoot, with an assortment of images for the model. I usually find a historic building, or park, at a convenient location and encourage supportive friends of the model to participate. Since the advent of the iPhone it is just about impossible to secure shoots in the old TFP mode, which was so awesome back in the early days on MM. Best advice I can offer is to focus on community events, parades, sporting events, whatever, to build up portfolio and to develop camera skills. Many studios offer workshops, with a mix of models in attendance, and these are good when starting out...cheers... Jan 15 17 09:34 pm Link When I started about 2.5 years ago, it was a little ruff getting TF shoots, especially since my portfolio kinda sucked and I didn't know how the site worked. I did a lot of group shoots through Meetup.com and that allowed me to put some decent images. Nowadays, it's a little easier for me to get TF, but, still no guarantee. OP, you're lucky to be close to the LA area as there are a lot of opportunities for you. I typically browse through the casting calls and travel notices (casting call section). Below are 2 links on how I set it up. I adjust the start date so it's back dated 5 days. I figure anything older than that the shoot probably already has been filled. Casting Call: http://tinyurl.com/jjspogk Travel Notice: http://tinyurl.com/z8du52b And, don't forget to browse the members. Here's a sample of ones in your area active in the last 7 days: http://tinyurl.com/hxxjm3q If you get turned down (mostly likely by your message being ignored), don't get discouraged. Lastly, don't get hung on exclusively TF shoots. If you have a concept or idea you really want to make happen, and the only way to is pay for it. Pay for it. Well, within reason.  Jan 15 17 10:46 pm Link Black Z Eddie wrote: Thanks for the suggestion! Jan 16 17 06:28 pm Link |
