On 23 December, 2007 Craig Seay created a post in the General Forum of Model Mayhem initiating a new program - one of many programs he started to strengthen the Model Mayhem community. In this program dubbed "theLIST", seasoned photographers agreed to donate at least one shoot a month to helping newbie models begin or strengthen their portfolios.
This program and its ancillary the Newbie Model of the Week Contest are some of the most valuable comunity programs on Model Mayhem. Together they serve to help models get started on the right foot, give them a sense of what to expect in the world of freelance modeling and offer them exposure to our community and the world at large.
When Craig took his programs elsewhere in the Spring of 2009, two of the theLIST Top Drawer members, Nina Pak and Tom deLombarde entered into detailed discussions about instituting a new version of theLIST and Newbie Model of the Week Contest. At the time we were readying to launch, Craig decided to return the programs to Model Mayhem and we picked up where the old LIST left off and have strengthened the weaknesses of old LIST.
One of our prime goals was to institute quality standards for membership in theLIST. Recovering the old LIST and clearing deadwood was an enormous task and maintining it with quality standards in place had required attention and effort. This iteration of theLIST reflects these changes and we are forging ahead with even more improvements.
Nina Pak, and Tom deLombarde are striving to keep these lists up to date and accurate so that they can benefit everyone. Your participation and assistance is very much appreciated!
The LIST also proudly presents each week
CONGRATULATIONS to our winner this week Cait Cooper MM# 2988087 our 240th
Newbie Model of the WEEK June 12, 2013 ~!!!
Top Drawer member and co-founder of the Stage Two theLISTNina Pak has condensed the answer to What does being an active theLIST member mean? into a very nice, compact list. The full FAQ follows.
Being an "active member" of The List means...
* Shooting newbie models when possible. Preferably once a month.
* Mentoring of newbies, at the shoot or to be available for questions if needed on MM.
* Giving the model good quality edited images and/or prints for their portfolio.
* Entering your newbie in the weekly contest when you have images.
If we don't see your images, or hear from you, then we consider you not active and you would be removed from The List.
***** theLIST FAQ *****
What is the List? Experienced Photographers who have pledged to provide assistance to beginning models, who donate a photo-session to start or enhance the models portfolio.
How will the List help the new Model? Give a solid base and a new start, building experience for future work Valuable camera time with a seasoned photographer Providing positive publicity with the Newbie contests.
How will the List benefit me as a photographer? There is prestige and positive publicity associated with membership in a juried group, especially now that the selection process is governed with discretion. You benefit from strengthening the model pool, and you gain the respect and appreciation of the models you work with.
What are the requirements for membership in the List? For consideration as the List member, a photographer will be expected to possess:
A grasp of photographic techniques which will facilitate the creation of quality photographs for a model's portfolio.
What type of photograph does the model need? The model will need some standard portfolio images. Headshots, a few lifestyle images, where they are dressed in more than a swimsuit. Some artistic images are wonderful, but the model will also need to have the basics.
What are the requirements for remaining a member of the List? Maintaining your involvement in the program:
Working with newbie models once a month, when possible Entering your shoots in the Newbie Model of the Week Contest.
What if I apply for membership in the List and am not accepted? Please consider joining the mentoring programs. As an applicant who is not accepted it doesn't mean that you are not an excellent shooter, but if your portfolio doesn't show images of the basic nature necessary for a Newbie then a bit of guidance about how to work with beginning models, and how to fulfill their needs, may be helpful to you. Photographers who are experienced in the field will give you guidance.
Is membership in the List an endorsement of a photographer's ethics? No. Unfortunately we have no reasonable way to validate or determine this. We are however serious about these programs and will be very receptive to complaints of misbehavior by the List members or newbie models who fail to show good faith ethics.
Is membership in the List an endorsement of a photographer's skill? For the List In its reorganization, we wish to implement reasonable quality standards. Our goal is to provide a list of photographers with good basic shooting skills and an understanding of the new models needs.
You are strongly encouraged to look critically at the portfolio of anyone with whom you wish to work. In doing so you should determine of the photographer is capable of improving your portfolio and if the photographer's work is in a style that will benefit you.
Our application process now consists of six steps (only one requiring the applicant's input):
1. Post a reply of intent in theLIST thread.
2. We will send you a PM with an e-mail address for you to send a presentation.
3. You will tender your application with a NEWbie Model of the Week nomination.
4. We will then send this presentation to a small group of Top Drawer volunteers.
5. The volunteers will review your presentation and if they accept it:
6. We will then submit your application to the entire Top Drawer membership for vote.
This shows us that applicants are earnest in wishing to invest their time in
the programs and during our trial period this method has proven quite effective.
Our sincere thanks goes to all who have supported these programs!
- Tom and Nina
And so The List begins with the Top Drawer
Top Drawer members are an elite group of pro photographers, models, MUA's and stylists who, prior to membership, must first be nominated by a current Top Drawer member and then voted in by the majority of Top Drawer members. In addition, TD members serve as mentors, select a new Newbie Model of the Week from those entered each week, and serve The List in various ways behind the scenes. In other words, if you're Top Drawer, you're the shit!
~Top Drawer Photographers, Models and MUA's Sorted by State - City~
================= USA ============================
Gabby Mora St Louis / U. City / Barnhart / Arnold / Imperial / Festus, Missouri KeithDewey Kansas City, Missouri Amy Biggerstaff Mound City, Kansas, Warsaw, Missouri
GFox Studio Salt Lake City/Corona Del Mar/Caracas~Utah/California/Venezuela
The list of beautiful newbie models that need photographers (like you) to shoot with them!
The Please Just Shoot Me list has been removed - it is simply too much work to maintain as models become ineligible rapidly. Models can request shoots within this thread to make this part of the program more self maintaining.
The ListRules & Policies:
Photographers:
Definition of aThe ListPhotographer: A photographer who has submitted work to and has been approved by The Top DRAWER for inclusion to The List.
Checklist for Photographers:
- Work shows potential to produce pro or semi-pro quality images.
- Good grasp on the basics of lighting, composition, and editing.
- Ability to bring to the new model's portfolio a look of pro or semi-pro quality in the work you will offer.
Requirements forThe ListPhotographers - TF*/Free shoot at least one day each month with a newbie model in your area.
- Provide each model with at least 3 quality edits for their portfolio.
- Not discriminate against models who you personally feel "don't have a chance". Remember, you are not necessarily shooting for your own portfolio.
As a listed photographer you are requested (not required) to:
- Indiscriminately shoot with every serious newbie model in your area who contacts you (with exception to models whom you feel may not meet your artistic or business ethic or criteria, at least one per month)
- Initiate contact with newbie models in your area, if contact hasn't been made with you through The List prior to the current month's end.
* If you have more newbies contact you than you can logistically accommodate, you may either refer them to other photographers in your area (not necessarily from The List) or ask them to check with you periodically.
How Photographers JoinThe List:
- Post here in the thread stating that you would like to participate.
- Top Drawer members will review your portfolio to determine if you are ready for inclusion.
* Applicants are normally approved within 2 days.
* If you don't make the list, keep shooting! You can apply to The List every 30 days.
Models:
Definition of aThe ListNewbie Model: An aspiring model who has been an active MM member for less than a year with 1 year or less total active modeling experience. She may not be affiliated with any modeling agency as of yet and her portfolio must reflect a "newbie" ambience, including images, listed experience and contacts. He/she may not show in his/her profile "tours, rates, or anything else that would give him/her the appearance of a working professional model. If in doubt, The Top Drawer members will make final determination.
Checklist for Models:
- One year or less total modeling experience. *** Please see note below - One year or less as a member of Model Mayhem. *** Please see note below - Not represented by an agency.
- No rates for modeling services.
- Able provide own transportation.
- Able to keep commitments.
Requirements forThe ListModels:
- Contact photographers on The List to set up a free photo shoot.
*If you can't find a photographer on The List, select any not-yet-approved applicant you wish to shoot or practice with.
- Provide own transportation.
- Abide by all of your photographer's publicly stated pre-shoot and shoot requirements.
- Keep your commitments!
* You will be disqualified immediately from participation here if you flake on a photographer.
How Models JoinThe List:
- Post here in the thread stating that you would like to participate.
- Top Drawer members will review your portfolio to determine if you are ready for inclusion.
* Applicants are normally approved within 2 days.
* If you don't make the list, you're probably right along your way to making your mark in the industry. Keep up your good work!
*** NOTE *** The absolute time requirements have been lifted for one reason: A model will often get off to a flase start - perhaps one shoot and then will stop accepting any engagements for a period of time. If this person decides to resume at a later date, they are still lacking in experience even if they have been a member of MM for more than a year.
Please understand that all of these rules are impossible to codify in absolutes. If the Top Drawer disqualifies someone, this has been done with consideration of the whole profile, not necessarily any one rule.
Other Information for Photographers & Models
Can your List membership be revoked? YES! There are several reasons for which your List membership may be revoked.
- Inactivity: If it is apparent that you are just taking up space on The List and not shooting a newbie each month, your profile will go to The Top Drawer for review and possible revocation. The best way to stay on the LIST is to be active. A very good and recommended way is to enter a newbie model each week or at least once each month in the Newbie Model of the WEEK contest.
- Inappropriate behavior: Occasionally, we receive complaints that individuals associated with The List are behaving badly or inappropriately. If complaints are voiced against a List member, we will investigate and we will expel the member if that action seems appropriate.
How do you become a Top Drawer member? There are 3 prerequisites to TOP DRAWER membership.
1. You must post, or have already posted to Newbie Model of the WEEK thread ~ 2 to 5 current images of a newbie model you've recently worked with, as a result of contact made through The List or Model Mayhem. All the images submitted must have been taken by you.
2. Upon successful completion of step one, you must then be nominated to appear on the ballot that will once a week be presented to all Top Drawer members for a vote. Any TD member may nominate you for the ballot. If you have not been nominated and would like to be considered for Top Drawer membership, you may contact me with your request.
3. As a balloted nominee, your name and profile will be viewed by all Top Drawer members prior to the vote. After all votes have been cast and counted, it will then be determined as to whether or not you have received the necessary majority. If so, your election to the Top Drawer will be announced and your avatar and profile link will be moved to The Top Drawer. If you aren't voted in, you may qualify for re-nomination after 45 days.
The ListCredits, Volunteers, & Disclaimer
Credits & Volunteers
The List would like to thank the following people for making The List possible: Nina Pak: Creator of theLIST Stage Two Tom deLombarde: Creator of theLIST Stage Two / Administrator of theLIST and NEWbie Model of the Week
DISCLAIMER:Tom deLombarde & Model Mayhem will not be responsible nor held liable for any misconduct or mishap between participating parties. I am providing a list only, of volunteer photographers who's work I deem as adequate to assist the entry level model. It is your responsibility to check references before meeting with any photographer on the LIST.
The restructure of theLIST is a big step in the right direction and also a lot of work for Tom and the team.
Tom deL, you are a God-send~!!
Much gratitude and thanks goes to Tom deL, theLIST Administrator, and to JR Mandeville and Nina Pak for all the help they have been to Tom during this revamp.
Christian Nyback wrote: Thank you for the inclusion!
Chris,
It's great to have you on board. Now get your butt in gear and get some of those beautiful Florida Newbies entered in the Weekly Newbie of the Week Contest.
I want to thank Tom del for all his blood sweat and tears. I'm sure alot f tears having to deal with a computer illiterate like me trying to help clean up the list. I can't blame you for asking me to sweep the floors..lol. There is no way for anyone to know the time and effort you put into getting this ready once again. I have a good idea as I helped and I would go to bed and wake up to all your emails sent and different hours of the night and day! I look forward to working with you and seeing this thread grow and become a wonderful tool for everyone.
I hope everyone will join me in a round of applause and a good cold beer!
Top Drawer member and co-founder of the Stage Two theLISTNina Pak has condensed the answer to What does being an active theLIST member mean? into a very nice, compact list. The full FAQ follows.
Being an "active member" of The List means...
* Shooting newbie models when possible. Preferably once a month.
* Mentoring of newbies, at the shoot or to be available for questions if needed on MM.
* Giving the model good quality edited images and/or prints for their portfolio.
* Entering your newbie in the weekly contest when you have images.
If we don't see your images, or hear from you, then we consider you not active and you would be removed from The List.
***** theLIST FAQ *****
What is the List? Experienced Photographers who have pledged to provide assistance to beginning models, who donate a photo-session to start or enhance the models portfolio.
How will the List help the new Model? Give a solid base and a new start, building experience for future work Valuable camera time with a seasoned photographer Providing positive publicity with the Newbie contests.
How will the List benefit me as a photographer? There is prestige and positive publicity associated with membership in a juried group, especially now that the selection process is governed with discretion. You benefit from strengthening the model pool, and you gain the respect and appreciation of the models you work with.
What are the requirements for membership in the List? For consideration as the List member, a photographer will be expected to possess:
A grasp of photographic techniques which will facilitate the creation of quality photographs for a model's portfolio.
What type of photograph does the model need? The model will need some standard portfolio images. Headshots, a few lifestyle images, where they are dressed in more than a swimsuit. Some artistic images are wonderful, but the model will also need to have the basics.
What are the requirements for remaining a member of the List? Maintaining your involvement in the program:
Working with newbie models once a month, when possible Entering your shoots in the Newbie Model of the Week Contest.
What if I apply for membership in the List and am not accepted? Please consider joining the mentoring programs. As an applicant who is not accepted it doesn't mean that you are not an excellent shooter, but if your portfolio doesn't show images of the basic nature necessary for a Newbie then a bit of guidance about how to work with beginning models, and how to fulfill their needs, may be helpful to you. Photographers who are experienced in the field will give you guidance.
Is membership in the List an endorsement of a photographer's ethics? No. Unfortunately we have no reasonable way to validate or determine this. We are however serious about these programs and will be very receptive to complaints of misbehavior by the List members or newbie models who fail to show good faith ethics.
Is membership in the List an endorsement of a photographer's skill? For the List In its reorganization, we wish to implement reasonable quality standards. Our goal is to provide a list of photographers with good basic shooting skills and an understanding of the new models needs.
You are strongly encouraged to look critically at the portfolio of anyone with whom you wish to work. In doing so you should determine of the photographer is capable of improving your portfolio and if the photographer's work is in a style that will benefit you.
Our application process now consists of six steps (only one requiring the applicant's input):
1. Post a reply of intent in theLIST thread.
2. We will send you a PM with an e-mail address for you to send a presentation.
3. You will tender your application with a NEWbie Model of the Week nomination.
4. We will then send this presentation to a small group of Top Drawer volunteers.
5. The volunteers will review your presentation and if they accept it:
6. We will then submit your application to the entire Top Drawer membership for vote.
This shows us that applicants are earnest in wishing to invest their time in
the programs and during our trial period this method has proven quite effective.
Our sincere thanks goes to all who have supported these programs!
- Tom and Nina
I would be honored to be a part of your elite list of photographers. I enjoy working with newbies and helping them develop their portfolio as well as their modeling careers. Your consideration is greatly appreciated.
Please Note:We have removed a great many members from theLIST. Mostly the reasons have been inactivity: folks who have never been involved with this program or the Newbie Model of the Week Contest. This has been dont to make theLIST more useful and meaningful to new models seeking assistance.
If your profile has been removed and you wish to be listed again, please contact Joe Mandeville or myself.
I guess winning Newbie Model of the Week recently and working with models contacting me about the list multiple times every month qualified me as being inactive because I've been removed from Top Drawer status in the list.
I'll go over and remove "The List" emblem from my profile.
I guess winning Newbie Model of the Week recently and working with models contacting me about the list multiple times every month qualified me as being inactive because I've been removed from Top Drawer status in the list.
I'll go over and remove "The List" emblem from my profile.
Chris,
Tom and I went thru the List and Top Drawer. It was such a large task and there is the possibility of errors. Apparently yours was dropped. If you wish to participate I will contact Tom and he will take care of it.
I would like to be considered for "The List" I'm from the Boston area and have been shooting portfolios for some time. This is something I'd be interested in doing. Just let me know what you need for information, Thanks Frank McDonough
I would like to be considered for "The List", I'm from the Los Angeles area. I would be honoured to assist new models with the development of their portfolio. Please let me know if you require further information.
I would like to be included in the list. I was a member of the list on aother board and still work with 5-7 new models monthly with regard to portfollio work. Would be happy to recommend some of them for Newbie of the week.
Frank McDonough wrote: I would like to be considered for "The List" I'm from the Boston area and have been shooting portfolios for some time. This is something I'd be interested in doing. Just let me know what you need for information, Thanks Frank McDonough
Hi Frank, we will include you in the next selection round.
Meanwhile will you please edit your post above and remove your quote of my whole OP? This is already a stale copy of theLIST and should NOT be quoted within these threads. Thanks!