Chuck Purnell wrote:
So how would you approach a random person about modeling or doing a shoot with you without it sounding like a pick up line or you flirting with them?

It's not in me to even try, so fortunately I network with more than enough on MM and Meetup to keep busy.

rp_photo wrote:

It's not in me to even try, so fortunately I network with more than enough on MM and Meetup to keep busy.

I have never had a problem doing that.  Just be professional, (mannerisms, dress, actions, language, etc.) and ask.  Introduce yourself, explain what you do and give them a card with your number.  Dont ask for theirs.  If they are interested they will contact you from your card.  Easy.

Chuck Purnell wrote:
Often times when I am out and about, I may walk past or see someone in general that strikes me as model material by their look or how they carry themselves. I know every woman doesn't want to be a model or some may be pretty but camera shy since its something they never done or considered doing. So how would you approach a random person about modeling or doing a shoot with you without it sounding like a pick up line or you flirting with them?

When you figure out how to do it - please let us know!

I've been in the same position so many times. I try and be more prepared these days - I carry spare business cards in my pocket so I can at least hand one out if I have the nerve to speak to someone. It's much easier if you've already had some contact and you are just making conversation.

I go to a particular coffee lounge all the time. Most of the staff are young women - virtually all are TFCD material at least. But I have yet to get beyond the "Oh what are you doing today .... well I'm doing a photoshoot ..... oh that's nice" exchange.

I've also thought about doing a special card so that on the back it says something like "I'm handing you this card because as a photographer I am always looking for new faces and there is something about your look that makes me want to photograph you. Please check out my website and if you are interested - give me a call or shoot me an email."

If you really want to shoot with them for TFCD (i.e. not looking to be paid). You could make a point of adding "You qualify for a free photoshoot - not strings - no tricks". Or something like that.

I have the additional problem that I'm 53 and it's even harder to approach some 20-something girl without appearing to be a creep.

Rachael Bueckert wrote:
I see girls like this all the time where I live - young, really tall, really small bone structure for their height, amazing proportions, and of course beautiful faces. Sheesh man, some chicks just win the whole lottery. I've been tempted many times to ask them if they model, and if they don't that they should cause they could go international, but I've just never had the courage to blurt it out. It sounds nice in my head, but it might sound odd to some people.

this is in 'red deer'? i am on my way!

George Ruge wrote:
If you are proud of your work and can sell your ability to others a good cold-call pitch can work!:-)

I'm confident in my work, but not in my ability to persuade strangers.

However, if someone has already made the decision to model and has the opportunity to see my work at their leisure, then my prospects are good.

Laura UnBound wrote:
Have a buisness card
"excuse me, miss? I don't want to interrupt you/take up your time, I just want to give you this *hand card*. I think you're very ______ and you'd make a great model. You can contact me through there if you'd ever be interested. Thanks"
Walk away, unless she strikes up a conversation.

Trying to make them sit and chat with you is like being that guy with the kiosk in the middle of the mall who all but assaults you and drags you over to his booth to make you try out products.

excellent advice. And per chance if she/he does ask a few questions, like "Are you a photographer"? Always have a few photos handy to show them your talent

Rodrigo DD wrote:
If you can't start a random conversation with an unknown person then you can't approach a random person to try to persuade into llamaing.

The first thing you need to know is how to approach an unknown person and chat for a while, once you master this, you can try directing the conversation towards your intended goal.

How to learn this? Practice your social skills in real life.

$0.02 AUD

Agreed.  And carry business cards.  Offer them one without any obligation.  If they're interested they will contact you.

Chuck Purnell wrote:
Often times when I am out and about, I may walk past or see someone in general that strikes me as model material by their look or how they carry themselves. I know every woman doesn't want to be a model or some may be pretty but camera shy since its something they never done or considered doing. So how would you approach a random person about modeling or doing a shoot with you without it sounding like a pick up line or you flirting with them?

I've considered it more than once.  However, I find it is sufficiently challenging to book people who actually are models or aspire to be models that trying to book a non-model isn't even a consideration; it isn't worth my time and effort.

That said, I've known of people who have done street photography.  There's a guy who is now banned from PotN who did a "strangers" project.  He's from NJ.  He's also done some really nice work with models.  There's a link below from his strangers project.  If you look at the random person as someone who is photogenic, maybe they're perfect for a "strangers" collection, and maybe that's just enough.

http://mshalabyphotography.com/#/page/29ac/strangers/

Chuck Purnell wrote:
Often times when I am out and about, I may walk past or see someone in general that strikes me as model material by their look or how they carry themselves. I know every woman doesn't want to be a model or some may be pretty but camera shy since its something they never done or considered doing. So how would you approach a random person about modeling or doing a shoot with you without it sounding like a pick up line or you flirting with them?

That was once called networking back in the day.

Just as you leave tags n pic comments on the internet today.

Yeah, pickup lines.

BTW I love your port.

D-Light wrote:
I've done this six or seven times now. Only one has ever come back to me and she was a nightmare to deal with. I spent a lot of time with her explaining how things worked but she still insisted on controlling everything and wanted to hold copyright. She had behaved so badly that her friend, who came to the shoot, apologised several times.

I don't care what the girl looks like, I'm not going through that again.

That is very much the outcome I would expect, and I've had similar experiences with non-model friend referrals from models and some of the less experienced at Meetup events.

The fallacy of approaching strangers to model based on looks alone is a lot like approaching tall strangers about joining a basketball team. Just as important as the physical attributes are the right mindset and personality, which may or may not be there.

imcFOTO wrote:
I have the additional problem that I'm 53 and it's even harder to approach some 20-something girl without appearing to be a creep.

I'm in the same demographic, and am also a 6' 8" engineer who is not that good at dressing sharp and grooming. Friends and foes alike have called me "Lurch" and "Herman Munster" for most of my life.

However, if they come to me after seeing my work or hearing about me by word of mouth, things usually go great.

Chuck Purnell wrote:
Approaching random women about modeling

oxymoron...  you've already scope this as sexual harassment a.k.a. unwelcome verbal confrontation by NOT couching this thread's title as Approaching random persons about modeling...

Chuck Purnell wrote:
sounding like a pick up line or you flirting with them?

reeks of this since you have made the thread's title gender specific...

Sorry but this thinly veiled attempt to solicit should be confined to one's gender...
Dean Johnson was randomly approach by female Sarah Doukas, founder of Storm... and she had something of worth and value to offer...

Chuck it might be wise to confine solicitations to male talent until you've risen to the level of agency booker... 

And may the odds be ever in your favor...

Coogan Photo wrote:
I also see beautiful girls all over the place, some are tall, and I can't believe they are not modeling.

I can relate to this on a personal level.

Being 6' 8" tall, I've been asked my whole life if I played basketball, despite the fact that I am clumsy and non-athletic.

Similarly, a woman can be tall and striking, but may have the worst possible personality as far as modeling.

Rodrigo DD wrote:
If you can't start a random conversation with an unknown person then you can't approach a random person to try to persuade into modeling.

The first thing you need to know is how to approach an unknown person and chat for a while, once you master this, you can try directing the conversation towards your intended goal.

How to learn this? Practice your social skills in real life.

$0.02 AUD

I have no problem "chatting up" strangers about general subjects, but photography is very personal and emotional to me so I feel the need to know and trust someone well before bringing it up.

The 60's lyric "It's like trying to tell a stranger about Rock and Roll" comes to mind.

rp_photo wrote:

I have no problem "chatting up" strangers about general subjects, but photography is very personal and emotional to me so I feel the need to know and trust someone well before bringing it up.


The 60's lyric "It's like trying to tell a stranger about Rock and Roll" comes to mind.

It's not sex.  It's a photograph.  I remember in my portrait studio management days I used to spend hours everyday marketing to random people.  It's not hard - but it does take social skills.