money_train wrote:
I read that "why pay model" thread, sounds more than 90% of model are Not worth to pay.

Does photographer need pre meeting with model before booking?

only for less than 10 mins, take few test shots and have a quick chat.

I understand it could waste model's time, however is it a good idea to do so?

I don't require a face-to-face meet, but I make it clear that before I agree to a shoot, I need a phone call. It's right on my profile.

If a model can't spare 5 minutes talking with me on the phone to discuss her shoot, then I won't bother wasting the hours it takes to shoot, and the hours it takes to edit.

RKD Photographic wrote:
No. Not for what I do - it's a waste of time and petrol.

Only ever done it once - the model's idea - we met in a local cake & coffee shop. I took my 2 year-old daughter along as an escort (for reasons of personal safety, you understand) and let her wipe cream on the model's trouser leg, which I found mildly amusing.

Shot her about four months later, by which time she'd gained 'a bit' of weight and gone from blonde to brunette.

So, utterly pointless.

Having the meeting four months before the shoot was utterly pointless. Having it four days before the shoot and you may have had a different opinion on the importance of the meeting.

S W I N S K E Y wrote:
in the real world, we have "go sees" where a llama needs to show up in person, in order to casted for a particular job.

existing images are not always indicative of a llamas look..

I will never understand why this is so strange in Internet llamaing, it's been the norm for decades.

Good Egg Productions wrote:
All I have is my own experience to report.

1000+ shoots.
500+ unique different people

1 pre shoot meeting requested by the model.

That shoot went poorly.


I see it as a complete waste of time for both parties.  Pre-shoot meetings are important for wedding clients.  They're useless (in my experience) for model shoots.

my numbers are lower but essentially the same. Meeting for tea and crumpets is a good dietary source of crumpets (I have plenty of tea at home).

AJScalzitti wrote:

I will never understand why this is so strange in Internet modeling, it's been the norm for decades.

this is actually simple.  there is so much time wasted on the whole "the world is a dangerous place" silliness that when a real reason to do (or not do) something comes up it gets lost in the shuffle.

money_train wrote:
Does photographer need pre meeting with model before booking?

This photographer doesn't.

Shot By Adam wrote:

It depends. First of all, I don't see it as a waste of time for anyone involved if the shoot is important enough to all parties involved.

It's really a case-by-case basis though and there is no one answer to your question that would encompass all shoots. For example, if I'm doing a high-end TFP shoot with makeup artists and costume designers and hair stylists, then I believe it's mandatory that we all meet for a short meeting prior to the shoot so we can get a good read off of one another. It helps everyone to brainstorm how to make the shoot the best possible. It also allows us to look one another in the eye and make sure we're all on the same page for deadlines, etc. I like to review the TFP agreements and releases then as well. This saves time during the day of the shoot and keeps things on schedule.

If I'm working with a model for a client, it goes both ways though. If the client has already chosen the model, knows what they want, then a pre-shoot meeting has no real impact one way or the other as far as how I'm going to do the shoot, so I see it as being an unnecessary step. However, if a client asks me to book a model for a shoot of theirs and they are unwilling to hire from an agency, then I make it mandatory that we meet for an interview and pre-shoot meeting primarily because, as someone else mentioned, a models' photos from six months ago are not always an indication of how they look TODAY.

+1 ....and I do that for any job with inexperienced models to help them loose the "stage fright" before the shoot. In my experience a coffee and a chat makes a big difference to any beginner and helps them build their confidence in front of the camera afters .... busy pros are different story and they know what's coming their way

AJScalzitti wrote:

I will never understand why this is so strange in Internet modeling, it's been the norm for decades.

Um, because it's "internet modeling", not "agency modeling". It's always interesting when people compare the two and feel that the same protocol should apply to both. It doesn't.

Jeffrey M Fletcher wrote:
I like it for local models or less experienced people.

Sometimes when I have a question about the model's limits, it's good to talk one on one.

money_train wrote:
Does photographer need pre meeting with model before booking?

Very important on some cases.

When I give a call for a commercial facial skin complexion project, I do a "first round 5-minute per person, live face to face, skin assessment" together with the MUA's who will do the preparation, about 2 to 3 days before the shoot.

One zit or tat and your out.

.

S W I N S K E Y wrote:
in the real world, we have "go sees" where a model needs to show up in person, in order to casted for a particular job.

existing images are not always indicative of a models look..

+1

George Ruge wrote:
I have enough trouble getting one to show up for a shoot, let alone for tea and crumpets first!

I hear you!

Dan K Photography wrote:
Are you saying that not only do you get models to pay for shoots. You are successful in having them come in and put down a deposit?

Am I getting this right?

I do all of the above. Ha
I guess its odd to find models who actually pay photographers on here?


I've done go sees before, a lot of models don't look like their photos in person. But not sure how many models will be willing to do that from this site. Most will just send current snapshots of themselves.

terrysphotocountry wrote:
NO: I can get all the info that I need threw e. mail. Self image via e. mail, Them of the photo session, Studio or not. Escorts or NOT! etc.

If you can get any "real" info in emails...  Would this pre-shoot meeting once and for all end the "Escort Issue"?  Please...

George Ruge wrote:
I have enough trouble getting one to show up for a shoot, let alone for tea and crumpets first!

lmao ... I don't have the time ... either they show-up and rock it or get sent home early is how I roll.

Be easy,

Alvin

Shot By Adam wrote:

Having the meeting four months before the shoot was utterly pointless. Having it four days before the shoot and you may have had a different opinion on the importance of the meeting.

aww gee - why didn't I think of that?

Her choice, matey - not mine...

money_train wrote:
I read that "why pay model" thread, sounds more than 90% of model are Not worth to pay.

Does photographer need pre meeting with model before booking?

only for less than 10 mins, take few test shots and have a quick chat.

I understand it could waste model's time, however is it a good idea to do so?

Almost never would models meet you before the shoot.  There are of course exceptions, but those are rare.  I don't even bother to ask.  She drives 1/2 hour or 45 minutes or even longer one way on her own gas just to meet you for 10-15 minutes?  Doesn't make sense for her. 

I contact you, discuss pay and shoot details by email and/or phone/text, I book you, you show up to work on time, I pay you, you sign model release, we're done.  I'll throw a couple of good pictures your way if I feel like it.  Simple.