This thread was locked on 2009-11-05 15:49:38. Reason: Post to the forum that is most appropriate for the topic being presented. (Trolling.com?) Don't troll. Don't wreck the train after trolling it.
Ultimately, a model wants to get paid assignments, not TFP by some “great” photographer. I employ about 95% of my models off this site. I pay them because I expect professionals and I pay professional wages. I fly the model in, pay 100% of their expenses plus a modeling fee. It’s not the big time, but it’s work and it often leads to other work. I’m amazed at how many models keep shooting TFP as if that one shot is going to land them on America’s Next Top Model. For whatever it’s worth, this is my advice from someone who actually pays for your services:
1) All those creative shots on unicorns, wild make up and surreal settings are fun, I suppose, and are interesting, but I have no idea what you look like and ignore them. I need to see how you look, because I know how I can make you look.
2) If I see you in wings, I close the profile and move on.
3) Write in the third person and I ignore you. I do not ever deal with agencies. I hate them and will not work through them. Write in the first person so I know I’m talking to you and your chances improve.
4) Use flattering shots. When you try to be creative and distort your looks, what are you trying to prove?
5) I look at all the photos and in every case, the worst photo is who shows up. So make sure your best shots are always on the site, not filler. You want to impress, not discourage.
6) You may get tired of booty shots and sexy shots, but if you’re going to be hired, those are your selling points. If you think you’re above that, think again, you’re not.
7) Did I mention to stay away from agencies? They are worthless. Being agency represented is DOA in my book.
8) I look for natural beauty, nice lines, the ability to pose and attract. A girl in a pair of jeans, a t shirt and a powerful smile will win over a girl in clown make up.
9) If you’re pregnant, keep it on My Space. We are looking for models, not a family album.
10) Heavy Photo Shop is obvious. Next…
11) Keep the shots simple, powerful, showing all sides, and for me, showing me you can pose, which is not the same as a freeze frame shot.
12) Put your age at 99 and I’ll never find you.
13) Be honest about you ethnicity. I use all colors, race and creed. When you hide it, I begin to worry about your confidence and honesty.
14) You’re a professional. Don’t shoot for free, and especially don’t pay a photographer to shoot you. He should pay you, not the other way around. Don’t cheapen yourself and don’t price yourself out of business either. Know the market and accept the industrial standard. But by all means, get paid; isn’ that why you’re here?
If a model knows a photographer will give her amazing shots and she can affort it, she will pay them. If a photographer really wants a model for a shoot, they will pay her. Some people come together and work for free to create shots that will benefit both of their portfolios.
And some people want to make art and enjoy transforming themselves into something weird and wonderful
Jennifer Susan wrote: If a model knows a photographer will give her amazing shots and she can affort it, she will pay them. If a photographer really wants a model for a shoot, they will pay her. Some people come together and work for free to create shots that will benefit both of their portfolios.
And some people want to make art and enjoy transforming themselves into something weird and wonderful
peace
Then you are an exception; you don't want to get paid, you just want to take photos of yourself. I was referring to those that want to be pros.
Actually I reckon there are a hell of a lot of people on here who are hobbyists as well as the pros on here. i am in no way an exception.
If course people want to get paid for their art - but some people just like to make art and payment is a bonus. Maybe you should be more specific in your thread title/post
Jennifer Susan wrote: Actually I reckon there are a hell of a lot of people on here who are hobbyists as well as the pros on here. i am in no way an exception.
If course people want to get paid for their art - but some people just like to make art and payment is a bonus. Maybe you should be more specific in your thread title/post
Sorry, I thought I was specific. If you want to be a paid model, as oppossed to a hobbyist, then you may want to read my advice. But you do bring up a good point; many here are not professionals and should not accept assignments as such. Thanks...
Why is this in the "critique" section? Doesn't it belong in the "models" section, or "off-topic" section, or "Harley-Davidson section?"
As to the advice, mostly on target, but the OP's bias against agencies should be ignored by girls who have the stats and looks to have a shot at agency work.
As for any advice anyone gives you, look who is saying what, look at the persons work/ port and motivations and judge for yourself wether you want to follow the advice of this person, or not.
Peter wrote: As for any advice anyone gives you, look who is saying what, look at the persons work/ port and motivations and judge for yourself wether you want to follow the advice of this person, or not.
True, but I pay models, so I'm trying to help them get paid assignments. And if you pay models to pose, then your advice would be welcomed I'm sure. Maybe I'm wrong, but I thought the models are in this for the money.
what YOU look for doesn't always translate for what the next person who is ALSO paying is looking for. I see questionable things in your list that other models who ALSO get paid would/wouldn't need to do.
Siiri S wrote: Mh, sorry but some of your points seem rather ignorant.....
The only point I think had much merit was #5, because I also personally believe "one is only as good as their worst shot," so to speak. But, what I don't think he understands is that it applies to not only models, but photographers including himself. It applies to everyone, and his narcissism is really shining through in his slightly offensive and misguided rant-a-lotamous.
already #1 and #2 are questionable but lets break this one down...
3) Write in the third person and I ignore you. I do not ever deal with agencies. I hate them and will not work through them. Write in the first person so I know I’m talking to you and your chances improve.
PAID models also work with/through agencies... So you're telling Agency models their chances to get paid top dollar would be to drop their agency? Really?
So I get $25 an hour doing it on my own, I have an agency and get $500 PLUS residuals for the same work is bad how?
There were a few other things that were lollery, but we didn't even get past #3.
The only point I think had much merit was #5, because I also personally believe "one is only as good as their worst shot," so to speak. But, what I don't think he understands is that it applies to not only models, but photographers including himself. It applies to everyone, and his narcissism is really shining through in his slightly offensive and misguided rant-a-lotamous.
Nadirah B wrote: already #1 and #2 are questionable but lets break this one down...
3) Write in the third person and I ignore you. I do not ever deal with agencies. I hate them and will not work through them. Write in the first person so I know I’m talking to you and your chances improve.
PAID models also work with/through agencies... So you're telling Agency models their chances to get paid top dollar would be to drop their agency? Really?
So I get $25 an hour doing it on my own, I have an agency and get $500 PLUS residuals for the same work is bad how?
There were a few other things that were lollery, but we didn't even get past #3.
I'm so glad you are here and beat me to this.
OP, tell me when you find the source that says fashion models are more successful freelance than agency-represented.
*edit*
To those responding, I'll guess since he only has 8 posts he didn't quite understand what the critique section was.
Kelli Kickham wrote: I'm so glad you are here and beat me to this.
OP, tell me when you find the source that says fashion models are more successful freelance than agency-represented.
*edit*
To those responding, I'll guess since he only has 8 posts he didn't quite understand what the critique section was.
Well, i'm critiquing his rant!
If I saw a real girl in this get up, best BELIEVE I would probably hire her, lol. I see wings! If Bruce Talbot had a shot with wings... MAN.. it'd be sick.
Antonio Marcus wrote: OP: I think this really goes for models that don't quite fit the fashion or commercial agency look. For glamour ... I can see your point though.
You may have a point. For print work, I don't think you need an agency, but for runway work where the industry relies on a contractor to provide models, I think you're right. But really, how many girls here fall into that category? Most are just looking, testing the water to see if they have what it takes. They don't need an agent for that.
If I saw a real girl in this get up, best BELIEVE I would probably hire her, lol. I see wings! If Bruce Talbot had a shot with wings... MAN.. it'd be sick.
Wanting to get paid and being a pro are two completely different and not always compatible concepts.
Case in point: GWC's pay some models to pose because their work isn't strong enough to attract talent under any other arrangement.
Similarly, some models pose for GWC's that aren't really models but are happy to get some money if someone is willing to pay them.
One is paying and the other is getting paid. Neither can be argued to be a pro because of this.
Your broad brush is just that.
I don't split hairs. I hire a model. I pay the model. I expect her to be a professional. A seasoned pro, maybe not, but if she gets paid, she'd better be a pro.
