Share your experiences. What's the determining factor on where you'll go first? Do you book before you start or as you go? If you have children, what arrangements do you make for them? Are you willing to do any TF shoots during your travels? Where do you stay?
Would love to hear your responses and if any other models are curious, please share your questions.
I haven't done cross country trips, but I've done travel modeling. Would my experience be helpful at all? Not sure if it's as relevant since it's a little different in how one goes about it, I'd think
I would recommend writing Andy Virus or Nicolette otherwise. They're both individuals who I know have done some cross country location to location modeling.
Do you mean like driving cross country and booking jobs along the way? I've flown cross country, but that isn't the same thing and might not be the feedback you are looking for.
Paige Morgan wrote: Do you mean like driving cross country and booking jobs along the way? I've flown cross country, but that isn't the same thing and might not be the feedback you are looking for.
Yea, this is more typical for me - no cross country road trips for modeling by by car though (although not against it - I love road trips! Just haven't had a good opportunity for it lol) - just flying so far (usually at least a couple planned shoots/shows plus go-sees and a few shoots planned once I get there, sometimes all of it planned ahead of time). Not sure if that helps.
Laura UnBound
Posts: 24,834
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
CRIMSON REIGN wrote: Share your experiences. What's the determining factor on where you'll go first?
Weather
Cost of plane/train prices to point A vs point B
When involving a handful of destinations, how they all fall into a pattern that makes the most sense (no backtracking or going too far out of the way)
Personal experience: I did the whole west coast twice. I was stupid and went south to north, when I should have started in the north and gone south because i made the trips in the fall. By the time I made it to portland it was snowing and I was miserably cold and wet every time I left the house, and I missed booking with all the outdoor shooters because they had no place to work with me by november. So, I did that wrong.
Flying into San diego was cheaper for me than it was to fly into Seattle, however, so I did that right.
I did all my stops in order, no zigzagging or backtracking. Unfortunately once I already picked my dates and started booking, I got offers for places like Salt Lake and Vegas, and they couldn't fit into my schedule, so consider all the options before setting your dates firm
Do you book before you start or as you go?
Depends on how long your trip is. If you're doing a month-long trip, odds of the bookings you have for the very end being rock-solid at the very beginning are slim. You need to be able to stay in touch with everyone along the way, and you may start your trip with less booked than you actually wind up with by the end of it all, or vice versa. Like with any trip, short or long, you have people who fail to commit to anything and you also have people who dont pay any attention to whats going on until the day or two before and want to book you last-minute.
Personal Experience: the first west coast trip I didn't give myself enough time for all the people who wanted to book me. The second time around, everyone in the world canceled and I did almost nothing for an entire month, and I cut the last quarter of the trip completely and went home early.
If you have children, what arrangements do you make for them?
N/A
Are you willing to do any TF shoots during your travels? Where do you stay?
Yes. Typically I pinpoint who I would like to TF with and let them know Im coming to the area and ask them what day works best for them, then once thats scheduled I do my paid bookings around that.
Most times I trade for hosting. I stay with other photographers or models.
Paige Morgan wrote: Do you mean like driving cross country and booking jobs along the way? I've flown cross country, but that isn't the same thing and might not be the feedback you are looking for.
Yes. There are some that travel constantly...from one state to another. Some drive and some travel via planes, buses or trains, which brings about another question. Who pays for the travel and lodging, especially for us nude models?
CRIMSON REIGN wrote: Share your experiences. What's the determining factor on where you'll go first?
Weather
Cost of plane/train prices to point A vs point B
When involving a handful of destinations, how they all fall into a pattern that makes the most sense (no backtracking or going too far out of the way)
Personal experience: I did the whole west coast twice. I was stupid and went south to north, when I should have started in the north and gone south because i made the trips in the fall. By the time I made it to portland it was snowing and I was miserably cold and wet every time I left the house, and I missed booking with all the outdoor shooters because they had no place to work with me by november. So, I did that wrong.
Flying into San diego was cheaper for me than it was to fly into Seattle, however, so I did that right.
I did all my stops in order, no zigzagging or backtracking. Unfortunately once I already picked my dates and started booking, I got offers for places like Salt Lake and Vegas, and they couldn't fit into my schedule, so consider all the options before setting your dates firm
Do you book before you start or as you go?
Depends on how long your trip is. If you're doing a month-long trip, odds of the bookings you have for the very end being rock-solid at the very beginning are slim. You need to be able to stay in touch with everyone along the way, and you may start your trip with less booked than you actually wind up with by the end of it all, or vice versa. Like with any trip, short or long, you have people who fail to commit to anything and you also have people who dont pay any attention to whats going on until the day or two before and want to book you last-minute.
Personal Experience: the first west coast trip I didn't give myself enough time for all the people who wanted to book me. The second time around, everyone in the world canceled and I did almost nothing for an entire month, and I cut the last quarter of the trip completely and went home early.
If you have children, what arrangements do you make for them?
N/A
Yes. Typically I pinpoint who I would like to TF with and let them know Im coming to the area and ask them what day works best for them, then once thats scheduled I do my paid bookings around that.
Most times I trade for hosting. I stay with other photographers or models.
Laura UnBound
Posts: 24,834
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
CRIMSON REIGN wrote:
Yes. There are some that travel constantly...from one state to another. Some drive and some travel via planes, buses or trains, which brings about another question. Who pays for the travel and lodging, especially for us nude models?
My west coast trips I got one person to do a TF-airfare into that area, and from there I spent my own money on my bus and train tickets up the coast and made sure I booked enough to at least break even there, if not make more. Both trips I made money, though the first one was far more successful than the second. Luckily Ive never gone anywhere and LOST money. I almost always insist that someone else buy the plane ticket and I have someplace to stay, either with them or a friend, so in the worst case scenario that everyone else I had booked canceled, I went, I did my one trade shoot with the person who brought me in, and I went home having lost nothing. Whereas, you could pay for your own tickets and lodging, but if the person(s) you were relying on to book with to offset that cost all cancel, then you've lost money.
Some models pay their own way all the time without a hitch. Some dont. Depends on the amount of risk you're willing to take on
Aside from my two major west coast trips where I pretty much decided I was going and went, all my other long-distance trips that I couldn't drive to have been made just when someone offered. Once someone said "Im willing to fly you in" I found a place to stay and said "great, book the tickets for a week instead of just one day, I'll be staying for a few more days, you get first choice of which day/time of the week you would like" and make a trip around it.
I am taking cross-country trips within the next couple of months.
To start, I have gotten a lot of my networking completed through here. Model Mayhem has been a very good thing for me, and eventually those connections move over to facebook and so on etc. etc.....
The way that I have scheduled this years' cities is that those photographers that message me here on MM interested in shooting/paid work, get moved into folders by cities (example: TORONTO, PHILLY, SAN FRAN. < all places that I'm visiting)
I then determined where most of my shoot interest has been, and made my choices from there. My biggest interest has been Toronto, New York, and San Fransisco. I will be shooting paid bookings while I am there, and trade work for exceptional talent.
Hope this helps you organize how you would do it a little better, or give you ideas. :]
Laura UnBound
Posts: 24,834
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Ah, yes, folders. When I was VIP I made sure to make a folder for every state, and then a few more for big cities, and every time all year long someone sent me a "wish you were in ___, Id book you" message they got put in the folder for their location, so when out of the blue someone says "I wanna fly you to Colorado" I have a whole list of people who have shown interest, that I otherwise would have forgotten about and might not even see it if I post a travel notice.
And regardless of if you pay your own travel or have someone else do it for you, always make sure you have enough money immediately accessible in the bank (because a handful of cash in the middle of nowhere may not be useful, as stupid as that sounds) to get you from wherever you are to home. the last thing you want is to be completely stuck somewhere you dont want to be/feel uncomfortable being and are going "I HAVE to stay here and do this because I dont have enough money otherwise"
So many girls have posted here over the years with "help! Im stuck in ____ and I have no money to get home because my photographer stiffed me/canceled and I was relying on that shoot!". Dont do that.
JEM model
Posts: 826
San Francisco, California, US
I travel, almost all the time. (Ive been home 6 days in the past 3 months!!) I have driven from Coast to Coast almost 4 times now!! And make numerous "mini tours" as well...
I prefer driving, as it gives me more independence. I usually pay for all my own stuff upfront and just try to book enough! I try to make it through as many places as possible, so i can shoot with everyone!! If its worth the pay, I dont mind driving out of my way for one person.
I will certainly do trade (or at least discounted prices) for hosts. I also feel, if I have free time, why not do SOMETHING, rather than nothing?!
its all really up to you and how you want to do it. Ive talked to numerous girls, and we all do it differently and successfully.
Feel free to PM me and ask me any questions or anything! Im here to help ya girl! Ive been doing this for YEARS now, so I can definitely give you some pointers!! And that goes for the rest of you gals too
Good luck and BE CAREFUL!!! (And please, have a plan!!)
CRIMSON REIGN wrote: Share your experiences. What's the determining factor on where you'll go first? Do you book before you start or as you go? If you have children, what arrangements do you make for them? Are you willing to do any TF shoots during your travels? Where do you stay?
Would love to hear your responses and if any other models are curious, please share your questions.
Cheers
Know the market you are traveling to... not every place that you would travel supports the notion "100/hr" is expected for traveling models.
If that is the rate you are going for, travel to places that support that rate..
You ladies are proof that MM is not full of bubble headed divas that want to be seen, (like some of these other posts insinuate), but true professionals and comrades. You are truly a blessing. Thank you for sharing and willing to share more. Now to see what a modeling mommy's input is...that's if they travel often.
I just did Columbus, OH, my first traveling assignment and it was more than great. The hosts and all of my appointments came through successfully. I had a blast. I only hope my future travels will be just as wonderful.
Yes. There are some that travel constantly...from one state to another. Some drive and some travel via planes, buses or trains, which brings about another question. Who pays for the travel and lodging, especially for us nude models?
I, as a rule, paid for my own travel. I could rack up points with an airline to redeem later. I knew that I could rely on getting to and from a city and not have to cancel last minute because someone flaked out on covering my travel. (Learned that the hard way.)
For single jobs, I've had day rate + travel + lodging covered, and that was the only job bringing me to that city.
If you want to PM me with any questions, I'll be as helpful as possible. I pretty much traveled with the intent of seeing and doing as much as possible, and not so much for making a huge profit or as a business. If you're looking to make the most profit possible, I'm not the one to talk to
I, as a rule, paid for my own travel. I could rack up points with an airline to redeem later. I knew that I could rely on getting to and from a city and not have to cancel last minute because someone flaked out on covering my travel. (Learned that the hard way.)
For single jobs, I've had day rate + travel + lodging covered, and that was the only job bringing me to that city.
If you want to PM me with any questions, I'll be as helpful as possible. I pretty much traveled with the intent of seeing and doing as much as possible, and not so much for making a huge profit or as a business. If you're looking to make the most profit possible, I'm not the one to talk to
Thanks so much for your tip. Now to get the money together to do just that. Not only would I like to travel the US more, but I've had some overseas offers. Boy, I would love to do something in Paris
Thanks so much for your tip. Now to get the money together to do just that. Not only would I like to travel the US more, but I've had some overseas offers. Boy, I would love to do something in Paris
Budgeting.
You'll be AMAZED how much change adds up. I have a change jar where I put all of my coins at the end of the day. Every few months I cash them in; it's usually in the hundred+ dollar range.
Also, I "budget" local work to cover 50% of future travel, 50% to savings, for example, until I have travel covered.
You'll be AMAZED how much change adds up. I have a change jar where I put all of my coins at the end of the day. Every few months I cash them in; it's usually in the hundred+ dollar range.
Also, I "budget" local work to cover 50% of future travel, 50% to savings, for example, until I have travel covered.
Ahhhhh, chaaaange! I gotta stop putting that into my son's jar. He probably has my plane ticket money in his room. Then again, he's a teenager and it's summer break...lol!
Ahhhhh, chaaaange! I gotta stop putting that into my son's jar. He probably has my plane ticket money in his room. Then again, he's a teenager and it's summer break...lol!
Haha
Honestly, I lucked out. When I decided to hit the road, I had zero debt, had just moved out of an apartment and had no lease to worry about, have no kids. It gets a lot trickier when you have bills and pre-existing responsibilities. But that's not to say it's impossible, it definitely is.
Think of creative ways to make what you want possible.
Honestly, I lucked out. When I decided to hit the road, I had zero debt, had just moved out of an apartment and had no lease to worry about, have no kids. It gets a lot trickier when you have bills and pre-existing responsibilities. But that's not to say it's impossible, it definitely is.
Think of creative ways to make what you want possible.
1. it starts with a job offer i can't turn down that is a long distance away. i accept, and it is far enough in advance for me to map out my route and post up some travel notices on this site. all of the llamaing work i get is from llamamayhem. all of it. i don't have kids. i sleep in my van, which has a bed in it, when i'm in between places. i feel most comfortable in my van but in towns where i have shoots, photographers insist on either getting me a hotel room or letting me stay with them. i wouldn't work with someone with whom i wouldn't be comfortable staying, in their living room or spare room. even with a place to stay offered to me, i do not work without money in exchange, because i have to make my gas money back.
or..
2. i am traveling anyway, on tour with my music or writing, or to visit friends, or for fun. i put up travel notices and contact people who've expressed interest, in the past, in working with me if i was ever in their town. the rest is all the same as #1.
i have only had positive experiences, except with one photographer for whom i drove hours out of my way, who told me that someone had stolen his identity/bank account information and drained his account, but that he would send me money in the mail when everything was straightened out. he never did.
Wynd Mulysa wrote: 1. it starts with a job offer i can't turn down that is a long distance away. i accept, and it is far enough in advance for me to map out my route and post up some travel notices on this site. all of the modeling work i get is from modelmayhem. all of it. i don't have kids. i sleep in my van, which has a bed in it, when i'm in between places. i feel most comfortable in my van but in towns where i have shoots, photographers insist on either getting me a hotel room or letting me stay with them. i wouldn't work with someone with whom i wouldn't be comfortable staying, in their living room or spare room. even with a place to stay offered to me, i do not work without money in exchange, because i have to make my gas money back.
or..
2. i am traveling anyway, on tour with my music or writing, or to visit friends, or for fun. i put up travel notices and contact people who've expressed interest, in the past, in working with me if i was ever in their town. the rest is all the same as #1.
i have only had positive experiences, except with one photographer for whom i drove hours out of my way, who told me that someone had stolen his identity/bank account information and drained his account, but that he would send me money in the mail when everything was straightened out. he never did.
Thanks so much and having a van big enough for a bed is awesome. I have an SUV, but it may make for an uncomfortable sleep. Where do you go to shower and use the rest room, etc?
Laura UnBound
Posts: 24,834
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
CRIMSON REIGN wrote: Thanks so much and having a van big enough for a bed is awesome. I have an SUV, but it may make for an uncomfortable sleep. Where do you go to shower and use the rest room, etc?
Truck stops. Pilot stations/ flying j's have showers you can rent for a few bucks
CRIMSON REIGN wrote: Share your experiences. What's the determining factor on where you'll go first? Do you book before you start or as you go? If you have children, what arrangements do you make for them? Are you willing to do any TF shoots during your travels? Where do you stay?
Would love to hear your responses and if any other models are curious, please share your questions.
Cheers
I go places that I can get a cheap ticket to. My FF miles are outrageous. I start booking about 3-4 weeks beforehand. I sublet out my apartment or swap apartments with somebody who will feed my catbabies. I hardly ever do TF ever. I stay with people I know or at hostels. Tried couchsurfing but not a huge fan. I think there have been approximately one zillion threads on this subject.
Laura UnBound
Posts: 24,834
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Vivica Ex Astris wrote:
Not only that, they bleach and clean after every use. Cleaner that our home bathrooms.
Ive never had to use one but I have heard they're generally pretty nice, not at all what you think of when you hear "truck stop"
Ive been inside the convenience area of those stops, a few in the dead middle of the night, they're always very well lit and theres always people about, they're not at all dingy or gross, some are partnered with restaurants (fast food, but still) Id rather pull off at one of those than a normal gas station most of the time.
CRIMSON REIGN wrote: You ladies are proof that MM is not full of bubble headed divas that want to be seen, (like some of these other posts insinuate), but true professionals and comrades. You are truly a blessing. Thank you for sharing and willing to share more. Now to see what a modeling mommy's input is...that's if they travel often.
I just did Columbus, OH, my first traveling assignment and it was more than great. The hosts and all of my appointments came through successfully. I had a blast. I only hope my future travels will be just as wonderful.
I'm a mommy/model. I don't know what you're arrangement is regarding custody, daycare, babysitters, etc. But personally, I have joint custody of my son Rogen. We share him week-on/week-off, and our drop-off day is always Saturday. So I book all of my work for the weeks that Rogen is with his daddy. I spend every moment with my little man from the time he's dropped off 'til the time I drop him off. He's 3 and I'm teaching him to read and spell and write, so it's pretty exciting, and I'm just not fond of the idea of being away from him. He's also an artist! He loves to paint and draw! Sorry, now I'm going on about it. My point is that it's a perfect arrangement for booking work (for me).
I'm also what I like to call a "Cali-Hopper". I live in Northern California (SF Bay Area/Wine Country), and book the majority of my work in LA. I crash on friend's couches, and I usually pay for transportation out of pocket, but make sure to book enough work to cover my travel expenses and make a profit. And I try to be open to last-minute gigs. When I work in SF, transportation costs aren't really an issue, and I drive home after a gig; so I guess that's not too relevant.
Everyone has a different situation, it's all about working with what you've got. From one mommy to another: I know you can do it!
Laura UnBound
Posts: 24,834
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
As for kids, Ive never heard of any model who traveled WITH their children, so I have to assume that anyone who models and has kids either doesn't travel or makes arrangements for when they do. Those arrangements depend entirely on whats available to you personally. Of course everyones experience will be different in that respect. If they're school-age children it would maybe be best to do your travelling during the school year, so you have the whole summer together. It sucks because summer is probably the best time to travel, but the little ones come first. Unless they go away somewhere for the summer, in which case that would be your best time to travel.
The Grace Gabbana wrote: I'm a mommy/model. I don't know what you're arrangement is regarding custody, daycare, babysitters, etc. But personally, I have joint custody of my son Rogen. We share him week-on/week-off, and our drop-off day is always Saturday. So I book all of my work for the weeks that Rogen is with his daddy. I spend every moment with my little man from the time he's dropped off 'til the time I drop him off. He's 3 and I'm teaching him to read and spell and write, so it's pretty exciting, and I'm just not fond of the idea of being away from him. He's also an artist! He loves to paint and draw! Sorry, now I'm going on about it. My point is that it's a perfect arrangement for booking work (for me).
I'm also what I like to call a "Cali-Hopper". I live in Northern California (SF Bay Area/Wine Country), and book the majority of my work in LA. I crash on friend's couches, and I usually pay for transportation out of pocket, but make sure to book enough work to cover my travel expenses and make a profit. And I try to be open to last-minute gigs. When I work in SF, transportation costs aren't really an issue, and I drive home after a gig; so I guess that's not too relevant.
Everyone has a different situation, it's all about working with what you've got. From one mommy to another: I know you can do it!
G
LOL! I can see you're proud of your lil man and thanks so much for sharing your experiences. My lil/big man is 15, but I have to stay on him because of his neglectful attitude towards school. It was my plan to travel more in the summer, but he now has to go to summer school...uuuugh! I'm married,(not to his dad) but hubby works so early in the morning during the week, that I'm primarily the one responsible for taking him to and from school. If I were to travel, it would probably have to be a Thurs-Mon or Tues thing and my mom would have to take him to school, or risk him taking himself on the bus.(hmmmmmmm).
CRIMSON REIGN wrote: Share your experiences. What's the determining factor on where you'll go first? Do you book before you start or as you go? If you have children, what arrangements do you make for them? Are you willing to do any TF shoots during your travels? Where do you stay?
Would love to hear your responses and if any other models are curious, please share your questions.
Cheers
Hello,
My plan is to book before I go and to travel from one to the other to make it a vacation by modeling.
Since I live in Alaska and we have winter for 9 months of the year I plan to do this once a month during the winter time traveling to areas that are warm!
Jen
p.s. I have travelled once, (within the state) and learned that a back up is a good idea since I had TWO photographers flake on me before I even boarded the plane...so, I will fly after I have confirmation of more than one shoot/photographer per location.
Ahhhhh, chaaaange! I gotta stop putting that into my son's jar. He probably has my plane ticket money in his room. Then again, he's a teenager and it's summer break...lol!
I am a huge fan of budgeting and planning. Have you read, "My total money makeover" or "financial peace univeristy" by Dave Ramsey at all? Great.
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