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New "model" here. Why do I keep getting messaged?
Hi there, I'm a new model at MM and I have absolutely no experience. I'm just going to be doing freelancing so I can have some nice images, and I don't really have an interest to pursue this career-wise (I don't think I have the looks for it, really). So I was wondering, I JUST joined and just got my profile approved; why are all these photographers messaging me asking me to shoot with them? Are they legitimate? What's the catch? I'm not asking for pay and they're not offering either... should I be cautious of these offers? Thanks so much in advance.  Jan 26 13 09:29 pm Link Some of them are legitimate, and some of them aren't. Just take a look at their portfolios, and see if they shoot the types of photos you want to do, and check their references. Ask models that they've worked with for references. If you have a bad feeling about a particular photographer, just don't work with him/her. Jan 26 13 09:39 pm Link many of us got our start working with newbie models. once the model gets more experienced they tend to get pickier or start charging. but newbies need time in front of the camera and are often more flexible about whom they will work with. plus they are usually enthusiastic about the whole thing. i wouldn't be alarmed or anything (unless you're getting a lot of porn offers or something like that). just choose a few that look good to get started and see how it goes. i think many of the shoots here are trade (TF) and also as much for fun as anything else. Jan 26 13 09:44 pm Link I'm new too.. First things first.. The messages will calm down in a couple of days, but they of course are going to reach out both to welcome you and to see if you guys can help eachother out with portfolios-which is also why they aren't offering compensation. They are most likely talking Time for Prints, or are going to eventually ask a small fee from you if they are well-established professional photographers who take paid bookings for a living. It's up to you who you choose to work with, but personally, I feel that if you're not looking to make a career of this, go with someone who will do TFP, and who won't charge you for photo-retouching, since that's most likely not desired. This will most likely be someone like you, looking to build their portfolio and add variation. Best bet, in my opinion. As for whether or not you should be concerned about these people, I'd say 90% of people on here are fine, but if you notice that they immediately ask you to email a personal address, or you look at their images and picture yourself feeling uncomfortable if you were the model in the image, best to leave them alone. The great thing about MM is you can go to anyone's page and see their friends and credits, and ask around about them if you are unsure! Use the site and exercise your usual common sense. Remember, you're meeting someone off the internet. Check them out! Good luck! Jan 26 13 09:46 pm Link you can tell by their message if theyre legit or not Jan 26 13 09:49 pm Link you can ask for a pre-shoot meeting at a public place like starbucks. see if they register on your creepometer. i've only ever had one model do that but i was ok with the request. some photographers don't like to do those because it's extra time but others insist on them as a way to help avoid flakes. J Emma wrote: Jan 26 13 09:50 pm Link Welcome to MM! Some photographers like to shoot newer models for a small fee or even TF... Just be sure to follow your instincts and investigate their profile images if you have to in order make sure the photographer is legit. Jan 26 13 09:53 pm Link Thank you all for the reply! This definitely makes me feel better... I'll keep all your advice in mind!Jan 26 13 09:59 pm Link if the photographer has references (they may not if they are also a newbie) ask the models if they got images on the trade shoots. that seems to be the #1 complaint around here from models. trade shoots where the model doesn't get images. and on the flip side if you have to reschedule or cancel try to give the photographer some advance notice. don't just leave them hanging. Saphie Vella wrote: Jan 26 13 10:14 pm Link Maria Susanti wrote: Not always. Jan 26 13 10:44 pm Link J Emma wrote: This is called, "Hitting the nail on the head". Jan 26 13 11:10 pm Link Reading these helped me a lot! Thanks Jan 28 13 09:53 am Link +1. including those check cashing ones. and some chicks fall for so much BS from guys it's not even funny. it's like their brain turns off in the presence of a guy. Art of the nude wrote: Jan 28 13 09:59 am Link Many photographers do regular searches for the new models in their area and contact the "new fish" to schedule shoots, touch base, or gauge their interest. Most will offer TF* (Trade For...) As a new model, you'll also get a lot of spam (Welcome...join our seminar or group shoot) and scam messages (we found your info on MM and we hire want to pay royalty dollars...) as well, especially if you have your email address on your profile...I didn't look. So be wary of that as well. The messages will settle down but it's a good idea to read the New Models section and all about Avoiding Scams on your My Stuff page. And welcome. Jan 28 13 10:03 am Link If it were me, I'd see if they had MM models in their portfolio and message those models to see what their experience was like. Jan 28 13 10:04 am Link OP quote"I'm just going to be doing freelancing so I can have some nice images, and I don't really have an interest to pursue this career-wise" please don't take this the wrong way either ... don't quite understand why join ??, are you just wanting free pictures ? as for messages, I always scan/ browse for new models joining MM in my 50 mi. radius and just tag them if I can be of assistance to their photography needs, please drop me a line, it's all about networking and generating potential clients BTW hi and welcome to MM Jan 28 13 10:08 am Link The cynic in me suggests they want to see how many articles of clothing they can get you to take off. Jan 28 13 10:13 am Link So you just want some nice images? if thats all you want, and you feel you are not model material then pay photographers like everyone else does. Models such as myself have to invest a lot in what we do, because we enjoy it, and we want to possibly do this as a career choice. If you are ready to spend half your income on particular clothing, professional make up and tools, hair products, and on all your travel then fine. Also you might even get told off for not doing something right. If you just want to feel pretty and have a few pics to show your mates, then pay a hard working photographer what he deserves and he will gladly kiss you ass and tell you how pretty you look because frankly hes getting paid to do so, if you work TFP dont expect such niceties, you are there to work full stop. Jan 28 13 10:25 am Link Saphie, Welcome to MM! I wish you the Best of Success in all of your future endeavors out here! Kindest regards, Edward Jan 28 13 12:52 pm Link twoharts wrote: I work with models that run the gamut (well, okay, not the ENTIRE gamut, but across much of the range MM has to offer) from non-models to newbie models to experienced, signed agency models. Enthusiasm is a prerequisite no matter who I'm shooting with, how beautiful they are, or how experienced they are. I want them to be as excited about the shoot as I am! Jan 29 13 09:28 am Link You join a site that is primarily devoted to models, photographers, and creative professionals networking around producing images, and you're wondering why people are contacting you to produce images? I'm confused. Jan 29 13 09:41 am Link J Emma wrote: You can't put anything on the internet that isn't true. Jan 29 13 09:43 am Link The pre-shoot meeting is a big help. Go to a Stabucks or someplace like that. I almost always do a pre-shoot coffee (tea) even for TF shoots. I do treat for the coffee though. :-) Jan 30 13 03:51 am Link |
