Rollo David Snook wrote:
Paid gig and paid gig with client are two different things. Hiring someone for a client without going through normal recruitment methods, i.e. not interviewing people is crazy. Also crazy, is the model who expects to win an advertising/magazine job without a go see. Agency models don't have a problem with this.

However if there was no client other than myself, so far there's nothing that I couldn't sort out by pm and phone, since I am hiring people here for their particular talents and looks being more unique or diverse than an agency model.

The only time I have really benefited from meeting people first, is in fashion and also where mum or boyfriend is paying and the person isn't a model. About 50% of MM models I worked with, I did meet first, but was either an introduction or just bumped into them.

Face to face is the best form of marketing, but it's not essential to making money.

True. Of course a go-see for an ad gig is likely to include test shots, which is a bit different from a pre-shoot meeting at Denny's over coffee.

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.

AVD AlphaDuctions wrote:
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).

I have to endorse those sentiments.

I don't ask models for a pre-shoot meeting and I have found that a model's desire for one is very good predictor of a poor shoot.

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

LOL +1

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..

This.

Also known as "cattle calls" or "casting calls"

-B-R-U-N-E-S-C-I- wrote:
I've never done it and have only regretted that policy on one occasion.

I think I'll carry on not doing it.

+1


If we're going to take time out to meet up... why not just meet up to shoot?

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?

Often times I do pay models, and I doubt that 90% of models are not worth paying because I'd say 100% of the models I've paid are worth it.

Pre-shoot meetings are not "needed" but recommended by me, as I've found it useful in the vetting process.  I used to run ads in newspapers and talk on the phone before the Internet and cellphones.  I would hold casting calls in public places like schools, or businesses.   Even today, I wont book a shoot unless I've at least spoken with the model on the phone. 

I understand how models may feel about pre-shoot meetings, or casting calls, and that is why I don't make it mandatory.  I've shot with models who've traveled is why.   It's all good to discuss things in advance though! 

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 typically need a pre-meeting in person or over the phone before setting up a shoot.  I need to make sure that the model has a more than basic understanding of what I am trying to do.  And I want to make sure that she or he can follow verbal direction - I am not going to type out or text them posing instructions during the shoot. 

A pre-meeting also helps me figure out if they can be on time for the shoot.  Not super important during TFP shoots if they are a little late, but if they blow off a meeting for TFP they'll likely blow off paid gigs as well.  So I never pay models for shoots unless I have first met with them and done TFP as a test.  I have never left a client hanging because a model never showed up - but it's a very quick and sure way to lose paying gigs and clients.  When it comes to my paying work, I don't particularly care how a model feels about meetings - I am gonna do it to make sure my client and I aren't left hanging.

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?

First off there is no right or wrong answer it's just personal preference.

I almost always do. That's just my way of screening out flakes and the non-collaborative. So far it has worked very well for me.

I do things my way and that's part of my creative process. Because the more I can look at a person, talk to them etc... The more I can see their best angles and their personality.

I also often get creative Ideas I would not have gotten had I not met them first and had the time to do a little brainstorming.

Also I find it to be a MUST if I'm shooting nudity with a new or inexperienced model as we discuss poses and limits. I prefer to do that before the shoot. During a shoot if a you're not on the same page it can kill the vibe for the rest of the shoot with some models.

Also models that have met me in person first often don't feel they need an escort for the shoot.

But I'm shooting for my own projects also, not agency or 3rd party client work so it works for me.

For Paid Clients hiring me to shoot them I also do the same.

-B-R-U-N-E-S-C-I- wrote:
I've never done it and have only regretted that policy on one occasion.

Well, that wasn't Ges I wager.

Done it a few times locally on models request. Live centrally so 5 minutes walk and 30 for coffee and a chat is something I do anyway almost daily.
Those shoots turned out well.
Newbie models with preshoot nerves that felt a meeting over coffee at a neutral ground was an ice breaker and a chance of getting a "feel" of me.
No problem with doing it if it helps.

But it is by no means a need to meet them beforehand. Good communication and honesty works too.

Foto Priganica wrote:

+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

I agree as well...

Bravo Magic Images wrote:
I think it is a waist of time gas and money because guess who is expected to pay for that treatable coffee or snack or luch or dinner I will give you a guess he or she who  comes with camera.

Several of the times the model has picked up the check for me. Both times over sushi. I guess they really wanted to do the TF with me.

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?

Think about it. I have gone several times to agencies, client, corporations and even ad/photo editors for one or more meeting to convince them I am the go-to-guy.

And oh by the way, this same question has been chewed over and over. But, the reason I meet with models prior to any shoot is varied. For one reason, the age difference and work mentality between most models I work with is 30 + years. The ideas I have that I'm trying to win and facilitate their acceptance of my qualifications with editors and clients are developed by them. Its a sales meeting, and a show and tell meeting all at the same time. But its also a meeting to get to know them and the opportunity to see how serious they are about work I need and sometimes its this trivia that some of them show that I immediately recognize or refuse to accept.

I gage their reaction on. There are a myriad of other reasons, but to answer your post, I think its

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

........ this made me smile

money_train wrote:
Does photographer need pre meeting with model?

I need to. 

When I book a model for a shoot I need to know they are actually capable of showing up on time, won't require hours of post-production to make them look anything like their portfolio images, fit the garments to be modeled and aren't carrying any baggage they forget to mention when filling out their profile.

Not a problem for those who want to work with me. And for those who really don't, much better to get that sorted out well before assembling the art director, graphic designer, author & tech editor for the shoot.

I'm in the middle of casting for a couple of projects right now, it's about 50-50 between those who don't have the time or interest in a test/fitting before being booked and those who are thrilled to have the opportunity to do some actual paying print work!

Tara Tied wrote:
If I am going to be heading to your studio, home, or a location near you for the shoot I will only do a pre-meeting if you are willing to come by me. I'm not going to travel to you twice. It takes up a lot of time. Most photographers are fine with checking references. If you want to make sure a model looks like their pictures ask those who have worked with them or ask them to send a pic of themselves.

Then we get called perverts for asking for photos. Can't win.

The real bottom line is, I'm writing the check. I'm making the rules. Don't want my money, fine. I move onto another one who's fine with doing what it takes to get it.

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

AHA! I know this feeling all to well.
I find its always nice to meet a llama first and get to know them a little and to go over an idea, but its not always essensial and as other have said can be a waste of time. I know a lot of so called llamas can bail these days we've all had our fair share of no shows but its jus finding the right llamas and getting a name for yourself and building that client base.

I find in the begining its better to meet people as Ive had less people bail that way, it shows a bit more comitment if they want to show and meet without shooting first. these are the people that nomally dont bail.

allison mindy wrote:
For what it is worth, I will not shoot with someone who requires a premeeting (including paid gigs). I feel that it is a waste of my time. I guess there are cases where I would make an exception, but I have not come across an instance where I was willing to make such an exception to date.

STRAIGHT FROM THE MODEL MOUTH !!!!!! no if's no Buts !!!!!!!  at lest she is honest about it

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?

Two ways to answer this:

1. Paid Shoot - Definitely need to pre-meet, unless you have a degree of certainty that the model has professional business ethics.

2. TFP - Usually a complete waste of time, for both the model and photographer. A typical TFP shoot should require minimal planning and effort.

rp_photo wrote:
In a sprawled-out area like Houston, it's not unusual for the model to be 30-40 miles from me, and crossing that distance could easily take more than an hour, which makes pre-shoot meetings even more impractical.

You can only expect out of a shoot about as much as you put into it.

If everything works out well, then you saved yourself a bunch of driving.

If things do not work out, then you saved yourself a bunch of driving.

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

Does photographer need pre meeting with llama before booking?

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

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

I see this thing about getting to know the llama,, or photographer!

HERE IS OUR METHOD,  AND IT IS THE SAME ALL THE TIME:
      We do not book a llama,  untill we have gone through the  "Test Photo"  thing.    This a get to know you as well as giving us a  look at the  llama.. 

    The test shoot  is a short ,  with no special clothes,  or  makeup or hair.   The llama may want to go to some effort,   but let me tell you right now,  it is not all that necessary..  Usually just figure on less than a half hour..  Be on time,  promptness has a good feel.    Communicate,  if there are problems along the way.   
     These things play a big part on how the  planning goes for a  larger project.. We might not book you for the current project,  but if things are professional,  and you make a good impression  then  we will probably put you at the top of the list...   Communicate -  ask questions -  escorts are always OK